Can One Fathom To Hear God Sing

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.  Zephaniah 3:17

My heart was restless today . As I looked at my life, my sin and where I'm at I was troubled . It made me feel defeated . Then later on during my reading of numerous blogs I came across this passage of scripture used in the piece that was written over a very sad event in a father's life . The loss of a child . So as it moved me away from thinking about me , which we can do way too much at times , I said a silent simple prayer for this man I do not know personally . Then as I read this passage , I realized that I must trust that it is God who will quiet my soul with His amazing love . A love that showed itself on the cross . A love that showed itself on that third day . A love that one day will come for me .

But what really blew my mind away is that the God of the whole universe , the one who created the planets , the stars and every living thing exults over me with singing. Singing , God singing over my soul . Should that not calm ones heart . Should that not give one a peace that the world cannot comprehend. The peace that this father and family needs as well can only come from God . God is singing with this man's daughter and singing over this father's soul as well . He is over all who trust in Christ for salvation . He is not a impersonal force or a far away God but in Christ , through the Holy Spirit is near , He lives within you by His Spirit  and is singing over you right now .  Oh what a God , oh what a Savior .

Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends will be just a over all free for all . It will cover numerous thoughts or observations in quick sound bites . So without further ado , shall we begin.

Summer Movies :  This summer was a banner year if you like superhero movies . You had Avengers , a new Spider-man reboot and the final film in the Batman trilogy . All three were excellent . The Avengers managed to entertain and over all achieve what I wondered could be done , featuring numerous hero's and still giving them all room to breath . It was a perfect popcorn flick . The new Spider-man hit all the right bells and whistles . With the new actor Andrew Garfield playing Peter Parker , he hit all the quirky nerdiness needed . Plus Emma Stone was perfect as Gwen Stacy. The action was awesome and it had a heart . But the best was the Dark Knight Rises . The movie had all one could ask for . Great action , superb acting , emotional depth and a fitting resolution to Bruce Wayne/ Batman story arc. It was the best . 

You Got to be Kidding Me : In a more serious vein , recently in Canada's parliament a motion to re-examine when human life begins was handedly defeated . So in Canada a 400 year old law that says that human life does not exist till a baby exits a woman's womb still stands .  So technically under the law as it stands , there is no real protection of a unborn baby till he or she exits a mothers womb . Many saw this as an attempt to open up the abortion debate . Well sure it was . But why are the opponents so afraid of having a real open and honest debate . Because as science has opened up the window of the womb , it has given those who are for life , a hammer to smash the lies of the killing fields at the abortion clinics. We know thanks to DNA research, that life begins at conception. Plus we all know that when a woman becomes pregnant it is a human being she is carrying . We all say she is having a baby . No one says , well I hope its human and not a chicken.  We truly live in a country that has much blood on its hands and every MP that voted against this motion should be ashamed .  

Great Listen :  Best album of the year so far is Andrew Peterson , Light For The  Lost Boy . It is a beautiful collection of songs reflecting on living in this fallen ,broken world as pilgrim and follower of Christ . Get it as soon as possible . 

A Proper Way to Launch a New Start

This is the time to return to the world of blog. I had intended to reboot months ago , but found myself almost in a fixed pause mode . So I figured to kick off my return , I would feature the new trailer for the upcoming film The Hobbit. I love Tolkien , so needless to say this movie is highly anticipated. The trailer looks awesome . Plus the good news , it will come out before the Mayan doomsday calender prediction . That is a win . 

Time for Silence to End

It has been a while , has it not . My quiet time if you will came from real consideration whether to continue this blog or not . After much thought and deliberation , I have decided to start again . Over the next couple of days I will be changing some layout features and will  discipline myself to do certain features on a regular basis . My goal will be to write better , be bolder and still have some fun at the same time . I did miss it .

Do You Really Believe It

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


As we live our lives out in this fallen , sinful world , Christians will sin .We are fuller forgiven , being made new and sealed by the Holy Spirit and holy before God through the blood of Christ but until the day we go to be with the Lord , we will sin . John even before verse 9 tells us that if we say we have no sin , denying that we are sinners , then the truth is not in us . Then in verse 10 he repeats the warning again , saying that if we say haven't sinned makes the Lord a liar and His word does not abide in us . 


So acknowledging we are sinners , that we have sinned is at the very least an indication we are in Christ. But the middle verse that really pulls both of these two warnings together is the act of confession . A believer will be ever conscience of sin and the struggle against it . Confession is good for the soul it has been said and it is true . We shouldn't make a morbid habit but even the pattern of the Lord's prayer , makes clear room for coming before the Lord in confession and asking for His forgiveness. 


We should daily seek forgiveness an as many in the reformed tradition  have said , preach the gospel to ourselves each day . Trusting in the finished work of Jesus to renew , cleanse and restore us daily . Martin Luther said the Christian life was one of daily or on going repentance . A honest reckoning of our sin , the Saviors amazing grace and power to forgive but not just stopping there . But truly believe God , in Christ will forgive our sins and remember our transgressions  no more . 


It is in accepting this astonishing gift of forgiveness , that the power to break the struggle with sin will come . Knowing the love of God , displayed in Christ and applied by the Spirit should truly , humble us and accept the truth of what John said, if we confess our sins , He will forgive them and cleanse from all unrighteousness. 


The question is , do you really believe it ? 

Time For Something New

As of late ,  it seems I have little to no motivation to write on my blog . Perhaps its discipline because if anyone knows me , they will tell you I have no shortage of thoughts and opinions on many things . So to get my butt in gear I 'm going to try something a bit different very soon . I will be trying a video blog once in a while to give a voice and personal touch to this blog . Don't worry for the multitudes who tune in to my musings it will not be a mindless rant or a epic , 3 coffee spot but hopefully it will be at times entertaining , fun ,serious and whatever may come . Stay tuned.

On a serious note , our Church will be looking for a new senior Pastor . Our current Pastor is leaving to take a post at a liberal arts Christian University . He has served this Church for 9 years . I have been grateful to his ministry  and will always be thankful for his role in accepting me back , a wayward pilgrim who needed to come home , with a gracious and warm welcome.  May we who sit in the pew be ever in prayer for the faithful men who lead us . So here is to Pastor Knowles as he moves on towards new things God has called him to . May grace and leading be with him ,  his wife and their children .

Fundies Drive Me Nuts

Sometimes you read or hear something and it is so out there , so damaging to real Christians that it leaves me angry almost beyond words. On my Facebook page a link was shared by a friend that featured a video clip by this extreme fundy Baptist . In it he railed against homosexuals and without any respect to them as people created in the image of God , made some of the most sickening comments that a true minister of Jesus Christ would not speak.

Listen , the scripture is clear beyond a shadow of doubt about sexuality . It is a one man , one woman in marriage . Period . I hold this as an eternal truth . All other expressions are sinful in the sight of God and need to be repented of . But to rage like a hate filled idiot and show no grace , no mercy , no love or compassion is as far as from the gospel message as you can get .

All this ill tongued preacher did was do damage to the Church , misuse the pulpit and cause a unnecessary offense to sharing the gospel . This issue is going to be more in our faces than ever before and how we speak and treat those who disprove of what God's word teaches will cause enough of its own hatred  , anger towards the Church and Christians . So we most be able to respond with honesty , courage and grace. Love your enemies , do good to those who persecute you . Sound familiar . How about we are all sinners saved by grace.

This issue is not going away . But the gospel of Christ is bigger than anyone trapped in any sin . Look if God can save me , He can save anyone . Gay ,Straight , we are all sinners in need of Christ to transform us , make us new and cleanse us by His blood .

House Cleaning For the Lord

Its always funny when you know your going to have a visitor come to your house that isn't close family ( sorry close family ) you immediately scurry around if the notice is short or take a full day or two if its longer to get things in order. Unless you area real slob , this is what normal people do . Why? Well we want to make a good impression and show I think appreciation and respect for the person or people coming. Its just common courtesy really.

So as I was doing this very thing a couple of days ago , I was reflecting on the coming of Christ . Many of the parables of Jesus that speak of being prepared when the master comes calling reminded me of the daily house cleaning we should all attend to in our daily walk with Jesus . Just as cleaning gets rid of the built up dirt and dust , we should live each day seeking God's grace and forgiveness . We should never leave sins unconfessed . The longer they linger the messier our hearts will become . Just like that mess in the corner of the room becomes a part of the room , sin that is not dealt with and confessed can take root in your heart and life . It can be deadly and filthy in ones life. God knows our hearts , our lives are a open book . He knows the corners , so be open and transparent . Come as a sinner in need of the cleansing power of Jesus blood and live a life of repentance .

Also just as keeping your house in a daily cleaning routine and therefore if someone comes , be ready . To be ready for the Lord is develop good spiritual  disciplines . Spending time in the word , praying , finding practical ways to serve your neighbor , your family and friends in Christ like ways will help in conforming you to the image of Christ .

But the most important thing of all , know that you have a visitor already present within you . The Holy Spirit has united you with Christ with His coming into your life. Living with that understanding , that we have been united with Christ makes His presence an already event. You enjoy fellowship with the living God . Step back from doing in your own effort and seek God's empowering by His Spirit to equip ,enable and give your life its contentment and purpose .

Why Do We Like Stories ?

We all like good stories . That is not saying we are all deep readers , or movie goers but humans like a story . It could be funny , serious , fantastical but within our being we all like a good yarn . Why this  is simple , I think. Stories give us a content to live out our lives .  We may not think that they do , but stories have been used to teach morals , ethics and truth for thousand of years . We read , sing to our children . Stories resonant with us .

That is because we know deep down that we have been made for more than just living and dying . Everyone at some level wants to have a purpose or meaning to their lives. Stories allow us to enter into a bigger picture .

Ultimately , the true story is we were made to worship and enjoy God . To praise and sing his praises . But in the fall of humanity , we were plunged into darkness . The good news is the story that does truly liberate us is happening right now as God brings dead sinners to life and we become part of a grand narrative . This story is good news , to all people . The good news of Jesus Christ is the story the whole world needs to hear .

Stories have always been given to be shared , and the best ones last a long time but there is one that will last forever and that is God's story and it is the grand story of them all .

Speak For Yourself , Not For Jesus

Yesterday President Obama said he was in favour of same sex marriage and in the interview implied Jesus would be as well . Now here is the thing that really rubs me the wrong way . If the President wants to endorse or say he does not oppose same sex marriage and the redefining of an institution that goes back thousand of years ,he is free to do so . However implying that Jesus Christ would in anyway be involved in promoting the legitimization of  sexual sin is wrong and blasphemes our Lord .

For over almost 2000 years the Church has stood against sexual sin , be it sex outside the bonds of marriage , adultery , bestiality , incest and homosexuality . No where will one find any example in the gospels any words of Jesus that would hint or indicate He would condone what the word of God condemns . Jesus knew the scriptures , inside and out , He knew what the Torah taught concerning sodomy and same sex activities . He spoke often of upholding all of the Old testament  , calling it the word of God and how it cannot be broken . It simply does not exist and to hint or imply Jesus would be all right with wilful sinning and its promotion leaves me totally baffled .

However like many the President cheery picks words like love , do unto others to justify his delusional view of the Bible and a Jesus of His own making . By ignoring the whole of scripture and pulling brief sayings out of context one can make the Bible pretty much endorse anything . But the bottom line is very simple , the scripture leaves no wiggle room , sexual sin is anything outside of the covenant if marriage between a man and woman. Whatever Bible the President has most be like a Etch a Sketch , just shake it and any things you don't like disappear. His Jesus is a clay Jesus , that he molds in the way he likes .

These are going to be very tough times to hold to a biblical view of sexuality . To publicly say the homosexuality is sinful and any union between a man/man or woman/woman is evil in the sights of the Lord , is not going to be easy. You will be labelled as a homophobe , narrow minded and intolerant . Be ready to defend and speak with both meekness and boldness .


Excellent Book to read concerning this issue is Same Sex Controversy by James White & Jeffrey D. Niell

A Concert , A Movie and Awesomeness

Saturday I had the pleasure of joining my two sons and my brother and his wife , to see the contemporary christian rock group Mercy Me in Moncton . The band was in stellar form , delivering a tight and energetic set. The band used a huge back drop featuring the cover of their new album , The Hurt and the Healer . On each side were huge led set up that allowed for graphic effects unique to each song they played. It also allowed for the lyrics to be displayed and the band encouraged the audience to sing along.

The lead singer , Bart Millard , was a excellent front man.Telling stories , interjecting both some humor and at the same time calling for us all to trust and rely  on only Jesus through no matter what trials one may face. His voice was strong and clear . The band worked like a well oiled unit , benefiting from years of touring and playing together. The highlight for me was the new song The Hurt and the Healer . A song that was written after a close cousin of Millards was killed in the line of duty as a fire fighter.It dealt with the hurt and pain one feels when a hurt of this magnitude occurs . But on the other side , we encounter the healer , the one who understands the pain and hurt . The one who will make all things new . It was a moment of real worship.

It was a night that had much fun , like the song Move , some sing along moments and many moments where the audience  and the band were one , in singing the praise of our Lord . Awesome night .

The Avengers -  Anyone who has read this blog knows from past post I loved comics as a kid. Just to set the record straight , I still do . The old ones that is . From the 60's and 70's mostly . So over the last 10 years , it has been amazing to see so many  solid outings come to the big screens . But in this one movie you have the mother lode of comic super heroes . Building from  Iron Man , Captain America , Thor and the Hulk films , which all hinted at the coming of the Avengers , it ties all them together .

The movie begins with Loki  , Thors brother , talking to a mysterious figure about taking over the earth . Loki of course wants revenge on his brother concerning what happened to him at the hands of Thor ( as told in Thor's movie) . He is bringing a army with him from another portal and bottom line . if the world is to survive , one hero will not do. So Nick Fury the head of S.H.I.E.L.D , begins to try and recruit a group of heroes under the Avengers banner.

At first it all doesn't go well . Ego's , different world views and each hero bringing baggage to the game cause for some real friction and even fights . This allows for some really excellent dialog . The sarcasm , the wit and humor of some of the script is well above what many would probably expect. But the reason it works is that its written with a seriousness that this is a real world , with real conflict . Yes it has many zingers , delivered mostly by Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man to perfection but it also has heart and real depth . As the movie moves along and all our heroes come to realize they must work together and put aside petty differences if they are to overcome the threat , it gives the movie a emotional connection to the audience that is needed if a movie like this is to work. Boy does it.

Joss Whedon , as the director , paced this movie very well .  Each hero is given time and space to shine . Even the two new comers , Black Widow and Hawkeye have their own moments . The battle scene between Thor , Iron Man and Captain America is amazing . Yes they had real issues when they first met , and it allowed for a truly fun and exhilarating scene . But the Hulk scenes and his fight with Thor before they are allies and then his scenes after they are the Avengers , is the Hulk I loved form the comics . Plus Mark Ruffalo plays him perfectly . Always on the edge , containing the monster within . Plus when the Hulk takes over , he still has the resemblance of Ruffalo. This is the Hulk.

The final battle scene rivals anything I have ever scene . The special effects are amazing but they never over shadow the human element . In a movie like this the effects could have over taken the movie , but Whedon keeps the story and our heroes at the center . He draws us in and we cheer them on. Each actor playing our heroes were awesome as well . Chris Evans as Captain America , Chris Hemsworth as Thor , Downey Jr. as Iron Man , Mark Ruffalo as Hulk , Scarlet Johansson as the Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye , make up what truly is a perfect cast . Throw in Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury and what more do you want.

As a comic book geek , who loved this comic , this has it all . It is fun , intense , highlights sacrifice , loyalty , friendship and bravery . The Avengers have indeed assembled.

This movie gets 2 Cap shields , 2 Thor hammers , 2 Iron Man blast , 1 arrow form Hawkeye , 1 Balck Widow kick and a huge Hulk smash fist . Totally it up and it is a 10 in my books . Nuff said.

Fav Line in movie : Black Widow concerning the plan to attack Loki " But he's a god"
                             Capatain America "Ma'am there's is only one God , and I'm pretty sure He doesn't look like   
                                                           that". 

Great Weekend

Wow what a great weekend . Went to see Mercy Me in Moncton , New Brunswick Saturday night . What a great show . I will post some pics and a review of the concert within the next day or so.

I also bought a Charlie Brown mug while shopping at Hallmark . Hey one cannot say no to a Charlie Brown mug to have your morning cup of great coffee . This morning at my brothers , I tried a new blend put out by Just Us coffee , a local fair trade coffee roaster and cafe as well . Trust me , after you drink real good coffee you will say , how did I ever drink Tim Hortons . Talk about "brand" washing or what . Anyway I digress , I can't remember the coffee but it was a three cup explosion of love for my taste buds. Awesome roast .

On a final note , a real big thank you and hug to my wife for being such a support , love and friend . Because of her seizure disorder she cannot attend concerts and I really miss her not being there with me and our boys , but she is so happy to see our excitement and just is a wonderful woman. Glad as well while we gone , she had time to spend with her dear friend Hillary , which they had a blast doing yard sales , enjoying a farm market and some good wine as well .

So a good weekend . May we truly be thankful to God for family , friends and all the blessings they bring into our lives. Nuff said.

Freedom to Dialogue or Not

Freedom to express ideas within a public space is seen as a fundamental measuring stick to the health of a society and true freedom. Not matter how one may feel or think about certain views , the freedom to express said ideas in a non-violent manner should not be censored or limited. If we are to develop true tolerance and understand that we don't have to agree or accept another persons belief or views then we could go a long way to at the very least allowing multiple ideas to compete within the public sphere. This includes religion . Yes religion .

Recently in a local city , in my home province , a student was told that their T-Shirt was not to be worn again . Then it was reversed and said that Jesus T-Shirts could be worn as long as they aren't negative and put down another person belief system . Now here is the problem . If one claims to be a Christian , then one is claiming not only the uniqueness but the superiority of Jesus over all other prophets ,sages ,seers and religious leaders. He is not just a prophet , a wise sage or teacher but the Son of God , the one and only way to God . Read through the gospels . Jesus claims for himself and his message is not an  ambiguous message .

Now should one be allowed to wear a T-Shirt with any religious saying on it within a public school , even if it references a "negative" saying. First , who makes the decision as to what is negative. If one wears a shirt with a fish with Darwin written through it , many Christians might be offended . But I hold not one would complain . Nor would they if someone wore a shirt promoting gay marriage or a shirt that slandered Christ . I witnessed a few of these types of shirts during a brief time as a day custodian  at a local high-school . To my knowledge nothing was ever said . But I know that if someone had worn a shirt that proclaimed a stand against abortion or homosexuality , even if it tried to be "sensitive" , there would have been something done , I'm certain .

As the west moves further away from its Christian roots and embraces a pluralistic society with multiple beliefs systems and secular humanism being hammered at kids within our school's , to stand or call any attention to Jesus is going to be met with push back . However here is what drives me nuts , public schools are just that , public. The whole system is paid for by tax dollars from the public. Teachers , Principals , those within the department  of Education are all paid by the people. Therefore I argue that all ideas and expressions should be allowed as long as they are tolerant of others to co-exist in disagreement. I tolerate others around me who disagree with me , as they do of me . Within a publicly funded school system , all ideas that reflect the diversity of beliefs should not be censored.

Why are so many afraid of open debate and allowing religious beliefs a open form to be examined . I don't care if you are a atheist , Buddhist , Hindu, gay,Muslim , Pagan , Wiccan etc... I will defend your right to hold to your views within a public place . As I hope you would extend me the same freedom to proclaim Jesus Christ as well . I'm not afraid of dialogue are you ?

Preparing the Body and Soul For Worship

Lately I was thinking of how I prepare my mind and body for attending worship . Now I admit I have given this some thought before but thinking about it and doing something about are two different things . In the past I recall reading articles about how many would get their Sunday cloths out , pre plan what they would eat for breakfast if they had children , going to bed early enough to get rest and numerous other things .

These are all good things to do . Gathering together with other saints to worship our Lord is a beautiful and wonderful thing. We are called to worship God , so it really is something we shouldn't just approach without some real purpose and intent. It should be an act of love and adoration but its hard to so if one is over tired , rushed and the mind has been filled with worldly pursuits.

So going forward my plan for Saturday is to make it more of a preparation for worship , which includes for me , getting to bed earlier . A tired mind and fatigued body cannot serve the Lord very well . Also to spend some quiet time before resting in God's word to focus my heart and mind on the things of God . The world can distract very easily so to step back and refocus is a most .

So may all who are gathering to worship this Sunday , do so in grace and truth . Are you ready to encounter God as He is proclaimed by the preaching of His word ? I hope I'am .

Some Week Wrap Up Thoughts

I love hockey . More importantly I'm a Boston Bruin fan . Last year I had the fun and excitement watching the Bruins run the gamut and win the Stanley Cup . It was a truly thrilling run and anyone who is a sports fan and has a fav team understands the joy it is in seeing your team win it all .  However on the flip side , when your team loses and is taken out of the play-off hunt , its like a kick in the gut. Well they lost , in a 7th game , in over time and it did suck . I know in the grand scheme of things it doesn't move mountains but as a fan it is not that simple to detach. However , you cannot win them all and in sports that is so true . In general all players and teams lose more than they win . That is the nature of any game . So you recall the wins with a even sweeter feeling and just appreciate them more in hindsight . So thanks to my Bruins for a great run . Now here is to next season . Bring back the cup.

Why are so many scare to call a spade a spade? I'm a Calvinist , I hold to a the 5 sola's , I hold to the truths of the reformation but many it seems today don't like to label themselves . They like slogans like , lets just love Jesus etc... but here is the thing to say you just want to love and follow Jesus , well in order to do that you have to at least have a basic understanding of doctrine.  So have the guts , the honesty to grasp what you believe and why you believe and stand by it . Wishy washy believers leave most people shaking there heads.

I need a time machine . I loved and still love comics . Old comics that is . Mostly ones from the 60',70's and some of the 80's.  But if I had a time machine , I would go back and tell my younger self to collect doubles and triples of as many issues as I could get and keep them all in a safe place . For who knew that today many of them are worth thousands and thousands of dollars . It is fascinating to read of Spider-man , Thor , Hulk ,Iron Man etc... sell for over 5000 dollars or more . I personally could not justify spending that much on a single comic but if you had have told someone 40 or 50 years ago , they would be selling for amounts over a million dollars , you probably would have been declared nuts . 

Lastly , I hope to start next month working through Michael Horton's Systematic Theology . I have read sections but plan I on committing  reading this amazing magnum opus from Horton and posting some insights from it .

Falling From Grace in the Public Eye

Recently I was reading a magazine that had its annual most trusted professions list . As I was reading the top 10 one that was absent once again was that of the clergy. Yes it seems that Pastors have fallen to new lows to be heaped in with CEO's , Car Salesmen and the like . It has been a long time when the Clergy would have been in the the top 5 and now they have slid out of even the top 20 according to many polls . The decline has been steady and fast over the last 10 years.

I still recall back in the late 60's and 70's , Pastors would have been always in the top 10 of professions people trusted and looked to in times of crisis . They were often the very well known within their communities and over all respected. So why in less then 40 years have they completely fallen in with those professions people think of as shady and open to scorn?

Lets be brutally honest , the scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church with sex scandal after sex scandal has not helped . It has been repugnant to read of the cover up , silence and lack of concern for the victims that this institution shown . Granted many have spoken out and where rightly angered but the stigma bruised the Pastorate .

Another spot of trouble has been the lack of accountability within many denominations in holding Pastors to account when it has come to light of affairs and re-marriage . Those outside the Church do understand that a Pastor should be at the very least different and if one does fall , when discipline is not served and the Pastor not removed , it damages the vocation.

Then add in the sickening , money grabbing , false healing con artist that have infiltrated the late night TV shows and why would the general public trust the clergy . All it seems these false teachers do is beg for money and manipulate those who are desperate .

Plus many wonder what does a Pastor really do . Most who sit outside the Church basically believe they get paid for speaking once a week for about 30 minutes . Many are not well known within the areas they minister and most move on within 3-7 years so how can even the community get to know them . Mix that in with the growing secular culture we are living in , who have no respect for matters about God , Jesus , the Church and well your on the bottom rung looking up . Now I know there are many faithful servants who have and are laboring within this world daily and it is simply not fair for them to be painted with the same brush. But it is where we are at .

So how can the Clergy regain at least the respect among people . Its one thing to be reviled because of the gospel , and I would venture some of the disdain does come from this but much comes from the moral failures and perceived greed of the few projected on others. Here is my few suggestions , not exhaustive but things I think they must attend to .

First make sure you are serious about your calling . Do not enter the ministry unless you are deeply and profoundly conscious that this is a call of God to be a under Shepherd to group of sheep God has given you to care for . To preach , to love and mirror the great Shepherd Jesus Christ to them first . Second , stay and work the field you have been placed . I just do not believe that one is "called"to leave every 3-5 years . How can one get to know anyone in such a short time . Plus the general public view this as salary chasing. Oh he moved on for more money , I have heard this . Stay , work , get to be known and know your flock and be about the community . Third , and this is more to the powers above , the denomination heads , discipline Pastors that not only morally fail but doctrinally as well . This shows the public you hold those who take this call serious and demand a high standard. Last , Pastors need to be more open in calling out those who are in the wrong . Many look at the pastorate like , you protect your own mind set . This in large part to the sex scandals . This must not be . Paul called those out needed to be and so did Jesus . This openness show you have nothing to hide .

As I said there is nothing wrong when the world hates and mocks because of the gospel of Christ but much of the fall has been due to moral and doctrinal lapses . One last thing that those who sit in the pew need to do for their Pastor is pray . Pray for your Pastor , encourage him to be courageous , bold and to stand firm . The world , the devil and his own sinful nature desires to tear him down , so may we help them stand strong against these attacks .

A Little Break , Now I'm Back

Over the last week I decided to take a week away from blogging about anything. It was to more or less re charge my mind and get the writing juices going. Needless to say there is much to write about over the next couple of days and I truly feel ready for a long streak in daily blogging.

So in between cheering my Boston Bruins on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs , I will try to write with both purpose and passion , with a little fun thrown in for good measure . So look out , I'm back with vengeance . Well I hope anyway.

The Emptiness of Atheism

Doubting Dawkins from Nicholas Ryan on Vimeo.

Came across this video that poignantly lays the barrenness of a "God less " view of death and life . Its brutally honest and truthful to all who say they hold to a atheistic world view. Many times they borrow on capital from other world views to give life and death meaning. However strip it down , and this is all they have to say to pain,suffering , too bad , it is what it is , just roll the bones.

“The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference.” 
― Richard Dawkins

Monday Musings

Just a quick thought concerning the truth of the Resurrection . What I have found very interesting over all that when skeptics try to attack this central truth of the Christian faith , their arguments are fairly mute. They don't really engage the historicity of the claims as much they try to generally point to things like miracles can't happen , the disciples where deluded , that it was a mere myth concocted to create a movement etc... However the fact remains something happened that Sunday morning that caused a monumental change in the the cowardly fleeing ,trembling group just a few nights before .

You can chalk it up to delusion , to myth if you is wish . But to do so is to ignore all the other ways we investigate other historical data seriously. But then again when looking at the truth of Jesus rising from the dead , confronts all of us with a reality we do not want . That God has revealed Himself in Jesus , the Son . That we are caught in sin and trespasses and He is Lord of all . He is king and therefore he has claim on our lives .

The resurrection leaves us no wiggle room . No place for any person to hide. We must shout this truth from the mountain tops because by proclaiming the crucifixion and the resurrection ,  we deliver the only hope the sinner has . We most not soften it , mold it or downplay it . It is the gospel and it is the power unto salvation.

Jesus is risen . Indeed .

Good Friday

As I write this Jesus would have already been laid in the tomb. Quickly placed there by Joesph of Arimathea and Nicodemus because of the Sabbath.  They came and collected Jesus body , having endured the cross . There  He  redeemed us from the curse by becoming cursed for us . Does this not make one tremble in awe and amazement .

Galatians 3:13—”Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree’.”

A Tale of Two Gardens

When Jesus celebrated the last supper with His disciples,he then went to the garden of Gethsemane . There before the betrayal , his fleeing friends , Jesus was in great testing and anguish . Crying out to the Father that if this cup could be pasted away , let it be . However after 3 times , Jesus prayed not my will but the Father's will be done. He rose , prepared to complete the call to the cross.

In this garden , Jesus , the second Adam was fully obedient to God's will . In this garden of testing He did not fail like the first Adam did . Adam sinned , he turned his back on God who had given Him everything but he willing allowed Eve to be tempted and sin , then in his temptation took from Eve the forbidden fruit , and plunged all of creation into chaos , death and sin . 

But in Jesus garden , He saw the glory of His Father , willing submitted Himself to walk the path to the cross to atone for our sin , and thereby breaking the curse of Adam , which we are under. I cannot fathom or grasp what Jesus went through as He prayed and prepared to take the full wrath of God on our behalf , His sheep  whom He knows . But what a Savior , as He is about to be made sin , whom knew no sin , there He is making intersession to the Father . 

Yes this day is a tale of two gardens . One that left a darkness , evil and wretched  sinful stain on this world but this garden marked the cleansing , a new birth for all those the Father delighted in giving to the Son to show his great mercy,love and grace. As Jesus rose to face His day that had been planned before the foundations of the world , that would undue Adams fall , the Devils scheme and deaths sting. God clothed Adam and Eve after their sin , and He does it completely when we are clothed in the wonderful , beautiful , majestic righteousness of His son .



For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
(1 Corinthians 15:22 ESV)

The Cross Reveals The Depth of our Sin

As we look at Jesus , walking towards the hill of the skull , were he will be stripped , his bloody body already beaten,whipped and in deep distress , nailed to two beams of wood to make a cross , do you see your depravity. When he is raised for all to see and mock , do you see your evil living within you . When you see the holy,sinless Son of God being made sin on your behalf , do you see how utterly sinful you are.

The cross stands before all who think they are good enough to stand before a holy God . It reveals the incomprehensibly depth of our sinfulness. It should truly humble us and leave us with a thankful and a heart full of worship and adoration for the Lord . So as we gather this coming Good Friday , reflect and let the gravity of what had to be done for you to brought into a right relationship to God .



For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

Tuesday Quick Quotes

Only fitting that the quote this week will help us consider and stay focused on the journey of our Lord Jesus to Calvary.

"The whole of the meditation of the suffering of Christ lies in this , that man should come to the knowledge of himself and sink and tremble"   Martin Luther

This is the Week That Changed Everything

This is the high holy week for Christians all around the world . As I left Church yesterday , after a sermon from our guest preacher concerning the king is coming , I realized even in the west , even with so many Churches , how many will even know or understand the depth of this coming week . For many  it is nothing more than a long weekend . It is very possible many will spend the entire day of Good Friday and Easter Sunday , without a hint of Jesus. Unlike Christmas with the carols , Easter seems oddly removed from faith .

May we this week , pray for opportunities to proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified and raised . This is indeed the week that profoundly changes everything form how we live to how we die .


"We carry about in our pockets His very nails."  Martin Luther

Quick Quotes

The Church needs to challenge the world again with the daring proclamation of a gospel that is offensive---offensive because it speaks of God saving those whom He will, offensive because it proclaims a sovereign Savior who redeems His people.    James White  

Monday Musings

The killing of  a young black man in Florida has once again brought up tensions within the US over the role race plays in the US. The shooting death of this young black man by a Hispanic man , who was apparently on a neighbourhood watch , has caused a roar of injustice because George Zimmerman , the Hispanic man , has not been charged as of yet. He has been claiming self defence . You can Google and read all the news feeds for more info , but my point in  bringing this up is simple , racial problems still exist and linger in 2012. Sad as it is , this story highlights this truth. No matter what happened and even if it was a death by wrong place, wrong time and a misguided confrontation that wasn't race motivated , the fact that it is being played as a racially motivated incident tells us much about the issue and how close it is to the surface . Christians need to be at the fore when it comes to breaking this evil cycle of racism against any race . In Christ , within the Church we are all brothers and sisters , no matter what wonderful diverse colour we may be . Those out side the fellowship , are our fellow image bearers of God . They are human , our neighbours , our friends , our co-workers . God created humans , with may shades , may we see each person in this light. My prayer for this sad situation is that justice will be served , that no side will be pandered to for political points and both families will find grace , mercy and forgiveness amid the pain.


It appears that a group of new agers are flocking to a mountainous area in France in light of the Mayan doomsday prediction for the end of the world later this year . According to the Mayan calender , on Dec 21st , 2012 , there is going to be a catastrophic series of events that will alter the earth as we know it . These type of predictions have come up in the past and many of the "faithful" firmly believe but what I find quite hilarious , if you speak about the Bible and its prophecy of Jesus Christ coming again , well that's just a myth or story . Look , all of these new age nuts , who cling to the crystals , tarot cards , astrology and  Mayan predictions are deluded and blinded by their sin and the devil. What they need more than anything is the truth that there will be a day coming and unless one is in Christ and forgiven of their sins , they will perish eternally in hell. If you come across someone who is interested in this stuff , use that as a starting point to get them into scripture and share the real truth of the second coming and all its implications. Needless to say I have no plans on going to France and climbing no mountain.


Soon it will Hockey play off time . My Boston Bruins will be in playing to defend their Stanley Cup they won last year . I love hockey in the play offs . It is passionate and really gets the blood going when your team is contending . My prayer fro myself this year is to be excited , exuberant and loud but not lose control and sin in any way  . When one is caught up in the action , I have been carried away , my wife will vouch for that . So I write publicly to ask for prayer that I might cheer and enjoy my Bruins no matter how long they may be in the run. No I'm not greedy , so realistically I can't see them repeating . But it would be nice because I just know the Bruins have to be God's favourite team . Just kidding .

Thursday Follies

This toy was named one of the top 100 toys of all time. Now it sounds funny to name a toy you just stretch but when my brother got one for Christmas one year , I tell you it was a blast trying to pull and manipulate this toy for all its worth to see if we could break it . We could not . Such a simple toy but so much fun and some cool memories of my brother and I seeing who could stretch him the furthest .

Branding , Its Working

The concept of branding is a marketing ploy to make a product not only well known but wanted or desired. Its to change ones mind about say what type of coffee one buys. In Canada , Tim Hortons has been the best at this , even though in my humble opinion the coffee isn't that great . However in my country say Tim's and everyone knows what it is and it holds market share.

Well the same thing has happened within the entertainment media over the last 15 years or so that has seen a increase of what I think is a deliberate moral branding in the entertainment medium .  Over the last while no matter what show you are watching , in general 2 things will happen . A gay couple or character will be introduced and at the same time within a show , pretty much every time a religious person is depicted , its is usually in a very negative light . Now here is the truth of the matter , branding does work . What we consume from the media no matter what anyone tells me , has a affect on ones view of the world around them .

With the normalization of homosexuality within these shows and the over all depictions that if one rejects this as a true expression of sexuality , you are labelled a homophobe , bigot or worse , one can discern what the shows are trying to do. It has worked very well . In the age group that has grown up within this time and in the TV generation , the over all acceptance of gay behaviour as being normal and should be celebrated is at a all time high in terms of agreement. Now I'm sure other factors have come into play , like education as well within those liberal halls of learning , acceptance has been preached . But the TV as a medium and influence cannot be understated .

If advertising didn't work or have no effect , no company would spend millions of dollars for add times in major sporting events . Well in essence a TV show is one long advertisement  of a world view . We sit there passive for 30 minutes or an hour , our minds being carried along by the events . Now unless one watches with a discerning mind and is aware of what a writer is saying , how can one not be influenced . The health profession tells us all the time concerning what we consume , and we know we feel better when eat well . Well if we allow our minds to be plugged into what this world is offering , then how can we not come under its sway.

Look , I'm not saying homosexuality is some form of uber sin , its not . Like all sin , it is a direct attack against God and His holiness . We all have sinned and fall short , as Romans tells us . Plus the lake of fire is for liars , cowards , the ungodly , adulterers and the like . That is all of us . We sin because we are sinners . Plus as Christians , we must make no place for hate speech or advocate harm to anyone , but we must speak the truth , that homosexuality is sin and against God's plan for humans period.

We must be aware that as we continue to hold to God's revealed word and  the gospel of Jesus Christ , this world around us will not take to kindly to our stands , no matter how meek or loving we may try to be . A sinner wants their sin and while they are under its full sway , the devil plays them like a fiddle . But greater is the one who crushed the serpents head at the cross and broke the chains of sin and death , We worship a living Saviour , Jesus Christ  . This issue could very well be a time of reckoning within the Churches across many countries . May we find the courage to draw a line in the sand and stand on God's word .

Monday Musings

Recently I watched a interesting trailer called No Compromise:Ever . It is a program being released that features some solid and trustworthy Bible Preachers/Teachers. It will no doubt it will be a call to faithful , truthful and brave when it comes to God's truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this day and age with so many dancing on the fence or surrendering ground within the Church , we must and need to hear this , stand firm ,stand strong and yield no ground . Can't wait to watch this .

It seems that there will be no more Tebowing being done in Denver come next NFL season . They have won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes , who was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year. Now unless you live under a rock , Manning is one of the greatest Quarterback ever to have played the game . So the signing by the Broncos is a clear sing Tebow will be moving on . Tebow of course brought Denver from  a horrible start to a birth in the conference final . He is a very out spoken Christian young man , and has handled himself well under a extreme microscope of scrutiny. So no matter what God has planned for this young man . I truly hope and pray , he will maintain his zeal , his love and witness for Christ. Wherever he lands next year , it will make for some interesting news that is for sure and fun to watch.

Recently I was listening to Dr. James White and how as he listened to different news podcast , how he was truly sickened to hear so much news coming at him that exults sin and evil , while tearing down and spitting at God's holiness . So as I was watching some random entertainment  news programs , it was so true if one just opens ones eyes to discern , how much comes at a Christian everyday from so many sources , that insults , degrades and blasphemes God . The shift has been dramatic over my life time . In just 40 years what is acceptable in broad daylight has grown to pure unadulterated blasphemy against the God of the Bible . The cursing and use of Jesus name , filthy sex jokes etc.... It is a judgment against the us . For as Romans 1 tells us , God will hand over people to their own sin and lust . The only answer to this to preach  Jesus crucified and rose again for the forgiveness of the sinners caught in this darkness , just as we where once . May we not lose hope , but press on .

Thursday Follies

I still recall being totally in awe of Bruce Lee when I was around 10 or so . When I first had the chance to see Enter the Dragon , I was blown away by his fighting skills and amazing speed. He was the man . Since I was  pretty scrawny and small , my thinking was if I could fight like Bruce Lee , no one would mess with me . So I sent away to an add I saw in one of my comics for a instructional Karate how to book.

Well what I thought was a booklet turned out to be a very simple poster , with about 20 or so moves to defend one self. It was pretty lame , but I practised the moves and since my Uncle , 7 years older than me , was into this stuff as well , we would mess around . He actually , if my memory is correct , took some real lessons . It was fun and bruising .

But my one real take away from  the whole thing was , if your going to learn something like self defence , get real instruction. Bruce Lee was a master with Nunchucks. A martial weapon that consist of 2 pieces of wood , with a piece of rope or chain connecting the 2 ends. Well my Uncle , who was quite good at wood working constructed a pair for me and him . Having watched Lee masterfully move this lethal weapon and make it look so cool and easy , I had to try . Needless to say , after a few real good bangs upside my head , my common sense kicked in and said , I leave that to watching Lee in the Movies.

I stilled messed around with the Karate poster for a while but in the end , decided to play hockey and just watch Kung Fu on TV . A safer alternative I think . Of course when your a kid , who didn't want to be the guy who could take down the bully with one awesome round house kick , and then get all the girls . Only in the Movies .

Tuesday Quick Quote

" Since much wealth too often proves a snare and an incumbrance in the Christian's race , let him lighten the weight by ' dispersing abroad and giving to the poor ' ; whereby he will both soften the pilgrimage of his fellow travelers , and speed his own way faster".   

                                                                                                                 Augustus Toplady  

Monday Musings

Kirk Cameron - I mentioned this before about Kirk calling the acts of homosexuality as unnatural and gay "marriage " as destructive on a major talk show , the vitriol and backlash that has been labeled at him has been a clear sign of a world in full and complete perversion and handed over to their lust and sin. The enemies of God do not want open and fair dialogue , but only wish to silence all critical  interaction with the subject they deem taboo. Be it homosexuality or abortion . To proclaim the truth of God's word and declare a biblical moral standard concerning these things , you are labelled a bigot , anti-female , homophobic ,hate speech ,  promoting a  out dated and irrelevant view. But they do not want to debate or dialogue with anyone like Cameron who holds to the truth of God's revealed word . They only wish to shout you down and attack you personally , sad beyond measure.


The Danger of Seeker Sensitive Movement - The weakness of this movement will become more apparent in time as the world shifts towards a more open view on all expressions of sexuality , be it gay , fornication , adultery etc.. If you are going to keep your pews full and the money coming , instead of calling a spade a spade , you will find ways to make the waters murky and like the smiling pastor , dance around these issues so as not to offend anyone. Then of course you have the shaping of worship time that is more comfortable for the unbeliever , instead of God being at the center of your worship , you make a unrepentant sinner the center . This can only lead to a watered down bunch of drivel , cloaked in Jesus speak . The sheep will be unfed and weak . This movement may have numbers but from all I have read from studies , the depth of doctrinal understanding is shallow and weak. May God raise up men again to preach the word boldly and with unction and conviction.

Watching Entertainment  -  I do watch some TV . Many probably watch way too much during the week but that is not what I wish to say . I really have no problem with watching stories . God gave us imaginations and in the visual arts , even the secular mind cannot escape certain themes of mercy ,justice, redemption , forgiveness , purpose etc.. and those are the things I look for when deciding if a show is worth my time .  The same with movies as well . They don't have to be explicitly Christian ,but I'm drawn towards shows with these type of themes.  The key word I would say to anyone is discern . Use your mind and watch with a critical mindset. Don't watch passively . No question , there are some shows that just cannot be watched at all but many may be worth your time . In watching them  it can also give you a insight to the culture around you as well .

On a Lighter Note -  I did not get a chance to see the new Muppet Movie , so I look forward to renting it when it soon will be released . All I read form sites I trust in general have truly liked it. There has always been something intrinsically hopefully about the Muppets , and in today's age , it was nice to see the Movie do well . Perhaps once I see it , I may give a quick review .

Thursday Follies

I love this film , and this scene is a classic . It gets me laughing every time .

Mirror , Mirror On the Wall

We love to point fingers and sling lies and mud at others. Its like it comes as easy as breathing . Often we even like to look at others in the news and say , see how evil those people or that person is . We want to compare and justify how good we are . So when we look at that mirror in the morning , we want to see the moral perfect delusion we percieve  ourselves to be.

Tuesday Quotes

Just think about this statement from the great Puritan Theologian and think about how many today talk of numbers , not disciples in Church growth .  




"The great business of the church is not our number by addition, but by grace, by growing up in Christ" ~John Owen

Monday Musings

Recently former teen heart throb , Kirk Cameron , was interviewed on Piers Morgan program on CNN . He commented about homosexuality  when he was asked about his view . It has the been the buzz within the entertainment world because can you imagine , that since Kirk is a Christian , voiced his opinion that it is unnatural and destructive to humanity . That it is sinful and needs to be repented of by turning to Jesus for forgiveness . Well Piers Morgan was shocked of course as has most of the Hollywood machine. The nerve of a Christian to hold to the truth of God's revealed will for humans that marriage is only between a man and woman . The sad thing even though Kirk was polite and well spoken , some of the comments aimed at him have been less than polite . Am I surprised , not.  Truly a society under the judgement of God.

There have been a horrible rash of deadly tornadoes in the US , which has lead to a death toll of 39 as it stands right now , with many more injured and homeless . The stories are heartbreaking and moving. The question why would God allow such a thing will be heard . Some will say it wasn't God who allowed these things to happen but if we hold to the truth of scripture , God is in full control. There is a real time to declare this truth but may we now pray for those affected . 

Thursday Follies

In all the history of  TV , very few characters are as iconic as the Fonz from Happy Days . I watched this show every week till Ron Howards character , Richie Cunningham left.  The shows chemistry revolved around  Richie and the Fonz and what guy didn't want to be the Fonz . Hey !!! Two thumbs up.

Tuesday Quick Quote

“That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.” 
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon


Wise words indeed when so many want to make the unchurched comfortable by embracing a  seeker sensitive style of worship. 

Monday Musings

Just a few thoughts to start the week . The first concerns the Oscars . I don't watch them unless a film I really loved is up for the big prizes . So the last time I even paid attention was 2004 when LOTR: Return of the King won an amazing 11 awards. But as I was reading about the I came upon this quote from the host , Billy Crystal. I think it really puts the whole affair into perspective I think.


“Enjoy yourselves, because nothing can take the sting of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with golden statues.” Billy Crystal  


Next as I was reading different news items it is really apparent , that the normalization of sinful sexual behaviours  within our society is really taking root.  To hold to a biblical view of sexuality is seen as backwards , out of touch and by many as hateful . From more and more couples living together , to pre - marital sex , the whole homosexuality debate , these issues are going to confront Christians who  hold to their convictions. We must be prepared to answer and brave enough to stand . This is the one area in the west that real persecution will come , mark my words.

Lastly , I was reading that apparently Richard Dawkins , one of the loudest voices of the new Atheism , has said that there might be a very slight chance that a "God " might exist. I guess its only less than a percentage point but does that make him a agnostic now. It must be hard for him to suppress the truth daily given how often he has been exposed to the gospel truth in all his debates and exchanges with Christians. May we pray God will break his stone heart and reveal the grace of Christ in his life .

Thursday Follies

Oh the memories! I was only about 4 years old when I recall tuning into CBC and watching the Caped Crusader fight crime. It was colourful , with its bam , zonk and pow fights. Spending time with the Batman transformed me into the pretend fighter , making my own mask , putting a towel around my neck for the cape . Man I was the coolest . It doesn't hold up very well of course compared to the new , intense and uber serious Dark Knight but for a little boy , it was the best . Still has the retro fun factor.

The Two Johns

If I was to recommend to a new Christian a couple of Pastors to read and listen to , they would be the 2 Johns . Both John Piper and John MacArthur have had long and fruitful ministries. Both have Pastored their Churches faithfully for over 30 years and the influence has been wide sweeping. They have been the backbone to many discovering the distinctives of reformed theology form a baptist , evangelical perspective .

Both their websites offer a depth of teaching which spans the years of solid preaching and teaching. The sermon wealth is deep and will lead you into solid doctrine .

If I were to suggest which books to pick up and read I would suggest Ashamed of the Gospel by MacArthur and Desiring God by Piper . They are solid introductions to both the mens writing styles and will give a feel for their strong dedication to the gospel and firm defence of God's revealed word .
Both these men have laboured faithfully for the Lord over these years and we have been richer for it .

Quick Quote

J.C Ryle  on the total depravity and corruption of the human nature. 


“The corruption of human nature is no slight thing. It is no partial, skin-deep disease, but a radical and universal corruption of man’s will, intellect, affections, and conscience. We are not merely poor and pitiable sinners in God’s sight: we are guilty sinners; we are blameworthy sinners: we deserve justly God’s wrath and God’s condemnation. I believe there are very few errors and false doctrines of which the beginning may not be traced up to unsound views about the corruption of human nature. Wrong views of a disease will always bring with them wrong views of the remedy. Wrong views of the corruption of human nature will always carry with them wrong views of the grand treatment and cure of that corruption.”

Monday Musings

Just the other day I listened to a brief podcast  Pastor David Platt concerning the truth and nature of hell. Briefly he touched on the nature , conscious  reality of eternal torment and the fact that from the lips of Jesus Christ , the doctrine of eternal punishment has its deepest revelation. It was a truly sober and somber listen. You cannot encounter this teaching without coming away a bit shaken. If you can , then you do not understand the scripture or have some of the biggest blinders on in the world .

So many times within many Churches today the doctrine of hell and the wrath of God is completely ignored or not even touched. You have certain type of "preachers" who will smile and tell you God has a wonderful plan for your life and you will not hear the words repent ,the cross, hell ,wrath etc... these words never leave their lips.

But the reality is there is a hell , wrath is being revealed and one day Jesus Christ will pour out the wrath of God on all who are enemies of God on that last day.

This should shake us , stir us and move us to pray with more fire and earnestness .  It should brake our hearts for those we know do not confess Jesus as Lord . It must loosen our lips to proclaim the gospel and tell of God's grace of the gospel found in Jesus . Plus it must awaken the need for both local and global missions .

When scripture tells us to redeem our time for the days are evil , may we heed this and realize we must wake up from our sleep and comforts .

Thursday Follies Oops

I forgot to put up my fun clip for Thursday so here it is . Two of my favorite things growing up , the Muppet Show and Bob Hope. How can one go wrong. Enjoy.

Now What ?

Yesterday I commented on the concept of seeing the actual working out of Darwinism  displayed for all to see in the sinking of the luxury liner that has been in the news . It was not a pretty sight.

So if one is going to live by the motto "there is no God " then what is one to do with this very brief and fleeting life.  I have commented in the past but after reading the events that occurred it really brings it into focus. If there is no God there is no reason to search for purpose but each moment we live should be dominated by 2 main driving forces. 

These would be power and pleasure . Power to dominate and subdue all who stand in your way so that you may achieve maximum amount of pleasure . If there is no reason to worry about a future judgement , then whatever actions I take , which have no moral value anyway , to fulfil those goals should be pursued. If it means to survive by pushing the weak aside to get to the lifeboat , so be it . By taking God out of the picture , we are left with a chilling world view which will have drastic consequences . 

In Romans it clearly tells us the judgement has already began , that God's wrath is being poured out by giving people over to their lust . So when I read of the cruelty and selfishness displayed in events like this ship , I see the actions of the men as God handing them over to thier own desires .

That is where we all would be if it were not for God's love and grace.

Living Out What We Have Been Taught

The story of the Luxury liner that went aground and tipped over submerging a large portion of the ship has had much press. The focus on how the captain abounded ship and the refused to go back on and help with rescue efforts . He has earned the title chicken of the sea. But more details have been emerging about how men where forcing themselves past women and children to get to the lifeboats. Stories of bribing staff to get on the lifeboats . Plus the fact that the majority of those that went missing where the weakest . Women , the youngest a little girl only 5 , the aged , perished and I think its a result of what a happens when evolutionary theory is ingrained into our consciousness.

Within the very core of this theory is the survival of the fittest . That those who are the strong will over power the weak to survive. Within this theory , this is seen as beneficial for the survival of the species. If humans are evolved , walking ooze then why would we even care if those aboard this ship couldn't make it . Who we think we are has consequences in how we will live. With any idea of humans being created in the image of God and the call of God to men to be protectors , providers and defend the weak rejected by the preaching of Dawkins , Hitchens and the like , are we surprised at the outcome. You could call this the ultimate form of bullying. But then again if I can bully another into submission , so what . Sooner or later I will be the one overcome by one bigger , stronger . That is the natural outworking of Darwinistic thinking.

If we believe in the God revealed in the Bible , then how we react in these types of crisis should be different. I'm not saying that an atheist would not sacrifice himself for the greater good , but in my view he  acts contrary to any idea within his world-view of any greater good. All one has to do is look at the Titanic and see overall how the Judeo - Christian world view effected how many men acted .

Quick Quote

Tuesday will be quote day . It will feature a saying , scripture verse , song , poem and may or not have a little comment about what was posted.  Hope they will inform and edify .

 "The Bible tells us to love our neighbours , and also to love our enemies : probably because they are generally the same people ."    G.K Chesterton .

Monday Musings

At our Church one of the Sunday Electives that I have been participating in is called Dare to Ask. The premise is dealing with questions people within our Church want to have answered . So far we have dealt with the Bible , Evolution , is the God of the Old Testament the same as the New Testament and yesterday we began to look at Islam .

This has been a great class so far and one that I truly believe is desperately needed. As our culture becomes more hostile and openly so against Christianity , those of us that are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ need to be able and capable to defend the faith in which we have placed our eternal hope in. With so many conflicting and competing world views as well , the Church must not bunker down and hide within our walls , hoping that the big bad world would just go away.

A good soldier should never be thrown into a combat zone or situation without the proper training and knowledge to fight well . But in many cases those who have been in Church and called themselves Christian , cannot even give a basic defence or a description of the gospel. I believe there faith is sincere , that they truly want to serve the Lord but are lacking in real depth. My Nan , on my mothers side , was a clear example of this. She read her Bible , attended Church , prayed , did all the right things but I recall having conversations with her over very basic things like the  gospel , hell , evil etc.. and she was weak in understanding any of those doctrines . It left her in despair at times and she truly suffered for it .

Who is to blame for her and many others just like her ? The blame needs to be laid at the feet of those who have been called to shepherd the flock . They are called to protect , to serve , to teach , to preach , to exhort , to rebuke and defend . Is is not the job for a wimp . But from what I have observed in many situations within my area , the shepherding of Jesus sheep has been performed by hirelings more than men of God who are true shepherds . There have been true Pastors no question , but by and large this has not been the case.

That is why I love helping with the class at my local Church. Over all I hold we have a good group of Pastors who truly want to see the flock grow in depth and knowledge .  The whole idea with the electives is to bring a deeper understanding in what they believe and why they believe it. To supplement and help people grow, planting  deep roots in the faith .

We need to labour and teach each other so we can stand and defend our Lord . Its not a call for the wimp or the compromiser but one who will take up their cross and follow Jesus daily. Nuff said.

Four Basic Things

What would you say are the four real basic things that would at the very least  testify that one is a Christian ?

My basic four are as such .

1. One moves from a indifference  or an abstract thought of God to a real sense of His being and presence in the world and ones own life. That God comes alive in the person of Jesus Christ . Jesus is loved as your Lord and Savior . Also with this new found understanding of God , ones admission of ones own sinfulness , hell bound deserving nature apart from the blood of Jesus that cleanses of from our sins , will be acknowledged.

2. A love and hunger to learn about God by reading,studying and cherishing His word , the Bible. What before was some book book , bound in leather sitting on a shelf or in a remote corner , becomes the most precious possession you lay your hands on. You delight in reading the Bible . Spending time in God's word shows that one loves and wants to know God . Anyone who calls themselves a Christian but never opens the Bible , is like a man that says he loves his wife while he lives a million miles away , committing adultery with other women. If you love someone , you want to spend time with them .

3. Gathering together with other Christians in a local Bible believing  Church to worship and becoming a member. It has been said , one doesn't need to go to Church to be a believer , and that is true but at the same time , I would argue , one who doesn't want to gather to worship the Lord with fellow believers , better question the motives of their hearts that keep them away. It is very clear from the New Testament that local Church involvement is critical to the healthy life of any believer. Christ died for His bride , He loves His Church , should we not also love her as well. It has been said  , you cannot have God as your Father , if you don't have the Church as your mother. There is truth in that saying.

4. Ones affections should start to change. In other words , how you act ,behave and conduct yourself in all matters of life will start being conformed to the image of Christ. What one saw as harmless or not sin , will be sinful . In very practical terms , what one watches , listens to and reads will be affected. You will begin to fight your tongue and its ability to lie ,swear and deceive . You will be in war with your old sinful nature and you will know  it. With this new affection for the things of God , one will desire to kill the old man and hunger for righteousness. One will grow , sometimes with many a pitfall but if one is truly born again , because the Holy Spirit lives within you , one will persevere and fight on . Always trusting and looking at Jesus as our only hope in completing the pilgrimage in front of us .

Much more could said of each one I have listed but if one calls themselves a Christian and all of these are lacking , you better check your self in because my friend , you are deluded. Nuff said.

Monday Musings

This will become another feature on the blog each Monday. Basically it will be a thought or numerous single comments and commentaries about something that has jumped into my mind or another that I may quote.  So lets jump into the musing mind if you will .

Apparently in the new movie The Grey , which I have not seen , the lead character is crying out to God to show him some sign or confirmation He is there and He will help. Now the context is this man has been stranded in the north with other rough neckers , after a plane crash that killed many of them . They have been stalked by wolves , pounded by the elements . Plus we see in the past that this man has lost his wife to cancer. His disillusionment is evident at "God" , as he screams out at the tree tops and snow around him. Of course in the movie the only sound he hears or sign he see's  is the sound of wind whistling through the grey sky painted with tree that sway in the wind. Death has been the constant stalker , be is the crash , the elements , the wolves or disease. It is all he can see and after his confrontation , he basically says , fine , I will do it myself.


But as I was reading about this scene , I thought wait a minute . Its not as if God is removed from the suffering. When Jesus Christ , the second person of the trinity came , He clothed himself with humility and human flesh. He was tempted in all ways as we are , but completely sinless . He knew hunger , He knew loss and He was intimate with suffering. Instead of this man crying out to a grey sky , if he had fixed his eyes on the cross , then the grey skies would have been pulled away , he would have seen himself as a hostage to sin and death but that a cross took that away . The blood , the broken body buried and that third day when Jesus rose form that tomb ,  declared victory that we are given , by His grace , over the wages of sin and death. Its not that God hasn't answered man , He has . Its just that we are dead in sin and hate Him . So we scream at Him , while he take delight in Him crucified , we rail and spit just like the Jews and the Romans did .

But God in His mercy ,  by His grace , even while we are screaming at Him , opens our dead hearts . At that moment instead of yelling , our voice turns to laments of forgive me a sinner , undeserving of your love . The grey turns to light and the brilliant beauty and majesty of Christ embraces and surrounds us . We are not alone in death or suffering or anything . God is indeed with us .


For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

(1 Peter 3:18 ESV)

My Goofy Day

Thursday is going to be my "goofy day" from now on. It will feature a fun song , a clip or something that I hope will make one simply smile. Isn't it cool how God gave us the gift of laughter and a smile.

Anyway , this cute little song opened the Muppet Movie . I still recall , sitting in the Paramount Movie Theater in Kentville ,N.S in 1979 with my 1st cousin Greg ( more like a brother to me really) waiting for this movie to start. Here we were among many younger kids , two 16-18 year old , mullet wearing rockers , laughing and really enjoying this great movie. Fun times.

This song is such a hopeful and uplifting tune that I recall heading over to our local record store and picking up the single. I still love this song . It just makes me smile. Enjoy.

Fun Fact : This song was named the 74th best movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.

The Countdown

The Hobbit is the movie for me to see in 2012. I had hoped Peter Jackson would return to Middle Earth and open up the tale of Bilbo , Gandalf and the Dwarves. The 3 Lord of the Rings movies ( which I see a one lomng epic ) are my all time favorite films. Tolkien's world was done justice in Jackson's films and I'm sure returning to middle earth will be a wonderful adventure.

Trust for the Lord is Good

As I thought about what I have written yesterday , this song as I was listening to it really boiled it down to the issue. Doubt , despair ,questions and hard times can try and strangle out the fact  , God is good. Perhaps it is a matter of trusting and resting in the Lord .
Beautiful song by Matt Hammitt who has know a thing or two about trusting the Lord amid struggles and heartbreak .


Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
(Psalm 37:5 ESV)