And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
                                                                                                                    Stuart K. Hine - How Great Thou Art

Lately I have been reading and reflecting on the words of Tricia McCary Rhodes in her book 'Contemplating the Cross', in which she provides a compelling, graphic narrative of the final days of Jesus' life; words that are terrifying and unsettling, yet powerful and engaging, and is a strange but wonderfuly way, comforting.

The journey of Jesus takes us from the Passover meal with followers, to the Garden of Gethsemane where our Lord is arrested and then endures a night-long ordeal in a mock trial before priests and teachers of the law.  The next morning He is lead to stand before Pilate, who, although declaring, I find no basis for a charge against him (John 19:6), nonetheless condemns Him to die--a brutal death upon a Roman cross.

The steps of Jesus take Him from the courtyard of Pilate along the Via Dolorosa to a hill called Calvary. In the Gospel of Luke, we read, 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 (Luke 23:33).

Tears filled my eyes as I read again the account of the crucifixion, as in my mind's eye I  see the agony of my Lord as the nails are driven into His hands and feet.  I want to turn away, but my gaze is fixed on the blood-stained cross.  

I hear Him speak His final words, a cry of triumph, It is finished (John 19:30), as He surrenders to death, and I know it was through His death that I have been forgiven, set free, reconciled to the Father.

The word of the hymwriter come to mind:
     Was it for crimes that I have done, He groaned upon the tree?
     Amazing pity! grace unknown and love beyond degree. (Isaac Watts - At the Cross)

I know in part, it was my sins that sent the Lord Jesus to the cross; there was no there other way for me to be redeemed.  His suffering was the cost of my salvation.  He was pierced for my transgressions, he was crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was on him, and by his wounds I am healed (Isaiah 53:5).

I marvel again the depth of God's love for me.  45 years, Good Friday, 1977, God intercepted my life and I am forever grateful.

My friends at Valley, as you reflect on the cross, as we journey from Friday to Sunday, may your heart be melted, by a deep sense of humility and gratitude for what Christ has done for you.  May we joyfully shout on 
Easter morning, HE IS RISEN!

​On this weekend, when we will gather around the Communion Table as part of our worship experience as we come together on Sunday, I find myself reflecting again on why I come to the Table of our Lord.

I come, not because I must, but because I may.
        I come, not because duty demands it, but because love compels me.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  (1 John 4:9)
 
I come because the Lord Jesus invites me to come.
        I come because He asks me to do this in remembrance of Him. 

Luke tells us that Jesus, as He celebrated Passover with His disciples, took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (22:19)
 
I come to remind myself a price was paid on my behalf.
        I come because here I meet the One who gave His life for me.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
 
I come because at the Table I hear Him speak reassuring words, words of comfort, words I need to hear.
      I come because I am reminded that I am loved by God.

I hear Him speak the words God has always spoken to His people:  I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
 
I come to find a renewed sense of peace, to remind myself of the grace that is mine in Christ.
        I come because at the Table I find encouragement to stay on the journey with my Lord.

The Apostle Paul reminds us...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)

 I come with my doubts and fears and the struggles of my heart.
       I come to find rest, strength and courage; to refresh my spirit and rekindle my faith and hope.

In this the words of Jesus are both inviting and comforting:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
 
I come because at the Table I acknowledge my sin and seek His forgiveness.
        I come because He is faithful and just and will forgive me and cleanse me.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
 
I come to experience the power of the Cross, the power of His blood.
        I come to experience again the wonder of His love.
 
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 1:10)

I come, not alone, but in community with you, my friends at Valley.
        And so, I hope you will join me as we accept our Lord's invitation to come to His Table.

May we hear Him say to us, as He said to His followers the night He instituted the Lord's Supper:  I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this...meal with you... (Luke 22:15).


If you are unable to join us in-person, and would like to receive communion at home, please contact one of our Elders.

Recently we looked at the words of Heman in Psalm 88, a unique psalm of lament in which the writer expresses a depth of grieve and sorrow that makes us uncomfortable -- it is a Beth Tanner observes an 'uncomfortable psalm'.  It confronts the ways we pray and the ways we think prayer must be done.  It confronts all of the memories we have of dark and lonely nights in our own lives. It confronts the relationship we have with God. 

Though it may make us uncomfortable, this text reminds us that there is a place for lament in our worship, both private and corporate; it give us permission to grieve and to bring our sorrows to God.  It gives a voice to our sadness and points us to the One who meets us in our sufferings and gives us hope.  

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. (Psalm 33:20)

We wait because we know in God’s Kingdom, pain and sorrow do not have the last word.  The last word belongs to God and it is always a word of great hope.  Even though the dark night of the soul sometimes lasts a long time, though we may feel isolated, even abandoned, we hold to what we know to be true, that we are never alone, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
 
Our tears are precious to the Father and we worship HIm through those tears, as well as in times of happiness.  When we do express our sorrow, we make room for renewed hope and joy, for we have this promise from God's Word, that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31)  

We remind ourselves that Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant has defeated death and the grave; that in Him we are eternally secure, and we look forward to that day when God will wipe away our tears and there will be no more mourning or crying or pain. (Revelation 21:4).  BUT...we are not there yet; in this world we still weep.

Psalm 88 reminds us of these truths and gives us permission to bring our tears to God, it reminds us there is a place in the community of faith to share our burdens and our sorrows, and above al, it reminds usl that there is One we can trust to deliver us.  Therefore, we confess with the Psalmist, Lord, you are the God who saves me. (Psalm 88:1)

I think again of the beautiful words of Carleen Mandolfo, who makes this observation about God and human suffering:  Perhaps God is sitting with His people.
 
Friends, in this season of our lives, we need to learn to sit with each other.  I want to encourage you to make this a time of prayer for; use our Prayer Corner to be praying throughout the week.  Take a moment today to call someone, to check in on them, especially those who are alone and those who are dealing with signifcant health or family concerns; send an message of encouragement, a card or note to let them know you are thinking about them and praying for them; provide practical assitance if you are able to do so and continue to make Valley a safe place for us to share together the ups and downs of life.

Thank you for being a caring and compassionate church!  May God continue to give us eyes to see and ears to listen, that we might be His agents of blessing in a hurting world.

While I have not been blessed with any artistic creativity. I consider myself a creative thinker,  For most of my adult life, the tools of my trade have been words and over my ministry career I have often written articles, blog postings and occasionally a new verse to a familar hymn or a poem.

In preparing for our Communion Gathering this week, I found my mind returning to Calvary, to the cross of the Lord Jesus, reflecting on all that was accomplished there.  I was also drawn to the familar words of David's 23rd Psalm.  While lying away one night I began to compose a poem in my mind and the next morning wrote this piece, entitled When I Look to Calvary. 

When I look to Calvary
And see my Lord upon that tree
My heart is melted, I am undone
How could this happen, to God’s Son
 
I need not ask the question, why
It was for for me, He had to die
His suffering, the only way
The penalty for, my sin to pay
 
Forever grateful, I will be
For by His death, I’ve been set free
Not by merit of my own
But by grace, and grace alone
 
Now I am a child of God
Protected by His staff and rod
You, my Shepherd, guide my life
And hold me close, in the midst of strife
 
And when my time on earth is o’er
You will lead me, to heaven’s shore
And there at last, at home I’ll be
Safe and secure, eternally

I share this via our Blog, as a reflection of my gratitude for all Christ has done for me.  I know many of you are far more creative than I am.  Perhaps you have written a poem or song that reflects your heart.  Or perhaps you just want to put on paper words that expression your gratitude and wonder.  I want to invite you to submit your creative work to bless and encourage us as we journey together.
​

I have to admit, I am a bit of a 'news junkie'.  When there is something of significance happening I tune in to get the latest updates; on election day or during times of upheaval or major world events.  So with the declaration of global pandemic and now months of ever-changing dynamics around this health crisis, and with all the drama in our nation and particularly south of the border, I have watched a fair amount of news coverage. 

Perhaps it is a symptom of months of restrictions and the 'powder keg' of social issues we have seen erupt, but it seems to me we live in a culture of complaint.  There is so much negativity, so much criticism and bickering, it's almost depressing to watch the news anymore.  Policticans are tearing each other down, special interest groups are demading their rights, and no matter what positive news comes along, somebody finds some reason to criticize or declare 'it doesn't go far enough'.  And what is perhaps most troubling is how easy it is to get drawn into this almost toxic environment.

From a faith perspective, we who serve the Lord Jesus are called to live life on a higher plane.  The Apostle Paul writing to the church in Philippi exhorts them:  Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be God’s children, blameless, sincere and wholesome, living in a warped and diseased world, and shining there like lights in a dark place.  (Philippians 2:14 - J.B. Phillips translation)  Eugene Peterson in The Message captures the last part of this text with a call to be a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.

In a culture of complaint, we are called to be a people of gratitude.  Yes, we recognize there are times when we must raise our voice to express constructive criticism of those things that do not align with the principles we hold to in the Word of God, and it is okay to be troubled by some of the things we see in our world today.  But we must be careful not to get swept up in this 'complaining for the sake of complaining' mindset that seems to dominate our society.

Instead, we are commanded in the Bible to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:13).  Colossians 2:7 exorts us to be overflowing with thankfulness and a chapter later we are told to:  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

Over and over again, we are told to express our gratitude to our God.  The psalmist invites us to give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)  When we pause and reflect on all the blessings we have experienced from the hand of God, our most natural response should be that of worship and thanksgiving.  

As we move this week into the season of Lent and toward Easter Sunday, lets make this a time in which we consciously raise the bar as we choose to give thanks rather than complain, to offer encouragment rather than criticize and to lift up rather than tear down. May we be shining lights in the darkness of our day.

 During our current summer series, we said that spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3;16) reveal the intent of our heart.  They are rooted in the Scriptures and link our belief and our will together, as an expression of a longing to follow God’s Word and His ways.  In my previous post, I shared with you some of the great hymns of our faith that reasonate deeply with me.  Below is a list spiritual songs that also connect powerfully with my heart.

Sole Desire - Walt Harrah

You’re the sole desire of my heart
Lord, speak to me I’m standing still
I come to hear, reveal Your will
I’ll listen to Your voice and then obey

With these simple words, I am reminded that God does speak, that His Word to me is precious and that I need to listen and obey.  I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying.  (85:8 - NLT)

I Give You My Heart - Reuben Morgan

This is my desire to honour You
Lord with all my heart I worship You

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146:2)
 
In the words of A.W. Tozer…I cannot speak for you, but I want to be among those who worship...I would rather worship God than do any other thing I know of in this whole world.

O Lord, You're Beautiful - Keith Green

Oh Lord You're beautiful, Your face is all I seek
And when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me

Words cannot fully express my desire to embrace the beauty and grace of the Lord Jesus. In the words of the psalmist:  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. (Psalm 27:4)

Emmanuel - Bob McGee

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel
God with us revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel

Can there be a more precious truth than to know, God is with us?  And, If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

His Name is Wonderful - Audrey Mieir

His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord

Like many of these worships songs that focus on the name of our Lord, this song speaks of our Lord as the Mighty King, Master of everything, the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages, Almighty God.  Our hearts and minds are drawn to the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20).

Majesty - Jack Hayford

Majesty, worship His majesty, unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise

Both the words of Hayford's song and the tune lift us to see the slendor and glory of our Lord.

We see Jesus...now crowned with glory and honor. (Hebrews 2:9)

No Higher Calling - Greg Gulley and Lenny LeBlanc

Down at Your feet, Oh Lord, ss the most high place
In Your presence Lord, I seek Your face

As I shared with you in week one of this series, worship is my heart beat.  I can't read music, or play an instrument, but worship is my heart beat.  This song expresses perfectly the my desire to worship our Lord.

There is no higher calling, no greater honor, than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy, Oh Lord, I live to worship You

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. (Psalm 103:1 - NLT)

Make Me a Servant - Kelly Willard

Make me a servant, humble and meek
Lord, let me lift up, those who are weak
And may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant, today

The challenges of ministry, of seeking to serve others, is something I am constantly aware of as I seek to live out the words of Galatians 5:13 to serve one another humbly in love.  This simple song, serves a daily prayer for me.

Awesome in This Place - Dave Billington

You are awesome in this place Mighty God
You are awesome in this place Abba Father
You are worthy of all our praise, to You our lives we raise
You are awesome in this place Mighty God

This captures for me the incredible privilege that is ours to be in the in presence of our God as we gather each week to worship Him.  How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God (Genesis 28:17).

In Christ Alone - Don Kock, Shawn Craig 

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In ev'ry victory let it be said of me
My source of strength my source of hope is Christ alone

'Christ alone' what more needs to be said!  Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20 - The Message).

s we are launching this summers series on hymns of our faith, it started me thinking about those songs that most speak to my heart.  The following is a list of my top ten favorite hymns.

And Can It Be - by Charles Wesley

In a very real sense, this song is my testimony.  I think of the words of Titus 3:4-5...when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. When I ponder the reality that Jesus suffered and died on the cross, to provide for my salvation, like Wesley, I marvel...Died He for me, who caused his pain.  I remember the night, my chains fell off, my heart was free -- amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

My Savior's Love - Charles H. Gabriel

In the same vein as Wesley's great hymn -- Gabriel begins with words that resonate deeply with me:  I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how you could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean.  With the Apostle Paul, I am humbled to know that Jesus loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Be Thou My Vision - Mary E. Bryne

Each time we sing this song, there is a deep sense of gratitude within as I reflect on the realization that there is a High King of Heaven who is the Ruler of all, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:22).

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Martin Luther

I appreciate the history and depth of theology in Luther's great hymn, that speaks of the triumph of the Truth.
Rooted in the words of Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, the picture of God as a fortress brings courage to my heart.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Thomas O Chisholm

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 2:22-23)  Whenever I sing this song, I think of the time when Janice's dad passed away.  The words of the last verse sustained me then and continue to speak to me when the hard times come...strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Amazing Grace - John Newton
Unbounded Grace - John Walvrood

What list of favourites hymns would not include Newton's Amazing Grace.  The words of second verse take me back to the night I surrender my heart to the Lord Jesus.  'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.  It is by grace you have been saved, through faith (Ephesians 2:8).  In the words of Walvrood, Grace was for me the only way my guilt could find relief; my destiny was changed that day I reached out in belief.  40+ years later, I'm still amazed by His grace!

Holy, Holy, Holy - Reginald Heber

The pure majesty of this hymn draws me into the very presence of our God, who is high and lifted up.  Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory (Isaiah 6:3).

I Sing the Mighty Power of God - Issac Watts

This hymn from the pen of one our the greatest hymn writers in history -- remind me that, The Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them. (Exodus 20:11)  He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, including mine.  The words of the last line of this hymn are both humbling and awe-inspiring:  While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care, and everywhere that man can be, Thou God, are present there.

The Longer I Serve Him - William J. Gaither

As one who has been called and privileged to serve in pastoral ministry, I echo the word of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12:  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  This song strengthens my resolve to be a life-long worshipper and servant of God, my Savior.  

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146:2)

There is within all of us, an increasing desire to be together in the house of the Lord.  Just when that will happen is yet to be determined.  As the Leadership Team meets to begin discussing how we move forward together, we will be looking to you, the people of Valley for guidance.  In the short term we will continue to provide an 'Online Gathering' experience that you can view on Sunday morning.  It is not ideal, we were meant to gather and worship in community, but it is a way to stay connected and to stay under His Word.

I want to thank you for your kind and gracious response to what has been posted each week.  I have been blessed by your comments.  John Kobylnik sends me an encouraging note each week.  (I'm waiting for that week, when John says, 'nice try on this one, Ken, but you need to pick it up for next week'!)  On average our Message page is accessed nearly 60 times on Sunday and 15+ times/ per day, each week.  We have seen a spike in the use of website, with the Message, Blog, Prayer Corner and Photo pages being accessed regularly.

I was recently asked, how this all comes together.  A few have been on site as we have recorded; you've been given a glimpse into how the recorded pieces are created each week.  (Just as an aside, I've sought to let you know when we are recording, so you can stop by if you wish -- physical distancing procedures in place, of course.)  I want to thank those who have helped with these recording sessions -- John Unger, our camera man and those who have helped with piano recordings, prayers and readings.

Pulling this kind of experience together has taken up to 40 hours a week to prepare.  Preparation begins as any week would, with the drafting of an order of service, but now instead of relying our worship team for the music, I'm searching music files and downloading songs for our use.  Each song is being prepared in the format you've seen these last few weeks.  I'm using a software programs that allows me to choose a background, then add the music file and words.  Each song takes 30-45 minutes to prepare -- the editing process is sometimes tedious and time consuming to get the words coming in at just the right time and to cut or fade the music as needed.  When the song is complete, I then save it as video. (As an added 'bonus' this is our 6 month period to report our activity for our copyright licence -- every copyrighted song has to be added to our report each week!)

The same program allows me to insert each individual song into a file that becomes what you see on Sunday morning. I then add the recorded pieces from the church or a video, like the one we showed yesterday for Mother's Day, into the appropriate place.  When all the individual clips are in place, I check the timing and then save that file to a video.  But, that video file is too big for our website, so I convert it to a different format.  The final step is to upload the video to our website, which often takes several minutes to complete as the file is also encoded for use on the site.

This morning, Monday, May 11th, I've spend 4 hours preparing the order of service and creating the first 3 songs for this week...five more to go!  And then there's the usual message prep, which is now completed by Friday morning, so we can record in the afternoon.  My preparation routine has been drastically changed!  I'm lost on Sundays!!  (Perhaps a reminder that this is not the way it should be.)

I am grateful we have this means to stay connected and commend you for doing just that.  As Dr. Henry has said, 'this is not forever, just for now'!  We do not want to become complacent and settle for something less; we need to be together, sitting in front of a computer screen or television just isn't the same, so lets keep praying for that day when we will be together again!


Some of us haven't seen each other for several week, so in the next few days, I will be creating a blog posting in which we can share an encouraging word with one another.  I want to invite you to add your note or greeting and include a photo if you are able to do so.  You can use the form on our website or send me an email and I will post it for you.  I hope we hear from many of you in the coming days!!  Your words to each other will serve to bless one another, the way so many of you have done for me with your words of appreciation and encouragement!

Like many of you, we first began to hear about Covid-19, early in the New Year.  By the end of January we were hearing reports of presumptive cases in Canada and in our own province, but it wasn't until mid-March when a global pandemic was declared that we began to hear the term 'social distancing' and talk of 'staying at home'; about flights being cancelled and schools and businesses closing -- within a few days, things had radically changed.

It was during this time that Janice and I were preparing to travel to Ontario to visit with Scott and Tiffany and see our grandson.  Just hours before we were scheduled to leave I received notice that our flights had been changed, but the changes only took as far as Edmonton! I spend two hours just trying to get through to the ariline and another two hours on hold before we could get this matter resolved; to say it was a bit stressful would be an understatement! But, we are so grateful to have had a few days with them, to hold Riley and celebrate his birth.

But even during that week, there was concern about what was unfolding and about getting back home; in the end Janice cut her visit short and we were able to return together. I was also in discussion with our Leadership Team Chair, Don Hargrave about the possibility of having to cancel our Worship Gatherings, which we did, to comply with the directives from our government leaders and health officials. 

When we arrived home on the 21st of March, it was indeed a different world for all of us.  We scrambled to take our Worship Gathering online, to record a modified worship experience for our people.  I am grateful that this has been a means to connect and stay 'in the Word' over the past eight weeks -- thank you for all the positive comments received.  It's not a perfect solution and we are limited in what we can do, but we've been able to make it work for our purposes.  It has been for me, a steep learning curve to prepare and quickly get up to speed with some new software / technology; I am grateful for your patience and kindness!

As many of you know it was shortly after arriving home from Ontario that we learned our son had been infected, he spiralled quickly and within hours was in hospital in Hamilton; that was a very difficult night. Scott spend four days in hospital and has been off work since the end of March.  He has now received a second negative report and is able to go back to work this week. Riley was also infected but thankfully had mild symptoms and has recovered -- they are all doing well now.  Thank you for sharing that journey with us and for all your prayers and words of support and encouragement.

In some ways we have 'settled' into a new and much different routine, as we all have had to do.  It has been a time of reflection and a time to re-affirm what it is we have as a people of faith.  We have been able to continue to experience the hand of God leading and blessing our lives.  We have what we need and have been able to stay safe and stay connected. 

For me, the overwhelming sense I have right now is that of gratitude.  I think of the words of the worship song we have used in our Online Gathering the past two Sundays...I come before You today and there is just one thing I want to say, thank You, Lord.  For all You've given to me, for all the blessings I cannot see, thank You, Lord.  To you, my friends at Valley, 'thank you' for sharing this journey together.  Give thanks to Lord, for He is good.  (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Recently I was speaking with a more senior saint who was troubled because of an inability to remember things; in particular the inability to readily recall from memory the precious truth of God’s Word that had been hidden in his heart since youth.  As we spoke there were fragments of verses, phrases and words that still had meaning but only one verse that he could still be quote from memory, John 3:16:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)  I reassured him that he was holding on to the most precious truth of all and we prayed for him to rest in this truth.  When I prayed for the Lord to lead him to the green pastures and quiet waters, he said, ‘O, that’s another one…The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  (Psalm 23:1 - KJV)
 
This experience has caused me to think, ‘what if I begin to lose those portions of the word I have held in my heart, what is it that I would hang on to as my source of truth’?  If I had only two texts I could remember, what would I hold close to my heart when all else slips away?
 
There are several Scriptures that come to mind.  The words of John 3:16 would be near the top of my list; almost everyone’s list. Or, I might recall the words of 1 Peter 3:18, which for me concisely captures the heart of the Gospel message:  Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
 
David’s 23rd psalm, particularly the first and last verses would certainly warrant consideration.  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (1)  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  (6)
 
I might find I hold the words of Titus 3:3-4 close to my heart because this is the text God used to draw me to Himself:  When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 
 
I might find my heart and mind retain the words of one of the first passages I memorized, Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Or I might cling to that which has been my life verse,  1 Corinthians 15:58:  Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
 
The words of Psalm 46:1 might make my list: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Or maybe the words of Psalm 91:1-2:  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
 
I might find the words I have often quoted, particularly in funeral settings are those words that say firmly in my heart and on my lips, John 14:1-3:  Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
 
Should the day come when all I can remember are just some simple truths, maybe for me I would hold to two such truths: Taste and see that the LORD is good (Psalm 34:8) and, Be still and know that I am God.  (Psalm 46:10)  I pray that I never lose the wonder of God’s goodness, nor the ability to find rest in Him alone.
 
I wonder, what text(s) would you hold close to your heart.  I want to invite you to share those texts with one another.  Use the response from on the blog page or email your verse(s) and I will post them so that others can be encouraged as we share with one another the Words of God.

The Power of Christian Song

There's something about a fine old hymn
That can stir the heart of a man
That can reach to the goal of his inmost soul
Such as no mere preaching can

It's more than the tune of the song he sings
And it's more than the poet's rhyme
It's the Spirit of God working through these things
That gives them their power sublime

So we thank Thee, Lord, for the fine old hymns
May we use them again and again
As we seek to save from the hopeless grave
The souls of our fellow men

The words of the poet, remind us of the power of song.  Indeed, through the ages, the songs of Fanny Crosby, Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, John Peterson and the writers of contemporary Christian music have been used by God to speak into the hearts of those seeking and to build up the faith of the already committed.  Most of us would testify that many of the great hymns of our faith and the words of our more recent worship songs speak into our lives in powerful ways, often at a time in our life when we most need to be encouraged in heart and spirit.

I remember when Janice's father passed away; at his memorial service we sang 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness', one of his favourites songs and today 30+ years later, each time we sing it, I recall the strength and grace God provided during that season...strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

One of my favourite hymns is Walter Chalmers Smith's song, 'Immortal Invisible'; each line is rich in doctrine, enlightening the singer as he/she exalts our God--the eternal God of wisdom, justice and goodness, the sovereign Ruler of all.  Another favourite is Martin Luther's 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God' which is based on the text of Psalm 46; a song that draws us to the One who is our refuge and strength.

Some of our songs allow us to express the desire of our hearts as we respond to our God in worship.  The hymn Be Thou My Vision is for me one of those songs:  Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.  The song gives to me perspective and assurance and helps to recalibrate my heart...Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.  God has used the final words of 'Take My Life and Let It Be' to refocus the central commitment of my heart...take myself and I will be, ever, only all for Thee.

And it's not just the great hymns of our faith; at a time when my own strength was failing I turned to the One who promises strength for each day through the words of the song He is Able...more than able to accomplish what concerns me today.  The words of 'Sole Desire'...I've come to know the joy of loving you, allow me to draw near to One who calls me His beloved.  'Lord, I Give You My Heart' is another song that allows me to recalibrate my heart in declaring again...this is my desire, to honour you, Lord with all my heart, I worship You. 

Such is the power of sacred songs.  We all have songs that speak into our lives; for some it's the great old hymns and for others is might cross a spectrum of the songs of our past and the more contemporary worship of today.  As we reflect on the power of song, I want to invite you to post a reply...what are the songs that speak into your life?  Let's share those songs with one another as we seek to encourage each other and to continually offer a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:5) to our God.

It was a name from the past that seemed to come out of nowhere; but as I thought about 'Mr. O', I quickly recognized the connect was in the passage of Scripture in front of me.

Whatever I used to count as my greatest accomplishments, I’ve written them off as a loss because of Christ. And more so, I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing…compared to knowing Jesus my Lord.

When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness...but…relying on the faithfulness of the Christ.

I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, so that I may arrive safely.

I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything Christ Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.  

Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.  I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus Christ. 

For now, let’s hold on to what we have been shown and keep in step with these teachings.

                                                                                                                                                 Philippians 3:7-16

The words of the Apostle Paul brought to mind a time when Mr. Ottaway, our worship leader at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Chatham, Ontario, sang a song by Steven Fry entitled, O, I want to Know You More.  I could see his face and her him sing the words:

Just the time I feel that I've been caught in the mire of self
Just the time I feel my mind's been bought by worldly wealth
That's when the breeze begins to blow, I know the Spirit's call
And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love

Oh I want to know You more
Deep within my soul I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

To feel Your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me
Cries that say, I want to know You
Oh I want to know You more

And when my daily deeds, ordinarily lose life and song
My heart begins to bleed, sensitivity to Him is gone
I've run the race but set my own pace and face a shattered soul
Now the gentle arms of Jesus, warm my hunger to be whole

Oh I want to know You more
Deep within my soul I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

To feel Your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me
Cries that say, I want to know You
Oh I want to know You

And I would give my final breath to know You in Your death and resurrection
Oh I want to know You more
Oh I want to know You -- to know You more
Oh I want to know You more

Copyright 1983 - Birdwing Music - CCLI #264120

Once again my heart was stirred, as it was the fist time I heard it as a new Christian.  (Years later when I was pastoring in Hamilton, Ontario, I invited Lloyd to sing the same song at our church there; hearts were deeply moved, including mine.)  Thank you, 'Mr. O' -- you were to me a mentor and friend!  One day I will get to hear you sing again in heaven!

Despite my failures and limitations and at times, a sense of deep disappointment for having chosen my own way, the words of Scripture and the words of this song draw be back to the presence of my Lord and there I am able to find rest in His presence.

My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

My friends at Valley, may that same passion to live in and rest in the presence of God be yours as you continue this journey of faith.  May you hear the Lord Jesus say to you:  Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5)

In the opening chapter of  the New Testament book of Romans, the Apostle Paul writes these words:  What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.  (Romans 1:19-10)  Look around Paul says, for the created world will point you to the Creator, to the God of this universe.  In fact Paul would say you have to supress / deny the truth to come to any other conclusion than the truth that there is a Creator, there is a God. 

While driving to Grande Prairie with Lisa last week I had time to slow down and take in the beauty of God's creation all around me.  As we headed north toward Valemount, the sun broke through and it wasn't long before we could gaze upon snow-capped mountains.  We had a clear view of the peak of Mt. Robson and marvelled again at just how spectacular the drive along highway 16 is.  No wonder the hymn-writer would declare:  I sing the might pow'r of God that made the mountains rise. 

On the flight back home the plane rose above the clouds and for several minutes I starred out the window at the mountain peaks as they broke through the layer of clouds, dotting the sky with the majesty of these mountain tops.  The heaven's really do declare the glory of God!  (Psalm 19:1)

As we drove through Jasper Park a recent snowfall had left a heavy layer of snow on the ground and trees; the scene was like a Christmas card, absolutely breath-taking.  Further north, coming into Grande Prairie, milder temperatures followed by a light snow and then quick drop in the temperature had turned the entire area into a picturesque winter scene; every tree and bush declared the splendor of the Creator.  I even saw a spider-web, still very much intact, covered in a layer of white that made the ordinary extraordinary in beauty.

One of the great hymns of our faith calls us to join in the chorus of praise as we gaze upon the beauty of the earth and worship the One who created such beauty.  The world around us invites us to enter into this chorus of praise and adoration.  Every day we have those moments when we ought to pause in amazement to realize we have been given eyes to see and ears to ear the beauty all around us.  

​
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise

For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night
Hill and vale and tree and flower
Sun and moon and stars and light
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.

We sometimes sing:

As we have been reflecting on what our souls need to be fully alive in Christ and in particular this past Sunday on the need to foster a spirit of gratitude, the challenge for this week was to write our own prayers of blessing.So here is my list:

Blessed are you, Lord for the gift of rest;  he grants sleep to those he loves (Psalm 127:2); for your abiding presence through the night hours and the assurance that you are with me as a new day begins.
 
Blessed are you, Lord for giving me the gift of this new day and the promise of your mercy and grace to accompany me throughout this day.  This is the day you have made, I will receive it as a good gift and rejoice and be glad in it.  (Psalm 118:24)

Blessed are you, Lord for giving to me the strength of body and mind I have this day; for eyes to see and hears to listen and the beauty of your created world all around me.  I think again of the words of G. K. Chesterton, "Here ends another day during which I have had eyes, ears, hands, and the great world around me, and tomorrow brings another. Why am I allowed two?"

Blessed are you, Lord for giving to me a beautiful and gifted wife.   A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (Proverbs 31:10-11)

Blessed are you, Lord for giving to me three children that have grown up knowing you and are all doing well.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  (Psalm 127:3)

Blessed are you, Lord for giving me a reason for being, a purpose for this day; a ministry to embrace and an opportunity to serve you.  Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.  (1 Timothy 3:13)

Blessed are you, Lord for the gift of your Spirit; to guide me according to your truth and direct my path this day.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13)

Blessed are you, Lord for the gift of your Word.  Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Blessed are you, Lord for the gift of the Church; for my church family at Valley.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

Blessed are you, Lord for the promise of your abiding presence with me throughout this day.  My soul needs to be with you:  As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  (Psalm 42:1)  And thank you that should the days ordained for me come to an end on this day I have the promise of a home in heaven, being prepared for me:  Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)   Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

Blessed are you, Lord!  What good God you've been; what a faithful God you've been, what a loving God you've been to me!

O, the pure delight of a single hour, that before Thy throne I spend (Fanny Crosby – I Am Thine, O Lord)…Really!  An hour!  I have a hard time keeping my mind focused for a few minutes!

My desire to honor the principle of the Sabbath in my weekly routine (a ‘take away’ from my summer Sabbatical) got off to great start the first 2-3 weeks; this week is proving to more challenging to carve out that one day in seven…but there’s still time to redeem this week!  I’m learning just how much of challenge this is! It sounds simple, one in seven but it is so very hard to put into practice.

Last week as I sat outside listening to worship music and seeking to be still in the presence of the Lord, I found it incredibility difficult to do just that – to be still.  My body wanted to go to some yard work that needed to be done and my mind was all over the place.  I began to think about the message for Sunday and had to resist the temptation to go to the computer to make some notes.  And then one of the songs I was listening to turned my mind to our worship and I wanted to go and make a note of an idea!  All the while the words of Psalm 46:10 were being pushed to the back of my mind:  Be still and know that I am God.

At one point, I looked over at Chara, who was lying in her usual spot on our deck box, soaking up the sunshine.  She was just quietly taking in all the things around her and didn’t seem to have a care in the world.  A grasshopper caught her attention for the moment and then a blowing leaf—she was totally focused on what was happening in the present.  I don’t think her mind was racing ahead, wondering about what’s for dinner or if a walk was in the afternoon plans.  As I watched her she seemed to be ‘in the moment’, just happy to sitting outside with her master. She was content to come and sit by my feet and so very happy to have me recognize her presence with a gentle scratch behind her ears.

As I thought about that experience, I realized how God longs for us to simply be in His presence; to present with Him in those moments and to allow Him to build up and encourage and comfort and strengthen us as we learn to abide with Him. 

The Bible says:  The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.  (Zephaniah 3:17). 

What would it be like to enter the presence of our Father; to bask in the truth that he delights in me; to let Him affirm his love for me and to hear my God rejoicing over me with singing?

Lord, take me to that place.  I still have so much to learn; teach me what it is to be present with You in the moments of my day.  Let me hear your voice and know the joy of You rejoicing over me in song.