Over the last few days, I have been reading Jimmy Draper's book, Don't Quit Before You Finish.  Draper has been pastoring/ serving in a ministry setting for over 60 years.  As someone who has been serving in the church for 40 years now, his words have given to me both a measure of encouragement and challenge as I seek to honor the One who has called me and continues to lead my life and ministry. 

I started serving in the church as a new Christian in my late teens and through that experience I began to sense a nudging from God to attend Bible College. After a year and half of wrestling with God, I launched out on a journey that would see Him confirm His calling in my life; a calling to pastoral ministry.  Over the years it is this calling that has sustained me, when I might otherwise have bailed out.  As Draper observes:  The sacrificial life of ministry is simply too demanding and too stressful to endure with the certainty of a calling directly from the Lord.  You simply cannot maintain your commitment to serve without this assurance.

I have known God's blessing, I have experienced His grace and been strengthened by His Spirit all along my journey.  He has gifted me to serve and has given more of His grace when my gifting and abilities and my own strength has not been enough.  'God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.'  In this I often go back to a verse of Scripture that has been a foundation for my life and ministry:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  That others would say they have been blessed by my ministry is simply a testimony to the grace of God and His faithfulness to those He calls.

I have not made this journey alone; Janice has been by my side now for almost 38 years; we began ministry together -- no one celebrated my graduation from Bible College more than she did (maybe because I would now be able to get a job!) -- and she continues to be my ministry partner; a source of encouragement and blessing.  God knew that I could not do this without her.

And He has allowed me to serve and to lead in His church -- a privilege and responsibility I take very seriously.  I still believe to the core of my being that the church is the hope of the world and the only hope for the church is to remain faithful to His Word and for her people to be life-long worshippers of God.  This is my deep desire for Valley; which is why I continue to call you to stay faithful, to give and serve -- don't quit, don't bail out, don't give up, until you are finished -- until we cross the finish line and enter into the presence of our Lord and hear Him say, 'well done, good and faithful servant'.

As Janice and I prepare too move from the 'empty-nest' season to that of being grandparents, our journey has caused me to reflect on the changing seasons of our lives.  I think of friends who have made the transition into assisted living or a care facility; those who have moved to be closer to family or those who have made the journey through loss and grief and now are continuing on without their husband or wife by their side.  I think as well of those who have graciously accepted limitations because of changing health, those who have given up their license / car or have made significant changes to adapt along the way.

I celebrate those who have created a new identity in their retirement years; who have oriented their lives around a different role than that which defined them in an earlier season of life; taking on the role of a church leader, volunteer or grandparent.  Retirement can be an incredible opportunity to re-invest our lives into our churches and communities and the people we love – in the work of God’s kingdom.  If you look up the work retire in the dictionary – it means ‘to take out of use’; that was never God’s plan for our lives..  Our retirement years can bring a whole new purpose to our lives.  As Ken Blanchard has noted: Now that you’re at a point in your life where you can do something truly important, you need to get under God’s agenda and out from under your own.  Parenthetically, you can’t finish well if believe your best days are behind you!

Nothing is static; resist and try to hold on if you can; some times our 'stubbornness' can serves us well as we fight for our independence, but sometimes we simply need to accept the fact that things have changed and learn to let go and move on graciously -- it's part of living well and finishing well.  No of us is getting any younger! and sometimes we need to be able to laugh at ourselves -- it helps keep perspective!  Solomon recognized this when he wrote about his journey in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 12 (1-8) offers an insightful and somewhat humorous commentary on aging.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach (live long enough and old age will come!) when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”
(loss of zeal)

2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, (the world looks darker as our eyes weaken) and the clouds return after the rain; (hope is short lived)

3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, (body is weaker)
when the grinders cease because they are few, (loss of teeth)
and those looking through the windows grow dim; (loss of vision)
​
4 when the doors to the street are closed (loss of mobility)
and the sound of grinding fades; (loss of hearing)                                                                          
when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; (fatigue)

5 when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; (fears / phobias)
when the almond tree blossoms (white hair)
and the grasshopper drags himself along (physical limitations)
and desire no longer is stirred. (self- explanatory!  See me if you need a further explanation!)
Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets. (death)

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well,  (loss of possessions)

7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.  8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!” (the meaninglessness of aging and death)
​
As Solomon writes about his own journey, gives us the key to finishing well:  Remember your Creator... (Ecclesiastes 12:1).  How simple and yet profound.  God, who is unchaning (Malachi 3:6), knows each of us intimately; His grace will carry us through the changing seasons of life and allow us to live well, through each of those seasons and to finish well for His glory.

The promise of God to His people is simple in its essence and profound in its beauty; it is a core belief of our faith: The Lord watches over all who love him.  (Psalm 145:20)  It is a promised reiterated over and over again in the pages of the Bible.  

God promised Jacob:  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.  (Genesis 28:15)  To Moses, God would say:  My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.  (Exodus 33: 14)  To Joshua he gave this promise:  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Joshua 1:5) 

God speaks to David in Psalm 32 and gives him this promise: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.  (Psalm 32:8) 

In Psalm 121 we have these words that re-enforce this truth: The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:5-8)

The presence of God that abides with us, that leads us and protects us gives us assurance in a world that can be a scary place at times.  When I feel vulnerable and afraid, when the path before me is uncertain, when I cannot find rest for my soul, when my own strength fails me and I have no where else turn, God is there, watching over me -- in this I find a measure peace and joy.  

God has said through the prophet Jeremiah:  I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.  (Jeremiah 33:6).  In this world, any sense of lasting security is fleeting, but in the Lord we find what our hearts truly long for; a sense of belonging, to feel safe and secure.  Through faith, we have a hope that is for us an anchor for our souls.  (Hebrews 6:19)

In the word of Peter, we confess:  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  (John 6:68)  We have One who is to us our refuge and strength, who invites us:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Matthew 11:28-29)

It's no wonder David could say:  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)  

As we continue our journey through this life what greater assurance could we find than to know there is a God who loves us, who cares for us, who walk with us; you tell me, where else can you find such assurance;  where else can you turn to find rest and security? 

Like the Psalmist, we pray:  ​Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.  (Psalm 16:1)  And we confess:  Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.  (Psalm 16:5)

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength".  (Isaiah 30:15)

​Has it really been 12 years?  It seems not that long ago that Scott and Andrea and I set out from Orangeville, Ontario, travelling 4000 km to begin a new chapter of our lives in the South Okanagan.  Janice would join us a few days later, staying behind until the last of our belongs were on the moving truck.  Lisa, our oldest was getting settled into her new place in Waterloo as she continued her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.  For the first time we would not call the same place ‘home’.
 
Looking back, two thoughts immediately come to mind; how quickly the time has passed and how much things have changed.  Lisa is now in Grand Prairie, Alberta where she has been working for the past 8 years.  Scott, who returned to Ontario in the fall of 2008, is now one semester away from completing a third post-secondary degree; he will be pursing a career in health care.  He and Tiffany were married 5 years ago; they continue to make their home in Hamilton Ontario.  Andrea stayed in the South Okanagan and is now working as a nurse and Kelowna General Hospital.  She and Jason were married last June; they live an hour north of us in West Kelowna.  Janice has now been with Interior Health for almost 10 years and this September marks the beginning of my 13th year as the pastor here at Valley.
 
Our church has seen a lot of changes over these past 12 years; so many of our friends have moved out of the area or have gone to their home in heaven.  The names and faces readily come to mind and there is both a sense of joy in having shared part of the journey together and a realization that such change is inevitable within any church. Through the years, others have joined us and we have together experienced the incredible faithfulness of God.  We’ve had some ups and down along the way, but for the most part we have experienced a wonderful spirit as we have served together in the church.
 
For the past 12 years I have stood before you, faithfully teaching / proclaiming the truth of God’s Word; His Word given to us to show us how to live; His Word which we believe is our rule of life and faith, in which we find a faithful record of all that He has revealed to be true and right and good. We have looked at what the Bible says about being the church, about worship and prayer and Christian service, about what it means to live by faith and to know His amazing grace in our lives.
 
You have often heard me talk about living as a child of God, reminding us of the truth of 1 John 3:1:  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!  I am, you are, the beloved of the Father!  Henri Nouwen writes, ‘Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.’ 
 
I continue to remind myself each day that there is a God, that He loves me and we are in a covenant relationship; that He desires to break into and lead my life in ways that are consistent with His best plans for my life.  I know that He is still at work, still writing my story and your story. And because of that, I can find, we can find rest and strength and joy in our journey with Him.
 
Over the years, I have sought to cheer you on in your walk of faith, to spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) and to build you up in the faith; to bring to you the Word of God and call you to respond to God and His Word and to be a voice calling out to you, this is the way; walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).  Because friends, I believe to the core of my being that a life of faith in Jesus Christ is the best possible way for us to journey through our days on earth and it is the only way we’ll ever get to heaven.
 
I want to continue to encourage you stay faithful, to continue to participate fully in the life of the church, to serve and give and care for one another; to continue to live out the truth of my life verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58:   Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
 
I have been recently reading and reflecting again on the words of Henri Nouwen, who writes: I still believe deeply that our few years on this earth are part of a much larger event that stretches out far beyond the boundaries of our birth and death.  I think of it as a mission into time, a mission that is very exhilarating and even exciting, mostly because the One who sent me on the mission is waiting for me to come home and tell the story of what I have learned.
 
One day, I want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” from the One who has called me on this journey, so for me I need to quietly resolve to continue to walk with Him, to stay faithful to His calling in my life, seeking to be a blessing to those in my sphere of influence. 
 
As we begin a new ministry year together, I want to invite you to join we as we continue to do life together at Valley.

"It's sad."  That's the only way I can describe it.  The signs were there years ago that Ev's memory was failing; for over a decade now we have watched as Janice's mom has declined in her ability to remember, to function independently and take care of herself.  For the most part she has seemed content, sometimes remembering who we are, sometimes her face will light up, a smile will break through the dark cloud that often surrounds her; but sometimes she does not even recognize Janice.  (It's different for me, she calls every male she sees 'Ken Clarke'!)  Sometimes the music of her faith will comfort her; sometimes she is more distant, more agitated and this once gentle, gracious lady can get a bit 'cranky'. 

How else can you describe such as journey other than 'sad'?

As we drove away on a recent visit, the conversation led to a question I have asked before in the quietness of my own heart, 'why'?  Why does God allow one of His children to walk this path, why doesn't He just call her home?  My theology and my heart try to convince me that God is still at work in Ev's life and that through her He may yet be accomplishing HIs purposes in the life of another, but I have to admit, convincing myself of these truths, even though part of me knows it to be true, is not easy; at times is all seems so senseless.

As I've wrestled this through in recent days, my good and gracious God has provided a measure of peace in quietly whispering, 'Ken, if you could just see this through My eyes'.  Of course, He is right; as we see through God's eyes things always look different!  

In the eyes of God, Ev is still the gentle and gracious lady she has always been; her outward appearance and demeanour may have changed for us but God still sees her in all of her beauty and grace, just the way He created her, and she is still a child of His grace, redeemed and loved by the Lord Jesus.  In God's eyes, she is still... fearfully and wonderfully made.; She is still with us because...all the days ordained for (her) were written in (His) book before one of them came to be.  (Psalm 139:14,16)

In Genesis 16, as Hagar is seeking to flee from Sarah, she encounters and angel of God and receives a message from God.  It becomes for Hagar a defining moment in which she confesses, 'You are the God who sees me' (13).  As I watch Ev's descent, as I watch other friends walk a similar path, I need to be reminded He is the God sees and cares.

There is a story recorded for us in the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Luke, in which...one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.  (36-38)  Simon and his guests are troubled because Jesus has allowed a 'sinful woman' to touch him.  Jesus in using this as a teachable moment turns to Simon and says, Do you see this woman? (44)  Simon, do you really see her?  Do you see her as I see her? 

If we could just see through God's eyes, our whole perspective changes.

As long as I have know Ev, she has been a woman of quiet, confident faith and while it is hard at times to watch as her mind and life slip away, I need to be reminded...the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.  (Psalm 33:18)  He has not failed Ev and He will not fail her in the days ahead; she has been, is and always will be His beautiful and gracious child.  Though I sometimes struggle to make sense of it all, I can yet hold to the promise of God:  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  (Psalm 34:7)

And so...We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  (Psalm 33:20-22)

For almost 12 years now I have been calling you, the people of Valley to remain faithful--faithful to the One who has called us on this journey, faithful to His church, faithful in worship and giving and serving.  I celebrate the heart of Valley in doing just that but I also recognize we all need to be reminded of how easily we can slip into patterns of carelessness, neglecting those things that we would claim to be of highest importance; those things we intuitively know to be of the highest priority for our spiritual well-being, particularly as we grow older.

The Psalmist says…The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;  planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green… (92:12-14)  We who trust God should never view any season of life as unproductive.  Our ‘retirement’ years are a time for accomplishment, an opportunity to continue to advance the purpose of God in this world.  In the words of Dr. John Dunlop, 'Wake up every morning knowing what you are going to do that day and go to bed every night knowing that you helped someone'.  Do something!  Do something to make each day count for God.
  
As we age, what we are able to do will no doubt change, our passions may change.  We may be less involved in those things that require physical strength and more involved in quieter activities like praying and encouraging others, but we can do our part to stay faithful and honor our Lord and His church.
 
As His church we called to be Kingdom builders / workers and the admonishment in the Bible to work and serve is not age specific.  Consider how the apostle Paul viewed his life:  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.  (Philippians 1:21-26)
 
Facing execution, Paul wrestled with whether he should hope to keep on living or to allow death to become that which would allow him to be with the Lord.  He chose to hope to go on living because he saw a purpose in doing so. His remaining days would be spent encouraging Christians in their walk with the Lord
 
It was Paul who said…Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. (Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.) Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
 
The Bible tells the story of men and women, like Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Caleb, David, who built the temple just before his death, and Elizabeth and Zacharias, Anna, Simeon and the Apostle John, who made significant contributions in their later years.
 
Dallas Willard, in his book Renovation of the Heart  argues that meaningfulness always requires a context.  
And that it is faith in God is that which gives life its ultimate purpose and meaning.  Willard says...Knowing God and believing that there is a plan and purpose for our lives should fill us with joy.  So he exhorts...you should devote the rest of your life to doing those things which you know to be good and profitable for humanity.
 
I believe that it is not dying that people are afraid of.  Something else, something more unsettling and more tragic than dying frightens us.  We’re afraid of never having lived; of coming to the end of our days with the sense that we were never really alive; that we never figured out what live was for.   (Harold Kushner)

Staying faithful means figuring out what is important; it means living well to the end and finishing well when our race on earth is completed.  So, my friends at Valley...Stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Over these past few weeks as we have gathered around the cross, examining the words spoken by Jesus; as we have moved from the cross to the empty tomb, my thoughts have been focused on the sufficient work of the Lord Jesus; all that has been accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection.  The depth of understanding may very well be beyond our full comprehension, but given what do know from Scripture, we of necessity must respond with reverence and humility as we contemplate what the finished work of Christ provides for us.

In Christ, we have been reconciled to God.  Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. 
(Colossians 1:22-23)

In Christ, we have peace with God.  Therefore, 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)

In Christ, our sins have been forgiven.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.  (Ephesians 1:7)

In Christ, we have become the beloved of the Father.  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!  (1 John 3:1)

In Christ, we have all that we need to live a life of faith.  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  (Ephesians 1:3)  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  (2 Peter 1:3)

In Christ, we find strength.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 
(Philippians 4:13 - NKJV)

In Christ, we have confidence and access to God.  In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  (Ephesians 3:12)

In Christ, we are never alone.  Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

In Christ, we have hope.  Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21)

In Christ, we have the sure and certain promise of heaven.   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.  (John 14:1-3)

The riches that we hold in and through Christ are truly beyond our ability to fully grasp, but we know nonetheless, that in Christ we are blessed beyond measure; in Him we find grace and love, we find strength and courage, rest, peace and hope that cannot be found in any other.   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.

Several times in the last few weeks I have been asked, 'how is your dog'?  As many of you know, Chara was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in the fall of 2017.  She was just three at the time so the thought of having to let her go without trying to treat the cancer just didn't sit well with me.  The treatment's have worked to extend her days, well beyond the initial prognosis.  We know at some point the cancer will get the upper hand, but right now we're just enjoying having her around.  Chara, whose name means 'joy' is living up to her name--she's bringing much joy into our lives as she reminds me each day that life is a gift.

Life is a gift!  This is one of those messages you have heard from me before; it is one I repeat often because I believe it to core of my being.  Through all the ups and downs of our lives; each step along the way, from the mountain top through the valley, in good health and favorable circumstances or when our health is failing and storm rages all around, our journey through this life is a gift from the hand of a good and gracious God.

The Psalmist speaks of the abundant goodness of God (145:7) and the familiar words of Psalm 23:6 speak to us of the goodness and love of God; given in this life and carried forward for all eternity.:  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.

Life comes from God.  Genesis 2:7 reminds us:  the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.  David, in reflecting on his life writes in Psalm 139: 
For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.  (Psalm 139:13-16)

Life is a gift from God, and a such it is precious.  We must not take this gift for granted but rather embrace it in all it's fullness.  God has given us so much, the invitation to walk with Him through all our days, the gift of family and friends, the beauty of the created world around us and the opportunity to engage in purposeful activities; to do good and bless others as we live out our days here on earth.  He has given us a church family with whom we can share this season of our lives; the opportunity to walk together, to bless and encourage one another. 

So my friends at Valley, embrace the gift you've been given and share it together! 

Blessed to be a blessing!

I am fiercely independent.  Perhaps you are as well.  I grew up without the influence of my father and as such, I developed a mindset in which I would tell myself, 'I don't need him, I don't need anyone'.  For most of my adult life, I would seek solutions to the challenges before me on my own, trusting my own instincts and being very skeptical of the motives of others.  In some ways, I would say I have developed some inner strength because of this approach; but I also know there is a price to pay for being stubbornly independent.

My theology and my practical walk of faith tells me such thinking does not align well with the truth of the Scriptures but being strong-willed, I have often allowed this tension to create a measure of angst that I continue to learn simply isn't God's way.

As a 17-year-old kid, who didn't think he needed God in his life, I was one day ambushed by the grace and kindness of our Lord; it changed my life.  When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved me , not because of righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy.  (Titus 3:4)  I entered into a covenant relationship with God, who has faithfully led and directed my path.  I have been the recipient of His unbounded grace!  I know this, but it has taken years of sometimes struggling in my own strength to learn that I desperately need God's care and protection and leading in my life--I am still learning that I NEED a Shepherd to guide me.

David's words in Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd; familiar, simple, beautiful and incredibly profound continue to speak into my life in new and fresh ways.  As we begin a series of messages on Psalm 23, I have been struck with the wonder of one simple word in the first line of this psalm, The Lord is MY shepherd. 

I marvel to think that Yahweh, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the all-wise, all-knowing, ever-present, faithful and loving God of the Bible is my Shepherd; He cares for me!
He walks with me through all the up's and downs of life, on the mountain top and in the valley, guiding my path; He watches over me and protects me.  I am reminded that the one who invited me into this covenant relationship so many years ago, still desires to journey with me through this season, through all the remaining days of my life; that He is cheering me on, exhorting me to stay faithful and to finish well for His honor and glory.

As I think of where we are as a church and the opportunities before us to continue to spur one another on to love and good deeds and I wonder how might our lives be different if we simply abandoned ourselves to the care of our Shepherd; giving ourselves fully to Him and learning to rest completely in Him.  Maybe I'm not the only one who is sometimes stubbornly independent, maybe I'm not the only one who needs to let go and allow my Shepherd to lead me to the green pastures and still waters, maybe I'm not the only one who needs a faithful Guide to walk with me, even through the valley of the shadow of death or in the presence of my enemies.

As we share this series together, may you find yourself allowing THE Shepherd to be your Shepherd; that you might know His goodness and love all the days of your life.

Built into the end of the year, the closing of one calendar year and turning the page to begin a new year, is the process of reflecting.  For the past number of days, I have been doing just that, asking myself, 'where is my heart and mind focused as we continue our journey into 2019'?

For me there are three thoughts that have dominated my time of reflecting; thoughts that flow out of a core belief and an identified sense of purpose for this season of my life.

A rich part of my Christian experience is knowing that there is a God, that we are in a covenant relationship, that He loves me and wants to break into my life and lead it in ways that are consistent with His purposes, and in a way that will cause me to flourish as the man He has created to be.  For me, I have to continually cycle back to this core belief to recalibrate my heart; it is the very foundation of my relationship with God.  And in a strange but wonderful way, it has sustained me and renewed me for the past 40+ years.

As well as cycling back to this core belief, I have also been reflecting on what I have identified as  my purpose during this season of my life -- a three-fold purposes that flows out of the covenant relationship I have with  God and the values that guide my life of faith:  to learn to live in, to rest more fully in the presence of God and to align my life and service accordingly, living as a beloved child of God and a worshipper of the King; to be faithful to His calling in my life, participating fully in His Kingdom / His Church, faithfully proclaiming and living  out the truth of God in my sphere of influence, serving and giving and seeking to do good and bless others as God gives opportunity; and to be a blessing to those in my relational world, especially those closest  to me, to cheer them on and give to them a legacy of faith and trust. 

I find myself dwelling on the words of David in Psalm 23:  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
(Psalm 23:1-3)  In these words I seek after more of God's presence and to learn to rest in Him, the One who sees and cares.  I need continually to be reminded, I am the beloved of God.

As one who has struggled with a sense of restlessness, the words of the Apostle Paul speak to me as we enter a New Year:  I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  (Philippians 4:11-13)  The truth is, none of us know what 2019 will bring; some of our friends are facing days of uncertainty; we would all do well to learn what is to be content, to abide more fully with our Lord.

I continued to be challenged by Paul's words to the believers in Rome:  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  (Romans 12:6-8)  I live with an awareness of my responsibility to be faithful to His calling in my life and also of just how weak and frail I am in my own strength.  The words of Jesus continue to speak to me:  apart from me you can do nothing.  (John 15:5)

You have heard me say time again, we have so much opportunity to do good.  We have been given so much and the New Year brings with it incredible opportunities to bless others.  Paul writes:  Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  (1 Timothy 6:17-19)   May we be found faithful in doing good!

There is one final reflection I want to share with you as we enter a New Year.  It's a thought that was impressed upon my heart as new Christian, as 17-year-old, and now I as I journey through my 60th year, continues to bring perspective to my life.  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  (Colossians 3:1-2)  There is much in this life to enjoy and our Father has invited us to live life to the fullest, but always with one eye on eternity--may that be our experience as we walk into a New Year and continue our journey together at Valley.

Happy New Year, friends!

Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey.  (Genesis 22:3)  What if Abraham had not continued?

Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”  (Exodus 3:2)  What if Moses had not stopped?

‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’ (Joshua 3:8)  What if Joshua and priests had not stepped in the river?

...with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.  (1 Samuel 17:40)   What if David had not gone out to face Goliath?

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.  (Luke 2:15)  What if the shepherds had not gone to Bethlehem?

The Bible is filled with stories of those who fully embraced the moment before them, who turned aside and chose to live in the present, to seize the opportunity and in so doing, to experience the blessing of God.

As we approach Christmas we find ourselves once again being drawn into the frenzied pace that is part of our North American holiday culture.  There is a hurried-ness build into the season in which we find ourselves moving from one gathering to the next and scurrying at home to plan and prepare so that everything is 'just right'.  I suppose these things are not necessarily of concern, unless, unless we fail to slow down long enough to simply enjoy the moment and those with whom we share the moment; unless they draw us away from the which is most important -- being in that place where God can meet with us in any moment.

We often talk about living in the moment, being fully present, not taking anything granted but living each day with an awareness of what God is doing today, living for Him and enjoying the fullness of life around us.  But do we really live that way?  So often, my mind races ahead and I wonder why is it so hard to be present with those I love and care for and to fully engage in the moment; am I missing out on what God is doing because I'm too busy looking ahead; am I not picking up on His leadings and promptings because I have my own agenda?

Solomon reminds us...We should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now.  (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 - The Message)  I love the way Peterson captures this text, 'make the most'...'God deals out joy in the present'. 

Jesus said...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  (Matthew 6:34)

Isaiah writes...do not dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18) and the writer of Hebrews tells us...be content with what you have.  (Hebrews 13:5)

The example of Abraham and Moses, Joshua, David and the shepherds all remind us of the need to open ourselves up to what God is doing today, in this moment.  As we continue to move through the Christmas season and into a New Year, may we make time for those that matter most to us, taking in each moment shared as a gift from God. May we have eyes to see and ears to listen that we might be a blessing to those who cross our paths.  And may we make time to slow down, to listen, to be in that place where God has our full attention that He might lead us to receive all that He has for us each and every moment. 

My friends at Valley, this Christmas may we truly learn what it means to live in the moment.

As you read this posting, I am continuing my summer break; a time for which I am grateful to be able to lay aside my pastoral responsibilities and enjoy a time of rest and refreshment.  I am grateful for the team that is leading you in my absence.  I have been blessed to have had such a faithful group of servants who regularly give of their time and talents to serve our Lord and His church.
 
For the past 11 years I have stood before you, faithfully teaching / proclaiming the truth of God’s Word; His Word given to us to show us how to live; His Word which is our rule of life and faith, and a faithful record of all that He has revealed to be true and right and noble.  We are blessed to have written words from God, who breaks into human history to reveal Himself to us; who is at work in our world and in our lives; who leads and directs us according to His plans and purposes.
 
Over the past years we have looked at what the Bible says about worship, about prayer and what it means to live by faith.  We have come to know and to marvel in the truth of His amazing grace in our lives and to live out the words of Philippians 4:6-7:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
Many of you have known this peace and it’s my prayer you would continue abide in his love and grace all the days of your life – calling out to our God for strength and courage to face whatever may come our way and interceding for those we love.
 
You have often heard me talk about living as a child of God.  John writes:  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1-2)
 
I don’t know what it is like for you, but I constantly need to be reminded of this truth. Henri Nouwen writes, ‘Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.’  I have to remind myself each day that there is a God and that He loves me; that we are in a covenant relationship.  His desire is to break into and lead my life; He is still at work in my life, still writing my story.  And friends, He is still at work in your life; still writing your story.  And because of that, we can find rest and strength and joy in our journey with Him. 
 
As I noted in the last blog posting, for me, I am still learning learn to allow the Shepherd of my soul to lead me to green pastures and quiet waters.  And this is my desire for you; that you too would find rest and joy in Him.  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  (Psalm 23:1-3)
 
Often I have encouraged you to stay faithful; to live out the truth of my life verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58:   Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
 
Especially in this season of our lives – when we feel the effects of growing older, when we grow tired and weary; this is the very time we need to stay faithful; to stay the course all the way to the finish line!
 
It has been my observation that many, contrary to what we might think, lose courage; we lose confidence as we grow older.  So I have sought to cheer you on in your walk of faith; to spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), and to build you up in the faith, to bring to you the Word of God and call you to respond to God and His Word; to be a voice calling out to you…This is the way; walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).
 
Because friends, I believe to the core of my being that a life of faith in Jesus Christ is the best possible way for us to journey through our days on earth!  And it’s the only way we’ll spend eternity together in heaven.  This is the central message of the Christian faith and so you have heard me often declare this message to you that Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)   
 
It really is the best possible life and I pray that you would embrace it, receive it and live confidently as His beloved son / daughter.  I pray that you might live with assurance; that you would have a confident faith that will carry you through whatever life brings your way and will lead you boldly to the gates of heaven; that you would live well and finish well for His honor and glory.
 
Our life and legacy is about so much more than what we do for the short time we are on this earth.  Henri Nouwen writes…I still believe deeply that our few years on this earth are part of a much larger event that stretches out far beyond the boundaries of our birth and death.  I think of it as a mission into time, a mission that is very exhilarating and even exciting, mostly because the One who sent me on the mission is waiting for me to come home and tell the story of what I have learned.
 
There is a part of me that can’t wait!  What a day….what day that will be!
 
Until that day…until He comes or calls us home may we be found faithful!

During a recent conversation with a ministry colleague, the topic inevitably came around to a phrase I have heard before, 'the summer slump' -- that time of the year when attendance at Sunday worship is down, and the budget tends to take a hit. It seems this is a pattern, a cycle in many churches.  I suppose we ought not to be surprised; summer is the preferred time to travel and to do so is often a very positive experience as we break from the normal routines of life and catch up with family and friends.  And very often, people will also take the opportunity to worship in other settings as they travel.

I tend not to be too concerned about 'the summer slump'.  My experience at Valley is that we are a very 'transient' congregation; many are in their retirement years and have the freedom to travel / get away.  On any given Sunday a third or more of our people may be away; the next Sunday they may be back and a different group may be absent.  Some are dealing with health issues that keep them from getting out and let's be honest there are other factors that often compete for our time on Sunday morning. 

It is a different day in the church today; gone are the days when schedules were built around Sunday worship.  I remember my father-in-law arranging his travel to leave after church or to be back for Sunday.  If company was around, they were invited to come along or he would  excuse himself for the hour and half needed to be at church.  If there was a family outing, they simply joined after church.  I had an worship team leader in Markham who carried the same value -- I knew I could count on him.

As I talked with this pastor, there was a sense of resignation around this matter; we really don't have any choice but to accept this 'new reality'; it is what it is and many who would consider themselves regular church goers may be absent 50% or more of the time.  The church has changed, but is it for the better?  How do we develop a strong, vibrant, confident faith while opting out of the worship gathering or passing on the invitation to be part of a small group experience or an opportunity to serve?

In all of this, the words of Hebrews 10 are screaming to be heard:  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another  (24-25).

We are called to bring out the best in one another, to build up and encourage one another in the faith; to remind each other that being part of the gathering is a significant factor in our spiritual growth and confidence.  Sometimes we need to spur one another on in this regard; to not allow each other to become complacent, to settle for a comfortable, convenient faith.  I've seen many make heroic efforts to get to medical appointments or even to go out for lunch or dinner but on Sunday morning, it's a different story.

It's too easy to stay away, to make excuses and blow off that which the Word identifies as of supreme importance.  One cannot read the New Testament without coming face-to-face with the centrality of church in the life of all believers.  To say 'I'm a believer but church really isn't that important to me', to say 'I'm a Christians but I just don't go to church', is inconsistent with the truth we find in the pages of Scripture. 

It may be that my friend is right, we have no choice but to accept 'it is what it is'.  But I am still going to call you to give God His rightful place in your life; to honor His church; to come, to serve and to give; to do whatever it takes to be faithful to our God and His church.  Sometimes it comes down to a simple commitment...just get in the car! 

Lately, as I have been reflecting on my own journey of faith, I have been pondering some verses in Scripture that have most impacted by life.  As I share some of those texts with you, it’s my hope that these verses will encourage you and that you might find yourself reflecting on your own journey and the truths from His Word that God has used to build your faith, your life.
 
It was over 40 years ago now that God intercepted my life as a 17-year-old kid who didn’t think I needed God in my life.  In the corner of the Sheraton Brock ballroom on Good Friday, 1977, one text from the Bible gripped by heart, Titus 3:4-5:  When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved (me), not because of righteous things (I) had done, but because of his mercy.  I came to realize that God, in His mercy and kindness was drawing me to Himself and that night I quit ‘fighting’ with God and simply surrendered to His love and grace.
 
Shortly after coming to Christ I was encouraged to memorize 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 will direct your paths.  
 
I was young and spiritually naïve when I made a covenant with God to seek to the best of my ability to trust Him; I knew I could not to rely solely on my own instincts, I had to look to His leadership in my life.  In a strange but wonderful way, this covenant I have with God has sustained and renewed me for the past 40+ years.  It is a rich part of my Christian experience; it is also the very foundation of my spiritual life.
 
But, as the hymn writer has written, Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.  I know how easily I can be distracted; how easily I can come to rely on my own strength.  So, there is one verse of Scripture that God has to bring me back to, time and again.  It is the centering verse of my life:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  I have to cycle back time and again to the words of John 15:5; to recalibrate my heart and mind as I continually learn what it means to abide in Christ.
 
Over the years there has been one verse above all others, that has come to be for me, my life’s verse; it’s a verse that has an element of stubbornness, of defiance to it:  Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
 
This is the way I would want to live out my remaining days, because one day, more than anything else that drives what I do, I want to hear well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21) from the One who has called me on this journey, the One who calls me His beloved and is right now preparing a home for me in heaven.
 
Jesus said…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. (John 14:1-3) This is the hope that sustains my life as l seek to live with one eye on eternity and look to that day when my Saviour says, ‘welcome home’!
           
That day will come for all who are in Christ.  Until that day, may we all be reminded of one last truth
that so very often lifts and encourages my heart:  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (Psalm 91:1)
 
What text, what verses speak deeply to your heart?  Use the form below to share your response; to bless and encourage the hearts of others!

In the words, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried (The Apostles’ Creed), we see the centrality of cross.  Start anywhere in the Bible and the result is the same; all roads lead to the cross!
It’s at the cross that we are reminded a sacrifice was made, once and for all.  Jesus Christ laid down His life, He suffered, was crucified, died and was buried to atone for our sins and provide for us a righteous standing before the Father.
 
The crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ is the most important event in history; everything before it, leads to it, everything after it, looks back on it.  Nothing that has ever happened in human history has had the impact of the cross of Jesus Christ.  But, we need to understand, His death was not the end of the story…on the third day He rose from the dead.  (The Apostles’ Creed)
 
The Apostle Paul is very clear on this point:  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  Let there be no confusion on this point; the Gospels, the book of Acts, the letters of Paul and Peter stand in perfect harmony on this point—Jesus Christ died and then was raised from the dead.
 
The implications of this truth are more than just theological in nature, there are profound implications regarding our understanding of life and death and the afterlife.  When we stand at the graveside of a loved one, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed; it is not unusual to wonder if we will ever see them again.  In the early church some believers faced this very human struggle. 
 
Paul addresses this concern in I Corinthians 15 by reminding his readers that their confidence, their hope rested on whether or not Jesus was raised from the dead.  As you read the text, what is interesting is that Paul does not rebuke these believers for their doubts and fears, nor does offer any ‘proof’ of the resurrection.  He simply states it as a fact…that Christ died…that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day… (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  He points them back to the empty tomb and says, ‘remember, God raised His Son from the grave; everything hinges on whether or not it’s true, on whether or not you believe it to be true.
 
To drive home his point, he argues, what if Jesus has not been raised from the dead?  If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  (1 Corinthians 15:17-19)  The word futile means useless, empty, of no value.  If Jesus was not raised from the dead, the Christian faith completely collapses.  We would still be lost in our sin and there would be no hope of life eternal.  If Jesus is still in the grave, it’s all meaningless. Death wins, and our worst fears are realized as we lay a loved one to rest.
 
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!  (1 Corinthians 15:20)   And because of that, our faith does have meaning, we do have forgiveness and the sure hope of life beyond the grave. We can be certain about our own future, about all who die in Christ.
 
I have stood at the graveside, more times than I can remember, I’ve seen more death than I care to experience—it never gets easier.  Where do we find hope in the face of death?  We find it in the truth of God’s Word, in the certainty of the resurrection:  In Christ all will be made alive.  (1 Corinthians 15:22)
 
If the Lord Jesus did rise from the grave, and I believe to the core of my being He did, then we’re going to be okay. We can have our questions, our doubts, our fears; even as we drive away from the graveside, we can feel overwhelmed.  That’s not what matters.  Our faith is not determined by the strength of our belief; our faith rests on what happened at the tomb 2,000 years ago.  If Jesus was raised the dead, then death has been swallowed up in victory (I Corinthians 15:54).  We’re going to be okay!  Therefore, we can triumphantly proclaim:  Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:57)