Wednesday, November 5, 2025

“You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken.” (2 Corinthians 4: 8 -10, The Message Bible)

                It is very tempting to use these verses to describe the feelings of we, Blue Jays fan, after the crushing defeat in the World Series. But to do so would be to trivialize these words and do them a great disservice. (Although, I guess I just did anyway. Shame on me!)

                No, these words better resonate with those people who are enduring terrible, exhausting, life-threatening circumstances. Maybe it’s the wars in Ukraine, Sudan or Palestine. Maybe it’s in the palliative care wards of hospitals. Perhaps, it’s the endless addictions of drugs and alcohol that some face. Or it could be the daily confrontations of abusive spouses, parents or bosses. It might be the interminable state of depression, fear, anxiety or worry. Need I go on?  You get the picture. These words reach out to those who constantly experience troubles, feel demoralized, seem to be at a loss and spiritually terrorized.  Or in the more familiar translations: “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed… (New Revised Standard Version)

                Paul is not being some Pollyannish, stoic martyr here, trying to put on a Christian, happy face. Earlier, in this same letter, he wrote, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” (2 Corinthians 1: 8) Paul, too, experienced the deep waters of troubled times. Listen to him describe some of the details of what it was like for him. “Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home.” (1 Corinthians 4:11) There is more but you get the idea. Paul was challenged by some very harsh, life circumstances and yet as our text states, he worked his way through it all; he comes close, perhaps,  to despair but he is not defeated. His faith and trust in Jesus Christ sustain him in the most challenging of circumstances. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9 -10)

                Some may see Paul as larger-than-life, a Christian superhero. But I think that we need to appreciate his very normal, human qualities. It is indeed remarkable how he can endure so much, and yet remain so hopeful, remain resolute, remain confident, remain assured about Jesus and God’s Love through Jesus Christ.  Some might think it took herculean effort but more likely, it is the solid, human connection he had with Jesus Christ that made the difference for him. He gave us some insight and inspiration when he wrote to the Roman church: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5: 3-5)

                Everyone is different and unique as to how they handle their troubled times. The last thing that I would ever say is that we should put on a phoney, happy face because of some ideology that preaches that Christians should always be happy and never be sad or depressed.  Life can be nasty sometimes. What we need, though, is a working faith which gives us something to hold onto when the storms come. We do not know what the future holds for us but we can deepen our trust that Jesus walks with us in the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are not abandoned.

                “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8: 35 – 39)

                To that, I say, Alleluia!

 

Dale

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…” (Matthew 6:25, New Living Translation)

                It seems to me that Jesus’ words fly over the head of any hardcore Toronto Blue Jays fan.  Deep worry and anxiety are fundamental attitudes for those of us who passionately cheer for this team on a regular basis. Now that the Jays are in the World Series, it is even worse. We agonize over every pitch, squirm when the Dodgers are winning, complain over the manager’s pitching decisions, gripe about the umpires, have sleepless nights after a loss, sit on the edge of our seats during a game wringing our hands and shaking our heads, praying for divine intervention. Look up ‘anxiety’ in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of a Blues Jays fan – probably mine.

                There was a news clip on the CBC last night which claimed that this stress and worry about our sports’ teams can be bad for our health, especially if we have a serious heart condition.  Blood pressure increases. Bio-chemicals get stirred up. Our breathing may become affected. Our physical domain is put in jeopardy because of our intense relationship with the teams we cheer for and die for. Don’t I know it!

                I know that they are just games. World peace does not depend on them.  The sun still comes up even after a loss. Nobody dies. There is always a next time. But in the moment, worry and anxiety seep in and take over more often than not.

                We really should save our anxiety for more serious matters in the world.  We need to concerned about big things like wars, pollution, hatred, racism, and the like. Or perhaps, it is more personal - health issues, relationship troubles, financial concerns, employment difficulties, troubled children, etc.  These are indeed troubled times we live in and we can weigh ourselves down with anxiety and worry.

                Yet Jesus has the audacity to tell us not to worry about everyday things. Perhaps being concerned is not quite the same as being worried and anxious but, either way, our fears, worries, anxieties, even concerns can threaten to overwhelm us. Jesus looks us in the eyes and challenges us not to let the bad win out. Don’t let the challenges take over our lives and don’t let the darkness prevail when it surrounds us.  Let our faith, in fact, show us the way out of those worries. Let our trust in God prevail when life becomes troublesome. Let our hope in God take hold rather than despair. “Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.” (Psalm 10:17)

                I don’t think that this trust in the face of adversity means we are seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses. It doesn’t make us gullible or naïve. It doesn’t lead us into wishful or fanciful thinking. It doesn’t mean that all our problems will magically disappear. But standing on the promises of God give us a firm foothold, a rock upon which to stand, when the storms are fierce and dangerous.

                “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 5: 31 -33)

                Paul wrote much about the ideal of hope. It was one of the cornerstones of walking with Jesus: faith, hope and love. For a man who faced so much adversity, it is remarkable that his personal sense of hope was so strong and vibrant. “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12) Having hope rather than anxiety gives us strength, courage, perseverance, determination, and sometimes, even a sense of peace, all because of knowing God’s Love for us. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

                Let’s not allow the world to get the better of us. “But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.” (Hebrews 3:6)

                But really, Lord, can you help out the Blue Jays?

Dale

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12: 12 -13, New Living Translation)

               The five baptisms, this past Sunday, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church (Toronto) made this scripture text come alive.  There were a variety of ages, people of colour, genders and personality. It was heart-warming to witness the authentic and sometimes spontaneous joy each person was feeling as they “went through the waters.” Baptism is more than just a church-y, perfunctory ritual but as this ceremony was, baptism is something personal, intimate and communal. We all share the same Spirit.

                One woman grew up with atheistic parents. Another grew up in a different country than Canada. Each of the five had their own unique, personal story but Jesus Christ had brought them together at this time for this moment to share in this blessed experience of faith, witness and community. “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

But there was a moment which stood out for me which symbolized all a church could and should be. The second person who was baptised was a senior woman. She needed some help going down the stairs into the water. The man who was to be baptized next, helped her down the stairs, even having to step into the water himself to do so. Later, the young woman who had been baptized before her had stayed at the top of the stairs and then helped the woman get safely back up the stairs. I found this all-in-these-waters-together moment especially rich and meaningful. Perhaps, it had been arranged beforehand but that doesn’t matter. It was still a beautiful reminder of what the church can be at its best; helping hands, people looking out for each other.  Yes, baptism is a sign of God’s grace in our lives, a proclamation of accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour but it also brings us into solidarity and fellowship with the Christian family. All that and more unfolded on Sunday morning.

We are never alone in our faith journey. Many of us can fondly and lovingly recall those who have mentored, encouraged and instructed us in our faith: parents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth workers to name a few. My brother, Wayne, was a significant influence in own Christian growth.  I think of what Paul wrote to Timothy: “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5) We may not even know how our Christian witness is affecting another person.  Therefore, we should always try to be conscious that our words and actions truly reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Others are watching. “He (Jesus Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Just as the baptismal candidates were giving a helping hand to another, so we all are responsible for helping one another as we walk together in faith.  No one should ever feel alone or forgotten or abandoned or an outcast but embraced into God’s company of believers. We need each other in these troubling times more than ever.

“God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” (2 Corinthians 5: 18 -20, The Message Bible)

How can I be of help?

Dale

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil.    My cup overflows with blessings.” (Psalm 23:5, New Living Translation)

                Happy belated Thanksgiving!

                We celebrated in the usual fashion. Our family gathered for our traditional Thanksgiving feast on Sunday. Ten adults and seven grandchildren squeezed into our son’s home in Mississauga. We all pitched in by bringing something to the meal. The  turkey meal was fantastic with all the trimmings.  Equally special was the joy and blessings of being together as a family.  We are a loud and raucous group whenever we get together. “I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.” (Psalm 138:1)

                Mind you, none of this was done in “the presence of my enemies.” We were all family, of course. Even better, we are all friends with each other. Why did the David think that it was important to include the idea that God’s invitation to the table was done in the presence of his enemies? I don’t think it was a just a matter of gloating that he had it better than his foes. He had an invitation and they didn’t it. Nyah. Nyah! Although I do think that he meant that despite their animosity toward him, God’s blessing exceeded their hostility. Their hatred could not stop’s God generosity and grace.  No matter what these enemies felt about him, God’s love was stronger than their enmity. 

                My response and influence come from the New Testament, especially Jesus’ gracious words and actions. He did not exclude anyone from his table. Time after time, he was seen eating with anyone and everyone, even the most undesirable, the worst sinners, the outcast and the so-called unworthy. He practiced what he preached. Remember the parable of the banquet where the ones, supposedly friends,  who were first invited found excuses not to come.  So instead, his told his servants, “‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame… Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” (Luke 14: 21, 23) In fact, the decliners were the ones who were on the outside looking in on the feast.  Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he practiced inclusion and welcoming grace. His invitation to the whole world was that all people could enjoy God’s generosity of Love and Mercy. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

                But where does this leave our so-called enemies, the people that don’t like us, wish us harm, have no love for us? Is there anywhere at the table for them?  Jesus did say that we were to love our enemy. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 43 -45) We see people differently when we share a meal together, as we talk, find common things of interest, share about our families, open up about our thoughts and feelings. With good food and good drink, we may come to realize that the “other” is not so strange, not so alien, not so dangerous, not so evil as we first thought.

Perhaps, if some our world leaders shared a meal together instead of making war together, they would find the peace they are so longingly desperate for.  But it also is true in our own small corners of the world. A shared table becomes a peace zone where we put down our defences and hatred and pick up knives and forks and pass the bread to the one sitting across from us. “Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”  (Romans 12:20, The Message Bible)

May your days be full of good food, good people, good deeds, good thoughts and good and bountiful living.

Dale

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” (Matthew 5:5, The Message Bible)

               Of course, most of us are more familiar with this text as: “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” But I really like the Message’s interpretation.

                Either way, the verse leapt to mind, yesterday, after watching a few sound bites of the Carney/Trump meeting in Washington. Believe me, I try to watch as few clips about Trump as I possibly can. But there they were on the news, front and centre at the White House. Trump had just made the comment that Carney was a great leader. When asked why then he didn’t make a trade deal with Canada, Trump said, “I want to be a great leader, too.” It was about as close as Trump will ever get to some level of modesty and that may be stretching it. He certainly is not known for having any sense of meekness, humility or modesty.

                But it sparked some thoughts about humility or meekness. Many see meekness as weakness, a character flaw. But, in truth, humility is not a form of humiliation. It is not timidity. It is not a lack of self-confidence. It is not fear of others. It doesn’t mean being pushed around or bullied.  It is not a reluctance to express an opinion.  It does not mean that one is not bold or brave when the moment calls for it. It is not wavering or cowardice.  In fact, I think it takes a lot of courage and inner strength to be humble in life.

                But what is humility at its best? The Psalmist wrote that God “leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.” (Psalm 25:9) Humility begins in having the right mind set about doing what is right and good. This verse jibes with the one from Micah: “the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) We may have been made a little lower than the angels but we gain our appropriate self-perspective in our relationship with God. “The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” (Psalm 69:32) Meekness is the understanding that our true and best identity begins in God and not ourselves. “For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” (Psalm 149:4)   

                Being humble is the self-understanding that we are certainly not the centre of the universe or even the little corner in which we live. Our humility practices good and positive relationships. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2) There is no room for conceit, arrogance, self-importance, but rather we understand that we are not perfect and therefore we reach out to love others just as unconditionally as God has loved us. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)  

                What the Message paraphrase captures so well is that humility means to be content with just who you are.  It does not mean that we don’t need to grow, learn, improve, or discover fresh insights; even Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and all the people.” (Luke 2:52) But humility helps us keep an honest perspective about ourselves. In humility, we learn to be satisfied with who we are, what we are doing and how we are doing it. Humility cuts out envy and jealousy. It replaces pride with a spirit of well-being and inner peace (i.e. shalom). Our humility engages all others with love, tolerance, respect and grace.

                In the end, humility gives us what riches, fame or power cannot – the Love of God in Jesus Christ and our salvation. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)         

Dale

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, “I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help.” Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late…  (2 Corinthians 6: 1 -3, The Message Bible)

                “Somehow, it’s always right now until it’s later.” It’s today’s punch line out of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Calvin has a school project of collecting 50 leaves and he keeps making excuses for not getting it done even though he has two weeks to do it. Hobbes, the come-to-life plush tiger, is known for such wisdom as this.

                I grew up with a mother who insisted that if we were not at least a half hour in advance of arriving before the start time, we were therefore late. It didn’t matter what it was - church, a doctor’s appointment, a movie, theatre, dinner invitation - it was mandatory to be there early, presumingly to get a good seat, beat the crowds, beat the traffic, whatever. It was a mortal sin to be late.

Unfortunately, this script has been imbedded in my own life. Much to Susan’s chagrin, I too insist that we are always very early to wherever we are going. There have been times when I have been preaching in a church some distance away and  I have arrived even before any of the church members have shown up to open up the building. Although I can remember once when I was a divinity college student, it worked in my favour as I had a flat tire on the way to the church which was about 45 minutes away. I had enough time to change the tire and get there on time. See, my mother was right!

                There was an article last week in the Globe and Mail which challenged people who always “get all in a knot when someone is a few minutes late. Get over yourself.” (Jane Maddougal)  She is quite scornful about those who get upset over a few minutes of lateness. “The idea that a frictional time difference shows disrespect for your precious time speaks of narcissism and megalomania. I mean come on!” She advocates for patience, good will and respect for the time of others, not just your own. here can be many legitimate reasons for tardiness. She makes a point that being in time is not a contest and we need to relax.  “Lateness can happen to anyone and it doesn’t mean you are a delinquent.” It’s a good thing my mother isn’t around to read this!

                But wait a minute! (Pun intended.) If you are late, at least, one is presumably arriving at their destination – eventually.  But when lateness becomes procrastination and more delays and putting it off and postponement after postponement, never getting it done or never arriving at the destination at all then there are serious consequences. Putting off a doctor’s appointment may miss as a serious health problem. Skipping a dinner date with a friend may miss helping them in a time of crisis.  It becomes too late. Our tardiness has missed an opportunity to make a difference either for ourselves or for someone else.

                Jesus told several parables about the importance of being ready and prepared for the critical moments of our faith and practice. Instantly comes to mind is the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, five of whom had sufficient oil for their lamps to wait through the night for the groom (who, by the way, is not criticized for his lateness). But the other five were caught without enough oil and were shut out of the wedding feast all together. The message of this parable and the others like it is this: “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24: 44)

In other words, when it comes to matters of the Kingdom of God, we are called to make the most of every opportunity and step up when called and don’t make excuses or be tardy in our Christian witness and service. Putting off until tomorrow what needs to be done today is not an effective strategy for our Christian witness and service. Just as our salvation calls for an imminent and immediate response, so our salvation puts us at the front of the line in working for Jesus Christ. “Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late…”  Get it done while the doing is timely, helpful, meaningful, critical and useful. “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

My mother would have approved of this unpaid, previous message.

Dale

 Wednesday, September 24, 2025

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)

            We had a gathering of the clans in Mississauga last Saturday. The occasion was the inurnment of Susan’s mother, Barbara Neal, who passed away last January. Saturday was her birthday and it just seemed appropriate for us all to gather and honour her life once more.  Then we all gathered back at my father-in-law’s home for our family time and food. Mum Neal would have loved it.

            One of the things that Mum had told us was that she would like everyone to have an ice-cream cone at her wake. She particularly had a fondness for Dairy Queen chocolate-dipped cones. Whenever the young grandchildren stayed there for any sort of vacation time, there were always many trips to the Dairy Queen.  So, on Saturday, there was a trip to the Dairy Queen (by some brave souls) who procured 25 chocolate-dipped ice cream cones and brought them back to the house. By the time they arrived, the ice cream was already melting. We all hurried out to the back yard and grabbed a cone.  But it was a messy endeavour to say the least, A lot of folk, especially some of the great-grandchildren, were covered in gooey ice cream by the time we were done. The patio area was bespeckled with melted drips and drabs. Even some of the adults were wiping ice cream off their clothes.  We were all laughing at the craziness of this celebration. It was a riot. Mum would have enjoyed every inane, messy minute of it.

            Taste and see the Lord is good.  In these troubled, anxious times, we all need to eat some ice cream and even drip a little chocolate-dipped ice cream on ourselves. We need to be reminded of the joys of family, experience some laughter, don’t take ourselves too seriously, do something silly, remind ourselves God has a sense of humour too,  and let the ice cream drip away. It’s OK if it gets messy. It’s OK if we spill some. It’s OK when we get together as family and friends and imbibe in life’s joys, laughter, appreciation and gratitude. “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Psalm 118:24)

            As I write this, I have had a morning of technical glitches. It has been frustrating, annoying and exasperating. As my mother used to say at times like this, it is enough to make a preacher swear. The world right now seems to be in one big technical glitch. Humour, joy, hilarity, fun, whimsy even, are in short supply. We have a bitter taste in our mouths or left with a sour taste.  A lot of stuff that is happening is hard to swallow. Our taste buds for life are being affected by tastelessness and unsavoury times.

            Perhaps, we are making it too complicated. Taste and see that the Lord is good.  More than  likely, we will find this goodness in the small sweet things in life. We’re in a wonderful season of harvest: apples, tomatoes, corn, fresh garden vegetables. Eating is never more pleasurable than this time of year. This harvest reminds us that there is goodness to be had and enjoyed. But we need to carry this over to appreciate those things that make our lives full of abundance and lives to be relished. Feast on the things that matter, be it family and friend’s, our church and our faith, our health (even though not always perfect) and our freedoms and this country we live in (again, not perfect but far better than many.)

Paul wrote about those who abide by the rules: “Why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? ‘Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!’ “Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?” (Colossians 2: 21 -23, The Message Bible) But once we have an appetite for the Lord’s Grace, Love and Mercy, there is a smorgasbord of life’s wonders and a feast of sacred portions. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Sometimes though, it is a simple as letting some ice cream drip down your chin and enjoying the moment for all its worth. Savour the moments like these. They are precious!

Love you, Mum!

 

Dale