Wednesday, May 31, 2023

“Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world, holding forth the word of life so that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2: 14 -16, New Revised Standard Version)

    

            Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
            How I wonder what you are!
            Up above the world so high,
            Like a diamond in the sky.`

          I am sure that, like me, this may be one of the very first nursery songs you ever learned as a child. I know that our grandkids all can sing it. This one and maybe, Row, Row Your Boat. So you know, it was written by Jane Taylor in the early 1800’s.

When I turn out the light at bedtime, I can see through the window a very bright star. It is usually the only one that I can see because of the city light pollution. But it is very bright against the dark, night sky. My crack research team, namely me, has identified this light is not technically a star but the planet Venus. Venus is 38 million miles away from Earth, or .0024 light years away. The latter might not sound like much but you might want to pack an over night bag if you want to make the trip. Venus spins in the opposite direction of earth and being so close to the sun it is very hot, volcanic and inhabitable. It is the brightest object in the sky except for the moon.

The astronomical details aside, I get a great deal of comfort looking at this bright planet, gathering my thoughts and prayers at the end of a day. In a world full of so much crazy and bad news, I find it reassuring to look upon this star and consider its constancy in the universe. “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Psalm 8: 3 -4, New Living Translation)

This light, so far away and yet so visible, reminds me that our Creator is an awesome God. “Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights - His faithful love endures forever. The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever. and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136: 7 -9, NLT)  It reminds us that God’s Love cuts through the murky pollution of Sin and Evil. It reminds us of a Bethlehem star and the Good News incarnated in Jesus who has been called the Morning Star.

But like Venus which is reflecting the light of the sun, we are called also to reflect the Light of the Son. “Carry the light-giving Message into the night…” urges Paul (The Message Bible). Shine like stars in the world.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 -16, TMB)

Did you know that there are other verses to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?  It’s a shame that we don’t sing them all. “Then the trav'ller in the dark, Thanks you for your tiny spark, He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.”

The followers of Jesus are called to be beacons of Love, Hope, Joy, Peace and Justice in a world that can be dark and cold, especially for the vulnerable, the poor, the victims of racism and prejudice, the broken and lost, the alienated and those waking in darkness.

“God counts the stars and calls them all by name.” (Psalm 147:4, NLT) Are we counted and known to be among the stars of the faithful people of God?

Shine, people, shine!

Dale

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

“Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God! How blessed they are to live and sing there!” (Psalm 84: 3 -4, The Message Bible)

                She’s ba-a-ack!

                Now for a return engagement, for the umpteenth year in a row, now starring, Mother Robin has returned to the same nest in the same spot – just above our back sunroom door. I have written about her before – her perseverance, her persistence, her protectiveness as a mother bird. It is not the best of spots in so many ways. Our dog, Charlie, is in and out of that door several times a day. If I go out, she flies away – annoyed at the intrusion. In fact, just this morning, she or her mate found its way right into the sunroom itself and I had to rescue her/him while the mate fluttered just outside in great consternation.

                I have taken down the old nests. I have slanted the speaker on which the nest sits, hoping the awkward angle would dissuade her.  But no way; somehow, she manages to build a nest that is perfectly level for her needs.

                There is just something about this spot that she likes. It must seem safe and protected for her and her brood. So be it; welcome home, Mother Robin.

                Psalm 84 begins with these words: “What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ve always longed to live in a place like this, always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive!” It is referring to the Temple in Jerusalem as the ideal location for worship and praise of God. Now, there are not many churches around in which I would want to make my home. The hard wooden pews are not very comfortable for sleeping although more than a few have done so during my sermons.  

Yet, once, a street person came into our worship service and eventually he stretched out on the pew and went to sleep. Although it bothered some, in a way, I took pride that a homeless person saw our church as a safe place, a place in which he could find a little rest, a place which would not reject him or kick him out. At least, he didn’t snore.

Churches are not sometimes referred to sanctuaries for nothing. In the big picture painted by this Psalm, we are reminded that when we dwell in the sanctuaries which God provides, even the weakest, the most vulnerable, the least of us, might find shelter and havens in the Love of God. "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”  (Psalm 23:6, New Living Translation)

Sanctuaries are not necessarily always made of physical buildings. We can find sanctuary in somebody’s love and acceptance. We can find sanctuary though our prayers and praise, even during the weekdays. We can find sanctuary in a much beloved scripture verse or reading from the Bible. We can find sanctuary in in the kindness of others. We can find sanctuary in the words of encouragement, hope, inspiration, motivation which come our way. God provides many nooks and crannies where we can feel at home, feel safe and sound, and experience the providence and assurances of God’s Love.

“The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” (Psalm 27: 4, NLT)

Thinking along these lines gives a little different nuance to Jesus’ words, “Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”  (John 14: 1 -2, TMB)

Words that speak not only to some future tomorrow but for right now, right here. There is a spot above God’s sunroom door which is right for you, right for me. “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT)

Dale

 

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

“For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8, New Living Translation)

                Allow me to ask you a question. Which adage appeals to you more? Live today like it is the first day of your life. Or, live today like it is the last day of your life.

                If it is the first one, we might fill the day with a whole new optimism, seek out a fresh start, resolve to be a better, happier, more whole person. Begin to check things off our bucket list. Resolve to renew and heal relationships. Take care of ourselves, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically. Put the past behind us and move forward with a renewed confidence and high expectations.

                If it is the second one, we might fill the day with the things that are meaningful or the people who are most precious and valued. We might take the time to reflect back on our past and appreciate the joy, the satisfaction, the accomplishments, either big or small, that have filled our lives with purpose. We might want to make amends with people we have hurt. We might want to take in one more sunset, have one more favourite meal, have one more walk with our beloved dog. But we know the day is special and needs to be lived to the fullest.

                What has got me to thinking about this is another visit to see a patient who was at the end of her life at our hospital. I was the on-call chaplain on Monday. I would say that when I get called, it is a very rare exception that it is not an end-of-life scenario. It seems that it is almost always just that. Family and friends have asked for a chaplain, even if they, the family, have very little faith background. Perhaps their loved one once was a more active Christian, but even then, not always. It almost intuitive, it seems, that this occasion calls for some sort of spiritual care.

                It is very humbling to be called into such a situation. The best I can offer is a prayer for the patient who is usually not conscious and for the family who are already grieving. I feel very inadequate sometimes, trying to find the right words for this sacred moment. Yet, almost always, after the prayer, the Spirit seems to have touched the family’s lives in some manner. I can usually sense a spirit of peace or comfort or acceptance at the bedside. I am never there for very long and I can only hope and pray that the family has found some solace in the words spoken.

                Paul’s words have nothing much to do with end-of-life scenarios. He has been challenging his readers to get over themselves and to get along. Quit being so judgmental. It’s not about oneself but how one gets along with others that matters more. Verses 7 to 9 seem almost an insertion into his line of thought. Off topic. But I suppose he is saying that each of us is a part of bigger picture. You or I are not individually the centre of the universe. We are part of a community. We are enmeshed in a brotherhood and sisterhood of relationships with Christ at the very core of it all. “Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.” (v.9)

                When we extrapolate these verses to honour those who have died, we are saying that all of life and death is embraced by the Love of God through Jesus Christ. We are proclaiming that all of life and death happens within a fellowship that exudes and is committed to that Love. We are never alone, neither in life nor in death.  We embody the life that now is and is yet to come in hope.

We live both as if this is the first day of our lives and yet also as if it is the last day of our lives. We live for Christ’s sake and for one another’s sake. We live that if we were to die today, we may have confidence that our home will be with God. Our lives will be filled with works of Love today so that God’s Love welcomes us in his New Reality in some tomorrow.

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2: 15, NLT)

It makes me see this day just a little differently.

 Dale      

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

“Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”  (John 10: 3 -5, The Message Bible)

                I can remember back in my childhood days the ads in my comic books that were on the back cover. There were X-rays glasses, sea monkeys, joy buzzers, dribble cups, and other magic tricks. There was an ad featuring a muscular bully kicking sand in the face of some skinny wimp which promised that if one used their exercise programme, you could turn yourself into a muscle-bound hero and turn the tables on the bully.

               The ad that intrigued me the most was the one which promised to teach me to “throw my voice.” I have always been a sucker for a good ventriloquist act. I took books out of the library on ventriloquism. I even wanted my own ventriloquist dummy. I never did.  I grew up with a huge crush on Shari Lewis with Lambchop and Charlie Horse. Today, I really enjoy Jeff Dunham and his cast of characters. Throwing my voice had an allure.

                What spurred this trip down memory lane was a story that I read just this morning about an old-time baseball player who could throw his voice.  Back in the late 1800’s, there was a pitcher by the name of Jack "Waddy" Wadsworth. (No, grand-kids, I don’t remember him.) He wasn’t a very good pitcher but he excelled in the ability to throw his voice. He was so good that he would use his “gift” from the dugout and get other players, usually up-to-bat, in trouble with the umpires. Wadsworth made it appear that the innocent player was saying something derogatory about the ump who would then throw the player out of the game. Wadsworth must have been really good or the umpires were really dumb. Either way it worked many a time until they all finally cottoned onto Wadsworth skill to throw his voice.

                Voices are thrown at us in many ways. There are so many voices in our world which clamor for attention. We are inundated with voices from all sorts of sources including TV, social media, magazines trying to convince us to buy what they are selling.  The voices of conspiracy theories are tantalizing, and convince many people despite their absurdity. The voices that shame body shapes, age, looks, etc. are little if any better. Voices that ridicule, judge or condemn people based on race, sexuality, gender, and the like are misleading and hateful. Not all the voices are as bad as all that, but like Wadsworth proved, false voices can get us into trouble.

                Our text from John’s Gospel reminds us not to follow a stranger’s voice. They are the voices who want to steal our faith, our authenticity, our integrity and lure us away from the safety of the Shepherd’s fold. They are false voices, thrown in our way, to lead us down crooked paths. Stranger, Danger!

                Rather, we capable of recognizing the Master’s Voice.  We hear him call us by name. The false voices care nothing for our names or our identities. But the Good Shepherd knows us each by name and he is the one who leads us into green pastures and by still waters. “Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.” (Psalm 23: 4, TMB) This Voice is trustworthy, consistent, dependable and focused on leading us on the paths of righteousness, love, grace, forgiveness and peace.

                “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.” (John 10: 27 30, TMB)

                So, let’s not be somebody else’s dummy. Instead, let us be a conduit for the Voice of Jesus and follow the authentic message that calls us to live a good life of faith and trust.

Dale

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

“Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.” (Galatians 6:11, New Living Translation)

               NOTE TO SELF: Next time I preach, please ensure that I use 12-font instead of 11 for my sermon manuscript.

                I don’t think that I have preached a sermon since before Covid. So, I was delighted to be asked to preach last Sunday at the little Baptist church in Fenelon Falls. I have always used the 11-font size of print to write my sermons. It read fine at home. But when I got into the pulpit and the manuscript was a little farther away from my eyes, it was a bit of a struggle to follow the words as I preached. Sigh! Another sign of growing older. But I refuse to go any higher than 12-font; maybe 14, 16 at tops.

                My personal theory that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) may have been a serious sight impediment. After his Damascus Road experience when he lost his eyesight, I wonder if poor eyesight became an ongoing issue for him even though he was healed. He prayed that he be relieved of his condition. But he also learned to accept the reality of his handicap whatever it may have been. “Then he (Jesus) told me, ‘My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.’ Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (2 Corinthians 12: 8 -10, The Message Bible)

                If I take those words and match them with our text from Galatians, where he is commenting that he has written some of the letter himself, instead of his secretary, even with big, bold handwriting, I do wonder whether his eyesight was an issue for him.

                Be that as it may, in this age of emails, Facebook, Twitter et al., letter writing has fallen into disarray. We are in danger of losing that special, personal, highly relational vibe that a handwritten letter used to give. I am terrible at reading emails on a regular basis. We use Messenger to keep in touch with our immediate family. Our church, Yorkminster Park B.C. contacts us by email. No doubt, Paul himself would use these communication vehicles if he were practicing his ministry today. But then, we might not have his New Testament letters as we do have them today. Real letters are harder to delete. They are worth saving.

                “We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.” (Colossians 1:2, NLT)

                Paul pours his heart out to his churches through his letters. In some cases, they are love letters. He could praise his people; he could be stern and critical; he could be an encourager; he could be a defender of the faith; he could call out opponents and challenge his critics. His letters have shaped Christianity throughout the ages. “Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us, even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.”

                It is meaningful and touching, then, when Paul writes that the local church (in Corinth) is itself a letter. “Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.” (1 Corinthians 3: 2 -2, TMB) The people’ faith are a living testimony to the work of the Gospel both in their lives and in their actions.  It is more than just words of faith but deeds of faith. They don’t just talk a good faith; they live it out.  ^“Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You’re already good at it... Keep it up; get better and better at it.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 9, TMB)

                You are a Love letter. Put your signature on a life that exudes the Love of Jesus Christ. Have Christ be your co-signer. Dot your “i’s”; cross your “ “t’s” and fill the “page” with the details of a life well-spent for Christ.

The bolder, the bigger the font size, the better!

Dale