The Wars of Spring

With snow banished and winter finally subdued, nature seems to be coming alive again. Flowers are shooting up in warms spots, the grass is turning green and buds are swelling on many trees itching to burst into leaves. We look forward to warm days ahead.

But even though spring looks peaceful, nature’s wars are being fought all around us. Early flowers have pushed up through the remaining snow and must tough out cold conditions. Small, hungry animals view these early flowers as a snack to gobble up. Gardeners ask, which ones will survive? Birds are squabbling and fighting for prime sites to build nests; it’s a noisy world in the morning. Skunks and raccoons are busy at night digging holes in people’s lawns looking for bugs to eat. Out in the woods, bear and deer desperately scrounge for anything edible. Nature is a tough environment in the spring until things grow in better.

God promises Christians forgiveness, joy and peace (Phil.4:4-7), but there is war all around us at the same time. The Devil leads attacks on us every day. It is dangerous to be unaware him. Paul warns, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph.6:10-11). Well-equipped soldiers are ready for conflict. We are to be decked out with all the protection God provides. “Take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (v13). How is our great opponent trying to conquer over you? How is he picking away at your weak spots? What temptations is he laying in your path?

You have nothing to fear if you prepare yourself every day. “Be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (v18).

Things may look warm and peaceful, but do you have our armor on?

– Tim Johnson

A Day For Families

Tomorrow is Family Day here in Ontario. The first time it was celebrated in our province was in 2007, but its origins come from an earlier celebration in Alberta. Eight out of our ten provinces observe it, some using different titles. It’s encouraging to see our country acknowledge the importance of families.

The world over, families are viewed as the foundation of society. The first family was, of course, Adam and Eve (Gen.3:24). The book of Genesis is full of stories of the patriarchs searching for good people to marry, their successes and failures. Soon adultery and polygamy began to spoil things, the first being that of Lamech’s illicit relationships that were accompanied by violence (Gen.4). That has continued throughout time and is present today. But that doesn’t destroy the need for good families. In fact, all nations have passed laws protecting families, usually out of concern for the welfare of children or the orderly allotment of assets should a family dissolve.

There is nothing quite like a good family. Think about the following:

· Commitment adds security

· Love adds joy

· Children add focus

· Grandchildren add fun

· Old age adds appreciation

· Common faith adds purpose

No family is perfect. Sometimes there are disagreements, differences and poor attitudes. But love, commitment and determination will help a family moderate, adjust, prevail, and thrive.

Some people lose much of their families to abandonment, death, or to great physical distances. As Christians we must step in to help look after such people, for we are family in Christ – the household of God (1 Tim.3:15).

Enjoy your family this weekend, but also reach out to those who are alone. You’ll be blessed if you do both.

– Tim Johnson

An Unusual Command

It is interesting that a person who suffered imprisonment, flogging, shipwreck, danger, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and exposure to death should say to Christians, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” (Phil.4:4)

The fact of the matter is that the command to rejoice is given to all God’s children. It is one of the characteristics of the true believer’s life. Those who belong to Jesus are marked with joy. It is one of the Christian trademarks.

However, not once does the scripture tell us to give thanks FOR all circumstances. Rather, we are to rejoice or give thanks IN all circumstances. For instance, we don’t rejoice for death or pain or divorce or cancer. In what way then are we to rejoice?

Our rejoicing is to be “in the Lord.” What does that mean? A glance at the Book of Philippians says we are to rejoice in the work of redemption accomplished on our behalf. Jesus humbled himself and became a servant and was obedient unto death, thereby assuring our salvation.

Paul’s conclusion in the book is that the circumstances of one’s life do not take away the joy that the child of God experiences in Christ Jesus. Come what may, the Christian’s reason to rejoice is not altered. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”

– David Johnson

Inheritance

inheritance“Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Gal.4:7)

I’ve read that the baby boom generation is inheriting more wealth than anyone in the history of our country. This is because their parents lived during the most prosperous time of our history. People are inheriting houses, cottages, businesses and savings. Usually received with joy, soon the responsibility of sudden gain throws a different light on things. Continue reading

A Taste of What’s to Come

Over the last two weekends we’ve enjoyed some lovely special events. Last week was Young Adult Weekend, with 30-40 energetic guests among us, and a special speaker (Jay Manimtim). There was close fellowship, challenging lessons, enthusiastic singing, and good food. This weekend we witnessed the wedding of two Christians who are very dear to us. Their two families came together with good wishes for the marriage of their children. Many of their friends and brothers and sisters in the Lord were present to make it a special day. And this morning we are very happy to have Shawn Redding preach the sermon. Shawn and Donna, of course, are loved by the entire congregation. Continue reading