A university professor recently criticized churches in Canada for not being progressive in our changing society. He claimed we are standing in the way of social progress. His remarks remind us that while we live in a country that believes in freedom of religion, we face opposition in subtle ways. This sometimes even breaks through in violence, as we’ve seen recently in several locations. Many Christians wonder if we can make any progress in today’s setting – or keep on going at all.

We need to be reminded that the first Christians had everything stacked against them. The church was born in a tough environment. Rulers like Annas the high priest and Caiaphas thought they had defeated Jesus and stamped out his disciples. Within days of Pentecost, Peter and John were jailed, interrogated, threatened, and reluctantly released (Acts 4). Then all 12 apostles were jailed, ordered not to preach, and beaten before their release (Acts 5). After Stephen was killed, a huge persecution broke out against the church, forcing Christians out of Jerusalem, chased by men like Saul.

Despite all of that, the faith of these early Christians was never stronger. Their prayers were brave. “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence” (4:29). God blessed them with strength, courage and boldness. The church went on to expand and multiply. They boomed!

No matter how subtle or how strong modern opposition may be, and no matter what Satan is up to, we can act with faith, courage and boldness.

“So, they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (5:41).

Are you up for it?

– Tim Johnson

The flyers we get in the mail these days are full of barbeques, patio chairs, lawn fertilizer, and garden equipment. Yet, the snow keeps turning up, the wind howls, and warm temperatures are elusive. A waitress who serves tables in front of large windows said, “I hate the snow and I can’t stand looking at it any longer!” In our part of the world, it’s hard to be patient in April.

Much of life demands patience. The human body takes time to heal. Loans take time to pay off. Children take time to grow. Careers take time to flourish. Good food takes time to cook. Even a cup of tea takes time to steep. It’s easy to be impatient with all of it. We’re busy people and we want everything to hurry up!

Christians are charged by God to develop patience. Jesus said we must “bear fruit with patience” (Lk.8:15). Paul said we must be “patient in tribulation” (Rom.12:12). James explained, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord” (Jas.5:7). The tired Galatians were told, “in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal.6:9). The compromising Hebrews were told, “you have need of patience” (Heb.10:36). Prayers were offered up for the beleaguered Colossians, that they would be strengthened “unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Col.1:11). In our relationships with people we are to “be patient toward all men” (1 Thess.5:14).

When we fail to be patient, the good things God is working in us are destroyed, great results are cancelled, and those who live with you are hurt.

But what great models of patience have gone before us! Noah was patient for a full year in the ark, and he saved the human race. Job was patient in his illness and losses; he was not only blessed abundantly at the end of it, he also taught all future generations about wisdom in suffering. Simeon headed for the temple every day for a long time, hoping to see the infant Messiah; that day came. Paul was patient in his hardships and inspired millions. What are you dealing with in your own life? Will you be patient?

You’ve just read 376 words. You’ve been patient.

– Tim Johnson

The disciples haggled over money that could have been spent on the poor (Matt.26:6-13). That’s symptomatic of many people today. “Look at all the waste! Think how many poor people could have benefitted from those funds!” But do they help the poor? Jesus didn’t have much, yet he helped the poor. The gospels all report the two famous occasions when He fed thousands.

It makes no difference if a country is wealthy, the poor are always present. The Babylonians were one of the wealthiest nations on earth, yet Daniel scolded Nebuchadnezzar for his lack of mercy to the poor (Daniel 4:27). We live in a wealthy country too, but the poor are all around us. Well-meaning governments do what they can to help, but there’s never enough to expel poverty.

We often think the poor suffer because of a lack of ambition, foresight, poor choices – and this is sometimes true. But poverty arises out of many circumstances. Housing prices are so high in some of our cities that many work in the daytime and sleep in their cars at night. I went to elementary school with kids who lived in tiny shacks and brought little food for lunch; their parents struggled to make ends meet. Sometimes a poor economy throws people out on the street. Abuse, violence and mental health problems all spawn poverty.

Let’s not decide that society’s social programs will do. Too many people suffer hunger pains while waiting for organizations to make up their minds. How many “fall through the cracks?” Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Paul said, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:10). God-fearing Cornelius “gave many alms to the Jewish people” (Acts 10:2).

Helping the poor demands wisdom and skill. There are times when giving creates problems. It must be done carefully. Sometimes we suffer discouragement by the behaviour of people. Yet, Paul pointed out, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal.6:9).

Life is not just accumulating as much wealth as possible for our own use. It’s also what we do with it for others.

– Tim Johnson

You might ask yourself this question now that we are in the middle of tax season again. Perhaps it is a no-brainer why one should live an honest life. But in view of the lack of integrity in many people today, we would do well to think about why we should live an impeccable life. Consider the following reasons.

Trust. To be successful in business or hold a responsible job, a person must have a reputation for honesty. Resources are not entrusted to those proven untrustworthy.

Good health. Those who practice integrity are bound to have better health. They have less concern, less stress and feel better about themselves. They don’t feel the need to look over their shoulder.

Pride. You have probably never met a liar who has any real pride in himself. If one’s reputation is grounded in deception, one’s opinion of one’s self will be poor indeed. Being honest just plain feels good.

Peace of Mind. If we cheat on our income taxes, we may get away with it, but we’ll probably always worry about being audited and face fines and even jail. It is impossible to worry and be happy at the same time.

Confidence. Many people have good “BULL detectors.” They know – at least at some level – when we are being a fake. They often see through one’s façade. It is said, “There is no way to have real confidence in oneself when we are walking on bull.”

Good Relationships. They are the jewels of our lives. Breaches in trust are the death knell of good relationships. When trust in gone, there is no foundation upon which to build.

Somebody said, “The right thing to do is seldom the easy thing to do. But it is worth it.”

– David and Tim Johnson

It is said that Jesus got up early in the morning, went out to a quiet spot and prayed to God (Mk.1:35). Peter also carved out time every day to study and pray (Acts 10:9). Both were in the people business, teaching and counselling. It was exhausting. They needed time to refocus, recharge, and they did it in the presence of God. Elijah fled hundreds of miles in an emergency attempt to spend time with God (1 Kings 19). He was not disappointed.

Occasionally someone will pound on the front door of the church building and ask to have a few moments in our auditorium, alone, to pray. Some of them are students far from home, others are troubled people seeking some solace. We welcome them.

Smart Christians know they need time to pray and time with other believers. Our formal church assemblies facilitate this. We gather on Sundays to worship and help each other, and on Wednesdays when we are in the middle of busy weeks and have less time. It takes work to grab such times of refuge. I once knew a wealthy businessman, often away on trips, who owned his own jet so he could make sure he was home on Wednesday nights and be present with his brethren. He was an elder, and often came right form the airport.

Time spent before God with others of like mind is a precious thing. The apostle Paul described the intent of assemblies as “edification, exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). These terms mean spiritual improvement, teaching that provides encouragement, and comfort for those having a difficult time. We feel the bond of fellowship, receive the care and interest of others, and pause to pray, study and worship together. Names go up to heaven for help and personal issues are sorted out. Love and good humour flows.

A typical week for most of us is full of work, family responsibilities, and all kinds of commitments. But it goes much better if you grab opportunities for refuge. Jesus did; Peter did; Elijah did. Will you add your name to the list?

– Tim Johnson