WALK with ME

 

July 9, 2025

1 John 1:5–7

 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 

 

The Summer season invites us outside, to walk, to wander, to explore. Isn’t there something profoundly uplifting about walking in the sun, feeling the warmth on your skin, and being able to see clearly. John uses this similar image when he calls us to walk in the light.

Let’s pause for a moment for a question.

What does it mean to you to “walk in the light”? 

This light, that John speaks about, is not just physical. It's relational. It's moral/good/ honourable. It's spiritual. To walk in the light means to live with openness, integrity, and with an ongoing connection to God and the people we encounter. It means we don’t hide behind masks or live in the shadows of guilt, pride, or secrecy. Do you recall what Jesus said in John 3? Jesus said, This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. Put simply, God’s light brings clarity, not condemnation, inviting us into healing, not hiding.

In today’s verses John doesn’t say “If you live perfectly, you’ll have fellowship.” Instead, he says “If you walk in the light,” if you live honestly before God and others, you’ll find true fellowship, and real cleansing. Jesus doesn’t just forgive sin through his death on the cross, Jesus invites us into a lifestyle of openness, transparency and grace.

We often think of walking in the light as being about behavior, but at its core, walking in the light, is about relationship. We walk in the light because we’re walking with the Light Himself. And that journey leads us into deeper truth, deeper healing, and deeper connection.

Reflect

Is there an area in your life where you’re walking in shadows, perhaps avoiding God’s voice, ignoring His direction, or hiding from others?

Consider what it might look like to “walk in the light” today. 

Might it mean:
Confessing a sin you’ve kept hidden.
Having an honest conversation with someone.
Turning to Scripture or prayer instead of distraction.

Let’s Remember: Walking in the light is about living openly in fellowship with Jesus.



Let’s Pray

God of Light,
In You there is no darkness at all.
Help me to walk in Your light, not just with words, but with my life.

Expose the things I try to hide, not to shame me, but to set me free. Thank You for the blood of Jesus, which purifies and restores. May I live in honesty, humility, and deep fellowship with You and others. Amen.

 

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

July 8, 2025

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”



Think of a time you were at home during a powerful thunderstorm. You know the storms I mean, those “good ole” southwestern Ontario summer experiences where the wind howls, trees bend, and suddenly, everything goes dark. The power is out. 

What do you feel in such moments? Uneasy, a bit concerned, fearful? If you are like me, in power outages, you will reach for a flashlight or a maybe a candle to try and dispel the darkness. Isn’t it interesting that the smallest beam of light brings a sense of relief to us. We can see our surroundings, and we can move safely, and feel secure.

There is a remarkable clarity in David’s words. He doesn’t say “The Lord gives me light,” though that would be true. He says, “The Lord is my light.” Ok, I admit the distinction may be slight between these two phrases. But there is a distinction that we need to note, Light is not just something God provides, Galatians 5: 5 tell us “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 

David wrote this psalm while surrounded by danger, enemies encamped around him, his rivals were plotting his fall. Yet he begins not with fear, but with faith. Why? Because he knows the nature of the One in whom he trusts. In the thick of the shadows, David has found a Light that does not waver or fade.

Light in Scripture often symbolizes truth, purity, and God’s revealing presence. To say “The Lord is my light” is to say: “God shows me what is true, God leads me on the right path, and His presence is with me even in my darkest night.”

In summer, we may feel safe and energized by the longer days. But life’s shadows still come: fear, anxiety, illness, uncertainty. When they do, this verse becomes our anchor.

Summer's longer days can bring energy and safety, but challenges like fear and uncertainty still arise. In these moments, this verse offers constant reassurance: No matter how long the night or how fierce the storm, God remains our light, unchanging, unshakable, and near.  

Psalm 27 teaches us how to  understand David's declaration the Lord is my light."  David is saying: “I may not see the whole road, but I see enough. God is present with me. And that’s enough for today.”

Reflect

Reflect on a fear you are currently carrying, big or small. Write it down. Read Psalm 27:1 slowly, out loud if possible. Replace “whom” with the specific fear you named.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—why should I fear [name your fear]?



Let’s Pray

Lord, my Light and my Salvation,
Thank You that I never face fear alone. You are the light that leads me, the strength that holds me, the truth that steadies me.
Shine into every anxious thought and shadowy place within me.
For Today, I want to walk in Your light.
Amen.

AND THERE WAS LIGHT

 

JULY 7, 2025

Genesis 1:3-4


“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” 

Genesis 1 tells us that in the beginning, the world was formless, empty, and dark. Into that void, God spoke. The first words our creator spoke were, “Let there be light.” And with that one sentence, we read that light burst into existence. 

I believe the great appeal of the summer season is that light is experienced everywhere, early sunrises, long evenings of light, bright and sunny skies. But this season also invites us to recognize the deeper light we truly need: the voice of God that still creates, still separates light from darkness, and still says, “This is good.”

Sometimes we feel like we’re hovering in chaos, empty and formless, uncertain, lost even. Yet, into those kind of moments, God still speaks: “Let there be light.” God's voice awakens hope. God's light can reveal a new path. God's presence can turn the emptiest place into the beginning of something beautiful. When life feels dark, that light is still there, just like the sun still shines even behind storm clouds. God's Word still speaks. God's presence still holds us.


There’s a phenomenon in northern Canada called the midnight sun, a time when the sun doesn’t fully set. For a few extraordinary weeks, the sky glows even at midnight. Maybe you have witnessed this. People often describe it as magical, like time has paused, and light refuses to leave.


For me, that image is a glimpse of what God’s presence is like. When God says, “Let there be light,” it’s not a momentary flash, it’s the beginning of an ongoing reality where light remains, pushing back darkness, hour by hour, season by season.


The Bible teaches us that God didn’t create light simply to brighten a dark sky. He gave it to mark the start of something new. It was the first act of the divine order, and it declared: This story has begun and the story originates with the powerful creative word of God.

Reflect

Pay attention to where light appears today, in nature, in a conversation, in Scripture. Let it remind you that God still speaks and still creates.

Let's Pray

Creator God,
Speak again into my heart: Let there be light.
Shine into the places where I feel lost, unsure, or overwhelmed.
Thank You that You are not a distant God, but one who enters our chaos with purpose and love.
Today, I receive Your light. Guide me, shape me, and begin something new in me.
Amen.

The Sacred Sigh

 

July 4, 2025

Romans 8:26

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Have you ever let out a sigh so deep it felt like your soul was exhaling?

Every day I find myself sighing, generally unconsciously, whether it's due to relief, happiness, surprise, or frustration. Sighing is something we all do as we face life's difficulties and obstacles.

Sighing is more than a physical act. I wonder if sighing is a "grace gift", God’s gift to us as a sacred release, a pause, a reset, and perhaps, even a prayer.

I started to think about “sighing” after reading an article recently that highlighted the role sighs play in our bodies. The article suggested that physiologically, a sigh is the body’s way of restoring balance. In fact, scientists at Stanford University found that sighing reinflates tiny air sacs in the lungs that collapse over time, refreshing our ability to breathe deeply. In moments of anxiety, a sigh can calm our nervous system and lower stress. Psychologists have noted that sighing often marks a transition, when our minds release tension, disappointment, or emotional fatigue. It's as if the body itself says, “Let go.”

The Bible is not silent about sighs. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus showed compassion by privately healing a man who was deaf and mute. According to the Gospel, Jesus showed compassion and concern when he took the man aside, put his fingers into the man's ears, spit, touched the man's tongue, looked up to heaven, and sighed deeply and said “Be Opened!” (Mark 7:33-34). This action by Jesus was in response to the man's condition. Jesus’ sigh was more than breath, it was empathy, longing, and divine compassion all wrapped up in a single exhale.

The Apostle Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit's role in supporting believers, is to assist us when we are unsure how to pray, the Spirit intercedes with unspoken groans. In other words, a Jesus' follower's  prayer whether in words, a murmur, a groan, or even a sigh is the moment that Holy Spirit speaks for us. This passage suggests that prayer, whether verbal or nonverbal, are part of the Holy Spirit's intercession ministry for us, and this assures us that our prayers (sighs) are heard by God.

And in Psalm 38:9, David prays,

“All my longings lie open before you, Lord; 

my sighing is not hidden from you.”

Our sighs, our groans, our breathless pauses, these are not ever wasted moments. They are often the purest prayers we offer, beyond words. Think of this! What grace! When our vocabulary fails, the Spirit speaks in sighs to God for us.

In a world filled with noise, pressure, and hurry, perhaps one of the holiest things we can do is stop and sigh. Not in despair, but in surrender. In trust. In the hopeful release of knowing that God hears, sees, and responds.

Let your sigh(s) today be more than a breath. Let it be a sacred invitation for God to enter the ache, the overwhelm, the in-between.

Let's Pray

God, you know me even in my silence; You understand my needs and fatigue. Thank You for breath, a reminder I am alive and not alone. Help me trust that You hear me, working in quiet moments when words fail. Let my sighs become invitations for Your presence. Amen.

Pleasant Places

 

July 3, 2025

 

Psalm 16:5–6

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Canada Day celebration.


Psalm 16 is a confession of trust in God’s providence, a reminder for us that our lives, our inheritance, and even the land beneath our feet are gifts from a sovereign and loving Creator. As Christians living in Canada, we reflect on this psalm while appreciating the beauty of creation, valuing our social freedoms, and seeking peace amid a world facing many challenges. These are expressions of what theologians call common grace, are you familiar with this term? Common Grace refers to God’s goodness generously poured out on all people and nations, whether they recognize it or not. Acts 14:16-17 says that our good God, “In the past, let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

The rivers, lakes and forests, the safety of our streets, and while not perfect, our democratic structures are a blessing, and the beautiful mosaic of cultures and traditions, are all part of a larger providential story. And within that story, God’s people are called to be more than grateful spectators. We are called to be stewards: of the land, of our freedoms, and of our lives. As I heard in a podcast recently, “Gratitude must never become complacency. Instead, it becomes the seed of holy responsibility.”

The “pleasant places” the psalmist describes are not merely physical or political; they are covenantal. In Christ, our ultimate inheritance is not land but the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:13–16). Yet, even as we await the fullness of that Kingdom, we are called to bear witness to it here and now, in the way we honour the land, welcome the stranger, speak for the voiceless, and build communities marked by righteousness and peace. Canada is not the Kingdom, but it can be a picture of Kingdom living for all to see.


We give thanks for the grace of God who “determined the times set for [us] and the exact places where [we] should live” (Acts 17:26). What will we do with such a gift? My prayer for all of us is that we will live not just as citizens of our beloved country, Canada, but as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in the land entrusted to us?


Let’s Pray

Gracious and Sovereign God,

We thank You for the gift of this land, its wide skies and deep forests, its clean waters and peaceful streets. We acknowledge with awe that every good gift, including the places we live and the freedoms we enjoy, comes from Your hand.

Thank You for the blessings of peace, diversity, and opportunity. Forgive us when we take these for granted or fail to use them for Your purposes.

Lord, make us faithful stewards of this inheritance. Teach us to live with gratitude, humility, and courage. Show us how to care for the land, seek justice for the vulnerable, and build bridges across divisions. Let our love for Canada never obscure our loyalty to Your Kingdom.

May Your Church be a light in every province and territory, may we be a people marked by compassion, truth, and hope. May we live as faithful citizens of both earth and heaven, as we await the fullness of Your promised reign.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

 

God Keep Our Land Within Thy Loving Care

 

JULY 1, 2025 

2 Chronicles 7:14


“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”





Ah, Canada Day is here, giving us the opportunity to join in on family get togethers, picnics and Barbeques, swims and parades, a celebration together as fellow Canadians from many places and cultural backgrounds for the place we have put our feet down. Yet, I wonder if as followers of Jesus Christ, if Canada Day offers us a moment(s) to reflect on the spiritual state of our land and the Church’s vocation/calling within it. While flags wave and we see fireworks soar, I believe on such a day Jesus calls his followers to take a position not of self-congratulation, but of humility and “holy longing.”

The verse from 2 Chronicles is often quoted in times of national distress, it is a call for God's covenant people to step into their priestly role, bearing the nation's wounds in intercessory prayer, confessing its sins as if they were our own, and becoming agents of restoration. Our verse today seems to encourage us to recognize that God's healing of the land is linked to the repentance and obedience of His people. What if that is true? If it is, then we are to understand that healing begins not in “halls of power,” but in hearts laid bare before God.

What the Bible verses above say to me, if that as Canadians, we cannot ignore the pain that still reverberates across our land: the trauma of Indigenous peoples and their communities, and the deep racial and cultural divisions that persist in our country. You likely have already today, or have encountered a post or a blog that tells us that for some, July 1 Canada Day, is not a celebration, but a reminder of loss. A day of sorrow and grief. We all have some awareness that Canada is not all that it could be. Yet, as Christians, as the people of God, we are not called to dismiss or downplay these messy realities but to enter them as I heard someone say, “with the compassion of Christ and the boldness of prophets.”

This kind of national healing does not bypass truth, this kind of healing sits with the impact of this truth, wrestles with its sting, and determines to slowly, carefully, and with a listening ear, travels through this truth. Do you remember the story of Nehemiah in the Old Testament? He mourned and fasted over Jerusalem's ruins, we too must lament the cracks in our nation’s story. We must confess, and plead for God’s mercy and justice. In this way, our humbleness becomes genuine and brings transformation.

I guess what I am getting at today is that followers of Christ are called to act as both salt and light in a nation seeking reconciliation and restoration. The term "nation-builders" is often mentioned in various speeches, typically referring to political power or cultural dominance. However, Christians who are truly nation builders achieve this by remaining faithful to God and demonstrating the Gospel truth that encompasses Jesus' reconciliation for all. We are entrusted with the message and ministry of reconciliation, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18. This calling is an essential contribution to Canada.

Back to Nehemiah for moment, he didn’t point fingers. He knelt in prayer and took responsibility. Likewise, we are invited not into defensiveness, but into the deeper work of lament, confession, and hope. That is what nation-building looks like in the kingdom of God.


Let's Pray

God of all nations and Lord of every heart,
We thank You for the gift of this land, for its beauty, diversity, and freedom. Yet we do not close our eyes to its wounds.
We confess our collective failures—our silence, our pride, our complicity in systems that have hurt the vulnerable.
We ask for healing, beginning not with institutions but with us, Your Church, called by Your name.
Teach us to seek Your face above our national pride,
To weep where others weep,
To walk humbly with those who suffer,
And to proclaim not ourselves, but Christ crucified and risen,
The only true healer of hearts and nations.
Make us reconcilers, peace-makers, and truth-tellers
Until justice rolls on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

RULER SUPREME, WHO HEARS HUMBLE PRAYERS

 

** Disclaimer: As we approach July 1st, Canada Day I wanted to reflect together on our Country and our role as citizens and Christ's followers. I want to say before you read any further, I love our Canada, oh admittedly it is not all it should be, and could be, but I am not discouraged by that, I have hope for our country, because I believe in a God "who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ever ask or imagine" in our lives yes indeed, but also in our beautiful country. That is my disclaimer as I write.

July 30, 2025

1 Timothy 2:1–2

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”



Canada Day is more than a national holiday. It is an opportunity for reflection, a moment to give thanks for the gifts of this land and also to consider the responsibilities that come with citizenship. In my view, for followers of Jesus, it is also a call to prayer.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy urging prayer for “kings and all those in authority,” he wasn’t offering advice to a people in power. Rather, Paul was speaking to a young pastor leading a marginalized church in the Roman Empire, and remember this was an empire that often misunderstood, ignored, or persecuted Christian communities. Yet still, Paul’s instruction is clear: pray. PRAY, not just for friends or allies, or for the just or the righteous. Look at our passage today, Paul says PRAY for ALL in authority.

Why would Paul urge Christ’s followers to pray for all in authority? I believe it is because prayer is an act of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. Prayer in this way is a declaration that leadership, justice, and the wellbeing of a people are not simply political matters but ultimately spiritual ones. Truth is, we do not pray to control outcomes, (do we?) we pray to seek alignment with God’s purposes, for our leaders, our communities, and our shared life together as Canadians.

We need to be reminded at times that prayer is not a last resort. Prayer is a first response. This kind of praying invites humility before God’s rule, and also resistance against the despair that says nothing can change. We know, I believe, that God’s Spirit brings about change, in individuals, communities, and a nation. So, when we pray for our leaders, we are asking that their decisions be shaped not by partisanship or lobbyists pressure, but by wisdom, compassion, and courage. I feel like, we need to be reminded that leadership does not reside only on Parliament Hill or the Provincial Legislatures, or at a City Hall. Teachers, nurses, Indigenous elders, small business owners, first responders, parents, and religious communities, neighborhoods, you and me, all carry influence that shapes the soul of a nation.

I, for one, long to see Canada become a place of healing and hope, where the wounds of the past are acknowledged, where reconciliation is pursued, and where “justice rolls down like a mighty river.” There is no doubt our Canada needs this. I want to suggest today that the prayer that the Apostle speaks of in our verse today, is the type of prayer that opens our eyes to God’s vision for our country and also opens our hearts to take our place as part of its healing. I needed the challenge of Paul's words today, how about you?



Reflect

How often do you intentionally pray for Canada and its leaders?

What might be shaping your prayers—or your silence?

What would it look like for you to pray regularly for the flourishing of your neighborhood, city, province or country?



Let’s Pray

God of grace and justice,
we lift up our nation before You.
Thank You for its beauty, diversity, and the freedoms we enjoy.
We pray for our leaders, at every level of government.
Give them wisdom beyond politics, compassion beyond policies,
and courage to do what is right even when it is hard.

We ask Your peace to rest on our cities and towns,
Your justice to guide our institutions,
and Your mercy to heal our history and divisions.

Bless Indigenous communities with strength and voice,
immigrants and refugees with welcome and opportunity,
and all who labor for the good of others with perseverance and hope.

May Your church in Canada be bold in love,
humble in service,
and faithful in prayer.

Lead us, not only as citizens of this great nation Canada,
but as ambassadors of Your Kingdom.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
our true King and Prince of Peace,
Amen.

 

 

Shade for the Restless Ones

June 27, 2025

Psalm 121:5–8

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

In the heat of summer, shade is more than a comfort—it’s a form of protection. Whether you're hiking a trail or walking down a sun-soaked street, or watching a kid's soccer game, finding a patch of shadow or shade can feel like a small rescue. That’s the image the psalmist draws on in Psalm 121 when he says, “The Lord is your shade at your right hand.”

What does it mean for us that God is described as our “shade”?

The image of God's shade or shadow appears throughout Scripture as a rich and comforting figure of speech, especially in the Psalms and prophetic writings. This image of God's shade carries the idea of protection, presence, rest, and intimacy.

This psalm is part of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120–134), sung by the people of God traveling up to Jerusalem. Along the way these travelers faced harsh conditions, blazing sun by day, cold by night, and the dangers of the road. In such experiences, “shade” becomes a image not only for relief, but for God's intimate nearness and personal protection. Just as physical shade has to be close to you to offer comfort, so too is God close to His people.

Here are some Bible verses that echo this truth:

Isaiah 25:4
“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”

Psalm 91:1
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Isaiah 25:4
“You have been a refuge for the poor... a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”

Psalm 17:8
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

The Bible teaches us that God is actively keeping watch over us. Psalm 121 repeats the word “keep” or “watch over” six times. The Hebrew word "shamar" means to guard, to preserve, to attentively care. God is not a distant observer but a present shade in the fierceness of life’s pressures, grief, anxiety, burnout, uncertainty.

Do you remember the account of Elijah in the wilderness 1 Kings 19:3–8? This is after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, you may recall, Elijah fled into the wilderness, overwhelmed and in despair. You may also recall that God gave Elijah shade under a broom tree and sent an angel to provide food and encouragement. The shade wasn’t just physical, it symbolized God’s tender care in a time of spiritual and emotional exhaustion.

In today’s world of burnout, noise, and exposure, shade represents the deep human need for:

Boundaries and restfulness

Mental and emotional shelter from constant demands

Spiritual nearness to God, where His presence becomes our covering, our shade

So, whether under a actual tree, beside a quiet lake or rippling river, or in a moment of prayer and spiritual practice, finding shade, especially God's shade, invites us to slow down, recover, and remember who holds us.

Let's Pray

Thank You, Lord, for being my shade in every season, whether I’m walking in moments of joy or seasons of heavy heat. Keep me aware of Your closeness. Remind me that You are not just watching me from afar but walking beside me, guiding and guarding every step.

Lord, in a world that often feels too hot, too loud, and too fast, draw us under Your shade. Let us rest in the shelter of Your presence. Be near to us—our protector, provider, and peace. Amen.


Something to try!

Take a walk today or this weekend. Pay attention to the patches of shade, under trees, beside buildings, along fences. Notice how shade clings close, how it almost seems to follow you. Use that moment to thank God for His presence in your life.

 

 

 

Of Thunderstorms and Still Waters

 

June 26, 2025

Psalm 29:3,10


“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters… The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.”



As we have seen over the last few days summer can be a season of contrast. One day we sit in our yards with the hot sun and almost unbearable humidity, longing for a breeze, and the next day, or maybe even that same day, we are sheltering from a booming thunderstorm, watching trees bend and skies flash. A full reading of Psalm 29 offers us first, a God whose voice thunders over the waters, whose power shakes the wilderness (vv. 3–9), and second, a God who gives strength and peace to His people (v. 11).

God, in other words is a “storm-shaker” and the “still-water Shepherd”. He is the mighty Creator whose voice breaks cedars (Psalm 29:5), and the gentle Shepherd who “makes me lie down in green pastures… leads me beside still waters… restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2–3). In the Bible, the presence of water often represents chaos and danger, think of the flood in Genesis 6–9, Jonah tossed into the stormy sea, or Jesus and the disciples caught in a squall on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35–41). But in every case, God speaks, intervenes, or stills the waves.

Storms remind us of what we cannot control—but they also remind us who does.

In Psalm 29, God isn’t distressed by the storm. He commands it. And He is not overthrown by the flood, He is enthroned above it (v. 10). Whatever the storm, external or internal, God remains Lord. That is comforting good news.

Let’s Pray

Lord, whether I’m in a place of stillness or storm, let me hear Your voice. Help me to trust that You are never far off. You are the God who reigns over the thunder and the quiet. Speak peace into the storms I face. Amen.



The Take Away

Write down one storm you are facing, it may be emotional (grief, anxiety), physical (illness, exhaustion), or spiritual (doubt, dryness). Then:

Read Psalm 29 aloud—yes, aloud. As you read, imagine God speaking through the thunder and sitting enthroned above the chaos of your storm.

What might God be saying to you through this storm? Where have you witnessed God's faithful before?

Remember, 

“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood.”

Making Space to Listen

 

JUNE 25, 2025

Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
³ They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.

 

John Muir (1838- 1914), also known as "John of the Mountains" and "Father of the US National Parks system", was a Scottish-born American naturalist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. Muir often wrote about seeing “the finger of God” in every mountain and tree. He once said, “Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings.” He knew Psalm 19 by experience.

Psalm 19 teaches us that creation is not silent. Nature doesn’t whisper about God’s glory—it shouts it. It speaks. It declares. It pours forth speech, not in words we can hear, but in a language that touches our soul. King David, who wrote this Psalm, looks up at the heavens and in the depth of his soul receives a fresh message every day and night and no translator is needed. The message is clear: God is glorious. God is wise. God is the Artist behind it all. 

Modern life can dull our senses. We’re so used to screens, schedules, and noise that we often forget to look up. Do you feel, as I do that summer slows us down just enough to notice again, to look up and around. The sound of waves, the rustling of trees, the crash of a summer thunderstorm, all of it proclaims God's majesty if we are willing to listen. Let us make space to hear the “speech” of creation.

You see the Bible reminds us, that creation doesn’t just point to beauty, oh it does that for sure, but it more importantly points to a Creator. And that truth can reawaken our hearts to worship and wonder.

Let's Pray

God of glory, thank You for the skies that speak of Your beauty and the world that points to Your power. Tune my heart to hear what creation is proclaiming. Help me slow down and look up. Let the wonder of Your works lead me into deeper worship. Amen.

Take a walk today without your phone on. (Be Safe Though) Listen. Look up. Look around. What is God's abundant creation saying to you?

 

SACRED SUNRISE

 

June 24, 2025

Psalm 113:3

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, 

the name of the Lord is to be praised!”

There’s something sacred about a summer sunrise. Try it this week, and see if you agree. Here is all you need to know, Sunrise in Windsor-Essex this week will occur around 5:55 – 5:57 am. Set the alarm, get up, go outside or look outside and take in the sunrise. See if you don’t agree that a summer sunrise possesses a certain reverence.

The world begins to stir, birds lift their cheerful morning songs, and the light of sunrise gradually illuminates the horizon. Truth is it’s a daily miracle that often goes unnoticed by the majority, only a small percentage of us get to take it in.

Psalm 113:3 calls us to something remarkable: a full-day response of praise to God. Did you notice it? From sunrise to sunset the poet invites us to live in an attitude of worship. You see, praise isn’t just reserved for Sunday mornings or our devoted quiet times. It’s a pattern that should flow through all our waking hours, at least that’s how the Psalm writer perceives it.

This psalm belongs to the "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113–118), traditionally sung during Jewish festivals like Passover. It celebrates God’s glory and His concern for the humble. Verse 3 reminds us that praise is international and unending, it rises like the sun and sets with it. As I heard recently, “God is worthy of our worship in every time zone, every season, every circumstance.”

But what does that look like practically?

Perhaps it looks like beginning your day not with scrolling or worrying, but with a whispered “thank You.” 

or, It looks like noticing beauty and naming it as God’s handiwork.

I wonder if it looks like praising God not only when life feels good but especially when it doesn't, when we choose to trust His goodness in the waiting, in the dark, and in the heat of the day.

Back in 2019, I remember a photographer who posted a series of sunrise images from beaches across Nova Scotia. Of course, as a born and raised East Coaster this caught my eye. In each caption, there was a short prayer or praise based on what this photographer’s lens captured. One morning it was the fiery orange sky that reminded her of God's consuming love; another day, a still sea that brought Psalm 46:10 to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I loved the perspective this photographer held “The sunrise reminds me that I get another chance to say thank You, to start fresh with God, again and again.”

Each morning presents a valuable opportunity to begin anew with gratitude.

Let’s Pray

Lord, You are worthy of praise” from the moment that I wake up until I lay my head”. Help me begin this day with thanksgiving. Open my eyes to see Your glory in the morning light. May my life reflect Your love from the rising of the sun to its setting. Amen



TAKE THE CHALLANGE: 

Wake up tomorrow 5:55 am remember, and go outside or to a window where you can see the light of day. Before checking your phone or beginning your routine, speak a sentence of praise aloud:

“Lord, I praise You this morning because…”

 

AWE and WONDER

 June 23, 2025

Psalm 19:1 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

 

How do we know summer is upon us? Well, yes, I guess the current heatwave might be one response, the school year is ending perhaps. For me, as a resident of the City of Windsor, it is the Ford Fireworks that says SUMMER! Tonight’s show marks the 67th edition of the Ford Fireworks. As we gather for a celebration that is meant to blend two national holidays, Canada Day July 1 and the United States Independence Day of July 4th, a community event on both sides of the border, a display of friendship, fireworks will light up the sky with bursts of color and sound. If you attend or have attended in the past, you will witness people of all ages standing in silence OOOing and Awing with delight at the sight in the night sky. There's something about fireworks that stirs awe. They're bright, beautiful, and a brief 30 minutes, but unforgettable.

In Psalm 19, David reminds us that the heavens themselves are proclaiming God's glory every day, without words. Fireworks may be human-made, but they echo something deeper: our yearning to see light break into darkness, to witness glory.

That same awe we feel watching fireworks points to a far greater Truth. God’s glory is not just momentary or dazzling, it is eternal, holy, and radiant. In our Bible's, God's presence is often described with fire: the burning bush, the pillar of fire, tongues of flame at Pentecost. Fire, like fireworks, gets our attention. But God's fire, according to scripture, is purifying, enduring, and full of truth.

In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Jesus we are told in the scriptures, is the full radiance of God’s glory. Jesus doesn’t just light up the sky, Jesus lights up our lives too.


When you see fireworks tonight or this summer, pause to reflect: What stirs your sense of wonder?

Name something beautiful that recently stirred your sense of wonder. How does that moment point you to our Creator.


Let’s Pray

Lord of light and glory,
Thank You for the beauty that surrounds us and for moments that stir awe in our hearts. May we not just admire the temporary awe of human-made fireworks but lift our eyes to Your eternal light. Shine in our hearts and help us reflect Your glory wherever we go.
Amen.

REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE!!

 

June 20, 2025

 

Ephesians 1:13–14

 

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

 

In the ancient world, a seal was a powerful symbol. Kings and rulers used signet rings or wax seals to mark something as official, protected, and belonging to them, whether it was a scroll, a decree, or a possession. In our reading today the Apostle Paul uses this imagery to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a follower of Jesus.

When we put our faith in Christ, something invisible yet profound occurs: God places His Spirit within us as a seal, a declaration that we belong to Him. This seal is not a temporary stamp like we sometimes receive after paying admission to a local festival, but this seal that Paul talks about is a permanent mark of identity, ownership, and security, that we are God’s covenant people.

Paul doesn’t stop there however, he pushes the metaphor even further saying the Holy Spirit is not only a seal but also a guarantee or “down payment”, a first installment so to speak, of what is yet to come. Just like a deposit with an offer on a house or property indicates more is coming, the presence of the Spirit in our life is the first taste of the full inheritance that will be ours when Christ returns, resurrection, glory, and eternal life with our creator God.

Blessed Assurance is ours. and this assurance isn’t based on our performance, or how strong our faith is, but rests securely on how faithful God is. Do not forget this great truth!!

To be sealed with the Spirit means that God has marked you as His own, guaranteed your future, and empowered your present. Practically, it shows up in quiet assurance, Spirit-led decisions, conviction, courage, and comfort, moment by moment. In times of grief, illness, or uncertainty, we hold onto the Spirit’s presence as a down payment of the eternal life and glory to come.

Still, we often struggle to trust that we are truly secure in Christ. Even though we have God's word of promise. Doubts creep in. Guilt resurfaces. Life’s hardships shake us. But Paul points us back to an unshakable Bible truth: if the Spirit is in you, you are sealed. You are safe. You are known. You are His.

Let’s Pray

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit as a seal upon my life. When I am tempted to question my worth or doubt my future, remind me that I am Yours. Let Your Spirit reassure my heart and strengthen my faith in what is to come. Help me to live with confidence, not because of my efforts, but because of Your promise. Amen.