ACT 23: AT YOUR TABLE

APRIL 1, 2022

Let's begin today with a song. Have a listen to the words, and the song's message and then read on into today's post.

Imagine a long, beautifully prepared table where everyone has a seat. You find your name card and sit between two people you’ve never met before. The cutlery glistens in the light of flickering candelabras, as the slowly building chatter of conversation begins. After introductions, bread is broken and passed around. Gradually, laughter and easy conversation flows.

As you eat, the woman beside you, a recent refugee, tells a story about her young daughter’s first day of school and how she cried while watching her enter the building.

Over dessert, the man on your other side talks about growing up in Ghana, West Africa. He says he remembers the smell of home—cocoa and bonfire smoke—and tells you how much he misses it.

You share your story, too, finding it easier than you anticipated to tell two strangers your thoughts and feelings, your hopes and dreams.

It’s an odd experience that even though you’ve just met them, they do not feel like strangers. 

This is the table. This is the kingdom of God at work.

The Bible describes such a table in it's beautiful invitation to all of humankind to come to His table. The message that confronts us over and over in scripture is that through Jesus, we have a seat at this table, but not because we’ve earned it. Rather, because it is the table of grace.

As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (New Living Translation).

So it is the gift of God's generous grace that invites us to  "Pull up our chair"  and come to his table.

On Sunday, April 3, 2022 we will as a community of faith at Ambassador take our place at the table as we celebrate Communion together. The Lord's Supper is our frequent reminder of our communal life as Jesus' followers. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:17

Communion helps us recognize that we’re bonded together through Jesus, and He’s why we each have a place in the kingdom, a place at his table. 

When we participate in communion as a community, we’re able to reflect on all that God has brought us through while also pointing each other to the eternal freedom, hope and joy that Jesus’ life and sacrifice brings!

Yesterday, (Thursday) on social media, people around the world posted photos and tagged them #ThrowbackThursday (or #tbt!). Have you seen this? These might be photos from a person’s childhood or memories that were captured as recently as a few weeks ago. The point in posting something with
#ThrowbackThursday is to remember—to think about where we’ve been, and how we’ve grown and changed along the way.

It’s in our nature to want to share stories and memories with those around us. Doing this helps us see how far we’ve come. Communion is just as much a celebration as it is a solemn act of remembrance. When we take communion together, we have the opportunity to rejoice in the life we have through Jesus. That celebratory act connects us more deeply than anything else as a body of believers.

So lets prepare to come to the table of grace this Sunday, in person @ 11:00 am or by our online video. Let's have a #throwbackSUNDAY and together enjoy community with Jesus and one another.

See Ya Sunday!!

 ACT 22: POWER of STORY

March 31, 2022

Some of you reading this will remember years ago in Church life a regular event called Testimony Time in a worship service. They were moments during a service in which people would stand up and share their experience of God, and the signs of God at work in their lives, the overwhelming kindness and generosity of God’s miracles. I don’t know if this is still a practice in some churches or not, but I wonder if something has been lost to the community of faith by not hearing each other’s story.

Our testimonies (Stories) are often the best advertisements for Jesus. Here is the profound part of our stories, you don't have to have a perfect life. You don't have to have everything together. But being able to articulate how God changed your life is a generous act because it offers others hope. It says to them, “If he can do it for me, he'll do it for you too.”

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. (Psalm 66:16 NLT)

You have a story to tell. 

You might not think so, but you do.

Maybe it’s an adventure story, packed with excitement and suspense. Or maybe it’s a drama. The lost phone. The relationship crisis. The car that wouldn’t start when you were already late. Maybe it’s a tragedy. The dreams you lost – or never had. The addictions. The betrayals. The grief. Or maybe it’s a love story. The parents who believed in you when no one else did. The friends who stuck with you, through thick and thin. The one that got away. The one who stayed.

Probably, your story is a mixture of all of these things. But whatever it is, it matters. As we speak of God’s work in our lives, we are reminded, "God is for me and he’s for you too. We’re all in this together."

You don’t need to be strong or brave to have a good story. God has used my weaknesses to speak to others and your words will do the same. I want you to know, please take this to heart. In God’s hands, your story can pierce darkness and rekindle hope. It’s a gift and he calls you to share it!

Sharing our story is not about shining a spotlight on ourselves, but rather it becomes a sign that points to God. You are never the hero of your story; Jesus is. This is the reason, we speak. We speak of the God who made us and faced ultimate suffering to bring us life. We speak of the arms that carry us, through the fiery furnace and through the sudden squalls and storms. We speak of beauty, and we speak of brokenness. We speak of his story, and we’re awed by the fact that it’s our story too.

THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS


Day by day, Jesus taught and enlightened,

Day by day, Jesus healed and enabled,

Day by day, Jesus asked and listened,

Day by day, Jesus mentored and discipled,

Day by day, Jesus forgave and Jesus freed.

Day by day, help us, Lord, like you to be ready to serve those who are in need.

On the cross, Jesus gave his life as an offering,

On the cross, Jesus offered forgiveness to all,

On the cross, Jesus bore all our suffering,

On the cross, Jesus paid the price of all our sin,

On the cross, Jesus overcame selfishness and greed.

Help us, Lord, to take up our cross, and by the power of your resurrection, to offer life to those who are in need.

 

ACT 21: DYNAMITE?

MARCH 30, 2022

Some of us are great at memorising Bible verses. Some of us get them mixed up with Disney and Shakespeare quotes or even hymn texts. All of us, though, can probably remember a time when a Bible verse was a “light unto our path.” A moment when it seemed like God spoke directly into your life situation a word of hope or understanding.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

I love the Bible! Does that surprise you? It is the inspired word of God and to be honest I don’t know how I would get through the experiences of life without its teaching and truth. People have risked life and limb for this book. I can remember reading the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said this: “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilisation to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature.”

Perhaps Gandhi was right, if so, then we need to start treating the Bible like the dynamite it is, and recognize that it’s so much more than just a book, more than a piece of literature! IT IS THE LIVING WORD OF GOD!

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 DYNAMITE!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 DYNAMITE!

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 DYNAMITE!

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 DYNAMITE!

Therefore, say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’ Ezekiel 12:28 DYNAMITE!



He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:20 DYNAMITE!!



What’s your favourite Bible verse? One of Mine, is the line from Romans 8:31: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (NIV). I’ve always found it to be a huge encouragement that brings perspective regardless of all that’s going on around me. What is yours?

Sharing a verse of scripture with others can encourage and help them too. Consider what verse you could share, who you could share it with and the best way to share it today. Give that gift of light, life, freedom, and hope to someone today.

Share a favourite verse, tell the story of how it came to you, and how it changed your perspective. You never know who might be in a similar situation.

Go on. Share your verse today! Take out your phone and message, tweet, Instagram, or TikTok to the masses your verse. Send it to an individual. Generously, let us bless someone else today, right now with the comfort of God’s word.

ACT 20: LAST SMARTIE

MARCH 29, 2022

 

It's often said that the way to tell whether someone loves you is to see whether they'll give you their last Smartie. Whether it's our last Smartie (the red one) or our favourite something else (fill in the blank), sometimes we get a bit clingy about the possessions we have. When the stuff we own starts to own us, it's time to re-evaluate the situation.

Let us begin today with this. What are you holding onto too closely? Could it be your favourite articles of clothing, your second, third or fourth guitar, or a piece of jewellery, _______________? Or perhaps you have something smaller, a book(s), movie or music collection that has grown out of hand.

[Jesus] said to them, ‘… life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ (Luke 12:15)

My Dad had a set of tires in our attic from an old vehicle, He kept the tires because they were still good, had some descent tread left, you know “Never know I might need them” kind of thing. One night at supper he talked about giving these tires to a United Church minister that he knew. I was, flabbergasted, astonished, amazed, even a bit angry that my dad just gave the tires away, did not ask for any money, did not trade the tires for anything. Just gave the Minister the tires. “Why, would you do that Dad?” My Dad’s response was I had the tires, and this man needed them. My Dad was teaching me what Jesus was teaching, that life is more about living with an “open hand” in generosity, than it is holding tightly to “an abundance of possessions.”

When Jesus encounters a man who loves his possessions (in Mark 10, The Rich Ruler), he tells him, ‘One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor…’ He doesn’t say this to everyone he meets, but he’s very clear about the prescription for this young man. My belief is that this was the specific remedy for the greediness that afflicted him. At times I have really struggled with letting go of some of my stuff in the same way. Can you relate?

I wish I could say that the lesson my dad taught me that day really stuck to me, that from that day forward I lived with an “open Hand”, I held all things loosely, but it was not the case. There will likely be a moment today when I will need to decide whether I will choose to live by the “open hand” or the closed gripping fist.

While I struggle with this kind of generous living, I can tell you that anything I have ever released to assist someone else, I have never needed or been without when I did need it. I don’t know if my father’s generosity is the reason but until his last day of life, he had good tires with descent tread on his vehicle.

Live today with an open hand. Live today with eyes and heart wide open to the opportunity that just may come your way, to give what you have as an act of generosity to assist someone’s life. I can promise you this, when you do, they won’t be the only ones that receive a blessing.

ACT 19: WAGE PEACE

MARCH 28, 2022

At the conclusion of 2021, there were 27 ongoing military conflicts in our world, the conflict in the Unkraine makes 28. Truth is, I was shocked to see that number, as we tend to only hear of a few of the conflicts in our daily news.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), (2021)
Violence against civilians resulted in over 5,000 deaths worldwide
Battle related deaths numbered over 18,000
Explosion/remote violence led to more than 4,000 deaths
Riots resulted in over 600 fatalities



Beyond the Ukraine, wars and conflicts exist in South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, India and Pakistan, to name a few.

It goes without saying, I suppose, our world needs peace, "the peace of God that transcends our understanding."

For our Act of Generosity today lets reflect on the Bible's viewpoint toward peace, and then let us pray for peace. Let's "Wage PEACE".



Philippians 4:6-9

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

A PRAYER FOR PEACE

‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ says the Lord,

‘for they will be called children of God.’

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.


We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.


We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.


We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.


Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

ACT 18: DAILY GRIND

 

MARCH 25, 2022

Matthew 25:45

He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

 

This verse in Matthew 25 has always hit me hard. I do not want to be on the receiving end of these words. I would rather have said to me, the verse from Matthew 25:40 that reads “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Whichever verse we use, the message is the same, that we encounter Jesus in the people that we meet everyday, and how we treat them matters. Jesus drives home the message doesn’t he in these words? Matthew 25:42-43 “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”

Let’s acknowledge the fact that our lives are often built around routines. People factor highly into those routines, but sometimes they become nameless and faceless as we concentrate on our own tasks and desires. It is so easy to be so entirely self focused that we can not see the needs around us. It is not that we are uncaring, because we are not, it is just as Jesus put it, the cares of life can choke us, and blind us. We miss the thirsty, hungry, lonely, the wounded, ill and the captives around us.

Today, this weekend, let’s take the time to get “off the hamster wheel”, as we say, and show some gratitude towards the ones we are most likely to overlook.

We might see a lot of people day in, day out. It can become easy to take them for granted, and forget to greet them with affection, or even just to say a simple thank you. Be mindful of how you treat your nearest and dearest; they deserve your courtesy and kindness just as much as anyone else.

There is TV series I came across with the title “DAD, DON’T EMBARRASS ME.” I have not watched it, so this is not an endorsement, however my DAD used to embarrass me at Restaurants. He would write a note on the bill before laying his cash down. A note that would read “thank you for your great service,” or if the server shared something of their story, he would put something like “I’ll be praying for you, and then he would put the servers name.” I really don’t know why these gestures embarrassed me, but they did. As I mature, I realize what he did was speak generosity and gratitude into that person’s life. Let’s give that a try, leave a note to explain that you're thankful for people around you. Maybe they fit the “least of these” that Jesus is talking about in Matthew 25.

ACT 17: WHEN YOU'RE SMILING

 

 MARCH 24, 2022

 

I don’t know how many of you are willing to date yourself to say you remember the TV show FANTASY ISLAND. If you do remember it, you likely remember that as they were getting ready to welcome new guests each week, Mr Rourke, would say to his staff, “Smiles, Everyone Smiles!” A smile is a great greeting isn’t it.

A Smile – it’s free, it's contagious, and it brings feelings of warmth and happiness. Share your smile with everyone you meet today. Even smiling on your own is known to release endorphins and bring a sense of joy, so “flash those gnashers and get your grin on.”

I read an article recently that talked about the personal benefits of a smile. Here are a few benefits it mentioned.

Relieves Stress - A simple smile will help keep you from looking drained, worn out, and overwhelmed.

Helps You Remain Positive - Smiling can impact your feelings of positivity, it sends a signal to your brain and, eventually, the rest of your body.

Elevates Mood - The actual demonstration of smiling activates pathways in your brain that affect your emotional state.

Reduces Pain - Several studies found that smiling discharges endorphins, serotonin, and other regular painkillers, these can cause you to feel better from head to toe.

May Reduce Blood Pressure - A smile can have a beneficial influence on your blood pressure. Studies have revealed that laughter appears to bring down blood pressure after causing an underlying expansion in pulse and breathing. While smiling has appeared to decrease your heart rate.

Boosts the Immune System - A simple smile can also improve your overall health by supporting your immune system to work more efficiently. It is believed that when you smile, immune capacity improves since your body is relaxed, releasing certain helpful neurotransmitters. 

Perhaps the #1 Benefit

Makes You Attractive - People usually are attracted to individuals who smile. Not only that, but smiling can also make you look younger. The muscles used to smile likewise lift the face, causing an individual to seem more youthful.


I have always believed that a smile has the power to improve the day of those around you. I have seen, and you have too I am sure, the power that a smile, a joke, or a compliment can bring to yourself and to others.


A smile is a gift you can give anyone, even a stranger. It costs you nothing. In fact it will probably cheer you up just doing it. But this cheapest of gifts can be priceless for the recipient as it lights up their day.

And you never know, they might smile back.

So it appears that maybe Mr. Rourke was on to something for the staff on FANTASY ISLAND to adorn their faces with smiles.

For our Act today 

lets just smile as much as we can.

Apostle Paul understood this I believe for he encorages us to 

Be full of joy always 

because you belong to the Lord.

Again I say, be full of joy! 

(Philippians 4:4 NLV)

 ACT 16: OFFERING

MARCH 23, 2022

Here is a prayer I have been using lately that I believe helps us offer ourselves to God and leads us to "Doing Lent Generously." 

Let me suggest you read the prayer slowly, and let the words sink in, and listen to what the Holy Spirit says to you. Perhaps, pray it a few times. 



PRAYER

Loving God, here are my hands.
What do you want me to create or build today?
Who do you want me to serve?
What activities should I keep my hands away from?
May these small hands help build your kingdom.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23, 24 NIV)


Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)


Loving God, here is my voice.
I commit to only speak words of life today. Words that build up and not tear down.
Always speaking the truth, and always speaking it in Love.
Please help me to be a voice for the voiceless today.
Please show me when to stay quiet.
O God, may my voice make this world more like You've made it to be.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NIV)

Loving God, here is my heart.
You know the deepest longings of my heart. I humbly hold them out before You. Amen.

ACT 15: WILDERNESS BREAK

MARCH 22, 2022

So far, our Lent Devotions have offered, if my count is correct 28 Acts of Generosity. Here is what I want to suggest let’s take today and tomorrow and put one or two of those suggestions into play. That’s OUR challenge.

_____________________________________________________________________

Since the First Sunday in Lent, when we looked at Jesus in the wilderness being tempted, I have been doing a good deal of reflection on the “Wilderness” theme in the Bible. We generally view times in life of experiencing the wilderness or desert as negative, as a time of barrenness, difficulty and a lack of growth, but that’s only half the message in scripture.

In Hebrew, the word for wilderness is "midbar." It is interesting that the root of midbar has the meaning of “speak” or “word.” God speaks to us in the wilderness. We saw this in Jesus story in Matthew 4:1-10. My reflection has resulted in my thoughts wondering if the wilderness times in our life are not a discipline for sin, you know a kind of a being sent to your room for disobedience kind of thing, but more a place without the usual distractions, to help us hear God’s voice and guidance.


Let me cite a couple of examples, One of the Women in scripture whose story I am drawn to is Hagar. She runs from Sarah, remember where? The wilderness, a dry and barren place, and there we read she encountered in all of her fear and worry and disappointment, “the God who sees me.” What a discovery!!  

In Deuteronomy 32 there is a beautiful description of God’s relationship with his people:

“For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession.

10 He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland.
He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.

11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young,
so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions.

12 The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods.

13 He let them ride over the highlands and feast on the crops of the fields.
He nourished them with honey from the rock and olive oil from the stony ground.
14 He fed them yogurt from the herd and milk from the flock, together with the fat of lambs.
He gave them choice rams from Bashan, and goats, together with the choicest wheat.
You drank the finest wine, made from the juice of grapes.

In the wilderness God speaks to his people. To you and me as his special possession too! There is some awesome news for us today.



Here is a Prayer for us today.


God’s Word in the wilderness

When our route is confused and we look for clarification

Your Word is a lamp to our feet

When our vision is impaired and we seek a way forward

Your Word is a light to our path

When we experience temptation and trust in the mirage

Your Word is a lamp to our feet

When we gaze into the darkness and wonder where to place the next step

Your Word is a light to our path

When we need to take our bearings and the compass is unsteady

Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path

 ACT 14: MORE

MARCH 21, 2022

I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfil His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

(Philippians 4:12–13 Amplified Translation)

______________________ 

 

It is easy to do the bare minimum, isn't it? Or even to simply “just” get the job done. I have worked with people that live their lives this way: Just doing the bare minimum. Even when doing a little extra would help a co-worker or family member. I have been that person too.

Our time is precious, after all, and our energy is limited. But there's a universal principle to delighting others: unexpected and generous undeserved abundance. Going above and beyond. Putting in 110%, as athletes always say. Walking the extra mile. Our reading today suggests that “Going the extra mile” is a lifestyle. Philippians 4:12–13, suggests to us that we can go above and beyond what we think we are capable of, because of the God that we serve. In this way, going the extra mile isn’t extraordinary; it becomes the norm of our lives. That is a great way to live don’t you think? Romans 15:2 says “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Jesus said “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” “Going the extra mile” is the “Jesus Way.”

I suspect we have all been on the receiving end of the generosity that such a life style produces. So how does going the extra mile impact on our lives? I have found, as you have, that as we give to and invest in others generously, God has poured his abundant blessing into our lives, often in the most unexpected places, and from the most unexpected of sources!

So our reading today reminds us, that even though going the extra for someone feels to much to us, physically and emotionally, it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfil your purpose] for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 AMP)


Find small ways to delight someone today. For example, if you are in a restaurant, leave an extra-generous tip or a glowing review online. Forget the cost and find your joy in the smile on someone else’s face. I recall that one day I was standing in the line at FreshCo, and with out much thought I just blurted out to the cashier, “How is my favorite Cashier today?” her face lit up, it changed my relationship with her, not only in the store, but when I saw here elsewhere, she always had a smile for me, a hi. I am sure I made her day by my words from the reaction, but she also made my day.

Think of the most outlandish, extravagant act of generosity you could feasibly do today wherever you are, and then go for it. Whatever you choose, do it cheerfully.

 

 

 ACT 13: SECOND FIDDLE?

MARCH 18, 2022

Romans 12:10   The Message

Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

_________________________


I remember reading of Leonard Bernstein, legendary conductor of the New York Philharmonic, giving an interview following a televised performance, he was asked: "Mr. Bernstein, what is the most difficult instrument to play?"

With humour and without even a thought he replied:

"Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm . . . now that's a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony."

For some of us, I’m included in that us, surrendering control (looking out for # 1), and sacrificing our own agendas or plans is difficult. It means, first, that we don't get our own way and secondly, we must trust someone else or put them first. But practicing playing “second fiddle” sometimes is important and the generous thing to do: it shows the other person that you acknowledge their worth, that you value them.

For Jesus, the Gospel’s tell us, everyone belonged, and he responded to them in a way that recognised the worth of each person. Even when exhausted, at times pressured by those in authority, Jesus set aside his own needs to concentrate on whoever stood in front of him, showing respect and love for the marginalised, the children, the women and those who had physical problems which literally placed them on the fringes of society at that time.

The Apostle Paul in reflecting on the “Jesus Way” wrote “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3–5

There are plenty of small ways to put others first. Perhaps hold the door open for more people than necessary. Give up your seat on the city bus. Let someone else go ahead of you in the line at the grocery store. Let someone else choose the TV channel, or the Netflix stream to watch. (Is that going too far? 😊)

Plan a nice day out with someone. Choose to do an activity that they would love – not the things that you would love to do with them. Do it Joyfully.

Consider a situation you're in now with a friend or family member where you might be at a disagreement over something. It could be anything from choosing a new paint colour, or where to go for a meal, to disagreeing with your best friend over what to do this weekend. Usually, you would find a happy medium – a compromise. This time though, let that person's wishes and opinions be what is done, not yours. Let them know that you value their thoughts as much as your own.

Love from the centre of who you are; … 

Be good friends who love deeply; 

practice playing second fiddle. 

                                                                     Romans 12:10 

ACT 12: Chocolate. Everywhere.

Romans 15:2

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.


Romans 13:10

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1 John 4:12

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

_____________________________



I thought that title might get your attention. 😄

We are in the season of LENT, where many say they are giving up chocolate. We have been suggesting that maybe a proper response to Lent is generosity. What I am about to share suggests what we might do with the Chocolate we are surrendering.

I came across this story, and I just had to share it with you all. What if everyone reading this decided to do something like this in their community.

The Story. Dan Usher writes “Back in 2013 I had a little idea. I called my sister and told her I wanted to buy 100 Easter eggs and give them away – would she like to come? She was so excited, especially as we went up and down the supermarket aisles filling the cart with some of her favourites! That weekend, we gathered a few more friends and headed into the local community – what fun!

As we handed out the Easter eggs, we found people started to smile, laugh, talk and respond. Conversation flowed and I caught a glimpse of how an act of kindness could be a catalyst for building new relationships and forming stronger communities.

It’s amazing how well people respond to free chocolate. It’s something everyone can get involved in and a great conversation starter. I can genuinely say from my own experience that you’ll quickly see that, far from being skeptical, people start to respond with a wonderful openness that will inspire you! In one exchange, a woman was near to tears as she accepted an egg. Her husband was very unwell in hospital and the egg we gave her just happened to be his favourite. In another, some schoolchildren were handing out eggs, and as one lady accepted an egg, she told them that the last time she’d seen a member of their school they were trying to knock down her garden fence! She saw this as a real act of reconciliation”


Isn’t that great!! What a story. Last year this act actually engaged over 15,000 people.

Everyday as Jesus followers, we celebrate the greatest act of kindness every, “New Life” through Jesus death and resurrection. In response to Jesus generous gift to us, what if each of us did something like this act, and we were to reach out to our Neighborhoods? I wonder what amazing things God might have prepared for us in our own communities!

 ACT 11: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

MARCH 16, 2022

Romans 5:8

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 13:13

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:9-10

9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 3:1

1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

John 3:16

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son.

_________________________

Love means different things to different people. It might look like hanging up the bathroom towels after you use them, instead of leaving them on the floor. It might look like a special surprise. It might look like a day spent in someone's company. It might just be a pat on the back and a smile. But each of us is built to give and receive love. It's a basic need. 

Perhaps before showing love to someone today, we should consider two things first: (1) In what ways does that person experience love the most? Do they prefer acts of service, gifts, quality time? (2) What kind of love do you most struggle to express? These are meant to help us think about the ways we might challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zone and express an act of love to someone the way THEY need to be loved today.

Without oxygen and food and water, we can't survive. But there’s something else. Something just as crucial to our survival.

In one orphanage, it was discovered the babies were not thriving. And, even though they were being fed properly, some were dying. Researchers finally uncovered the reason. These babies were not being held or touched. They were not being loved.

Without love a baby will not survive. Neither will we. 

"Love, like oxygen, is vital."  (saw this on a post recently)

We use the word LOVE about all kinds of things – we love our spouse. Or a kitten. Or kitten Video. Or a holiday on the beach. Or a movie. Or a cup of tea/coffee. Or cake, Or Pizza. We use the word "love" lightly. What is love? Hasn’t it got to be more than that…? 

Sally Lloyd-Jones wrote this entry in her devotional:

What is love? Is it a feeling in your heart?

The Bible says Love is much more: it is patient and kind, never bears a grudge, doesn’t demand its own way, always wants the best for someone else, never puts itself first, never gets jealous, isn’t proud, doesn’t boast, isn’t rude, always hopes, never stops.

Oh dear, that’s quite a list. Who can love like that?

Only one.

He left his father and his throne and came to live with us. And showed us what love was really like.

Because, you see, Love isn’t mostly a list.

It’s a Person.

May the One whose name is Love, the One who made us from love, to love, may he fill our hearts and our souls and our minds today. And may we be open doors through which He may love the world

 ACT 10: GOLDEN APPLES

MARCH 15, 2022

We have talked about this before, but reminders are always worthwhile. Our words have immense capacity for good. When we use them encouragingly, generously, and genuinely, there are few things that have more power. A timely word can change the course of someone's day, or even someone's life. Use words wisely.

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 15:4

A gentle tongue is a tree of life ….

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

_______________________

"A word fitly spoken," says Proverbs 25:11, ’is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.’ Other versions have “golden apples in a silver basket” or “on a silver tray”. A shining, striking image that portrays the effect of good words: they create a relationship and invite more words to be echoed in reply, “like the light between two beautiful reflective surfaces.” Generous words given to us become words that can flow out generously to others.

Jesus, too, is a great giver of golden apples. “You are the salt of the earth,” he told the group of uncertain fishermen who followed him around; “you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14 NIV). Later, as he was about to leave them, he told the same group of people that he called them his friends, that he had chosen them to bear fruit, and that they should love one another (John 15:14–17).

Jesus’ generous words are meant for each of us who follow him today, too. If we let them take root in us, they will produce the fruit that he promises, and then we will give those promises to someone who needs it: Generous Words: “golden apples, on a silver tray.”

Hebrews 10:24

24 And let us consider

how we may spur one another on

toward love and good deeds, ..."

Grab a stack of Post-it notes or sticky labels, and write down some one-line encouragements. Then stick them up around your house, your workplace, or your neighborhood for other people to find.

Each day try to give three verbal encouragements. Make them genuine and appropriate.

Grab some chalk and head for the streets. Find a patch of pavement and get creative: write a public message of encouragement for everyone to see. This will brighten someone’s day. A great act to do with kids, too!

ACT 9: GENEROUS PRAYER

MARCH 14, 2022

Acts 2:42

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

1 Timothy 2:1-3

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We begin this week’s devotions with a story about Helen. Helen was a member of a previous church that I Pastored, and each week at our Wednesday night Prayer meeting, when we were putting our prayer request list together for our prayer time, she would often request prayer for some unknown person. What I mean is, not even Helen knew the person. For example, on the way to church she would see an Ambulance, or Fire Truck on their way to a scene, or she would see an accident that had just occurred on her route to church, and she would ask for prayer for these situations. I can remember thinking that her requests seemed odd, I mean, why pray for people or circumstances that we do not know about. Truth is I learned a lot from Helen about prayer on those Wednesday nights.

Today’s generous act is all about setting in motion the gift of prayer. Wait, what? How is prayer generous, you ask? When we pray, we spend time talking to a God who lives and moves and acts with power and presence, in response to our prayers. The Bible tells us “ask anything in my name.” Re-read our verses today from the Bible, notice “they devoted themselves …. to Prayer”, there is this invitation/Command to pray for those who are cruel to us, to pray for politicians, yes even the ones we disagree with. Don’t miss that it says this kind of praying for others pleases God. Prayer is generous because we are asking the creator of the universe to do a good thing for someone else. That’s Powerful stuff. That’s something that Helen understood, that I did not, and that she taught me about Prayer.

Don’t you find it remarkable that God is interested in us and wants us to have honest conversation with him? Here is the thing, we do not need any special skills or “high-level” clearance to get in contact with him. In fact, there are no barriers (except perhaps those we put up ourselves). Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, day or night, we can talk to God. We can tell God what is important to us, what we are concerned about. We can acknowledge what we are grateful for. You could … well, just be honest. Here’s some space to do it …





Praying. Think about it, millions of people around the World do it: believers, sceptics, young people, people who are desperate and people who are not. Do you know something, this is astounding, God responds!!


So here is a thought: who could you offer the gift of prayer to today?


Go to your local news source, Paper or on air media, or click open your Facebook/Twitter etc newsfeed. Just offer up some brief prayers for the stories, or the people in them that you see listed or hear about there.


One person I was reading suggested that we schedule a regular time throughout the day to pray for newsfeeds or our relationship circles and Community.



Why not share the gift of prayer with others today?

“We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of the people for whom we pray.”                                         Corrie Ten Boom

 

 

 

 ACT 8: DIRTY CASH?

MARCH 11, 2022

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Some people, eager for money, 

have wandered from the faith

 and pierced themselves with many griefs. (I Timothy 6:10 NIV)

Interestingly, the Bible in general and Jesus in particular have a lot to say about money The Bible is full of wisdom about saving, investment, insurance, debt, budgeting and, of course, generosity.

The overwhelming message of scripture is God’s grace to an undeserving creation. And the consistent application of that grace for us is to challenge Jesus followers to analyze how we use our resources generously.

Our verse today needs to be read carefully, please notice it is not the cash that is the root of evil; it is rather our love of cash that is called the “root of evil.”

What we encounter in the scriptures is that we are the recipients of the amazing and overwhelming grace and generosity of God, and our response to this grace and generosity is gratitude. Out of this thankfulness flows lives of generosity. A generosity that overflows into the life of others.

Think back, to the Mitten Tree during December, the generosity to fill that tree to overflowing was a symbol of the generous hearts that you have. I think of the Food Collection we joined with Walkerville Baptist to donate to Drouillard Place. The Food Drive in late November in which the Fontainebleu Community joined with us and supported the Food Bank just up the street from us. Generous is what we are.

The Bible passage is cautioning us about the subtle allegiance of our love shifting from gratitude for Grace to a love of money and resources. Overall, the message in our Bible verse is to say that the love of money may be the root of all evil, but generosity with that money grows good fruit in our lives.

I want you to know that this is an area in my life that often is a battle. Is it for you too? I have, however learned that the more I let generosity to God’s grace fuel my life, the greater my life is filled with Joy and Peace.

If times are hard at the moment, spend some time in thought. Challenge yourself to look honestly at your giving attitudes:

Do you view it as 'your money', or God's?

How much would you like to be able to give, if you could?

What causes would you give to?

Pray about those things. If you find that you have a little loose change that accumulates each day, why not start a Giving Jar? When it's full, you can choose who to give it to.

As we learn generosity and how to handle money as recipients of grace, we make better and better decisions about finances in all areas of life. Money is not dirty cash – something that we separate out from our faith. Following Jesus affects everything, including how we spend, invest, borrow, and give.

Remember the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Each of you should give 

what you have decided in your heart to give, 

not reluctantly or under compulsion, 

for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

 

 

ACT 7: ALL EARS

 

 

 

 MARCH 10, 2022

 

 ‘Whoever has ears to hear, 

let them hear.’ (Luke 8:8)

It's tempting sometimes to make our conversations a means for making ourselves heard rather than genuine consideration for what another person is saying. Can I suggest, this is for me too, that we remove interruptions/distractions and that natural inclination to thinking up what you are going to say next, and actually listen to people.

The first step might be simply to be disciplined in removing distractions. Try to switch off devices or screens if you're around others today.

Call someone for a chat today. Except, try to do less talking than them; make a point of asking questions about their life and be genuinely interested in their answers.

If you have a little more time, make a point of having a Coffee/Tea break with someone. It could be someone you haven't spent time with in a while, or the colleague you sit next to. Take half an hour to really listen to them – make mental notes of any prayer points and commit to pray for them this week.



Jesus always had time for people. From the trembling woman who cautiously touched his clothes to the father desperately worried about his child. Nowhere in the Gospels does he ever say, 'I'm a bit busy at the moment.' Whoever we are, whether young or old, we all long to be listened to. Let someone know that their words and their story are valued today.

 

Listening is an attitude of the heart, a genuine desire to be with another which both attracts and heals.