Say So

 

October 10, 2025

Psalm 107:1-9

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Some years ago, I bought a worship recording titled Give Thanks. In the middle of one medley came a simple song that stayed with me:

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
I’m redeemed, I’m redeemed, praise the Lord.”

Those words come straight from Psalm 107, a psalm that tells the story of God’s people — how He rescues, restores, and invites them to give thanks. It’s a song of God’s faithfulness and of the people's gratitude in response.

Psalm 107 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so—
those He redeemed from trouble.”

Throughout the psalm, a pattern repeats: “They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.” Over and over, God’s people find themselves lost, afraid, or burdened — and every time, God moves toward them in mercy.

That’s who God is. God’s nature is goodness itself. He hears our cries, steps toward us with compassion, and delivers us with steadfast love.

Psalm 107 also teaches us something about gratitude. True thanksgiving isn’t rooted in our circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God. When life is uncertain, we can still say, “Lord, You have been good before; You are good now.”

Even when we fail, He remains faithful. Scripture reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He does not abandon His promises or His people.

And ultimately, Psalm 107 shows us that God is our Redeemer. He breaks chains, calms storms, forgives sins, and restores hope.

So, let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Tell their story. Give thanks to the God whose love endures forever.

So today's Psalm says, If God has made a way — say so. If God has opened doors — say so. If He’s been a friend when you were lonely — say so. If He’s held your family together, provided for you, or given you peace — say so. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.

So let us thank the Lord for His steadfast love 

and for His wonderful works among humankind.

Let us praise Him in the congregation of His people.
And let us — the redeemed of the Lord — say so.

Some good thoughts for us as we begin the Thanksgiving Weekend don't you think? Let’s tell our stories, give thanks for His faithfulness, and celebrate the God who redeems, restores, and remains with us always.
Amen.

The Life Everlasting

 The Life Everlasting

October 9, 2025

John 14:1–3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Revelation 21:1–5

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

1 John 5:11–13 

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.



Today, as we conclude our reflections on the Apostles' Creed with the words, “I believe in the life everlasting,” we’re not just wishing for a happy ending. We’re affirming our trust in God’s unwavering promise: that death doesn’t have the final word, love has prevailed, and our future is safe in His presence.

Every heart longs for a place of belonging, where love is constant, peace is unbroken, and joy never ends. Jesus understood that longing when He spoke to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Their world was about to fall apart, yet He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me… I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1–3)

These words offer more than comfort; they convey a promise. Jesus is not only preparing a place for us, but He is also preparing us for that place. Heaven is not an escape from life but its ultimate fulfillment, the completion of God’s redemptive plan. Through faith, He is shaping us to dwell with Him forever.

When we read John’s vision in Revelation 21 it shows us the promise fulfilled: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.” You see, the story that began in Eden, (Genesis 3) where God walked with humanity, ends, or rather begins anew, with God once again living among His people. All sorrow, death, and pain have vanished. Everything once broken is now restored. Every tear is gently wiped away by the loving hand of the One who cares for us deeply.

But how can we be sure this hope belongs to us? 1 John 5 answers: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Eternal life isn’t something we earn or wait to qualify for; it’s a present reality for everyone who places their trust in Jesus. Having the Son means having life, both now and for eternity. It’s the confidence that our future home is secure because our lives are firmly rooted in Him.

So when your heart feels restless, when the world feels uncertain or painful, remember this: Jesus has gone ahead of us. He is preparing a place where all that is good and holy will last forever, a home with God, where every longing will finally be met. And even now, as we walk by faith, His Spirit whispers the same promise: You already belong. Our hope is not in our performance but in His promise.

From beginning to end, the Apostles’ Creed tells the story of salvation, of a God who creates, redeems, sustains, and restores.
To say “I believe” is not simply to recite doctrine; it is to step into this living story, to trust the Father who made us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit who empowers us.

And it ends, this Creed does, not with finality, but with promise: “I believe in the life everlasting. Amen.” (Just a little reminder that word "Amen" does not mean "the End", no it means, "this is sure to be!" So go back and read the Creed and when you get to that last word say out loud "this is sure to be!" 

Let's Pray

God, we give thanks for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Fill us with hope that transcends this life, joy that no circumstance can diminish, and faith that perseveres to the end. Guide us to live as people of eternity, anchored in Your love today and yearning for the day we will see You face to face. Amen.

The Resurrection of the Body

 

October 8, 2025

1 Corinthians 15:20–23

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

1 Corinthians 15:42–44

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;
43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:51–57

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20–21

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Death does not have the last word! That is what we say with the confession “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”  We affirm something breathtaking:  Christianity does not teach escape from the body but redemption of the body. God’s plan for salvation is not just about souls floating in heaven; it’s about the renewal of all creation and the raising of our very selves, body and soul, into eternal life.

Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15 resonate with unwavering confidence: 

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Those two words — “firstfruits” and “indeed”, anchor our hope. The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a beautiful story or a comforting symbol. It’s the beginning of a new reality. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has already begun its work in us. His resurrection is not only proof that death doesn’t win; it’s also the preview of what’s to come for all who belong to Him.

Notice Paul contrasts the weakness of our current bodies with the glory of our resurrection bodies:

“It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.”

What is Paul suggesting? I believe he is declaring that every ache, limitation, and loss we face in this life reminds us that we are still waiting for full redemption. Our earthly bodies are like seeds, fragile and ordinary, but when Christ returns, they will burst forth into something imperishable, glorious, and Spirit-filled. As some have put it, "what is planted in the soil of mortality will bloom into eternal life."

That’s why Paul can mock death:

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

You see, the Gospel tells us that the cross has removed the sting of sin, and the resurrection has stripped death of its power. Christ’s victory isn’t merely something we observe from a distance; it’s something we actively participate in. As Paul reminds the Philippians,

“Our citizenship is in heaven… [and Christ] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Christian hope isn’t about escaping this world, it’s about transformation. It focuses on the renewal of everything, including ourselves. One day, the same Jesus who rose in power will make us completely alive, whole, and shining with His glory. That is the New Testament promise. 

If you have stood at a graveside, you will have witnessed this truth come alive. Perhaps you have seen a Pastor, or even family members of a deceased loved one, allow a handful of soil to slip through their fingers, making a cross on the exposed casket, and it is then that Paul’s gardening metaphor feels literal. 

A seed goes into the ground, and we wait. It looks like the end, but it’s not. Every Christian funeral is, in a sense, a sowing. As Paul says, “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36). In Christ, every grave becomes a garden! Resurrection follows death for those in Christ.

Pastor and writer Tim Keller, shortly before his own passing, said,

“If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, if He really got up, walked out, was seen by hundreds of people, then you know what? Everything is going to be all right.”

That’s resurrection faith — quiet, confident, unshakable.

Lets Pray

Risen Lord, we give thanks that death has been conquered and that through Your life, we too shall live. We are grateful for the promise of resurrection—that our frail and mortal bodies will one day be raised in glory and power. Grant us hope in times of grief, strength in moments of weakness, and purpose in our daily endeavors. Guide us to live as resurrection people, embodying Your life, love, and victory until the day You restore all things. Amen.

The Forgiveness of Sins

October 7, 2025

Psalm 103:8–12 

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Luke 7:36–50

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 

1 John 1:8–9


8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

When we say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins,” we are declaring something deeply personal and profoundly hopeful. This is not just an idea, it is the heart of the gospel. Which is the story of God’s forgiving love and grace. 

Few things reveal God’s heart more clearly than His willingness to forgive. The Psalmist proclaims, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:8, 12). Those words are not abstract poetry, they are a lived reality for anyone who comes to God with a repentant heart.

We see that reality embodied in Luke 7, where a woman with a broken past enters the home of a respected Pharisee. She carries with her a costly jar of perfume, but more importantly, a heart full of tears. While others judge her, Jesus receives her. Her tears of repentance become an act of worship. Jesus’ words to her—“Your sins are forgiven… your faith has saved you; go in peace”—reveal the depth of God’s mercy.

Forgiveness and love are inseparable. When we truly understand what God has done for us, we cannot help but respond with gratitude, humility, and compassion toward others.

The apostle John echoes this truth: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves… but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:8–9). Confession isn’t about wallowing in guilt, beating ourselves up, it’s about stepping into freedom. God’s forgiveness doesn’t just cancel our debt; it restores our relationship with Him.

In a world quick to label and slow to forgive, the story of Jesus and the woman reminds us that grace is not earned—it’s received. We are invited to lay down our shame at His feet and to rise in peace, just as she did.

To believe in the forgiveness of sins is to live daily in that grace, to stop carrying what God has already taken away. 

 
Let's Pray

Gracious God, thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Your grace is greater than our sin, and in Christ, we find true freedom. Help us to live as people who are genuinely free, free from shame, fear, and resentment, and free to extend forgiveness to others just as You have forgiven us. Let our lives shine with the joy of redemption, spreading the message of Your mercy to a broken world. Amen.

God’s Beautiful Family

 

October 6, 2025

Ephesians 2:19–22


19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

 
1 Corinthians 12:12–14

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

 
Hebrews 10:23–25 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

When we confess, “I believe in the holy catholic Church,” we are talking about the universal body of Christ, the community of all believers everywhere, all traditions and denominations, in every generation. The word “catholic” here means “universal.” It reminds us that God’s Church is far bigger than any one congregation, language, or culture. Across continents and centuries, we are one people, bound together by one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

The Church is considered holy because it belongs to a holy God. It’s not holy because its members are flawless, I believe we all know the Church has its imperfections, but because God has set it apart for His purposes. The Church serves as the vessel through which the gospel is lived out, shared, and represented in the world.

The phrase “the communion of saints” beautifully describes the fellowship among believers. The term “communion” originates from the Greek word "koinonia", signifying deep, shared participation. It represents the life believers share in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Being part of the communion of saints means never being alone, as we support one another, pray for each other, and collectively reflect God’s love to the world.

In a society of isolation and division, this confession is truly countercultural. To believe in the communion of saints is to say, “I can’t follow Jesus by myself.” The Spirit unites us not just to Christ, but to one another. The Church is a living temple built together by God Himself (Ephesians 2:21–22).

The Bible tells us that each of us is a stone in God’s living temple (1 Peter 2:5). Alone, we may feel small and unremarkable, but together, God is building something magnificent.

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the head of the Church, and by Your Spirit You have joined us into one body. Thank You for the gift of belonging, to You and to Your people around the world. Help us to live out the communion of saints with love, humility, and faithfulness. Use Your Church as a light in the world, and make us one, even as You and the Father are one. Amen.

I Believe in the Holy Spirit

October 3, 2025

John 14:16–17, 26


16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Acts 1:8 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.



Romans 8:9–11

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.


When we say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” we are not simply reciting a phrase about an undefined force or spiritual energy. The Holy Spirit is not an “it," the Holy Spirit is fully God and everlasting with the Father and the Son. The Spirit is the very presence of God, dwelling both with us and within us.

Jesus called the Spirit in John 14:16, "paraclete" which means Comforter, Counselor, Advocate. You see, the Spirit makes Jesus real to us, taking the truths of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension, and applying them to our hearts. Through the Spirit's activity we are made aware of sin, brought to faith, and assured of our adoption as God’s children (Romans 8:15–16).

The Spirit is God’s empowering presence. In Acts 1:8 Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” The Spirit fills ordinary believers with extraordinary boldness. The Holy Spirit enables us to love when it’s costly, forgive when it feels impossible, and serve when it’s inconvenient.

The Spirit is our Guide. The Spirit sheds revelation light on Scripture, directs our paths, and transforms us into the image of Christ. To “believe in the Holy Spirit” is to trust that we are never abandoned, never powerless, never without direction, for the Spirit of God lives in us.


Think of electricity running through a house. Without it, everything stays dark and lifeless, lamps don’t shine, appliances don’t work, and nothing moves. But when the power flows, everything comes to life with purpose. The Holy Spirit is like that power, not mechanical or impersonal, but the living energy of God, bringing light, strength, and guidance to our lives.

A simple prayer like “Holy Spirit, fill me today. Guide my steps, strengthen my heart, and use me to reflect Christ," might be a good opening practice each day.


Let's Pray

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us  with Your power. Comfort us in our weakness, guide us in truth, and propel us into Your mission. Make us people of love, courage, and faith, for the glory of Christ. Amen.

 

Comfort in JUDGEMENT

October 2, 2025

Matthew 25:31–32, 34, 41 

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him… Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’ … Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

2 Timothy 4:1

 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge…”

_________________

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

                                                      He descended to the dead.

( or into hell.)

On the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and sits at the right hand of God the Father;

from which he will come to judge the living and the dead.

_________________

The Creed reminds us of the Bible's teaching that history is not an endless cycle, nor is life random. It is moving toward a goal: the return of Jesus Christ. He who ascended to heaven will come again.

Judgement! What do think of when you hear that word? Let's face it for many, the idea of judgment can be frightening and intimidating.  However, for Christians, it serves as both a caution and a comfort. This is because the Judge is Jesus, the same Jesus who sacrificed Himself for us, rose from the dead for us, and a we have noted this week, this Jesus continually intercedes to the Father on our behalf. Jesus judgment is is holy, just, and deeply grounded in His love.

Judgment understood this way, signifies that evil will not prevail in the end. In a world marked by violence, injustice, and oppression, there is a deep yearning for a Judge who will restore order and righteousness. The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns, He will deliver ultimate justice, expose every wrong, bring hidden deeds to light, and wipe away every tear.

At the same time, this judgment is personal. The Creed’s phrase “the living and the dead” reminds us that no one is outside His scope. However, please hear this, the truth revealed here, is not meant to drive us into despair, but to call us to readiness. 

Remember, the Judge is also our Advocate (1 John 2:1). On that day, our hope is not in our own record but in Christ’s righteousness. The verdict or ruling for those in Jesus is already secure, as Romans 8:1 tells us there is “No condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

What confidence this is for believers. We do not dread the day of judgment, because the Judge is our Savior. In Him, we can face that day with joy.

Let's Pray

Jesus our Merciful Savior,

Teach us to live ready, with holy lives and hopeful hearts. Strengthen the weary with the promise of Your justice, and comfort the fearful with the assurance of Your grace. May we long for the day when You will come to make all things new. In Your name we pray, Amen

GOD is Gone UP

October 1, 2025

Acts 1:9–11 

“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”

Hebrews 1:3 

 “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

The resurrection was not the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly story. The Bible tells us that following the resurrection Jesus spent forty days teaching and appearing to His disciples. Then, He ascended into heaven. While the ascension might initially sound like a departure, as if Jesus left his disciples, and us behind, it is, in fact, the opposite: the ascension signifies Jesus’ enthronement.

When the Creed says “He is seated at the right hand of the Father,” it is declaring that Jesus now reigns as Lord of all. In the ancient world, to sit at the right hand of a king was to share in his authority. Don't let the word "seated" confuse you, Jesus is not idly sitting; He is ruling. The crucified and risen One has been exalted above every power, name, and nation (Philippians 2:9–11).

The ascension also means that Jesus carries our humanity into the very presence of God. Our catechism puts it beautifully when it says "we have our own flesh in heaven." The Son became flesh, died, rose, and ascended, and He did not throw off His humanity on the way.  This assures us that our humanity matters, that our lives are not forgotten. Where He has gone, we too will follow.

In the Bible's presentation of the ascension we are told what Jesus is doing right now:

He is interceding for us (Romans 8:34). 

He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2–3). 

He is reigning over history. Though the world looks chaotic, Jesus is not absent; He is sovereign.

Confessing “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” Shapes our faith in everyday living:

Confidence in prayer. We pray to a Savior who sits in power and intercedes for us.

Hope in hardship. Christ reigns now, even when the world feels out of control. His ascension assures us that history is moving toward His return.

Purpose in mission. The disciples did not stand staring into the sky forever. They went to witness, empowered by the Spirit, because their Lord reigns. 

We are called to do the same.

Let's Pray

Ascended Lord Jesus, we honor and praise You as the risen and reigning King. You sit at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us and ruling over all creation. Thank You for not abandoning us but reigning for us and preparing a place for us. When life feels overwhelming, remind us of Your sovereignty. When we feel weak, help us to focus on Your power. And when our faith falters, send Your Spirit to renew and strengthen us, as we witness for You until the day You return in glory. In Your mighty name, Amen.

September 30 EXTRA

As you may know today September 30th is a day that marks what is called Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is a day to reflect on our Country's history and the experience of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system. This day is meant to invite all Canadians to pause, remember, learn, and act in solidarity with indigenous communities around us.

I would like to share some prayers that have been part of my daily prayers, for the last several days of Truth and Reconciliation Week. These prayers are some that I have learned from Indigenous Sisters and Brothers. My prayer is that they might be helpful to you also.

A Prayer for Bravery

Creator Father, help me to understand that because you are as close to me as my breath, I may be brave. May your Spirit give me the courage to face challenges and circumstances with the confidence that your power for me is greater than death and all evil. Meegwetch*. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Meegwetch is Algonquin for "Thank You."

A Prayer For Humility

Creator Father, give me the true humility that understands you made me as part of your sacred creation. Fill my heart with the joy of being your child. Help me humbly affirm myself as your child through my words and actions with all my fellow creatures. Meegwetch. In Christ’s name. Amen.

A Prayer for Wisdom

Creator Father, protect me from ignorance and foolishness. Bless me with the desire to learn the truth at all times. Increase my knowledge of your creation and your teachings. Fill my heart with love for wisdom so that I may share the light of your teachings. Meegwetch. In Christ’s name. Amen.

A Prayer for Truth

Creator Father, give me love that I may have peace. Help me to respect and honour all creatures. Encourage me so that I may bravely speak honestly and live with integrity. Grant me the humility to know that I am your child so that I will cherish your teachings. Meegwetch. In Christ’s name. Amen.

A Prayer for Honesty

Creator Father, purify my heart so that my tongue may speak the truth with love. May your Spirit lead me so that the honesty of my words and the integrity of my actions will bring praise to you, bless others, nurture creation and affirm myself as your child. Meegwetch. In Christ’s name. Amen.

A Prayer For Love

Creator Father, help me to love you with all of my spirit, mind, heart and strength. Help me to love all creatures as I love myself. May your Spirit purify and strengthen my love so that I may have peace with you, my family, other creatures and all creation. Meegwetch. In Christ’s name. Amen.

On the Third

September 30, 2025

Luke 24:1–7

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb… but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus… the angels said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!’”

1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 20–22 

 “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”

Let us move today, from Jesus descent into "death's dark tomb" to His great triumph: “On the third day He rose again.”

If the Apostles' Creed had concluded with “He was buried,” our faith would merely be a remembrance, not a vibrant hope. But it goes further: “On the third day He rose again.”

At the heart of the Christian faith lies the ultimate display of God’s power and love: the resurrection. It’s not merely a resuscitation, as some like to claim. I believe its more that Jesus simply “coming back to life,” though that is what happened. The resurrection is the dawn of a new creation. From the depths of hell and death, Jesus rose with a transformed, glorified body, never to face death again. His resurrection is a promise of our future, a guarantee that death is not the last word for us.

The Apostle Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits.” Think back to the Old Testament, the firstfruits were the first portion of the harvest, a sign and guarantee that more was coming. Jesus’ resurrection is God’s assurance that all who belong to Christ will share in His victory. 

The resurrection is God’s great vindication of Jesus. The world condemned Him, Pilate washed his hands, and the cross seemed like failure. But on the third day, God declared Jesus to be Son, Lord, and Savior. The empty tomb is God’s “Yes” to Jesus, and God’s “Yes” to us.

When we Confess “On the third day He rose again” this declaration shapes how we live:

Hope in grief. Death is real, but it is not final. For those who die in Christ, resurrection awaits. Our goodbyes are temporary.

Courage in struggle. If Jesus conquered death, the greatest enemy, then nothing we face is beyond His power.

New life now. The resurrection isn’t just a future hope; it’s a present power. We live in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4), making every day an opportunity to stand on resurrection ground and embrace Christ’s victory. 

Let's Pray

Risen Lord,  

We praise You for the empty tomb and the power of resurrection life. Death could not hold You, and because You live, we too shall live. Thank You that our faith is grounded not in wishful thinking but in the firm foundation of Your triumph.  

When despair threatens, remind us of Your victory. When grief feels overwhelming, comfort us with the hope of resurrection. When we grow weary, breathe into us the strength of new creation life.  

Keep us anchored in Easter's "Resurrection" joy until the day we see You face to face.  

Amen.  

He Descended to the Dead

September 29, 2025

Psalm 139:7–8 

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

1 Peter 3:18–19  

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits.”

The line “He descended to the dead” is one of the most                    profound and often overlooked parts of the Apostles’ Creed. This line is sandwiched between Jesus Crucifixion, death and burial and his resurrection. So let's not rush past this statement today.

 When the Creed declares, “He descended to the dead” (or as in older versions, “to hell”), I believe it is affirming something astonishing. This line of the Creed is saying that Jesus went all the way to the "bottom." Jesus didn’t just skim the surface of death; He entered its depths. 

Why does this matter, you might ask? Because it means there is no place beyond the reach of Christ. In His death, Jesus went where every human being must go. He experienced the grave, the silence, the darkness of death itself. The eternal Son of God took on not only our sin but our mortality, so that even in death we are not alone.

Theologians have long wrestled with this phrase, but at its heart it emphasizes that Christ fully entered the human condition. He was not spared the finality of the grave. And in going there, He transformed it. As an early church father, John Chrysostom, proclaimed on Easter: “Hell took a body, and met God face to face… It took earth, and encountered Heaven.”

To say “He descended to the dead” is to say that there is no pit so deep, no darkness so thick, that Jesus has not been there first. I wonder, do you hear the full impact of this truth? For the grieving, this is comfort. For the dying, this is hope. For the one struggling with sin, this is redemption. Death no longer holds the last word, because Christ has entered death and broken its grip.

That is what Jesus did when He “descended to the dead.” He entered the place we could not escape, not to be trapped with us, but to lead us out. He went into death not as a victim, but as a conqueror, to announce that even here, in the darkest place, God reigns.

I believe, this line of the Creed reshapes how we see both death and life:

For those grieving: Christ has gone ahead into death. Your loved ones who died in Him are not abandoned; He has been there too.

For those fearful: Death is no longer uncharted territory. Jesus has walked the path and turned it into the doorway to resurrection.

For daily living: If Jesus descended even to the depths, then no place in your life is beyond His reach, not your darkest memory, not your deepest sin, not your loneliest night.

If you ask me, this is a powerful truth today, that is worth slowing down to hear. Thanks be to God!!

Let's Pray

Jesus,  

You are the One who faced death and hell for us, entering the grave completely so we would never face death alone. We praise You for conquering death, bringing light into darkness, and making even the shadowy valleys a place filled with Your presence.  

Grant us courage in fear, comfort in grief, and hope as we await the resurrection. Help us trust that no place is ever beyond Your reach.  

In Your powerful and saving name we pray, Amen.  

.

Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Died, and Was Buried

September 26, 2025

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

Isaiah 53:4–6

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

John 19:16–30 

“…So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out… There they crucified him… Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

The next words of the Apostles' Creed are simple and direct: “Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.” In just a few short lines, we are confronted with "the darkest yet most hopeful moment in human history."

Did you notice the deliberate mention of Pontius Pilate? Why name him? The Creed grounds the death of Jesus in history, showing that the crucifixion is neither myth nor legend. It occurred at a specific moment in time under a Roman governor whose name is documented in historical records.. Our faith is not built on vague spiritual ideals, but on concrete events.

This line of the Creed also draws attention to the depth of Jesus' suffering. Jesus endured unimaginable pain, he was mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross, the most brutal and humiliating death Rome could think up. There he stood, Jesus, the Son of God, fully embracing human suffering and enduring the very worst of it.

Isaiah 53 reminds us that His suffering had a purpose. “He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him.” On the cross, Jesus took on the weight of our sins. Where we deserved judgment, He took our place. Where we carried guilt, He bore it to death. His suffering wasn’t just an act of love; it was the way we were saved, recued.

The Creed says that the burial is important too. Jesus didn’t just seem to die; as some suggest, no, He truly died, and His body was placed in a tomb. He entered fully into the reality of death. By doing this He conquered death, "from the inside out." So that we could live a victorious life too.

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for entering into our suffering and for conquering death on our behalf. Teach us never to take Your sacrifice lightly. When we face trials, remind us that You understand. When we are tempted to despair, lift our eyes to Your finished work. May we live each day in gratitude for the cross and in hope of the resurrection. Amen.

Who Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary

September 25, 2025

Luke 1:30–35 

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God… The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Matthew 1:22–23 

 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”


John 1:14 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

____________________________

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,

____________________________

Today the Apostles' Creed turns to the most astonishing claim in human history: God became one of us.

Jesus’ life did not begin in Bethlehem; He is eternal, the "word" through whom all things were made. What a revelation this is for us. His coming into the world was a miracle of the Spirit’s power. The Holy Spirit, who hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2), brought forth new creation in Mary’s womb. The same Spirit who breathed life into Adam now breathes divine life into each of us through Jesus Christ.

What an awesome truth we encounter here, that salvation is God’s work, not ours. We do not climb up to God, God comes down to us. "He came to his own ....." John's gospel tells us.

Jesus was born into the world with all the frailty and vulnerability of human flesh. He grew in the womb, was delivered into His mother’s arms, and cried like any baby. By being born of Mary, He fully entered our human story. He understands what it’s like to be human, to feel hunger, exhaustion, joy, temptation, and sorrow.

This Virgin Birth reminds us that salvation is a gift, no measure of  human achievement could ever bring this about. Only God could do this. The mystery of the Incarnation is that Jesus is fully God (conceived by the Spirit) and fully human (born of Mary). He is Immanuel — God with us.

Way back in the 4th century, a church leader Athanasius wrote: “He became what we are that He might make us what He is.”

That is the amazing wonder of this line of the Creed. God did not stay distant, looking down on us with compassion. He took on our humanity so that we might share in His divinity. He entered our world not as a king in a palace, but as a baby in a manger, fragile, dependent, and near. Think of it: the Creator of the universe came so close that He could be held in human arms. This thought drives me to me knees in worship. Doesn't it overwhelm you by how great the love of the Father is for us?

Here are a couple things to take away today and think about.

How does it encourage you to know that Jesus experienced real human life, weakness, temptation, and sorrow?


How might you live differently if you truly embraced the truth that God is with us,  in the ordinary and fragile parts of life?

Let's Pray

Immanuel, God with us,
I marvel at the mystery of Your coming. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of Mary — You entered our fragile world with love and humility. Thank You for becoming one of us so that we might share life with You. Help me never to take for granted the wonder of the Incarnation. Teach me to trust that because You are truly human, You understand me, and because You are truly God, You can save me. Amen.

And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord

 

September 24, 2025

John 1:1–14 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Colossians 1:15–17 

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created…”


Philippians 2:9–11 

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

Next we see that the Creed moves from God the Father to God the Son: “And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord.” With these words we confess key truths about the Son:

The name Jesus means “The LORD saves.” While it was a common Jewish name, for Him it holds profound eternal significance. His mission is revealed in His very name: He came to save humanity. When we say “Jesus,” we are not referring to a concept, myth, or distant figure, but to a real historical person who lived, taught, healed, suffered, died, and rose again.

Second, we have “Christ”,  this is not Jesus’ last name, it’s a title. It means Anointed One, the Messiah promised throughout the Old Testament. In Him, all of God’s promises are fulfilled (2 Corinthians 1:20). Confessing Jesus as Christ affirms that He is the One who ushers in God’s kingdom, rescues and redeems humanity, and reigns as God’s chosen King.

Third, His Only Son highlights Jesus as being uniquely God's Son. While it is true that Scripture calls us all children of God by "adoption", Jesus is the Son by nature, sharing the same essence as the Father, being fully God and fully human. In Jesus, God is not distant but has come near. We do not worship a far-off deity but the God who lived among us.

Lastly, we encounter the title Our Lord.  This title is perhaps the most countercultural claim in the Creed. In the first century, it was common for Romans to declare, “Caesar is Lord.” Yet Jesus followers, Christians, often even at the risk of their lives, declared boldly, “No — Jesus is Lord.” Now, to call Jesus Lord means He is the one with ultimate authority over our lives. It means surrender, allegiance, and trust. So you can see how this declaration would "rub" Caesar the wrong way.

Isn't it profound how this short phrase in the Creed gathers the mystery of Christmas, the wonder of Easter, and the hope of His return? This points us to the reality that our faith is not centered on ourselves but on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord.

When Polycarp, an early Christian bishop, was put on trial in the year 155, Roman officials ordered him to swear loyalty to Caesar and deny Christ. Polycarp responded, “For eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

You see, Polycarp’s words echo the Creed: “Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord.” Polycarp didn’t rely on political powers or earthly rulers but on the One with eternal authority. I suggest to you today, that this belief continues to guide Jesus followers today with the confident declaration He is Lord!

I wonder, in what areas of your life is it hardest to say, “Jesus is Lord”? What might surrender look like in those places?

Let's Pray

Jesus,
You are the Son of the living God. Forgive me when I want to cling too much to personal control of things. Teach me to trust You fully, to bow to Your authority, and to live in the joy of Your kingdom. Amen.

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth

September 23, 2025

Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”


Psalm 24:1  

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”


Matthew 6:9 

 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

The Apostles’ Creed begins where everything begins: with God. Before it speaks of Jesus, the Spirit, the church, or eternal life, it anchors us in the truth that there is a God , Father, Almighty, Creator.

Let's consider these three titles for a moment.

God the Father

Calling God "Father" was a revolutionary concept in the ancient world, where most religions viewed gods as distant, unpredictable, or wrathful. Yet, when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with, “Our Father in heaven.”

This term conveys love, intimacy, and belonging. A good father provides, protects, guides, and delights in his children. For those who may not have experienced such care from an earthly father, it is profoundly significant that God is not just a father but the Father who never fails.

Consider this: the same God who governs the universe stoops to listen whenever you offer a quiet prayer. That is the essence of Father-love.

God the Almighty

The Creed’s second title for God is Almighty, in Greek, Pantokrator, meaning “the One who holds all things” or “the Ruler of all.” This isn’t only about sheer strength; it’s about sovereignty. God is not merely one power among many, striving to compete or bargain with rival forces, like we witness among so called "world powers" today. God, as revealed in the Bible, is the ultimate authority before whom every power, throne, and dominion will inevitably bow.

When we call God Almighty, we are saying:

Nothing is stronger. Evil may roar, nations may rage, and storms may rise — but none of them outlast His reign (Psalm 46:1–3, 10).

No surprises. God doesn’t scramble to adjust His plans when life feels out of control. He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9–10)

No separation. His power is not theoretical, it is exercised for our good and our salvation. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38–39 that no force in heaven or earth can "cut us off" from God's love in Christ Jesus.

This matters deeply for our daily lives, doesn't it? Think about the seasons of upheaval, when we can feel like we are at the mercy of chance or uncontrollable powers. But confessing and knowing God as Almighty gives us the comfort of stability. We are not drifting on an uncontrolled sea, like it can feel at times in life. Rather, we are held by the One who rules the winds and the waves. This "almightiness" of a Father, means His power is always shaped by His love. His sovereignty is always united with His goodness.

God the Creator

Confessing God as Creator goes beyond simply acknowledging that He made everything. It means recognizing that everything belongs to Him, the earth, our lives, even our time and talents. They are all gifts given by His hand.

What really speaks to me in this is that Creation is good, and it's easy, for me at least, to forget how much joy God takes in the world He made. Genesis reminds us over and over: "And God saw that it was good." The stars, the seas, the trees, and even we ourselves all carry the mark of the Creator.

And if He created us, He knows us intimately. He knows our limits, our longings, our potential. He is not just the beginning of our story, He is its author and sustainer.


Couple questions to think about today:

Which part of this opening line of the Creed speaks most to you today: Father, Almighty, or Creator? Why?

Where do you struggle more: trusting God’s power (Almighty) or His care (Father)?

Let's Pray

Father Almighty,  

You are the Creator of heaven and earth. The stars shine by Your command, and the oceans roar with Your power. Yet You call me Your child. Forgive me when I fail to remember Your greatness or when I act as if life is my own. Teach me to find peace in Your strength and love. Help me to see Your hand in creation and Your care in the details of my life. Today, may I walk in gratitude and trust. Amen.  

 

Why Creeds Matter

Why Creeds Matter

September 22, 2025

2 Timothy 1:13–14 

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

Jude 3 

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

---

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest and most enduring summaries of the Christian faith. While the exact wording we use today took shape over time, its roots reach back to the early centuries of the church. As early as the second century, churches were using short baptismal confessions, simple statements of belief that new Christians would declare before entering the waters of baptism. By the fourth century, a standard form of these statements had spread widely, especially in Rome, and became known as the Apostles’ Creed. The name doesn’t mean that the apostles themselves wrote it word for word, but that it faithfully reflects the teaching they passed on — “the faith once for all delivered” (Jude 3).

Why was this so important? The early church was surrounded by competing voices,  false teachers, rival religions, and cultural pressures. These brief creeds gave believers a way to “guard the good deposit” of faith (2 Tim. 1:14), ensuring that the gospel was passed on clearly and faithfully. In a time when many Christians could not read, and when the New Testament itself was still being copied and circulated, the Creed was a memorable, unifying summary of the faith “once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3).

Some might wonder today, “Why still say it? Isn’t it just a relic of the past?”

The Creed isn’t just an ancient artifact, it’s really a compass. It guides us when culture feels unclear, a foundation to steady us in times of doubt. It’s a way of saying, this is the story I’m a part of, this is the faith that grounds me.

You see, when we recite the Creed, we are not creating our own personal version of Christianity. Instead, we are uniting our voices with a community of Jesus followers, apostles, martyrs in Roman arenas, monks safeguarding Scripture in the Middle Ages, reformers risking everything for the gospel, and countless ordinary Christians world wide and across the centuries. Together, we declare, “This is what we believe.”

The Creed give us the unshakable center: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; creation, salvation, and resurrection. It helps us remember who God is and who we are in Him.

There is a story, that during World War II, bombs rained down on London, England night after night. People huddled in shelters, as you can imagine they were frightened and unsure of the future. As the account goes, in some of those dark underground place, Christian believers would recite the Apostles’ Creed together.

Imagine it! Those words echoing in the tunnels: “I believe in God the Father Almighty… in Jesus Christ, His only Son… in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

When everything around them seemed to be crumbling, the Apostles' Creed reminded them of a kingdom that could never be shaken.

That is what the Creed has always been, not just words of the past, but a lifeline in stormy times.

The world we live in feels as confusing as the Roman Empire in the second century, with competing voices attempting to redefine truth. Doubt continues to unsettle us, and culture invites us to create a "private" version of Christianity tailored to our preferences.

The Apostles’ Creed reminds us that faith is not something we make up for ourselves, it is a gift, handed down from generation to generation, rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ.

It doesn’t answer every question we might face — about politics, technology, or personal choices — but it offers us an unwavering foundation: it gives us the immovable center:

God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth.
Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again.
The Holy Spirit, the church, forgiveness, resurrection, and life everlasting.

Let's Pray

God,  

Thank You for the faith passed down "by a great cloud of witnesses." (Heb 11) Thank You for the Apostles’ Creed, a gift that grounds us when doubt and change press hard. As I go through this series, let these words be more than just truths I recite, make them the convictions of my heart. Shape my life by the story of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and guide me to walk faithfully in that story every day. Amen.