Parables

PERHAPS GOD (guest author | Dave Hancock)

A few years ago, I fell in love with the heart of one of the lesser characters in the Old Testament. The son of the king, a warrior prince, and the best friend of the future king – his name, Jonathan.

I was doing my daily devotions with Through the Word Ministries the other day and teacher Sandy Adams reminded me and helped me rekindle my passion for this character.

Jonathan says in 1 Samuel 14:6, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” I encourage you to read the whole story in 1 Samuel 14: 1-14.

On that day, God did not perhaps help them, He DID. With one sword, one bow, one armour-bearer and ONE mighty God, Jonathan killed twenty enemies and sent the rest a-running.

I am always thinking about what I could do next for God, and I am reminded of Jonathan’s words: PERHAPS GOD. Is there a struggle you are facing, is there a path not yet taken, is there a choice not yet chosen? Well then… PERHAPS GOD? Jonathan grabbed onto His God and stepped forward into battle, into odds stacked against him, and into an unknown outcome, but also into the path of PERHAPS GOD.

Jonathan could have failed and it would have meant his death. I wonder what could be your worst outcome? Or better yet, what could be the worst outcome if you didn’t?

Perhaps today God is waiting for you to take that step; the step that celebrates the PERHAPS.

Dave Hancock

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Two Sons
Dave Hancock

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Time + Fun = Memories (guest author | Margaret Pfeiffer)

As I sit and write this week's devotional, I am at Braeside Camp spending time with my family. Braeside has become my new favourite place to spend the summer. Between services, tuck, swimming and catching up with new and old friends, Braeside has become my summer haven, especially during these last few years of Covid.

I love that I can come here and just relax and spend time with people I care about. I have learned that I don’t always have to do something super exciting or extravagant to make memories or to have fun - sometimes all you need are pool noodles, duct tape, electrical tape, and some imagination. Suddenly a bunch of light sabres have been created and a whole group of kids is running around having fun making memories. This is what the summer is to me - making memories. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like (of course, I prefer it warm and sunny!) but it’s about the relationships that we build and grow. I am an extrovert, so the last few summers have been tough. Not connecting and spending as much time with people was very difficult for me. So, this year I have decided to make up for it and so far, I have achieved my goal. Spending time with people is life-giving for me; it helps to recharge me. If you are an introvert, you likely feel the exact opposite as me and you would probably be exhausted just thinking about my crazy extroverted life. But it doesn’t matter if you are introverted or extroverted - time spent with family and friends is always special and meaningful.

I know that we are already well into August and sadly the summer is slowly coming to an end, but don’t let that stop you from doing something with family or friends to add to your memory bank. You can even take it one step further and find fun ways to make memories that incorporate a fun devotional. I will share a couple that you can do as a family, but you can always Google some ideas. There are so many resources online that you can use and many of them are all free… and who doesn’t love free stuff!

So take some time, have some fun and make memories.

Margaret

FAMILY DEVOTIONALS:

https://ministry-to-children.com/family-devotions-summer/

ON THE GO DEVOTIONS:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53480b81e4b0d8fffdef98c2/t/62fbace0bf58684f89119abc/1660660999604/on-the-go-devotions.pdf

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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What if we followed the Greatest Commandment? (guest author | Eric Jackson)

I witnessed an interaction at work earlier this week that stuck with me. Not in a positive way. Two people, presumably unknown to each other. (It’s a very big factory). A lady carrying a box, a man holding a hot coffee. Add a hidden corner, and you get the result you expect. A collision. No box dropped. Very little coffee spilled. But the reaction? Both were shocked, neither happy. But one in particular looked like he presumed the other had woken up that day with the sole intent of ruining his entire day by intentionally planning a collision and spilling a mouthful of coffee. Total overreaction. Particularly in an environment where you may potentially work with that person someday.

Small incident on a global scale. But it got the wheels turning. There a general unease in society, and I don’t think it’s just in my head. I’ve seen many more examples like this personally. A quick read through the headlines will confirm that violent crime is up.

So what’s going on? Schools send a strong social justice message home with our kids from an early age. Corporations are quick to advertise how virtuous they are, and how you should be too. Most new blockbuster movies have an underlying message. Professional sports teams paint their fields with positive messaging. So how are so many aspects of our society in decline?

Is it possible that the message of social justice combined with moral relativism leaves us in a state of confusion? Is it possible that perhaps we need an anchor to attach our morality to? What would our culture look like if more of us recognized that as humans we are flawed and broken, and perhaps would do well to seek the One who not only created us, but gave us His word to follow, and a path to redemption when we fail?

What would our news sites post if we turned to follow the Greatest Commandment?

Eric Jackson

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
— Matthew 22:37-39

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Tracy Dunham

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Calling on God (guest writer | Talitha Schroth)

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
— Psalm 145:18

Have you ever had a time when you needed to call on the Lord? It might have been when you were going through a really tough time. Or maybe you just felt the need to praise the Father for everything He has done and will do. If you read through this entire Psalm, you'll find David (surprise! David wrote this Psalm too) doing this exact thing: calling to God in truth and praising Him for His greatness.

You may find it easier to pray to God in difficult times. I'm not saying that that is a bad thing! Please pray in your difficult times - I promise that He does hear you and, no matter what, He will come through for you. It might not be in that exact moment, it might not even be two years from now, but that does not mean He is not listening.

But don't only pray in difficult times. I know that I still sometimes struggle to pray when everything is going okay (no I did not mean to rhyme, it just happened that way). You get through those difficulties and all of a sudden everything smooths out and you don't feel the need to pray at all. It just sort of slips your mind and you forget. Your life is busy and it feels like God won't even mind if you skip that day. "Oh, I’ll make sure I'll get to it tomorrow." But then you don't and it becomes a pattern. It’s hard. I get that. But it’s also important to pray even when you don't feel the need to.

The second half of the verse is about calling in truth. What does that even mean? If you take a look at the verses that surround verse 18 you see the picture that David paints of a faithful God who fulfills the desires of those who fear Him and watch over the people who love Him, but who destroys the wicked. So, what is the truth? The answer is and always will be that God is God and He loves us enough that those who call on him in this truth, in His truth, will be near to Him just as He is near to us. How are you praying in truth today?

Talitha Schroth

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Yeast
Erin Jamieson

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Disc Golf Anyone? (guest writer | Erin Jamieson)

As I write, I am sitting by the pool at Braeside Camp with friends watching my kids swim. Sunday night I ate deep-fried pickles around a dirty camp picnic table with friends. Last week I learned about Nigerian wedding culture while having snacks in my living room.  I’ve had a lot (for me) of fellowship the past few weeks . . . and it’s been awesome.

Summer lends itself well to getting together with old friends, meeting new friends, building relationships, and creating community.

Community is something organic that comes from people spending time together, feeling cared for, and being able to open up. You can’t force authenticity and vulnerability; it has to be natural and comes from feeling safe with others. 

I am an introvert. I love people but I recharge by being alone. Sometimes I need to remind myself of the importance of spending time with fellow believers outside of the church walls. We weren’t created to be alone; God created us to be in community. 

Creating community takes effort, admittedly more effort for some than others. The effort comes by showing up and stepping out. Show up to Sunday services, join Connecting Point groups, and bring your kids and youth to age-appropriate programs.  Those are all important ways to be part of community. But they’re only a few options. 

Building community takes effort but it’s worth it. Community outside of the church lends itself to community inside the church. When you need prayer, encouragement or want to join a small group, you are more likely to ask or join when you already know people. 

You don’t have to wait for someone to invite you, try doing the inviting. Your house doesn’t have to be a fancy nor do you have to be able to cook gourmet meals to have someone over. 

This summer I encourage you to find ways to connect. The weather is gorgeous, the possibilities are limitless and the reward is worth it. My husband is looking for a disc golf buddy if anyone is interested . . .

Pastor Erin

“9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Tracy Dunham

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Wait Patiently (guest writer | Pernilla Snethlage)

Wait patiently

14 years old. On fire. Burning inside. Pick me, pick me – put me on the team, Jesus! Did a lot, but achieved nothing. Maybe some, of eternal value – hardly.

“I have a word for you.” This is it; this is the time when Jesus is going to tell me what to do, where to do it, how to do it, and when.

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…”

What!?

Okay. Okay. Waiting. That means continue doing what I’m currently doing until Jesus says to do something else. Sure, I can do that.

I couldn’t. I didn’t.

I tried. I tried very hard. I tried too much. Life became too much. In the world, of it, but trying not to be. Trying to be good, holy, to do the right thing. Trying to fit in, everywhere, with everyone. Forgot to wait.

24 years old. On fire. Burning inside. But also scarred, hurt, and lonely inside.

“I have a word for you.” This is it; Jesus has not given up on me, he’s going to tell me what to do, where to do it, how to do it, and when (which is now obviously, because life ends at 30, duh!).

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…”

What!? No way. Haven’t I come any further in 10 years!?

Continued to do what I did, which was running, not waiting. Trying, trying, and trying. And doing – oh so much doing. Mostly in my own strength, to the point where trying to give all to Jesus became a performance in itself. If I just try a little bit harder it will happen.

My world shattered. Broke into pieces. Death, this is how it will happen, I’m dying. “It will be fine”, they said, “just try not to try so hard.” Words, well-meaning words. Words, words, words. I wish they would be quiet.

Even in pieces, I tried. Tried to build a better world. Tried to be light, to be salt, to be different.

And Jesus waited. For me. He waited for me to be still. Still, so he could pick up the pieces and glue them back together. In a new way, in a beautiful way, in a strong way.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)

Be still. Be patient. Wait for the LORD to act. (Psalm 37:7a, NIRV)

- Pernilla Snethlage

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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What are your summer "things"? (a season of reset)

Summer is a great season for about a million reasons, not the least of which is the pace that it allows. When it's hot, you tend to walk slower, hurry less, find reasons to put down your regular work, rest and play. It's a good thing. One of the things I love about this change of pace is that it allows me to reset. I find myself taking time to evaluate the year so far and think about what things need to change, be reprioritized, or get started. It gives breath and pause - like the "selahs" in the Psalms. Aren't you glad for seasons?

Personally, I've declared this "the summer of doing things." I will not get to Labour Day weekend and wish I had been to the beach, been out on the kayaks, been to the ball game, sat out late on the patio with friends or finally learned how to make jebena coffee. I don't want to be busy but I want to spend my time, not just watch it tick by while I watch another episode of Murdoch Mysteries. (Don't knock it. It's a great Canadian show!) Where did this mindset come from? The pace of summer! I'm using the momentum that this season has to reset some things that will make things different in the fall, winter and beyond.

Do you do this in the summer? Do you have more time to reflect and reset? Do you read more, journal more, walk more... pray more? I hope so. Seasons are a gift and God will use each one - literally and metaphorically.

Let me encourage you to use this change of pace to reflect back and think ahead. How do you want to spend your time in the fall? How could the rhythms of the summer help to reset some things for you? Or, as I like to think of it, how does the structure of my life support my life as "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do?" (Ephesians 2:10)

By the way, I'm writing this from a little cottage at Braeside... I'm "doing things" and preparing my heart for what's next.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Yeast
Erin Jamieson

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.