All that we have comes from God. We have the privilege and task of wisely and joyfully managing his resources. How do we do this? Like this woman’s example, we are to delight in making much of Jesus with all we’ve been given. What we do with money, whether God has entrusted us with a little or a lot, reveals much about where our heart is (Matthew 6:21). It’s not easy.
Read MoreAs you may have already heard, 40 children last Sunday are now connected with loving sponsors. You have truly made a difference in the world - thank you! We are glad to partner with Compassion Canada (International) in this endeavor as a church. They are one of the world’s leading child development organizations. I love how they are a Christ-centered ministry who work closely with over 6,500 local churches in 26 countries to end poverty in the lives of children and their families.
Read MoreThe primary task of every follower of Jesus is to tend to the matters of the heart. It is in the garden of the heart where God’s Spirit dwells and looks to walk with us in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). We have great responsibility to guard our hearts and weed out anything that would hinder our communion with the Lord.
Read MoreFellowshipping with Jesus and his church may not make us into quarter pounders, or cheeseburgers, but it will bring us more and more into a relationship with our Lord and others whereby, not only our hearts are known, but our faces as well!
Read MoreThis week's message is called Forgiveness that Makes You Battle Strong and is all about Matthew 6:12 - "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." In addition to this verse, Pastor Daniel referenced a variety of other Scripture passages. We've posted them here for you:
Read MoreJesus, in order to be with us in a loving relationship, broke down the barrier of our sin that separates us from God. This redemptive rescue is seen in Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” God is with us now,
Read MoreI remember swallowing hard, and not being really happy in preparing to give my first tithe. Yet, I also recall a sense of God’s pleasure in my trusting him. When Sunday morning came, I was filled with joy as I gave my tithe and offering in worship. Then, not unlike many others who have since shared with me similar stories, God gave back to me in unexpected, abundant ways that far exceeded what I had given. This left no room for doubting the truth that God was teaching me, as seen in the words of Jesus in Luke 6:38, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Read MoreIn Matthew 8, as the surging sea threatened to swallow up the disciples, we read that they too wondered how Jesus could be so oblivious to their crisis. Following the miracle-working Jesus, they expected smooth sailing, exempt from the unsavoury storms of life. They found out, however, that it is quite otherwise. To journey with Jesus is to expect turbulent times along the way. Gale force calamity, while it seems Jesus sleeps, causes us to cry out to him all the more. Christ lovingly uses all things to draw us to himself and teach us that apart from him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Read MoreIt’s been said that it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way. Looking back on Peter’s life, I think he would heartily agree. God transformed this everyday, curmudgeon of a fisherman into a humble servant-leader he used to change the world. Peter’s brokenness endears him to us, while his dogged pursuit of holiness and obedience to Christ inspires us to believe that God can do the same in us.
Read MoreYes, I feel a bit silly and self-conscience sharing all this with you. Yet, I don’t mind if you get a chuckle at my expense, or even if you dislike my choice of music, if somehow you too are encouraged to do whatever it takes to get happy and healthy in Jesus everyday, and really pray! We will be in good company, for David, a man after God’s own heart, also delighted to praise and dance “before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14-15).
Read MoreI do hope and pray that you are able to take a break from the monotony of the daily grind, strenuous shift work, business deadlines, and the never-ending to-do-lists. At the same time, as you empty yourself of all the stress, be sure to draw even closer to Jesus. Commune with him in the cool of the early morning, while laughing hysterically in praise to God for good fun as you are pulled behind the powerboat, and sitting around enjoying the glow of a campfire with family and friends at the end of the day.
Read More
