Weekly Message
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
HIS YOKE
TWhy were you searching for me? [Jesus] asked. Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house? But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Luke 2:49-50
The first words of Jesus, as recorded by Luke, could be considered a rebuke. He was twelve years old and he spoke those words to his parents! Thus begins a theme throughout the ministry of Jesus – misunderstanding. As we read about Jesus’ interactions with other people – there is often a profound misunderstanding of what he was seeking to convey to them. His parents, his disciples and the religious authorities of his time were often confused by what he was saying.
Jesus' words still confuse us at times. His demands on those who would live a life pleasing to God seem a little drastic. Yet, the right thing to do is to continue to seek Jesus out, as his parents did. We may look in the wrong places – our own intelligence, or the words of a ‘prominent leader’ – but as we seek to meet Jesus through prayer and the Scriptures, he will be found by us.
As we begin the year 2025, may we re-commit ourselves to making the practice of seeking out Jesus a firm priority of our lives. May God help us to honour this commitment.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
HIS YOKE
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Luke 2:34-35
After the aged priest, Simeon, recognized Jesus as the Messiah and prophesied about how he would be a light of revelation for all people – he gives this secondary ‘blessing’ quoted above. Does it seem like a blessing to you? He says Jesus will: 1) cause the falling of many in Israel, 2) be a sign spoken against, 3) reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Then, to close, he tells Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul too! Blessing?
What I didn’t mention is that Simeon also said Jesus will cause the rising of many in Israel. Jesus came to make clear that which was previously obscure. The thoughts of all would be revealed to God. This would make, and continues to make, many of us feel uncomfortable. Technology has not yet offered humans the ability to read the minds of others with ease, and for that we are thankful! Yet, we know God knows all.
Before God, there is no pretense, no hiding; our hearts are revealed. Yet, we need not fear, for as we humble ourselves and admit the need for a Saviour – we receive the peace of God. Jesus said: In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33). May the coming of Jesus be a light of revelation and the cause for our rise into the place of wholeness and peace with God.
Joy in Christ,
Peace in Christ,
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
HIS YOKE
Let every voice acclaim his name, the grateful chorus swell.
From paradise to earth he came, that we, with Him, might dwell.
translation of a verse from Gesu Bambino
One of the anthems the choir will present this Sunday will be an Italian Christmas carol by Pietro Yon – Gesu Bambino. The portion of the song above reminds me of that text from Philippians 2 – [Jesus] who, being in very nature God…found in appearance as a man…humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
The mystery of Christmas is that through Jesus’ incarnation (taking on human form) a way was made for us to dwell with God. The Christmas carols in every nation are loved because of their familiarity, but there is much more. They speak of the power of our Creator in reaching down to us. They speak of a Divine love that is greater than any human love can offer.
May we experience the peace that accompanies our faith in Jesus – the Saviour of the world. May this peace be evident as we bear witness to the world; our God dwells with us: Emmanuel.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
HIS YOKE
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7
This familiar account from Luke's infancy narrative paints a stunning picture of contrasts. The image of the Creator of the universe being born in a manger—a feeding trough for animals—is so stark a display of humility. This "less than ideal" setting of Jesus' birth suggests that the divine is accessible to all, regardless of social status or material wealth.
The lack of space at the inn may symbolize a world unprepared to receive God's promised Son. As seen in the Gospel narratives, many were not ready to accept Our Lord's profound spiritual teachings, emphasizing the need for openness to spiritual growth. This aspect of the story causes us to reflect on whether we make room in our own lives for growth or allow the busyness and distractions of daily life to crowd out what truly matters.
Wrapping the infant in swaddling clothes highlights the union of divinity and humanity. We serve a loving Creator who desired to experience human life fully, embracing both the good and the bad, the challenges and the joys. This incredible act of empathy personified in Jesus serves as a model for how we might love and connect with others.
Let us make room for divine love's transformative nature, allowing the Holy Spirit to mold our characters to better resemble that of God's beloved Son.
Blessings,
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
HIS YOKE
But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise,
for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
Luke 20:37-38
The text quoted above shares Jesus’ response to the Sadducees when they tried to trap him in his words concerning the concept of resurrection. We learn about the Sadducees in Luke’s second book, Acts (chapter 23). They were a sect of Jews who did not believe in the resurrection. It is sad that what distinguishes them from other Jews is their unbelief; that is, not what they were ‘for’ – like, ‘fervent keepers of the Sabbath’ or ‘made caring for widows their priority’ – but what they were against.
Jesus would have included them in his rebuke in Luke 11:52 - Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.
Is it possible that we might be like the Sadducees? Might we put more of our focus and energy into what we disagree with instead of into ‘Who’ we agree with? I pray that we may never be the ones who bar the way from people recognizing Jesus as the One who offers life eternal because of our anger and passion to declare what or who we disagree with.
Friends, may we be recognized as ones who are living the resurrected life now. May the joy and peace we find in relationship with God through Jesus be a powerful witness. As we follow Christ, placing our hope in his sacrifice and resurrection, may others be drawn into the embrace of God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
HIS YOKE
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:2-3
The nation of Israel began with a covenant the LORD made with Abram around 4,000 years ago (Genesis 12). God confirmed that special calling with Abraham’s chosen son, Isaac, and then with his son, Jacob. Jacob, later named ‘Israel’, became the father of 12 sons à the 12 tribes of Israel.
It is interesting that through the first five hundred years of Israel’s history, there were almost no requirements or directions given by God to his chosen people. The rule for holy living was simply: Every male among you shall be circumcised. [Genesis 17:10] To be God’s special people was based purely on ethnicity and circumcision.
Then, after Israel was freed from the yoke of slavery, as they wandered the wilderness of Sinai, they receive hundreds of rules teaching them how to be holy. These rules for holy living begin with the famous ‘Ten Commandments’.
As Christians, we celebrate the spiritual reality that we are not saved through our following of rules but through the grace given to us in Jesus Christ. This is indeed good news. Yet we hear the plain truth in Paul’s remarks that though we are not saved by works, we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. [Ephesians 2:10]
Friends, our good works are displayed as we rejoice in what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for us. We do not slavishly try to please God, but fulfill the commandments through our love of God and others. Believe it. In Christ you are a forgiven people; set free to lead lives of joy, peace, forgiveness and hope. May this draw others into the family of God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
HIS YOKE
…you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation…
In the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain,
and a very loud trumpet blast.
Everyone in the camp trembled.
Exodus 19:6a, 16
In the Old Testament we hear about the fear of the LORD quite often. We don’t use that phrase, typically, to describe our relationship with God now. Generally, I think that is good; yet, the idea of reverence for God may be lost for some of us. We may be in danger of ‘creating God into our own image’. God is love… 1 John 4:8b, yes, and God is a consuming fire… Hebrews 12:29 – burning with holiness.
In Exodus 19 we see the Israelites cowering before their holy, all-powerful God as he speaks with Moses. The awareness of God’s holiness is obvious, yet in the words Moses gives to the people, God’s love for his people is crystal clear also. How do Christians balance both understandings of God?
I’m certain that we are called to live in that middle-ground - knowing that God is wholly Other – untameable!, while God is loving – receiving us a treasured possession – made holy ourselves. We walk in humility as we approach God, yet we need not walk in fear. We are clothed in righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
HIS YOKE
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Our family walked down to Swiss Chalet a couple of weeks ago. We pass under the Dundas Street bridge (Royal York Rd). There are murals painted on the walls of that otherwise dark place. We’ve seen them many times over the years but this time a member of our family noticed something. The licence plate on the old car was PROV 356. I’m certain the artist meant for some of us to notice: PROVerbs 3:5-6 (verse above).
We woke up today to the news that Donald Trump will be the next President of the USA. Perhaps that causes anxiety for you. As a Christian, should it? We look at the murals of the world and see a lot going on that seems to have nothing to do with God and His presence. But friends God is active and at work.
As we submit to God we can live lives of peace, hope and joy. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. As we trust God, he will give us eyes to see the gentle, and powerful, messages of truth speaking out today. Let us witness to the goodness of God. For this is the day the LORD has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24).
with joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
HIS YOKE
Moses answered the people,
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:13-14
The Israelites had just been delivered from the hand of the Pharaoh and were, for the first time in 100’s of year, a free people. BUT this feeling of freedom ended very quickly as the Pharaoh changed his mind, pursuing them in earnest. Israel, though a great number of people, were not in a position to defend themselves – they were shaking in fear as they saw the Egyptians coming toward them.
Their desperate situation escalated as they realized they were trapped by the Red Sea. The LORD had instructed Moses to lead them there, for God wanted them to realize, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there was no way for them to save themselves. Though Moses was likely fearful as well, he spoke to the people with confidence telling them that they ‘need only be still’: the LORD will fight for you.
Many of us are very familiar with the miracle that takes place. We may picture the scene from the famous movie with Moses (Heston) raiding his staff and the sea parting - producing a pathway through the waters. The Israelites walked through the sea with water on the left and right. The Egyptians do not fare so well!
Tomorrow is Reformation Day (Oct. 31st). One of the key emphases of the early Reformed teachers was that we are not saved by our works. Regarding our salvation, we need only be still. We need only to have faith in the grace of God given through Jesus. We are delivered from death and sin by a mighty act of salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross.
Friends, let us put our trust in Jesus.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
HIS YOKE
Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt,
out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand.
Eat nothing containing yeast.”
Exodus 13:3
As we read the account of the Exodus from Egypt we see a focus on remembering what the LORD has done. The Passover Seder (meal) led into the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread. The verse above ends rather oddly. Remember your deliverance & don’t eat yeast. What was so bad about yeast?
The easiest response to that question is that eating bread without yeast would be unusual and therefore create the opportunity for a question; likely from a child: ‘Why are we doing this?’ To which the parent would be invited to tell the story of the great act of deliverance by the hand of God Almighty from slavery in Egypt. We didn’t have time to wait for bread to rise – nor space to store ‘puffy’ bread – we were on the move – so no yeast (leaven) was used.
Over the centuries, yeast became a symbol for the Jewish people of evil influence. In Matthew 16, Jesus said to his followers: Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was saying that some of their teachings, that is, these religious leaders instructions, could turn hearts away from God. Their influence could work its’ way through a community, like yeast in the dough, misdirecting the focus of the faithful from serving the LORD, to serving our ego – ourselves.
Today, there are things we do which can become habitual, if we’re not careful. Judging another person can be considered yeast. This action (judgment) can become how we always approach others. Consuming more than we need can easily become our common approach instead of just something we may do for a special occasion.
Though the Scripture doesn’t share the other perspective, there can be good influences that can be like yeast as well. That we can let God’s righteousness, love and grace into our lives. That this influence will help us reflect the goodness of God to others. May the influence of Jesus teachings work their way through our lives. Amen!
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
HIS YOKE
And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them,
‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt
and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’
Then the people bowed down and worshiped.
Exodus 12:26-27
The first Passover Seder (meal) took place about 3,400 years ago in Egypt. That first Passover celebration was subdued, for there was great uncertainty. Though the Israelites were assured that finally, after generations under the yoke of slavery in Egypt, they were to be set free - it was hard for them to believe. The meal was to be ‘celebrated’ in remembrance of what the LORD had done; or, for that first meal, what the LORD was about to do.
The hoped for deliverance became a reality after that first Passover, but it took many years for the next part of the promise (return to their homeland) to be fulfilled. Yet each year as they celebrated the Passover their children would ask why they did this and their parents could share the story of their nation’s deliverance out of slavery by the hand of God Almighty.
It is so good when children ask questions for we know they are ready to learn. If we teach them when they are not ready (and we still need to do this) they won’t absorb the instruction as well. A major part of the Passover celebration is the sacrifice of a year-old lamb. This was a reminder of the suffering that took place in the land of Egypt (the plagues) required for their freedom to become a reality.
When Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples in the upper room 1,400 years later, he described himself as the lamb to be sacrificed. He shared that his blood would be shed in order to bring deliverance to those who would believe that he was the Messiah – the Saviour. As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, may we be like children, willing to learn once again, the sad yet triumphant story, of Jesus and His love for us.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
HIS YOKE
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.
Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.
Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him….
Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”
Genesis 21:1-3, 6
I recall a conversation I had with a member of our Church in the first year of the pandemic. She said that what she missed most in this prolonged isolation is 'Laughter'. Not a funny e-mail, or humorous video - but actually laughing together. Our love for one another becomes more tangible through laughter; there is a redemptive quality to laughter.
I speak of laughter in my reflection today, not just because I want to avoid the 10 Plagues of Egypt (scheduled for reflection this Sunday!!), but because that is the Hebrew meaning of the name Isaac. The name that Abraham gave to his chosen son – the promised one. This name has come up in our Church family as this is the name that Clark and Katherine have given to their son – Isaac!
Sarah & Abraham had first laughed in disbelief at God’s promise. What God said was not possible…We can’t bear a child in our old age! But their laughter of doubt became a laugh of joy and gratitude! God made laughter for her! Sarah’s laughter was born of God. It’s about rejoicing in the miracle.
Through Isaac, God said that all nations would be blessed. This is true, for it was Isaac’s descendant, Jesus, who did fulfill all hopes - who made laughter for us. As we celebrate the gift of a baby born in our congregation, let us laugh together. Let us rejoice in the reminder of the generosity of God’s love made known in Jesus.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
HIS YOKE
Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:
‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’”
Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”
Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us.
Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God,
or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”
Exodus 5:1-3
Good old Pharaoh makes a fairly compelling argument, don’t you think? We come into the story knowing that we will side with Moses, against Pharaoh, but really, from Pharaoh’s perspective…we’d have to agree. Who is the LORD? Pharaoh grew up believing in the power of several gods – perhaps even allowing the people to worship him as a god. He had no knowledge of the ‘God of Israel’, and likely, many Israelites had given up belief in God as well. Who is God?
The answer Moses and Aaron give to the Pharaoh is not very satisfactory. In fact, they simply say God is the God of the Hebrews (their people) – which to Pharaoh, would not be very impressive! Moses in fact seeks Pharaoh’s mercy by saying that God might punish them (Israel), if they don’t go to worship God. This reasoning does not convince Pharaoh – at all!
Who is God? Are you able to give a compelling answer to someone who may ask this of you? Hear part of our Churches statement of faith:
There is one true God whom to know is life eternal, whom to serve is joy and peace… God is the Father to whom we come, the Son through whom we come, the Spirit by whom we come. We worship almighty God, the source of all life.
Let us boldly worship and celebrate the LORD: Creator, Saviour, and Friend.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 25, 2024
HIS YOKE
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
The Shema – Deuteronomy 6:4-9
The book of Deuteronomy is the final book of ‘the Law’ portion of the Hebrew Bible. Deuteronomy means ‘a second telling of the law’. Moses reminds them of all they’ve been through; from their deliverance out of Egypt, their desert wandering, to the doorstep of the Promised Land. Moses also summarized the teachings of God: ‘The Shema’ is the pinnacle of this teaching.
One Jewish scholar states: The Shema is the centerpiece of the daily morning and evening prayer services and is considered by some the most essential prayer in all of Judaism. An affirmation of God’s singularity and kingship, its daily recitation is regarded by traditionally observant Jews as a biblical commandment.
These words will be read on Sunday in our Church, alongside a Gospel teaching on the topic of true riches. May the teachings of God, revealed more fully in the person of Jesus Christ, burrow deep in our hearts and create transformation. May the change Jesus makes in us not turn us into a people of works; rather, may spiritual revival awaken our hearts as individuals and a community as we focus on our greatest Treasure – our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
HIS YOKE
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent,
neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute?
Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Exodus 4:10-12
In Exodus 3 & 4, Moses does not shine as an example of faith. As we read the Old Testament narratives, the accounts are often ‘descriptive’ and not ‘prescriptive’. Meaning, we do not read this section and say: ‘Moses was a ‘man of God’ and he spoke to God like this, therefore that’s how God wants me to behave’. No! Moses’ attempts to avoid God’s calling on his life are not to be commended, but we’re thankful they are recorded.
Moses struggles with feeling unworthy, or not good enough – are a common struggle for many of us. Our cultures approach to this malady is to read self-help books and to listen to ‘soothsayers’ telling us that we’ll find the strength we need if we just look inside. This is not the faithful approach. The LORD does not encourage Moses to look deep inside and find his hidden strength, rather, he says ‘Look to me, Moses.’ I AM the One you need.
Moses, even as he reluctantly walks back to Egypt, is not a shining example of faith. BUT, the good news is, Moses has let God begin that good work in him, and as the author of Philippians says: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (1:6)
When anxiety rears its ugly head, telling us that we don’t have what it takes, let us freely admit our weakness, and then boldly put our trust in the LORD. For our God has the power to transform our weakness into strength if we only look to him.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
HIS YOKE
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you:
When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Exodus 3:11-12
Moses: Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?
LORD: I will be with you.
I love the simplicity of this interaction. Moses questions how he could dare to approach the great king of Egypt; who is he? The LORD need only say: ‘I will be with you’. Though this is all Moses needs to hear, Moses wants more. We want more.
I read Psalm 27 with someone I visited yesterday. One of the other people in the room declared: ‘Those are words to live by! Let me write down what Psalm that is.’ I agreed that they were words to live by – but do we? The theme of the Psalm is: The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Simply: I will be with you. Is that enough for Moses?, for you?
God is enough for us. The promise of God’s presence with us enables us to face any circumstance in this life. We hear that truth in Scripture: God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13) When we are tempted into doubting that God is present with us, let us lean on God’s promises.
May God grant us the faith to believe and then experience, the truth of this promise. With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
HIS YOKE
Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.
Exodus 2:16-17
Have you ever been rescued? When I joined the youth group in grade nine at Cheyne Presbyterian, I was intimidated. Some big boys in the older grades loved to practice their wrestling moves and saw me as an easy target. I was not yet 100 pounds and barely over 5 feet tall. But, at just the right time, a new grade nine boy joined the Church. Scott Moreton was 6’0”, over 200 pounds, and played football. I quickly became his very good friend. If Scott was at youth group, I was safe.
When I read about Moses rescuing the women from the cruel shepherds of Midian I wondered ‘how strong was he?’ One man, who grew up in a life of ease in Egypt, couldn’t overpower a few shepherds, could he? What Moses had going for him was confidence. He was used to being in control and telling others what to do. The Midianite shepherds likely feared the connections Moses had in their powerful neighbour: Egypt.
The account of Exodus is full of surprises. We are left wondering, many times, what is God up to? The theme of rescue arises often. The struggling nation of Israel prayed for a rescuer to come. Though Moses would become the deliverer for Israel, we know that he was only a ‘type of the True Deliverer’ who would one day come and deliver all, who would believe in Him, from the oppressor.
As we walk through the Exodus of Israel, may we see how the whole of Scripture points to the necessity of a Saviour. As we mature in our faith may we grow to rely on Jesus as our strength and hope.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
HIS YOKE
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Ephesians 6:24
Paul’s final words in his letter to the Ephesians - this beloved book of the New Testament – are quoted above. His concluding words are similar in his letters, but there is one word that is unique here: undying. The Greek word - ἀφθαρσίᾳ - appears in other versions of the Bible as: imperishable, sincere, and (in the ESV) incorruptible.
How do we ensure our love for Jesus remains undying and incorruptible? We have likely felt our love for someone ‘die’ or become ‘corrupted’. Relationships can easily fall into a pattern based on reciprocity: a ‘give & take’. We cease to show love and care for someone when we feel we are ‘getting nothing out of it’ (the relationship). Though we need to protect ourselves from abusive relationships based on manipulation, many times we are unwilling to show constant, faithful love and support for someone who, though they don’t express it in the manner we would appreciate, desperately need our constancy in the crisis of life they face.
Our Lord Jesus Christ offered us a model of love undying – incorruptible. May we be fed by the grace of our Lord enabling us to love Jesus with a love incorruptible, and demonstrate this undying love to the very ones who are desperate to see signs of Jesus’ love in this world today.
With confident hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 18, 2024
HIS YOKE
Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11
Paul taught on domestic affairs in the latter part of his letter but then turned with renewed energy to highlight the spiritual battle taking place. Paul encountered enemy attacks often, but he wouldn’t call the people who beat, mocked or imprisoned him his enemies. There was a bigger battle taking place.
Paul loved people. He learned to love his enemies from the Lord Jesus, Himself. Paul hated Satan; and the power Satan held over those Paul brought the gospel to. His struggle, and ours, was …not against flesh and blood… When Christians make the ‘good fight’ against people, we miss the target. We fight against the schemes of Satan.
It is interesting that of the spiritual armour Paul lists, only one is offensive, the rest are defense. The weapon to attack the evil one is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We repel the enemies’ evil messages, distractions, manipulation and disunity by arming ourselves with God’s word. Friends, let us hold the Bible close. May God’s word be our guide in these evil days. May we never lose hope. Let us never forget that at the last, Christ is the Victor!
Thanks be to God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
HIS YOKE
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
The last part of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians offers practical advice to Christians on how to be family. The verse above causes me to ask the question: Do I exasperate my children? Exasperate: verb – to irritate & frustrate (someone) intensely. Greek: ‘parogizete’ à provoke to anger.
I’m not going to ask my children if I ‘exasperate’ them because I might not like the response!! I may justify my high expectations of my children by saying it will prepare them for difficult & demanding employers they will meet in life; but, if I’m honest, there are times when I expect more than their maturity and experience should have to bear.
Many people have been deeply affected by the lack of parental support in their early years. They keenly felt their parents’ disappointment and heard about it too. This has lasting effect on people. What Paul is saying is that parents ought to ensure that their relationships with their children are healthy so that when demands are made they are received in a loving context. The child should know Dad (or Mom) loves them and want the best for them, so they are willing to submit.
As in everything, Paul charges us to clothe ourselves with Christ, so that in all relations, we may act with love. Fathers, Mothers, Aunts, Uncles – let us love the youth entrusted to us as they mature in Christ.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
HIS YOKE
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."
Eph. 5:31-32
In this week’s passage, Paul likens marriage to the relationship between Christ and the Church. This analogy carries profound implications, elevating the concept of marriage from a mere social agreement, to a holy covenant. Paul believes that marriage should reflect (though imperfectly) Christ’s love and the unity he shares with the church.
While I can hardly speak from experience regarding marriage, it is possible to deduce from Paul’s analogy what some characteristics of a Christian marriage might be. First and foremost, I believe marriage should foster the spiritual growth of each party - supporting each other as they grow into the person God has called them to be. Secondly, that grace and forgiveness play a crucial role. Marriage brings together two imperfect individuals - disagreements and conflicts are bound to arise! However, just as Christ forgives humanity’s shortcomings, spouses must be understanding and forgiving of each others’ imperfections. Lastly, Christ himself should be the model of a healthy marriage. This implies mutual love, respect and sacrifice.
If Christ remains at the center of a marriage, it is bound to be a life-giving union that honors God in thought, word, and deed.
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
HIS YOKE
"And find out what pleases the Lord"
Ephesians. 5:10
In this week’s scripture, Paul admonishes us to “Find out what pleases the Lord”. At first glance, this may seem like a singular event. However, I believe Paul is conveying something much deeper – a charge to embark on a lifelong journey of ascertaining and fulfilling the will of God in one’s life.
“Finding out” what God desires for our lives requires us to develop and foster a relationship with him. This relationship is more than a surface level acceptance of the Christian faith’s tenets. It is a consistent dialogue with our heavenly Father through prayer, worship, and study of his word.
While this journey of discovering the Father’s will for our lives may seem difficult, we can take heart in the fact that the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way. In John 14:26, the Apostle states “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”. The Holy Spirit helps us not only to ascertain the divine will but empowers us with the strength needed to manifest it in the world.
How do we know that we are making progress on this journey? How do we know that we are growing in our knowledge of God? We need only look at our daily lives – our interactions with others, our daily decisions and our handling of life’s trials and tribulations. Are the choices we make reflecting our commitment to God? Are we embodying qualities that Jesus himself put into the world (kindness, love, gentleness)?
Friends, our desire to “Find out what pleases the Lord” is, in itself, pleasing to our heavenly Father. As we grow in our knowledge of God, and live our lives focused on his will, we become a living testimony to the transforming power of our Father inviting others to embark on this glorious journey with us.
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
HIS YOKE
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you..”
Ephesians. 4:31-32
As we have seen in this chapter, unity in Christ is essential to Paul’s theology. Negative emotions, such as bitterness, rage, and anger, threaten the unity Christ desires for his church.
After reading this passage, I remembered the saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” Most often, these negative emotions are fueled by traumatic experiences in our past. Once these emotions creep into our minds, they may manifest as actions that can harm others and continue the cycle of pain.
Paul admonishes us to replace these negative emotions with those Christ so consistently displayed in his earthly bestowal. Kindness and compassion forge bonds, create healing, facilitate peace, and set our world on a better course.
We are to work out our salvation. Though we did not earn it, we must have the courage to evaluate our hearts and discover any areas where bitterness has made a foothold. For inspiration, we only have to look to our Lord, who, even when his persecutors were nailing him to a wooden cross, cried out to the Father on their behalf, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Let us align ourselves with God's will, rid ourselves of all negativity, and embody kindness and compassion so that the Father may use us as instruments of his love.
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
HIS YOKE
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians. 4:22-24
In this Section of Paul’s letter to the churches in Asia Minor, he focuses on a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith - one’s initial transformation and ensuing lifelong process of sanctification.
Paul admonishes us to cast away our old selves and embrace new ways of thinking and behaving - ways that are more aligned with the will of our loving Father in heaven.
Through our faith in Jesus, we are given this “new self”. We did not earn this new identity; it was given to us as a gift by the grace of God. However, living out this new identity requires human effort in cooperation with the indwelling spirit. We must continuously put forth love, joy, peace and kindness into the world while abstaining from selfishness.
Friends, let us consider how we are living out our Christian faith. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and mold our character into Christ’s likeness? Are we carrying our cross daily and casting off our "old selves"?
Let us pray to the Father for the strength and wisdom required to live out this new identity we have so graciously been given.
Blessings,
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
HIS YOKE
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
Ephesians 4:11-13
In Ephesians Chapter 4:7-16, Paul highlights the importance of Christian unity - a unity that is built on our shared faith in Jesus Christ. This unity transcends denominational backgrounds, cultural differences, and fulfills the Father’s desire for his people to be one family.
However, unity does not mean a lifeless uniformity. We are not exact replicas of each other as if we were created in some heavenly factory! The unity of the church is exciting because of its diversity. Though our diversity is seen in our differing temperaments and personalities, Paul is referring to the various spiritual gifts Christ has graciously bestowed upon each of us. Our unity is enriched by the diversity of these gifts.
In our passage this week, Paul mentions five distinct gifts. However, in the entire New Testament, there are four lists. These lists are quite different, suggesting that no list is exhaustive. Some of these gifts include speaking, administration, teaching and wisdom, just to name a few!
But how are we to use these God-given gifts? They are to be used to “build up” the body of Christ – to serve others! Friends, let us look for opportunities to use our unique gifts in service to those around us, as we continue our walks with God.
Blessings,
Pastor Timothy Connor
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
HIS YOKE
I…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1
In the first line of the ‘practical’ half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he sets a great challenge before Christians: Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. How do we know if we are living up to the standard of God’s calling on our lives?
Though that question might trouble us, causing us to consistently question our level of Christian commitment, the question is also answered in Paul’s ‘Spirit-inspired’ writing. Just two verses earlier he says that God is able to do more than all we can ask or imagine through his power at work within us. With the Holy Spirit at work in us, we are able to live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received.
As Christians we ought to be humble. The good in us is born of God, so we cannot boast in our righteousness; yet, we can celebrate and find rest knowing that Christ’s redemptive work in us pleases God. Friends, let us not pursue a life of trying to impress other people or earn God’s favour, but let us follow Jesus closely and trust that all else will fall in line.
with faith in Jesus,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
HIS YOKE
In [Christ] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12
In my first year at the University of Guelph I went exploring in the town with a new friend from British Columbia. We saw an impressive looking Catholic Church and walked up the many stairs to enter into the Basilica. My friend, of a Catholic background, was very hesitant to walk toward the front of the Sanctuary, whereas I boldly approached and was rebuked by my friend: ‘Don’t go up there!’
I recall that experience when I see the hesitancy some people have in their approach to God. Though humility is the correct posture with which to approach our Heavenly Father, we ought not be held back from drawing close to God. Many have had experiences which caused them to view God as an angry father ready to punish or rebuke.
The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to approach God freely and confidently. We don’t have to be afraid. As we come before God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we find peace and comfort. Let us take time this summer to read God’s word and to prayerfully approach our Saviour. May we, as the old hymn tells us, find in Him a resting place, one who makes us glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest; lay down, thou weary one, lay down, thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting place,
and He has made me glad.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
HIS YOKE
And in [Christ] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22
It is hard to imagine 1st century life in West Turkey. Paul’s letter reveals that there was much tension, and seemingly unsurmountable barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Understandably, to know that a whole group of people (Jews) feel they may become unclean by interacting with you causes some level of discomfort and anger!
But God was at work. Though the Jewish nation were given a head start, referred to as: ‘The Chosen People of God’, their title and laws no longer gave them the only access to our Creator. In Christ, all peoples might be part of God’s family. Paul declared that the ‘dividing wall of hostility’ was coming down. Jewish believers in the Messiah, Jesus, were set free to become friends with those outside of their own people. In fact the two groups who had little in common, were becoming one body through their new-found faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
In our violent, selfish, world, we continue to pray for the dividing wall of hostility to come down. We, as Christians, continue to believe that Jesus is the answer. That a life, and cultural transforming peace, may arise when a person, or people, bow the knee to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. May we be faithful members, prayerful servants, and courageous witnesses as we draw strength from that holy dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit – the body of Christ.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
HIS YOKE
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
The text from Paul’s letter to the Christian communities in West Turkey [Ephesians] contains many gems of spiritual truth and wisdom. My favourite text used for the ‘Assurance of Forgiveness’ portion of our Sunday Worship is quoted above. Paul highlights that our salvation is all about the grace of God, not our own effort or work.
The beloved hymn, Amazing Grace, written by John Newton, speaks of the power of God’s grace. John became an evangelical Anglican Minister and slavery abolitionist in the late 1700’s, but he had been a captain of slave ships, even investing in the slave trade. He experienced God’s grace through an encounter with Jesus Christ, and sung out his heart in gratitude and love for the Saviour.
We have not been directly involved, I trust, in such atrocities as the slave trade, but we are equally in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. The words of the second verse of the hymn stand out to me:
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.
There is a deep truth there. As we see the extent to which God was willing to go to extend grace, by giving His only Son to die upon the cross, we fear this God. Yet, when we grasp the love of God revealed in this act of redemption, our fears are relieved.
Let us humbly and gratefully celebrate the Amazing Grace of God today.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
HIS YOKE
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19a
The Bible verse above highlights Paul’s prayerful desire that the ‘eyes of our hearts might be enlightened’. He wants fellow Christians to see with their hearts; that is through the lens of love. That we might know his glory, power and love for us.
A praise song composed by Michael W. Smith in 2001 called, “Open the Eyes of my Heart” captures this prayer well. The key lines are: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see You. To see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your glory. Pour out Your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, holy.
The song above has very few words, but it repeats those words again and again. The emphasis is simple, but profound: We desire to see God. When we ‘see with our hearts’, we are able to abide in His presence, even in the everyday challenges we face. Friends, let us be a people of hope, and may God reveal his glorious goodness to us.
with hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
HIS YOKE
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:3-5
The word ‘victory’ does not appear in the Bible too many times. According to one concordance, 12 times, 3 of those at the close of Paul’s chapter on Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15. The word also appears in the closing words of John’s first letter, quoted above. Victory comes from the Greek word ‘nike’, and in this context it is both a victory for God and for those who believe in Jesus.
In the Elder led Worship on Sunday, Jim Billington invited us to consider the name of our book of study through the year: The Story. He wondered what name we might have given to this book as we reflected on it. He proposed a few, then wondered about calling it ‘The Victory’. As the text above describes, if we are born of God and if we are people of faith - we are able to overcome the world. There is a glorious victory in Jesus, and we are eternally grateful!
“Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.”
by E.M. Bartlett, 1939
With joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
HIS YOKE
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage
—with great patience and careful instruction…
keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2,5
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his son in the faith. The instructions he gives Timothy emphasize the reality that, despite his youth and inexperience, the power of God’s Spirit at work in him is enough. Timothy is able to testify to the saving work of Jesus Christ, which is powerful and effective in those who believe.
This is Timothy Connor’s first week as a staff member at St. Giles Kingsway. He, as Ray Bennett mentioned in Sunday Worship, has a ‘high calling’. He is to: Walk in a manner worthy of the calling…, that is, he is to be a good disciple of Jesus. Not only that, but also to help make disciples of Jesus through his work in our congregation and in our community.
Timothy needs encouragement from the mature Christian members of our Church family. The Minister is not the only ‘Paul’ we have! We are to remind him that despite his youth and inexperience, he has a beautiful message to share. We together pray God’s blessing on him, pointing him to Jesus as he seeks to be faithful in his ministry among us and this community.
With joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
HIS YOKE
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
Revelation 22:8-9
We all feel the need to worship. The question is: before what, or whom, do we bend the knee in praise and worship. It is quite surprising that in the last few verses of the inspired letter that John writes he speaks of his mistake. John sought to worship the angel! He is told by the angel that even he is unworthy of worship: Worship God alone!
Pastor Eugene Peterson challenges us to consider our approach to Revelation: “…people get interested in everything in the book except God, losing themselves in symbol hunting, intrigue with numbers, speculating with frenzied imaginations on times and seasons, despite Jesus sever stricture against it (Acts 1:7). We end up being distracted by all our questions and being more impressed by images, numbers, and angels, than the Lord who inspired the writing.”
We complete our series on The Story this Sunday with a focus on the book of Revelation. Despite the fascination with this book, I would say that it is primarily about the worship of God and Jesus Christ. Secondly, it is a document about discipleship; that is, how we are to live out our faith today. Worship God and follow Jesus, are the two key statements for Christians to live by. As John concludes the letter, we receive this blessing: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
HIS YOKE
Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat.
”For the last fourteen days you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything.
Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive.
Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”
After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all.
Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.
Acts 27:33-36
In the final chapters of Acts, Paul shows himself able to witness to his faith even among those who had no interest in hearing the Gospel. In the letter he wrote to the Colossians he says: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Paul lived out this directive even when he was on his way to prison! On board the ship taking him to Rome the environment would have been hostile to his Gospel message; yet, even there, he found ways to witness to God’s goodness at work.
It can be hard to find ways to point to our hope in the Lord to a non-Christian. When we consider the example of Paul, I believe he found it easier than many of us because he was constantly in prayer. We have access to the same Holy Spirit of the Living God through prayer. As we bend the knee, humbling ourselves before God, our communion with Jesus deepens. This deeper relationship makes us more sensitive to God’s voice when He calls.
Let us make a priority of coming before God in prayer; opening up the line of communication so that we might hear and respond to the Lord’s guidance given through the Holy Spirit. May we respond to His prompting by speaking a word, or offering support, to someone in need today.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
HIS YOKE
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance.
He told people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:4-5
Twenty-five years ago Steven Curtis Chapman released a song which became widely popular in Christian circles. The song, Dive, was powerful; capturing the exciting, yet dangerous, aspect of diving into unknown waters and going deep. It was, of course, a metaphor calling the skeptic to take a leap of faith and trust in God; to believe that there is a richer reality to know by ‘letting go and letting God’.
When Paul came to the great city of Ephesus (in present day Turkey) he realized that the Christians did not have a full understanding of Jesus as Saviour. He called them to go deeper; to dive, as it were, into the waters of baptism in the name of Jesus. They had been missing out on the full presence of God available to them by grace.
As they let go of control over their lives through baptism, the Holy Spirit transformed them. They were set free to experience the power and love of God like never before, and they were inspired to become Christ’s witnesses in the world.
May we dive into the grace of God once again. May revival come. Why not here?, why not through you?, why not now?
To God be the glory!
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
HIS YOKE
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this:
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah…
[Therefore] Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:36,38
The words above are taken from the Apostle Peter’s sermon, preached on that first Pentecost Sunday. In our ‘Faith Sharing’ group, and in worship on Sunday, we will consider the foundation stones set in place for the Church. The Apostle Peter, though remembered for his denial of Jesus’ just before his crucifixion, did turn and become the chief leader of the new Christian movement.
Peter speaks about what it means for Jesus to be both Lord and Messiah in our lives. The title Lord speaks of authority. If we call Jesus our Lord, it means we are willing to submit to His rule over our lives and decisions. The title Messiah speaks of the Promised One who would bring salvation to God’s people. Do we believe that our eternal salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ?
Friends, the firm foundation is faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. In this Season of the Resurrection, may we find new life in Jesus and share that good news with the world!
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
HIS YOKE
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.
They said nothing to anyone because they were afraid.
Mark 16:8
The season of Easter has begun. Christ has risen!! He has risen indeed! We are surprised by the initial response of the women visiting Jesus tomb and finding it empty (see above). Though the man (angel) told them the beautiful truth: “He has risen!”, the power of those words did not penetrate the shock: things are not as they should be!
It is true that things are not as they should be. I’m not grumbling about all the horrible things that go on in the world, rather, I’m speaking about the signs of hope and joy which surprise us. Out of death, poverty, and sadness, hope springs forth! We know, through our connection and support of the Yonge Street Mission, that there is much poverty in our own city; even for young children and youth.
Yet we read stories of God’s love and kindness poured out on them through generous people like yourselves and that, despite the difficulties, some youth have found ways to thrive and be a blessing to others. This joy is not as it should be; that is, it is not natural but an act of God! We rejoice as we take note of the triumph of the risen Christ at work today, if we have eyes to see. Thanks be to God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HIS YOKE
At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
[Then] Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
Mark 15:33-34
On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday this week, we will remember the sufferings of Christ and the motivation: His love for all of humanity. The only saying from the cross recorded by Mark (the Gospel of focus) is written above. From my perspective, it is the hardest of the seven sayings to understand. If Jesus is God, how can God call out such a question to God?!
Jesus cries out the question that many people have cried out throughout history – perhaps a cry you have once uttered. Jesus became – fully, completely, forsakenly – sinful. God’s wrath was poured out on God’s Son. No covering it up. Jesus felt forsaken. As prophesied many centuries earlier …he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. [Isaiah 53:12b] Oh what sacrifice, to be forsaken, that we might be redeemed! Thanks be to God.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HIS YOKE
PRAYER FOR THE CITY (Devotion from Yonge Street Mission)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8
With Holy Week just days away, I share a poem to help us reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us. It was written by Rev. Jan Rothenburger, YSM's Church at the Mission Pastor Emeritus of Church, who has journeyed alongside hundreds of street-involved youth and women for more than thirty years now.
The Sacrifice
At the foot of the cross
Are the humbled and lost
Forgiveness they are craving
And nailed and embossed
Crucifixion paid the cost
For sinners He was saving
Amidst His own despair
Out of pure love and care
Regardless of felt despise
He whispered a prayer
Which sung through the air
That puzzled even the wise
“Father forgive them so
For they do not know"
Spoken with His last breath
“Let Your love show
And allow them to go
Where I shall be after death"
So for the sake of all
Because of the fall
Jesus a sacrifice became
So on God we may call
'Cause now torn is the wall
That erased sin and shame
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
HIS YOKE
So he got up and went to his father.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him;
he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
The parable of the Lost Son (Prodigal Son) is such a vibrant image of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. When I watch one of my very favourite movies Les Miserables [based on Victor Hugo’s book], I see Jean Valjean as a lost son. Early in the story, Valjean is brought in shackles to the Bishop, from whom he has stolen valuable silverware. Instead of sentencing him to prison, the ‘father-like’ Bishop says:
Jean Valjean, my brother: you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you.
I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!
Jean Valjean was so confronted by Love that he was eternally transformed; he was a new creation, the old was gone the new had come. He began to live his life as a changed man…one who offered grace and kindness to the weak; in fact he was even willing to sacrifice his own life for the benefit of another.
Friends, may we know and receive God’s love today and may it so change us that we cannot help but offer grace and love to others with great generosity and joy.
How deep the Father’s love for us; how vast beyond all measure. That He would give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure. (Hymn by Stuart Townend; 1995)
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
HIS YOKE
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that?
He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
[Jesus said] But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Mark 2:5-7, 10-11
Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man in the Gospels more than by any other title. The meaning (according to one commentary) is: ‘one who has the right to act as heavenly judge and ruler, and such a figure has implicitly the power to forgive. The title appears in the Book of Daniel with Messianic hope attached (coming Saviour).
Jesus commands the man to rise, take his mat and go home…and he does! The account goes on to say, ‘they all praised God’, for they had never seen this before!’ They celebrated the healing, but Mark’s point is that Jesus is revealed as the One who could forgive sins. Was the paralytic man a sinner? Yes, but so was everyone else in the home. He needed forgiveness, but so did/do they/we all.
Though there was a miraculous healing, forgiveness is the focal point, for only God can forgive. The good news is that this spiritual healing (forgiveness) is conveyed to us through faith in Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith…
Let us ask for the Holy Spirit of God to help us deepen our faith in Jesus and experience the grace of our Saviour as we walk through this Season of Lent together.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
HIS YOKE
Kum Ba Yah, My Lord
Kum ba yah, my Lord, Kum ba yah...Oh, Lord, Kum ba yah.
Someone's cryin', Lord, Kum ba yah...Oh, Lord, Kum ba yah.
Someone's singin', Lord, Kum ba yah...Oh, Lord, Kum ba yah.
Someone's prayin', Lord, Kum ba yah...Oh, Lord, Kum ba yah.
Someone needs you, Lord. Kum ba yah...Oh, Lord, Kum ba yah.
-Songs of Zion, 139
Regardless of where one finds themselves on the Lenten journey, this spiritual reveals a yearning heart that resonates with many who find themselves in a wilderness. That heart makes a repetitive plea: "Kum ba yah, my Lord," translated, "Come by here, my Lord." Come by here. It is a prayer for the presence of God wherever one might find oneself. If one is crying or singing or praying, what is obvious is that "someone needs you, Lord." This is true every day of the year. Someone needs God, right now.
You might need God right now, today, regardless of your situation. Things may be fine with you. You could be singing up a storm full of joy, but this doesn't neglect the need to pray, "Kum ba yah, my Lord," nor your need of God in your life. This repeating line challenges us to make these words our words repeatedly. It suggests our vast need for the Presence. Come by here, my Lord. It would be a sad pilgrimage without God. It would be lonely but the spiritual reveals a faith that, in asking, believes that the Lord will come by here, will come by you, today. Underneath these words of prayer is the reminder that when we pray this, God will come because God is a God who is with us - Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). Here. There. And everywhere. With you. Today. Now.
Prayer for the Day.
Kum ba yah, my Lord. Come by here, my Lord, even now.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
HIS YOKE
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.
For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Then I said:
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God,
who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer
your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.
I confess the sins we Israelites,
including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.
We have acted very wickedly toward you.
We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
Nehemiah 1:4-7
Like Queen Esther, Nehemiah had a pretty comfortable position in the palace. He was the chief cupbearer to the king. To have attained this position would mean that he was a very trusted friend of the king. Nehemiah had received news of the distress taking place in his home country as they sought to rebuild Jerusalem. He was broken-hearted and immediately sought God’s presence and favour for His chosen people, the Jews.
Nehemiah was willing to bear the burden of sin alongside his fellow Israelites. It would have been easy for him to judge from afar and say, ‘Wow, they must be very unfaithful to God, that’s why they are suffering so greatly’; instead, he freely confesses his own failing and sin.
In this Season of Lent – of humility and repentance – instead of quickly judging those who are featured in the news as dictators and deviants, may we accept our part in the brokenness of this world. As we humbly confess our personal failings and selfishness may our prayers focus less on judgment and focus more on God’s will to be revealed.
Let us be faithful and prayerful as we follow the example of grace and peace set by our Lord Jesus.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
HIS YOKE
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa,
and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.
I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king,
even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:15-16
Esther is a book of the Bible that I have never studied closely, yet I find the story captivating. [it takes about 20 minutes to read]. I wonder why this book remained in the ‘canon’ of Holy Scripture (especially through the crucible of the Reformation in the 1500’s)! God is not mentioned in the book yet, there are acts that demonstrate love and faithfulness to God’s people.
Esther was Jewish. She was also beautiful and out-competed all other women of Persia for the newly open position of Queen. Suddenly, hers was a life of ease, comfort, and plenty; but a crisis arose. The Jews were about to be wiped out by a terrible edict made by an evil man, Haman. Esther had a decision to make. Remain silent and ignore the problem (it wouldn’t affect her), or seek to protect her people, reveal her identity, and risk death. In the text above we see that Esther chose to risk her life. She invited her people to fast and pray as she prepared to approach the king.
As we enter the Season of Lent tomorrow we are encouraged to fast and pray. As we experience a small amount of suffering (hunger pangs) we are reminded to pray for those who suffer hunger daily; to pray for those attacked or mistreated because of their ethnicity; to pray for those who are anxious, lonely or afraid.
With courage like Esther, let us seek God’s spiritual strength in order to equip us in showing generosity and love to those so desperately in need.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
HIS YOKE
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness...
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-23;26
Much joy arises in the hearts of God’s ‘chosen people’ when King Cyrus of Persia conquers the Babylonians. Cyrus encounters the living God (an epiphany) and his heart is moved to send the people of Judah back to their homeland. They are given protection and the materials needed to rebuild the temple. It was a beautiful surprise, yet the Prophets had predicted this before Judah went into exile. God was true to God’s word.
The Prophet Zechariah spoke to the people as they rebuilt the temple and their homes. He charged them to not take this gift for granted but to change their ways. To not live as their ancestors had, in rebellion against the LORD and as a curse among the nations, but to serve God faithfully and be a blessing to the people around them.
Quoted above, the instructions God gave them did not seem too demanding. It is summed up as ‘Love truth and peace’. As Jim shared in his creative ‘Children’s Message’ on Sunday, ‘Coyote & the Statue’, there is much deception in the world. The more we abide with the Lord, the more we are able to discern the difference between truth and lies. As we seek the way of truth, controversy can arise – for many do not want to know the truth; it seems that they enjoy deception. Yet, we know that when Christ is revealed and received, a true and lasting peace enters into human hearts.
Let us pray for God’s truth to be revealed and the peace of Christ to reign.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, January 31, 2024
HIS YOKE
Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm, Dare to make it known.
Hymn – Standing by a purpose true (based on the Biblical book of Daniel)
Daniel is the featured prophet in chapter 18 of The Story. After conquering Judah (Israel), the Babylonians didn’t take all the people into captivity, but only the best; that is, the youthful, attractive and intelligent. They were put into a three year program of intense immersion with Babylonian educators preparing them to serve in the kings court.
Daniel was among those chosen. He would have been treated well and given every benefit including the best food and wine from the kings table. They wanted these men to love Babylon and to assist with a peaceful lordship over Judah. Daniel stayed in the kings court for ~ 70years, outlasting his captivity (released by Cyrus, king of Persia).
It is interesting that it is never recorded that Daniel asks ‘Why am I in exile?’. Rather he asks, ‘God, how can I be faithful in exile?’ As Christians we may justifiably feel we are in a time of exile. In a culture that does not eagerly accommodate followers of Christ. We can complain about it, or we can seek God and ask, ‘How might I be a faithful witness for Christ today’? Friends, like Daniel, let us look for opportunities to bear witness to Jesus with joy and hope, here and now.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
HIS YOKE
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness...
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-23;26
The prophet Jeremiah is a key prophet in chapter 17 of The Story. He has been nicknamed ‘the weeping prophet’ as he pours out his laments concerning the ‘fall of the kingdom’ of God’s chosen people. There is an Old Testament book written by him given the title matching his writing style: ‘Lamentations’. But in the midst of all the laments there is this beautiful piece of Scripture (quoted above) that we hold on to.
Friends, in the midst of frustration or feelings of loneliness and rejection, we turn our eyes to the Lord. As Jeremiah, and other faithful men and women throughout history have done, we continue to see hope in the midst of pain. Though the kingdom of Israel was collapsing, the faithful of Israel were beginning to realize that their God could not be conquered. They began to perceive the reality that their God could not be contained in the temple, or restrained by the boundaries of Israel. God was, and is, a very big God!
Let us wait patiently, quietly and prayerfully for God’s salvation to be worked out among us and through us.
with hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
HIS YOKE
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
Then one of the seraphim (angels) flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:5-8
The prophet Isaiah dominates chapter 16 of The Story. His unique calling is received by way of a vision of God’s splendour and holiness. He is suddenly aware of his unworthiness and his people’s unworthiness. In his vision a burning coal carried by an angel touches his lips and he is cleansed, making him worthy to carry the message of God to God’s people.
Elders will be ordained and inducted into their role during our Worship this Sunday. In some way, they are responding to a call from God as expressed through the congregation and elders of our Church. Every elder, I’m sure, has in some way struggled with the question of ‘worthiness’. The good news is that their ‘worthiness’ to serve is not based on their personal holiness but on their willingness to put their trust in Jesus, who makes them worthy. We are cleansed and made whole through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Friends, it is Jesus who equips us and sends us out to serve as leaders in Christ’s Church. May we, as a Church family, pray for God’s blessing on our elders as they step forward in faith and say, with the prophet Isaiah: “Here am I. Send me!”
with hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Blessings in Christ to our Church family and friends.
Tomorrow is the 2nd Sunday in the Season of Epiphany: Worship @ 10:30am. During this season we focus on how God 'show's up' in amazing ways: 'Epiphanies'. This has happened throughout history and in our own lives. The Bible reading for tomorrow is 1 Kings 19:1-18 (in The Story., chapter 15). We consider a powerful encounter the prophet Elijah has with the LORD and the question God asks: "What are you doing here...?".
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
His Yoke
Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.
The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
1 Kings 17:44b - 46
We’ve entered the season of ‘Epiphany’. In chapter 15 of The Story we hear about many epiphanies. To be a prophet of God means a steady reliance on ‘Divine revelation’. A prophet then carries God’s message to the people. Elijah is the most famous prophet in Israel’s history. He was taken up to heaven in chariots of fire! He appeared, alongside Moses, when Jesus was transfigured before his chosen apostles on the mountain.
We read above that the ‘power of the LORD came upon Elijah’ enabling him to run faster than king Ahab’s well-built chariot for several miles! It is hard to relate to the amazing feats of the prophets of God but, I believe there are many Christians who have encountered the living God and experienced power that overwhelmed them.
We can’t force an epiphany to happen; but we can position ourselves in a manner conducive to an encounter with the living God. We do so through humbling ourselves before God and prayer. As we humble ourselves and pray, may God open the storehouses of his power and love to speak to us freshly. May we be inspired to be His messengers of grace and agents of healing in our broken world today. Let us listen for God’s word.
Pastor Tim
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Blessings in Christ to our Church family and friends!
We enter the Season of Epiphany with a return to our book of study for this year - The Story. Our text is two chapters (13 & 14) which cover the rise of Israel under King Solomon (David's son) and then its' collapse. We will focus in particular on Solomon and how God revealed Himself to him throughout his reign found in 1 Kings 3 & 2 Chronicles 7 - "May God be revealed among us". We will consider how to position ourselves to 'see God' in the everyday.
Pastor Tim
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
HIS YOKE
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
1 Samuel 3:5-9
We read that the LORD was pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom instead of riches and power. His leadership as king over Israel was off to a great start!
This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. We continue to celebrate how God comes to us in various ways as God did appear to Solomon. May we continue to meet our Lord Jesus as we seek to follow Him.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
HIS YOKE
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
Several years ago a plant that was located at the corner of the Church parking lot actually burst into bloom in mid-December! It was a forsythia bush – you know, those bright yellow flowers? I recall many of us being a little shocked, thinking: what is going on? Life is arising around us as we begin winter! I kind of wonder if that will happen again with the warm weather this week!
Most of us possess a deep nostalgia – a longing for a white Christmas, just like the ones we used to know. But those ‘white Christmases’ seem to be more and more infrequent. Many of us are quite happy to let go of ‘how it used to be’ and embrace this strange newness of a green and mild Christmas!, and move on to brighter and warmer days (though I’m sure that white winter is coming!!).
It is a wonderful image to ponder as we continue this Christmas celebration. The words quoted above are taken from the carol O little town of Bethlehem. The poet calls us to long for new life – a spiritual re-birth. We are drawn away from simply remembering the birth of Jesus in a manger, to a place of welcoming the mysterious renewal that God is still achieving today. Though signs of Spring arising around us may leave us confused, may the newness of spiritual life that God wishes to impart to us come alive, take root and flourish.
To God be the glory!
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
HIS YOKE
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress…
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...
Isaiah 9 (portions of verses 1-7)
Matthew 2:10-11a
The Prophet Isaiah spoke of what would happen when the long-awaited Saviour arrived. He wrote those words quoted above about 600 before Christ arrived. It sounds as if people were walking about in a daze – without clear vision, direction and knowledge. Jesus came and offered light that we might be able to see more clearly. We continue to need His illumination today.
The purpose of a light (lamp) is not to be stared at - but to aid us in seeing our surroundings. We look to the True Light, Jesus, and worship Him with our whole being while realizing that His Light illuminates our mission. If we are willing, Jesus will clarify who needs our care, grace and love at this time.
May we walk in His light with the message of God’s love made known to all in Jesus.
Joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
HIS YOKE
When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Matthew 2:10-11a
This coming Sunday’s Worship service includes our Childrens’ Christmas Pageant and our Student Pastor’s reflection on the visit of the ‘Magi’ (or wise men) to see Jesus. The visit of the Magi highlights two different responses they offer according to what, or whom, they encounter.
They were ‘overjoyed’ when they saw the star. The star represented something so amazing to them that wasn’t revealed to the eyes of the average person. They believed that a miracle was being performed and travelled great distances to see what it was all about. When they came so close to what they had been seeking for so long, they experienced deep joy.
Then, as they arrived at the place the star directed them, they ‘worshipped’ Jesus. Their joy was great, but their worship was so much more. I wonder if these Gentiles had expected to ‘worship’ or simply to come and see what the ‘heavens were speaking of’. When they saw Jesus – they could not do anything, but worship Him.
Jesus is the reason for the celebrations. In the midst of our busy-ness and multitude of wonderful events and activities, let us remember to worship Him – Christ the King!
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
HIS YOKE
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
Psalm 6:1-3
You have likely heard of the Irish rock band, U2. Their lead singer, Bono, wrote an introduction to the book of the Psalms. He speaks about his admiration for David; that shepherd king of Israel, the ‘man after God’s own heart.’ Bono loves the ‘humanness’ of David. His poetry, his passion, his confessions, his laments…One of U2’s songs refers to David’s words recorded in Psalm 40 (echoing Psalm 6 above): How long, Lord, how long?
The season of Advent begins this Sunday. In the Church tradition, the primary ‘movement’ of Advent is ‘waiting’. Not waiting for Christmas, but waiting for our Lord to come again. Throughout history, and in many places of the world today, people are crying out with David: My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? We know that the world is not operating as it ought to be and in the midst of the pain we remain a people of hope.
We believe that Christ will come again and every tear will be wiped away – that perfect justice will reign. We believe that this same Saviour whom David glimpses 3,000 years ago, is alive and at work today. That while we wait for Jesus’ return, we might experience His real presence now in us. Let us be a people of prayer: that those who suffer may be delivered; yes, from warfare, from famine, from neglect, from abuse – but might be delivered from a dark place – where they do not know God. Let us pray that they might encounter Jesus as Saviour. O come, o come Emmanuel…
with hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 22, 2023
HIS YOKE
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So, Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”
1 Samuel 3:8b-9a
In Worship this past Sunday, we were ‘dramatically told’ the account of God’s call to the young man, Samuel. God called Samuel four times before he was able to really hear God’s voice. Sometimes we may sense God’s call, but we turn away from that gentle prodding because we can’t really believe God might speak to us in that way.
A young woman shared with me about her recent experience of such a situation. She was singing praises and praying during a worship service and she felt God’s voice saying, ‘Put your hands on the girls’ shoulders standing next to you’. Not knowing the other person, and being a little shy, she held back. Just a short time after that, the leader of the Worship gathering began to pray and he said, ‘Take a moment now and just put your hands on the shoulders of the person next to you and join me in praying for them.’ Coincidence?
God is patient with us and will continue to pursue us, even when we turn the other way, or try to avoid God’s call. We can make ourselves more ready to hear God’s voice if we take time to regularly pray and read God’s word – the Bible. This helps us be in a state of spiritual readiness. Having read, listened and meditated upon the words of the Scriptures we deepen our faith in the reality that God has again and again spoken to His people.
May we all seek to put ourselves in a place where we can truly say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’; and welcome God’s voice once again into our hearts and minds.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
HIS YOKE
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So, Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”
1 Samuel 3:8b-9a
A fascinating account in the first book of Samuel tells of how God diligently pursues the young man, Samuel. We read that Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD. That is, the word of LORD had not yet been revealed to him. This causes me to pause. Samuel was in the temple – the house of God – all day, everyday. He was ‘about’ the business of the ‘Church’ all the time. How could he not know the LORD?!
It is a passage that is beautiful and troubling. Unfortunately, I believer there are often people ‘inside the Church’ who do not know the Lord. Before we start casting a judgmental gaze around the Church and make suggestions, let us think about ourselves. In what ways do we ‘go about the business of Church’ without really connecting with the Lord?
There are times when I will be praying and suddenly realize that my prayers have ceased, and I am thinking about a sporting event that I have to take my daughter to later on; or I’m getting myself upset about an interaction I had earlier. I can bring all things to the Lord in prayer, but often these thoughts take me away from seeking the Lord and turn into a me-focus, day-planning or self-pitying session! I realize I’m not looking for the Lord’s input, but simply a space for my thoughts to lead.
I imagine many of us have had that experience. May we all seek to put ourselves in a place where we can truly say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’; and welcome God’s voice once again into our hearts and minds.
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
HIS YOKE
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Romans 16:3-5
On Sunday November 12th, we will celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of our Church. We are blessed to have a guest preacher, a previous serving Minister, the Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine. He will be reading and preaching on Romans 16:1-16. In that text, Paul lists over 25 people by name. He sends his greetings to them and expresses his deep gratitude for them. I’ve listed some of the names of Paul’s Christian friends above.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church was on November 5th. Many of the Christians Paul names faced fierce persecution for their decision to follow Jesus. Epenetus, who Paul claims as the ‘first convert to Christ in Asia’, stood out to me. He was from Ephesus (west coast of Turkey) and held a position as Pastor in the early Christian Church. Many came to Christ from that region of Turkey during the 1st century, but we know that over the centuries the population of Christians has diminished greatly.
Though we may think that the persecution of Christians is a thing of the past, it is happening at an alarming rate in the 21st century. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the nations of: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Central African Republic, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Sudan and Turkey. These are countries in which the government allows or engages in severe violations of religious freedom. May God grant them peace and hope as they look to Jesus.
prayerfully in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
HIS YOKE
At the 2017 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, five reflections on the 'Five Solae' of the Reformation were written by different Ministers in our denomination. I've attached those reflections to this e-mail, and have placed my favourite one below.
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So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (portion of full text for the reflection - 1 Cor. 10:23-33)
To God Alone be Glory - Soli Deo Gloria
by the Rev. Karla Wubbenhorst
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,” (Psalm 115:1). Our churches and our Christian living get it wrong when the main focus becomes the interests or the subjectivities of human beings.
The Reformation saw clearly that the Christian life had to be theocentric (centred on God) rather than anthropocentric (centered on human beings). Our fundamental gospel is that GOD saves! Salvation is not of ourselves – God gave its objective basis in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. God the Father drew us; God the Spirit created faith in us. It is ALL of God. And so the GLORY goes ALL TO God.
A zeal for God’s glory, practically speaking, keeps all of God’s people in better harmony, as they lay aside the individual interests and agendas that divide them, and work for whatever will bring God the highest honour. In this spirituality the primary question is not, “how shall I ensure that my self-image gets the dignity it is entitled to, who will fight for my interests, how can I fill the hunger for all I need and want?” but recognizing that God has already given us ALL this: “how shall I live so that God can use me” – for the enhancement of His own reputation?”
Have you ever thought, if the universe were centred around us, what a tedium worship would be? The object of our praise would be far too small. Only God is glorious enough to captivate and satisfy us for all eternity.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 25, 2023
HIS YOKE
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
Judges 21:25
Chapter eight of The Story (A few good men…and women) recounts what happened to the Israelites after they settled into the Promised Land. Though they were faithful to God under the leadership of Joshua and the Elders of that time, they began to forget the LORD and turn inward, doing whatever they pleased.
The last verse in the book of Judges gives a reason for Israel’s godlessness: Israel had no king. To me, this is a surprising reason for the author to offer. I would have instead said: ‘In those days Israel turned away from the LORD; everyone did as they saw fit’. The author seems to be equating the two; that is, if there was a king, the people would serve the LORD.
Throughout history (including the nation of Israel) we have learned that simply having a king in place does not mean that all will be well! Kings, and other leaders of nations, have led the people very poorly and demonstrated great arrogance, greed, and violence. What the author longs for, is a king who would submit to the ultimate King – the LORD God.
The book of Judges anticipates that a great king will truly guide the chosen people to serve the LORD. It predicts that this king will set them free from themselves and point them to true worship, joy and fulfillment. Though David fulfilled some of that prophetic hope, we know that the true King was yet to arrive. The King of kings, the Saviour of the world – Jesus Christ came 1,000 years after king David. May we follow our true King Jesus as we reflect His love to our world.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 18, 2023
HIS YOKE
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7-9
Chapter seven of The Story (The Battle Begins) recounts the Israelites entry into the Promised Land. Before they enter, the LORD meets with Joshua (see text above) and gives him the words he needs so that he might fill Moses big shoes. The LORD says: As I was with Moses, so I’ll be with you! He is told three times: be strong and courageous! (v.6-9). The LORD points Joshua to the ‘Book of the Law’ to give him help in his time of need.
When I was in 1st year at University of Guelph, my roommate believed he was going through spiritual warfare and told me one evening, before bed, that he sensed the power of evil strongly; he knew it was going to be a bad night (wrestling demons!). Since I didn’t bring Fluffy (my fav’ stuffy) to Uni, I clung to my Bible that night. Somehow it gave me confidence...not a big book – but it held big truths; and I found rest.
The teachings of God were given to the people of Israel as they travelled through the wilderness. Though we may look at those early books of the Old Testament as containing just a bunch of rules and regulations, the Chosen People saw God’s love for them shining through. They knew God was calling them out of the world to live holy lives of purpose and hope. Joshua leaned on the Word of God to guide him through the challenges he faced.
As followers of Jesus, we continue to lean on God’s promises recorded in the Scriptures. May we be strong and courageous as we put our hope in the power of Jesus – the One through whom we enter into the Promised Land.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 11, 2023
HIS YOKE
…the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses…Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
Numbers 21: ~ 4-9
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
John 3:14-15
Chapter six of The Story (Wandering) is a long chapter, but there are many interesting stories to read. One such account (see text above) describes the suffering of the people due to poisonous snake bites they have received as punishment for their grumbling. The people are told to look upon a bronze snake on a pole and then they will be saved?!!
John 3:16 is so well known - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. But the verses just prior (printed above), spoken by Jesus, point to that incident when Moses was guiding the Israelites through the wilderness. Many were dying, but if they humbled themselves and confessed their sin, God provided a way out. They had to believe that God could heal them by looking upon this symbol – the bronze snake on a pole. Many Israelites probably refused – and died.
Jesus points to that event and declares that he too must be ‘lifted up’ that all who look upon him (have faith in him) will be saved. Jesus is not speaking of being healed from a physical plague, but our state of spiritual sickness. The promise of grace is that simply by looking upon, and believing in, the One who was lifted up on the cross, we might have eternal life.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, October 4, 2023
HIS YOKE
In the fifth chapter of The Story we have the unveiling of ‘The Ten Commandments’ – given by the LORD to Moses, to pass on to the people. I simply write them below in an abbreviated form…
And God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
1. You shall have no other gods before me…
2. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything…
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God…
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother…
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet…
Exodus 20:1-17
May the Lord grant us wisdom in keeping the commands of our God, and seeking the wisdom of Jesus as we seek to live into the higher calling he pointed to – the spirit of the law.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
HIS YOKE
When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them,
‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’”
Exodus 12:25-27a
The fourth chapter in The Story tells of the amazing act of God as the people of Israel were set free from slavery in Egypt. The final act of deliverance is described in chapter twelve of Exodus. Every Jewish household sacrificed a lamb and took some of its’ blood to put on the doorframes of their homes. They ate unleavened bread with the meat of the sacrifice as they waited for Yahweh to deliver them.
The Passover celebration was first celebrated on their final evening in Egypt as the destroying spirit ‘passed over’ and spared the Israelites (seeing blood on their doorframes) and killed every firstborn in Egypt. Pharaoh finally set the Israelites free. The Passover has been celebrated every year by the Jewish nation since that time - about 3,400 years!
When Christians celebrate ‘Holy Communion’, we relate to the Passover meal. We see Jesus as the Passover Lamb who was sacrificed once and for all. We speak of the bread as being the body of Christ broken and the wine as being the blood of Christ poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Deserving death, due to our sin, we have been spared – ‘passed over’ and given life through the sacrifice of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Let us gather with Christians around the entire world this Sunday for ‘the Lord’s Supper’ in remembrance, gratitude and celebration.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
HIS YOKE
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19-21
The third chapter in The Story is entirely focused on one key character: Joseph. Well, that’s not entirely true. Prominent Egyptians, his brothers and his father (Jacob) play important roles, but most importantly the LORD shows up. Joseph wouldn’t have survived all the highs and lows in his life were it not for the LORD’s hand of guidance.
There is a steady theme in Joseph’s story (Genesis 37 - 50) à death and resurrection. No, Joseph doesn’t literally die (until last verse of Genesis) but he enters the ‘realm of death’ so to speak a few times. His brothers wish to kill him, but he is saved by their desire to make money off him by selling him as a slave. He is falsely accused of rape and is thrown into prison for years. For many, that would mean death; yet he rises to new life and power in Pharaoh's court.
What is most profound for the people of God to realize is how Joseph handles ‘new life’ when it is offered. He knows it is God who lifts him from death to life each time. Because of this belief, he is able to show grace (see quote above) even to his enemies. Joseph believes in God’s plan. He believes that despite appearances, God is in control; God is good; all the time!
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 13, 2023
HIS YOKE
The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Genesis 4:4-7
The above is a small part of the opening chapter of The Story – taken from Genesis 4. We can come up with many theories about why Abels’ offering was looked upon with favour by the LORD and Cains’ was not, but what is important in that passage is how Cain responds. Does he hear God’s voice, calling him to turn from anger and seek to do what is right, or does let sin have its’ way? Read the next verse to find out! (I think you know).
So many great thinkers throughout history have wrestled with the last line in the text above: [sin] desires to have you, but you must rule over it. John Steinbeck writes at some length about the interpretation of that verse of the Bible in his novel, East of Eden. He comes to the conclusion, after careful consideration of the Hebrew word ‘timsel’, that God is saying, you ‘may’ rule over sin. This is different than a command: ‘you must’. In that verse, Steinbeck believed that God was giving humanity the freedom and power to do what is right. I greatly appreciate this interpretation.
Friends, like Cain, there are times when we feel we are not treated fairly; maybe even by God! Yet, instead of striking out with hatred and allowing sin to have its’ way with us, we are free to do what is right. May God grant us the wisdom, power, and goodness to turn from evil and to live in love.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
HIS YOKE
The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Genesis 4:4-7
The above is a small part of the opening chapter of The Story – taken from Genesis 4. We can come up with many theories about why Abels’ offering was looked upon with favour by the LORD and Cains’ was not, but what is important in that passage is how Cain responds. Does he hear God’s voice, calling him to turn from anger and seek to do what is right, or does let sin have its’ way? Read the next verse to find out! (I think you know).
So many great thinkers throughout history have wrestled with the last line in the text above: [sin] desires to have you, but you must rule over it. John Steinbeck writes at some length about the interpretation of that verse of the Bible in his novel, East of Eden. He comes to the conclusion, after careful consideration of the Hebrew word ‘timsel’, that God is saying, you ‘may’ rule over sin. This is different than a command: ‘you must’. In that verse, Steinbeck believed that God was giving humanity the freedom and power to do what is right. I greatly appreciate this interpretation.
Friends, like Cain, there are times when we feel we are not treated fairly; maybe even by God! Yet, instead of striking out with hatred and allowing sin to have its’ way with us, we are free to do what is right. May God grant us the wisdom, power, and goodness to turn from evil and to live in love.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
HIS YOKE
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
I’ve always loved that first line of this verse: the word of God is alive and active. That teaching calls to mind words of the prophet Isaiah: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 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 55:10-11
As we begin another Church season, we are approaching the Holy Scriptures, the word of God, very differently than other years. We will be reading large, paraphrased portions of the Bible as we follow The Story – The Bible as one Continuing Story of God and His People. My hope is that the word of God will continue to accomplish God’s purpose in our hearts as individuals and as the body of Christ.
Let us be prayerful; believing that God is earnestly desiring to mature and grow us as disciples of Jesus in the world. May we welcome a fresh approach to the unchanging trust of the beautiful story of God’s love for humanity. May God’s word dig deep; disturbing us where needed, and granting us grace and peace in our time of need.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
HIS YOKE
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
During my first summer at St. Giles Kingsway we held a children’s camp. A theme that week was ‘the fruits of the Spirit’. There was a different fruit used to represent each of the attributes Paul described as evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in us.
The strawberry was used for love; perhaps because it looks like a heart? The spiritual attribute that I think best matched the fruit was: pear - patience. The pear does not ripen on the tree. It is harvested when mature but I will only ripen after it is picked. It ripens from the inside out.
When we become Christians we are not quite ripe – or ready. We seek to become more like Christ, but this takes time. As we read the list of the fruits of the Spirit above we may feel rather immature! Let us be patient with ourselves as we welcome God’s Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. May we be matured from the inside out for the glory of God and the blessing of Christ’s Church.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
HIS YOKE
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And ourfellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
1 John 1:3-4
It is likely that John’s letters were the last ‘books’ added to the New Testament; ~ 90 AD. John spoke to a maturing community of disciples 60 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He writes as an Apostle of Jesus testifying to what he saw and heard. He writes with purpose: that others may share in the joy of Christian fellowship.
As followers of Jesus these words are powerful! John believes that genuine fellowship with God unifies us with Christ and with one another. This leads us into joy…he writes so that their (& our) joy might be complete. Many things contribute to our happiness but Christian relationships complete our joy.
As we grow in our relationship with our living God, may we also experience a deepening joy in our relationships with one another – the body of Christ – His Church.
With hope in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday August 8, 2023
THE STORY
This Study and Worship series will begin this Fall on Sunday, September 10th - Rally Day. We will focus on a book co-authored by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee entitled: The Story: The Bible as one continuing story of God and His people. Many congregations have used the book (as it was intended) to help their Church families walk through the whole Biblical narrative within a 'University year' (September through April).
It is written with the purpose of helping all of us, by the end of the series, to have a better understanding of the Bible as a unified 'story'; in particular, to help us connect the Old Testament to the Christian focus on Jesus.
There are small group discussion guides and children's classes which our Church may make use of to help us all get to the heart of the Scriptures.
Every household may receive a copy of the book in order to follow along. We cover one chapter a week (about ~15 pages) beginning September and ending in April 2024.
Please ask Pastor Tim, Beth McWhinnie or Sandra Hamlyn for a copy (if you don't have one yet when you see them on a Sunday, or during the week (the cost is covered).
May our good Lord bless us through this summer with health and rest.
Joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
THE STORY
Some have heard about the Study and Worship series that will begin this Fall on Sunday September 10th. We will focus on a book co-authored by Max Lucdo and Randy Frazee entitled; The Story: The Bible as one continuing story of God and his people. Many congregations have used the book (as it was intended) to help their Church families walk through the whole Biblical narrative in the space of one year (about 9 months).
It is written with the purpose of helping all of us by the end of the series, to have a better understanding of the Bible as a unified story. There are small group discussion guides and children’s classes which our Church may make use of to help us all get to the heart of the Scriptures. Every household may receive a copy of the book so that you can follow along. We cover one chapter a week (about 15 pages) beginning September and ending in May 2024. Please ask Pastor Tim, Beth McWhinnie or Sandra Hamlyn for a copy when you see them on Sunday, or during the week (the cost is covered).
May our good Lord bless us through this summer with health and rest.
Joy in Christ,
Pastor Tim