CalvaryChurch

The Legacy of Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

I have found that there is never a time in my life when I don’t appreciate a sincerely given word of encouragement. I can tell you with great certainty, that I always feel the pain of a discouraging word. On the other hand, when someone shares a word of encouragement, the Lord seems to use it as the seedbed for hope, motivation, and personal growth.

Within the last two weeks, one of my “encouragers” was called home to be with her heavenly Father. Her name is Teresa. She profoundly touched my life in such a positive way. Her legacy in part, to me and many others, will be her gentle voice, loving smile and an sweet spirit. She was truly a role model of encouragement. She consistently lived out this lifestyle of positive reinforcement while fighting the cancer that finally captured her body.

She will not be forgotten.

Will you include in your legacy the gift of encouragement to others? Will you, with me, make it a part of your core value system to intentionally and consistently use your words to encourage rather than discourage?

Let’s, together, make this a part of the clearly seen and felt culture of Calvary Church!

Every Blessing,

Alan

Dealing with disappointment: Step 1.

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:54:00 +0000

We all deal with disappointment. It seems to be a necessary ingredient in the recipe of life. Sadly, learning the skills of dealing with disappointment won't be wasted effort. Maybe this will help...

Maybe you've read the story of the two men on the way to Emmaus right after Jesus' passion (Luke 24). Their disappointment with the events over the weekend was palpable. They were followers (the New Testament word is "disciples") of Jesus but he had been killed. What's more, they had heard rumours that Jesus had risen from the grave, which confused them more than excited them. I don't blame them...I think I would be in the same frame of mind.

Anyway, they were so engrossed in their despair and confusion that they didn't recognize Jesus when he joined them along the way.

Among the many lessons to be learned in this story is that being preoccupied with our own frustrations keeps us from looking for Jesus IN them!

Hmmm...maybe the first step in dealing with disappointment is looking for Jesus in it not for a way out of it.

What do you think?

PS: By the way, did you notice that they were walking entirely in the wrong direction...away from the support of fellow followers. Maybe turning to your support group is step 2!

Resting for Renewal

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:33:00 +0000

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31

The last couple of weeks have been simply wonderful. Kathy and I enjoyed a time away from work and official ministry responsibilities.

It was not a vacation, but as is now the popular term, a “staycation”. We had the joy of just “staying put” and relaxing in our new home. And yes, even amongst all the new home chores, it was very restful.

All too often when we hear the term “rest” we immediately think about sleeping in for a few days in a row, or doing some fun things with the family. Many of us could certainly use that kind of rest and relaxed connection time with our loved ones.

However, on this time off from my usual weekly routine, I was able to enjoy more than just physical rest, summertime fun, and family get-togethers.

I was able to use the change of pace to really slow down and connect with the Lord and renew my confidence and trust in Him as the Leader and Guide for my life. I came to realize with certainty that I need to be more intentional about setting aside regularly scheduled times throughout the year (not just at “staycation” times) to “come away … and rest awhile.” These times renew my trust, confidence, and spiritual strength in the Lord.

May all of you have/take/make this opportunity a reality at some time this summer. I like what F.B. Meyer said about rest: “The place where we lie down to rest is under the shadow of the Cross.”

What are your strategies for spiritual rest this summer? I’d love to hear from you.

Every Blessing,

Alan

Discontentment temptation

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Half full or half empty?

One of my roles in life is that of a preacher. One of the problems with preaching is that the preacher must preach to him/herself first...even if the topic is difficult! As those who attend my church know, I was assigned the topic of contentment. The problem is it's just a little absurd to preach on contentment in a society where most of our dogs live better lives than many of the world's human beings! So I had to do some soul searching. Why do I sometimes feel discontent?

Undoubtedly, some of my moments of discontent have to do with wrongful comparisons, inflexibility on my part, and maybe having too much stuff so that rather than owning my stuff my stuff now owns me!

But then I had reason to read of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-7). In the context of the perfect Garden of Eden they saw (more accurately; were shown) something they didn't have that "was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desireable for gaining wisdom" (Gen 3:6, NIV)...and they fell into the discontentment trap! Yes, I know there was more going on in Genesis 3 but their sense of lack was present even in the most perfect environment ever known to humankind.

I also had reason to read of the temptation of none other than Jesus! In Matthew 4, the devil tries to tempt Jesus with discontentment; with natural desire ("tell these stones to become bread"), and with self-preservation ("throw yourself down. He will command his angels...they will lift you up"), and with personal pride ("all this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me").

If Adam, Eve and Jesus--the only sinless human beings to every grace this earth--were tempted, it's simplistic and arrogant to think I won't be tempted with discontentment.

This doesn't solve my problem but it does give me some comfort that I'm not the only one tempted with discontentment. I guess I'd better prepare that sermon on contentment. Listen to it on-line and see how I do!

Clothing and Evangelism?

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Golf Anyone?

I was walking my dog Seamus the other day and a man stopped me to ask for directions to a downtown golf driving range. I noticed that there were a number of people that he passed by that he could have stopped to ask before he got to me but he didn't. After thinking about it for a bit I figured out why he chose me in particular. I think that he assumed I was a golfer...I was wearing plaid shorts and a 'poor boy' hat at the time.

What I was wearing created an opportunity for conversation with a complete stranger.

This brief interaction reminded me of something the Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12-14.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Our clothing communicates something about who we are in a physical and spiritual sense. When we clothe ourselves with these virtues mentioned by the Apostle Paul we are saying that we are God's chosen people.

No doubt that by asking the Holy Spirit to empower us to dress this way each day conversation opportunities with others are are bound to happen. People whom God is calling to Himself will recognize you as someone they can approach to ask for directions.

Can you relate? Have this ever happened to you?

Pastor Gary

A path to the unexpected grace of God

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Exodus 33:13

Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." (NKJV)

In Exodus 33, Moses was at Mount Sinai once again but with a renewed sense of the need for the presence and knowledge of God. But what I find interesting is the order of his request: (1) grace from God, (2) to know God’s way, (3) to know God himself, (4) to receive even more grace. Maybe there’s a pattern to follow in this verse! Recognizing that God has been gracious, leads us to know and obey his ways, which in turn results in personal knowledge of HIM, which results in even more of God’s beneficence (“grace”). It reminds me that every time I want to experience more of God’s goodness, maybe I should be working on my obedience and knowledge of him first. Then I can expect the unexpected grace of God!

What do you think?

Stop Watching...Start Doing

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like a video camera operator? Let me rephrase that: do you ever feel like you're doing the job of a camera operator, just without the camera and film?

With the help of a few minutes here and there spent watching "reality" TV shows, I've realized that I am often doing the same thing as the video camera operators. Camera guys and girls who seek to creatively film the complete chaos and dysfunction of the families and people do just that. They film. They don’t help the people, they don’t offer advice or guidance to the families, they don’t do anything other than record and report back to the editors, producers, etc.

I regularly do the same thing. The only difference is that I don’t use film. I walk down the streets of Toronto and watch the interaction between people asking for change and those who ignorantly walk by. I see mothers preparing to carry their babies and strollers up and down the stairs at the subway. I hear about questionable choices my friends are making. The list doesn’t end there, by my example does.

My point is that I watch these things happen and like the camera operators, and I don’t do anything about it. I simply let it happen and then later tell others about what I saw. Changes need to be made! We need to actively engage in these everyday occurrences and not just let them pass us by.

Usually I would ask: So what are you going to do about it this week? This time I’m not. I’m simply urging you to pay attention to these things and to do something about them. You know that there are needs to be met. Meet them.

Love your neighbours. Read Luke 10: 25-38 for some how-to instructions.

Much Love,

Dave

Loving Worship!

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:18:00 +0000

Reflecting on God’s work in my life—both past and present-- causes me to break out in worship of Him. As well as personal worship, I truly enjoyed this past weekend worshiping the Lord with my church family.

During the service it was such a joy to be able to be free to fully engage in my own personal moments of praise and worship with my Heavenly Father.

It also encourages and inspires me to observe my Christian brothers and sisters offering up songs, prayers and open hearts to the Lord.

Yes, I love worshipping God; I love watching others worship God; and I love preparing a new generation in their worship of our awesome God.

Yet, more importantly, how much greater is God’s joy in us as He alone rightfully receives our humble offerings of praise and worship.

How do you worship God when you’re on your own? How do you prepare to worship God with the rest of the church family? I’d love to know.

Every Blessing,

Alan

"Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: 19 that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, 21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise, 22 when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD."

Psalm 102:18-22

Affluent Temptations

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:53:00 +0000

Some Bible passages just seem to stick with you! Whether it reminds you of a special time in your life or important lesson in life, certain verses just become favourites. Proverbs 30-7-9 is one of mine:

"Two things I ask of you, O Lord;

do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?'
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

I love the honesty of Agur (the author). He was so in-touch with himself that he knew how he might react given the situations he imagines. And he was so in-touch with God that he could be blunt and expecting in his prayer.

But beyond the lesson of personal honesty is a lesson of temptation...the temptation of greed! As I read these words again I couldn't help but think that many of my temptations come because I have too much not too little. Through these verses I am reminded that, compared to most of the world, I have too much and am in danger of saying "Who is the Lord?"

By God's grace, may it never be!

Missing the Point

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:59:00 +0000

It’s easy to miss the point.

Sometimes, especially when I’m tired, I have a hard time focusing. For example, there have been many nights when the book I am attempting to read becomes nothing more than a blur of words scattered on a page. Other times I’ll be sitting in front of the television for an entire show, and when it finishes I wouldn’t be able to tell you what the episode was about. These are trivial things, and so it’s not always that big of a deal.

But how many times have I done this during corporate worship or personal prayer and bible study? How often have I been so consumed with the getting through the busyness of a season that I’ve missed the whole point?

If this sounds like you, then you are not alone. You and I both need to slow down this Easter and commit to bringing our best worship and praise to the King who gave His life for us.

I have been using these two great bible reading plans to help me focus on The Story of Easter and Christ’s Words During Passion Week. Simply click either of these (or both!) titles to be taken to an online bible resource.

Bless You this Easter!

Dave

A “Real Man”

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Being a father of two very young, very impressionable and I would have to say very cute little girls I have been reflecting lately about what it means to be a “man." At the moment, I’m the only man in our house excluding Seamus our Wheaton Terrier so I’m sure you can appreciate why I’m becoming increasingly concerned about getting this more right than wrong. Where do you go for an accurate picture of a “man?”

Well, I started by thinking about the men who have been in my life up to this point and those presently. I then considered men that history and our present day culture would hold out as examples (see my favourite lately - the Old Spice Guy). Finally, I allowed myself the freedom to create my own image of a “real man.” More often than not I found myself being disappointed and this process left me with more questions than answers so I turned to the only place I know that gives me clarity on the issues I face each day – God’s Word.

I had studied 1st Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Galatians 5 before but more as an exercise than with a real desire for answers. As I read these passages of Scripture and mediated on them I rediscovered a picture of a “real man.” And I found my heart yearning to be that man. I have so far to go...but at least I have a better sense of where I should be going. Thankfully the Holy Spirit wants me to be a “real man” even more than I do in my best moments. I need Him to.

Can you relate? What are your thoughts on this?

Pastor Gary

When does the day begin...at sunrise or sunset?

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Here's an interesting thought to consider: in the Bible, a day doesn't begin at sunrise--it begins with sunset. (read more about it in Eugene Peterson's book "Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity.").

What this means is that we begin our day resting (i.e. at night) and then we arise to join him in what he's already been doing all night long! Neat!

Maybe this is a good reason to schedule prayer and meditation in the morning so as to reinforce the biblical notion of time and find out what God has been doing and how we can join him in it!

For what it's worth...

Not Like New....Completely NEW!

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me well knows that I think my BlackBerry is the best thing since sliced bread. In case you're wondering what a BlackBerry is, simply click HERE to find out. For those of you who couldn't be bothered to click that link, I will quickly tell you here: A BlackBerry is a Canadian made Smart Phone. Basically, it is like a computer, telephone, day planner, gaming system, music and video player crammed into a piece of plastic small enough to fit in your pocket.

With my BlackBerry I keep in contact with others through the use of the internet, email, text messages and phones calls. I also keep all of my day plans scheduled into my calendar and keep notes (even sermon notes!) and reminders to myself using the different programs. I have access to all of these things and even more at just the click of a button or two.

Early last week an operating system upgrade became available. This upgrade promised to make my BlackBerry faster, more intuitive, easier to get around and more personalized. I downloaded this new software and it did not disappoint. It's like I now have a new BlackBerry. Sure, it still looks the same on the outside, but it now operates like a totally different piece of technology.

Source: http://benweeks.tumblr.com/page/5

This week I was reading through Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. In the fifth chapter he writes,

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;

behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

When we accept Christ and experience his love and mercy and his grace and forgiveness, and declare him as our Saviour, we become new creatures. Note that Paul doesn't say that we become "like new creatures" but we become a NEW creation. Our physical appearance doesn't change, but the way we operate changes completely because we are now under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have you experienced this spiritual upgrade? I'd love to hear your story about when you humbled yourself and accepted Christ and became a new creation in Him. Will you share with us in the comment section below?

Bless ya!

Dave

Is it the destination or the journey that matters?

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Amy and I have been inspired by Pastor Tom's recent sermon series in Joshua to begin reading the Biblical account of Israel's journey out of Egypt toward the Promised Land from the beginning (see Exodus). Many interesting themes have emerged but last night we found ourselves wondering why God didn't do the whole thing differently. Could He not have fast tracked the experience? Could He not have just arranged to have Israel walk out of Egypt hand in hand with their tormentors? Could He not have prevented Israel from traveling into areas without food or water or where they would face war? It seems so...but He didn't.

Why?

We noticed that within the actual narrative we are provided with an answer. While speaking to Moses at Mount Sinai God instructs him to say to Israel:

"'You yourselves (Israel) have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, youwill be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'" (Ex. 19:3-6)

Here's the big idea. God led Israel in these ways up until this point (and subsequently) in order to fashion them into people that would reflect the character and glory of God Himself.

Could it be then that God is actually more concerned about my journey, your journey, our journey as a local church with Him - then our actual destination so long as in the end we are closer to being like Him?

If so, perhaps this should affect the things we worry about, divide over, even pursue...

What do you think?

Pastor Gary

God's Will...and Waiting!

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:09:00 +0000

One of the most important tasks for a child of God is knowing their Father's will. My son and I talked (actually, e-mailed) about the topic this week. It's a deep topic with many nuances to consider. But it seems one of the biggest hurdles for most human beings to overcome in knowing God's will is patience. As it regards God's will, waiting may be as vital as knowing!

Moses is a great study in how to wait in order to know God's will. For instance, he needed to know God's will regarding a sticky situation in Leviticus 24:10-12. Read that passage yourself and pay close attention to the phrase "until the will of the Lord should be clear to them" (ESV). In another instance Moses needed to know God's will and told the people to "give me some time" (Numbers 9:8, The Message). All through the Bible we find that waiting is the proper action when unsure of what to do.

Of course, waiting is only an option when God hasn't already made clear what he wants! Don't forget that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law" (Deut 29:29, NIV). Most of God's will has already been revealed--we must choose to do it!

Food for thought...

People Watching

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:50:00 +0000

As I write this I am sipping on a cup of Breakfast Blend coffee from Timothy’s World Coffee at Fairview Mall. They have a few chairs and tables set up in a patio style right in the middle of the main level floor. Without really listening it is easy to hear the conversations of many people. People everywhere, whether they are walking by or seated at a nearby table, are engaged in conversation. Actually, as I more actively pay attention to my surroundings I have noticed that only one other man aside from myself is not speaking to anyone.

Now, as I really pay attention (though not eavesdropping) I hear people speaking in all sorts of languages. Most are speaking in English, many are speaking in some other colourful and beautiful language. Though I am being careful not to hear the content of these numerous conversations, it is plain to see that everyone has plenty to say. All of the words and bursts of laughter and shouts that express the emotions felt by all of these people have come together to create a beautiful ambiance.

Imagine what it would be like if all of these voices were praises to God.

Imagine what it would be like if all of these people had experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Imagine what it would be like if everyone was told and accepted by faith the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Though I loved the sound of languages and expressed emotions, it hurts me that many of these people have likely never had the Gospel shared with them.

If you are a true follower of Jesus then it is your responsibility to be sharing about your faith in the true risen Saviour. Jesus clearly instructs his followers when he speaks at the end of the Gospel of Matthew:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

How closely have you been following Christ’s call for his followers?

I’m prayin’ for ya,

Dave

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:13:00 +0000

I love to take pictures. There is something that is totally enjoyable about heading out with my camera with one goal in mind: to bring home at least one captivating image.

One of the reasons people love to look at great pictures is because they can produce a variety of emotions, thoughts, and memories. After all, “a picture is worth a thousand words!”

The Bible is is full of amazing pictures.

True, they may only be word pictures, but they build intricate and colorful images of God’s glory and majesty in our minds and imaginations.

During a quiet moment this week, I returned to Isaiah 6 and was on both an emotional and practical level affected by the image—the picture—that Isaiah painted. It was filled with the beauty of God’s holy majesty set against my frailty as a member of sinful humanity. This vivid picture caused me to worship our loving and mighty God with greater passion, especially when I pondered it in light of Romans 5 which says, ”God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Here’s my encouragement to you this week: while reading the scriptures in your personal quiet time, allow the word pictures you find there to deeply touch your heart, mind and actions. Don’t rush. Dwell and observe. A picture is worth a thousand words!

Blessings!
Alan

Everyday heroes!

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Super Hero?????

You hardly ever watch the news on TV without hearing about someone who did some courageous act and is now a "hero." Undoubtedly, some truly are heros. But for others, it really is stretching the definition. Certainly, everyone called a hero expresses some courage in the face of trauma--but is it only courage that defines a hero as seems to be advocated by modern media? For instance, the man who faces a would-be robber and refuses to give up his money sure has courage, but he's offered up something precious and eternal (his own life) for something insignificant and temporal (money). He sure is brave...but a hero?

I got to wondering how I define what a hero is. I think I agree with Charles Colson who suggests that a perfect expression of heroism is a person who courageously imitates Christ. Courage to face a difficult situation does not make a hero unless the courageous devotion is to what is is ultimately good, true and eternal...all virtues of Christ.

I'm sure there's more to it than this, but if this is the definition of hero, then I've known a lot of heroes! None of whom ever made it into a TV news report.

For what it's worth...

"What Goes Up, Must Come Down...

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

...spinning wheel, got to go round." This is the song I began to whistle as I watched a frustrated driver attempt to drive off of a patch of ice yesterday morning.

Behind the church there is an alleyway which provides access to the garages of residents who live on Gough Ave. I am able to see this alley way and some of the garage doors from my office window. When I arrived early Tuesday morning, a time of the day when my office is almost silent, I heard a high-pitched whirring sound and several yelling voices. Immediately I recognized the sound I was hearing: spinning wheels.

Sure enough as I looked out my window I saw the stuck vehicle.

As I continued to watch I gained a better understanding of the situation. The driver was trying to get out of her garage when here front wheels became caught in an icy rut.

The yelling was provided by three men who were all certain they knew exactly what was necessary to get out of this slippery situation. After about 5-minutes of confusion, another man walked up to the car and asked if he could get behind the wheel. Ten seconds later the car was freed from it's icy prison.

I cannot help but think how frighteningly familiar this occurrence was. Sure, I've been stuck in the snow before, but that's not exactly what I mean...

Every day we are bombarded with dozen (hundreds, thousands..?) of "self-help" messages by "experts" who clutter our minds with what seem to be helpful bits of advice. The men who were shouting and trying to "help" the stranded driver reminded me of these so called "self-help experts". They confidently gave directions and when nothing worked they simply walked away.

What really struck me was the man who got behind the wheel. He actually knew what had to be done. He was able to free the woman and her vehicle. He offered true help. A comforting Psalm came to mind:

"Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me

and set me free."

- Psalm 118:5 (ESV)

How often are we spiritually "stuck" in our lives? I know I get stuck a lot. We must call on the One who can truly help get us unstuck. We must call on the LORD and trust that he is able to free us when we are "stuck".

What do you do when you're feeling stuck? Leave a comment and let me know!

Bless ya,

Dave

P.S. Here are some helpful winter driving tips...click HERE.

Love for All, Hate for None

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:00:00 +0000

So read the bumper sticker of the car that I followed to work last Thursday. There right in front of me, in just a few words was a profound statement. It was of course a reflection of the vehicle owner’s worldview. I wondered about how possessing that worldview affected the driver’s life. I was so curious I sped up a little just to have a quick glance into the car to see who was driving expecting I would uncover more insight but it was to no avail. There were no other messages just a young, professionally dressed man apparently on his way in to the downtown core.

This started me to think about what kind of bumper sticker I should have on my mini-van. If the Apostle Paul was alive, maybe he would have had something like “Chief Sinner” (1 Tim. 1:16), “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Phil 1:21), or “I know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Unfortunately, I couldn’t come up with anything so pithy during my commute but I’ve started to work on it. Maybe if it’s good enough I can get it printed on a t-shirt to stimulate conversation with strangers.

Okay, kidding aside I think we can all agree that it probably is a good idea to ask the question “What am I all about?” Especially when sooner or later we'll be asked.

What would you say?

Pastor Gary

The Science of Happiness.

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:52:00 +0000

This is interesting! A Harvard University psychology professor studied the science of happiness. I guess the idea was to find out what makes us happy so we can predictably repeat it. Among the findings is that we greatly overestimate the things we think will make us happy.

For instance, we think a new car will make us intensely happy and that it will last a long time only to find out it didn’t make us as happy as we thought, nor did it last as long as we thought. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt!

As it turns out, pursuing the things we think will make us happy may not add much to our lives. I guess this is part of what motivated Jesus to say, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). Seeking God’s best, instead of our perceived happiness, allows us to follow a higher standard which doesn’t change even when our feelings about what makes us happy do!

And once again, science validates the Bible! Very interesting.

Haircuts and Missed Opporunities

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:41:00 +0000

I don't like getting my hair cut. There are a number of reasons why, but the main one is that when I leave I am rarely satisfied. If you're reading this, then there is a good chance you have seen me before and might be saying that there is nothing special about my hair. You're right. It's pretty basic. Yet, when I leave the barber shop I feel like I should have had a little more taken off the top, trimmed the sides shorter, etc. This happens because I don't speak up when they ask me how I'd like it to be cut. When asked how I'd like my hair to be cut I usually jokingly respond 'shorter'. They think I'm kidding but the truth is I do want it shorter but don't know how to be specific or detailed. That is why I am rarely satisfied when I see my reflection in the rear view mirror as I drive out of the parking lot. It's too late. I've missed my chance. I'll have to wait for my next cut.

Now, I know it's just a haircut and that I will be going back for another cut in a months time. It's not really a big deal and I will have a chance to try and explain better next time around.

But what about the times when we miss opportunities to share about our faith because we don't know what to say?

A few weeks ago I was driving home from hockey with a non-Christian friend. We began talking about the Discovery Channel and a T.V. special he had watched about the ocean. He was telling me about how incredible wildlife creatures are and how mysterious the ocean floor is and then went on to say that it's hard to believe that everything came to be "by some big explosion in space that happened a billion years ago". "Yeah. It is pretty crazy," was my response.

The results of not knowing what to say to my barber is far less important than my pathetic response to my friend's observation. He provided me with an opportunity to bring the scriptural account of creation into the conversation and I didn't. The Leafs scored (we were listening to the game on the radio), the conversation change to their losing streak and the opportunity was gone. I missed it.

I might get another chance to share my beliefs on the God who created our incredible planet. I'll have to wait and see. I should have been prepared in that moment. I should have known what to say. It is more serious than a bad haircut.

Are you prepared to make the best of an opportunity like the one I missed?

I'm praying for ya. Please pray for me, too.

Dave 

I have a question...

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Okay...the truth is I have several rhetorical questions but they really can be distilled down into one.

Can anyone tell me what exactly about the behaviour of North American Christians during the Christmas season actually reflects the Christ of Christmas, the story of Christmas or even the essence of our Christian values?

Is it our overeating? Is it how we spend our money? Is it our schedule of activity? Is it our brief time of organized worship during a Sunday service? Is it the process of shopping, wrapping, unwrapping, and then storing stuff we don’t need? Is it who we invite into our inner circle to celebrate with us? Is it how we live among and are available to our neighbours practically and spiritually?

I’m thinking that if we were honest with ourselves we would have to admit that there is not that much about our behaviour as Christians during Christmas that distinguishes us from everyone else. Notice I am using inclusive language here. I'm definitely included in this conversation.

Yet still we wonder why the world isn't attracted to Jesus. Why we aren't experiencing exponential growth like the early church. Perhaps it's because the world simply doesn't see Jesus in his "followers." Isn't this the perfect time of year to work toward changing that?

What do you think? How do you propose we follow Jesus this Christmas?

Pastor Gary

Bethlehem...A Personal Christmas.

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

With just 10 days to go before Christmas, the excitement and pressure is growing! But if you're like me, over the years the excitement has changed. It has changed steadily from a focus on the gifts that are exchanged to the people that bring meaning and joy to life. In other words, Christmas is getting more personal.

I wonder if this is why the town of Bethlehem was chosen by God to be the birthplace of Jesus. Jerusalem, Rome or Athens would have been more notable places because of their role in world affairs. Why wouldn't the World-Changer come from a town with more notariety? Maybe Bethlehem is among the first indications of how personal Christmas is supposed to be! Maybe the reason for Bethlehem was to ensure that the Christ of God would be someone to whom even a commom person could relate--you know, those of us not born into royalty, riches, celebrity, power or influence!

Or, given that Bethlehem means "house of bread," I wonder if Bethlehem was God's choice in order to indicate that his Christ would satisfy our most basic hunger. After all, the One born in Bethlehem's "house of bread" later called himself "the bread of life" (John 6:35). A remarkably intentional connection, don't you think?

Or, I wonder if maybe Bethlehem might have been chosen to testify that we individually must choose the One born there. You can't eat for another person. Even if we eat from the same loaf of bread we each eat for ourselves (1 Cor. 10:17).

By the way, I still like getting and giving gifts :-) but I think there's more...a whole lot more...that is worthy of our excitement and attention. Like the "bread of life" that came from the "house of bread."

Merry Christmas!

Twitter | Christmas | The Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Calvary Church) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Do you use Twitter? I’m sure you’ve heard of it somewhere. Twitter.com is a social media website which allows its users to write microblogs consisting of no more than 140 characters. When properly used, Twitter allows users to creatively and concisely share their thoughts, post web links, share photos, etc. I use it mainly to follow the thoughts of authors, Christian thinkers, and get news and TTC updates. This blog, however, is not about Twitter. It’s about something I found on Twitter.

Today I read a ‘tweet’ which jumped right off the screen and hit me like a ton of bricks! The user (@leadershipfreak) posted a quote by Henry David Thoreau which read, “It takes two to speak the truth: to speak and another to hear.” I immediately flipped open my bible to Romans 10 where Paul is writing about The Message of Salvation to All.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Faith comes from hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

How will people hear it if we don’t share it?

Christmas time is absolutely overflowing with opportunities to discuss your faith in Jesus at work, school, in line at Tim Horton’s...Anywhere! The radio is playing songs that are singing about the manger in which our Saviour was born, performances of Handel’s Messiah are selling out in venues across the city, ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ stickers and decorations can be seen stuck on the bumpers of cars and in store windows, beautiful life-sized manger scenes are setup in front of churches...do you get the idea? Simply talking about what you see and hear during the Christmas season will provide you with a foundation to share your faith.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the arrival of our Saviour and King. God the Father directly and intentionally brought his Son into the world with the mission of dying in the place of sinners and rising again for the eternal salvation of all who believe it.

How can you not tell somebody about it?

I’m praying for ya,

Dave