![]()
|
On Sunday we welcomed special guest Jennifer Sutherland. She shared about her upcoming work with Operation Mobilization. Take a listen.
You can also contribute financially through Operation Mobilization Canada. Click here to donate.
Laurentian Wesleyan Church |
|
On Sunday we welcomed special guest Jennifer Sutherland. She shared about her upcoming work with Operation Mobilization. Take a listen.Drop Jennifer a line letting her know you're praying for her. Click here to email. You can also contribute financially through Operation Mobilization Canada. Click here to donate. A Heart Check Shows the Truth.
A Devotional Thought. I've been listening to an interesting book entitled, "The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley. The overall premise is that "direction determines destination, every time." Where we end up in life is directly related to the direction we head today. So the question I ask us to ponder, is "why do we make poor decisions today when we know the probable result of those decisions"? Surely I'm not the only one who sometimes makes poor decisions. Can I confess, I really don't like shovelling snow. Now, some of you are saying, "well, who does?" Perhaps I should rephrase. I don't shovel snow until I have to. I'm sure my neighbour, who faithful clears his snow down to the pavement, has noticed. Meanwhile, our driveway resembles a snowmobile obstacle course . I know it's much easier to clear my driveway right after it snows but I tell myself, "we'll get a warm snap and it will melt anyway and I will have wasted my effort." Why do we make these justifications for choices that have bad outcomes? I think Jeremiah 17:9 helps here. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" My heart; my feelings; caused me to make a choice that led to an unfortunate consequence. As Andy says, "We listen to our hearts, and then we assign our heads to build a case for our decisions." I'm using a simple analogy of shovelling snow to help us think (although, I admit, my confession is [mostly] true). We lie to ourselves all the time about where our decisions lead. "One more peace of cake won't hurt. One more word of gossip won't hurt. One more thought of lust won't hurt." But these little choices determine our destination. John 8:31b-32 says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So let's be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that our hearts can lead us astray and ask "is the choice I'm about to make going to lead to where I want to go". Don't trust your heart. Trust the Truth. Feel free to stop by and chip away at my driveway, anytime :) On the journey with you. -Jason "Let My People Go" Part 4 of 4. Sermon Recap. *You can listen to the sermon above. Sunday, March 1, 2015 Message: How to Trust in an Upside Down World Scripture: Exodus 7-12 God, bearing ultimate authority and power in this world, is worthy of our trust. The gods of this world are not. God was addressing specific egyptian gods through the plagues. 1. God Is Our Source of Living Water. The Plague of Blood (7:14-17, 20-21). 2. Comforts & Pleasures Don’t Save Us, God Does. The Plagues of Frogs, Gnats & Flies (8:2-24). Titus 3:3-5 3. Ultimately, Trust in God for Healing. The Plague of Boils (9:8-9). 4. In God’s Economy, Money Isn’t Everything. The Plague of Livestock, Hail & Locusts (9:2-4, 18-10:6) 5. We Are Not In Control, God Is. The Plague of Darkness (10:21-23). 6. We Are Saved Through the Blood of Jesus. The Plague of the Firstborn (11:4-7). Question for Reflection Why do people act like the "gods of the this world" can save them, instead of putting their trust in Jesus? I welcome your comments. -Jason *New! Make sure to listen to last week's sermon above (if you'd like ;).
A Devotional Thought. Take the Limits Off. If money and time were no concern, where in the world would you like to go? Somewhere warm like Cuba, historic like Greece, significant like London or fun like Disney? It’s fun to think about such things. Sometimes we need to take the limits off and just dream about what could be. John 14:14 (NIV) says, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” What does it mean to ask for something in Jesus’ name? I find thinking of the opposite helps me understand. So, what would it mean if I asked for things in my name? Suddenly, things become pretty selfish. My prayers would be all about me. What do I want? What are my needs? How will my prayers affect me? Don’t get me wrong. God cares about what’s happening in our lives. He wants you to pray for your help and healing. But I think the really powerful prayers begin, not only end, with “in your name.” I love how The Message paraphrase puts John 14:13-14. “For now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.” I don’t completely understand why God doesn’t just do what he wants to do without us. But He chooses to include us as part of the process. Does it not logically follow, based on this verse, that whatever we don’t request, He won’t do. He has made the bank account of heaven available to us, but we have to make withdrawals. The only condition is that our withdrawals be spent in a way that honours His name. Hmm. If resources and time were no concern, what would you pray for “in His name”? Maybe it’s time to take the limits off. Keep praying. Keep believing. Sermon Recap. Let My People Go. Part 3 of 4. Message: How to Live Right When Everything Goes Wrong. “...And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.” -Exodus 4:31b, NIV 1. Persecution and Hardship Often Draws Us Closer to God. Keep a Higher Perspective (4:29-31). 2. Don’t Be Surprised When Unbelievers Don’t Acknowledge God. Remember How God Has Been Faithful to You (5:1-2). John 1:5. 3. Being a Christian Doesn’t Mean Everything Goes Your Way. Trust in God's Big Picture (5:7). John 16:33. Remember what our Egyptian brother recently said, “Based on the response of the Church in the face of this tragedy [the murder of 21 Egyptian Christians by ISIS], it is joyfully evident that while Christ's physical body is reported to have left [Egypt] more than 2,000 years ago, the presence and power of his Spirit lives on in the hearts of God's Egyptian children. With God, nothing is impossible!" Question for Reflection When unbelievers reject your faith in Jesus, how do you respond? I welcome your comments. -Jason Problem Solvers.
A Devotional Thought. Have you heard this piece of marriage advice for husbands? If your wife comes home talking about the problems she had that day, your job is NOT to solve her problems. Your job is to LISTEN. Guys, that can be hard for many of us. Because we usually want to find ways to fix things that are broken. But at that moment, our wives really just need to know we care and are there for them. IF they ask for help...then we can help solve the problem. What do you think? Husbands. Wives. Have you found this to be true? One of the speakers at the "Salt & Light" conference I attended was Pastor Chris Hodges from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. He said, "The way to solve your problems is not to solve your problems. It's to have someone in your life greater than your problems". That's a good reminder. I love how The Message paraphrase puts the following verses. So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. -2 Corinthians 4:16-18, The Message Do you have any problems? I know I do. I'm grateful that God listens and cares. But He's also greater than your problems. "Let My People Go" Part 2. Sermon Recap. (sorry, Part 1 recap is not available). Message: How to Hear God When No One is Listening. Scripture: Exodus 3. Key Verse: “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” -Exodus 3:5, NIV Just as God spoke to Moses, God speaks to us today. He desires to give us those direction changing moments. 1. God Speaks On Weekdays Too (3:1). 2. When God Speaks, Ordinary Things Can Become Extra-Ordinary (3:2). 3. The Way God Speaks Makes You Listen (3:2-3). 4. When God Speaks, Reverence Should Follow (3:5). 5. God Doesn't Need to Speak to Us, But He Does (3:5). How to hear God’s voice? 1. Receive Jesus. Take away the biggest barrier: our sin. 2. Get rid of distractions. “Is this helping or hindering?" 3. Practice listening. It’s ok to make mistakes. God is real. God is active. God is speaking. What is He saying? How will you respond? Question for Reflection Does God still use the miraculous (like a burning bush) to speak to people today, or was that just in Bible times? I welcome your comments. -Jason A Devotional Thought: "Tired Arms".
We're having an ice problem. Perhaps you've noticed. There is a build up of ice that forms right in front of the side door to the church. Tony Verlinden has helped by building a small ramp that we place in front of the door that keeps the ice from freezing on the cement, but it didn't get put in front of the door yesterday and I had to chop ice with the "ice chopper" (I'm sure there's a more accurate name for it). I find I have to be careful when I use the "ice chopper" because my hands shake for over an hour after I'm finished. My writing becomes unreadable and my typing is slowed (and I do a lot of writing and typing). It's weird. No, I don't think it's anything to be concerned about, probably just using muscles I don't normally use. In Exodus 17, there's this neat story about how when Moses hands were lifted up, the armies of Israel were victorious. But when Moses arms got tired and he lowered them, the armies were defeated (Exodus 17:10-13). I'm reminded that there are many who are doing good, serving God, and whose arms sometimes get tired. What a beautiful picture of supporting others we find in verse 12, "When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset" (Exodus 17:12, NLT). Who needs help holding their arms up today? Sermon Recap: If You Want to Grow Up, You Have to Get Your Hands Dirty. Key Verse from Sunday: "...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." -Ephesians 4:12, NIV. Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16 We are all called to serve. Some need to step it up. Some need to slow it down. But we all need to be in the game. i. The Why of Service is Obedience to Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12a ii. Service is Necessary for our Spiritual Growth. Ephesians 4:12b iii. One Product of Our Service is Unity. Ephesians 4:13a iv. The Outcome of Our Service is Maturity. Ephesians 4:13b-14 v. The Focus of Our Service is Jesus. Ephesians 4:15-16 vi. The Reward for Our Service is for God to Figure Out. Matthew 25:21 Question(s) for Reflection Does it really make any difference as to the motivation for our service? Serving is serving, right? What do you think? I welcome your comments. -Jason "You Can't Live on Yesterday's Water" Devotional Thought & "The Consumption Assumption" Sermon Recap1/29/2015
Devotional Thought
"You Can't Live on Yesterday's Water". If I wanted to get you excited about something, what would that something be? Recently, friends of ours decided to do something very exciting. We watched a video of Duane & Jenn telling their three boys that the family was going to Walt Disney World!!! What should have been a very exciting moment with lots of screaming and jumping up and down turned quickly into nervous thoughts of flying in a plane for the first time, and confusion about when this was going to happen. It almost seemed that the parents were more excited than the kids (don't worry, they went and had an incredible time...as I'm sure you guessed). Can you think of exciting moments in your life? Perhaps from childhood or maybe more recently. I came across this quote from John Maxwell, "When your memories excite you more than the future, you're done." Hmm. What do you think? Is that true? I thought of the church, and how so often we get more excited about the past than the future. Isaiah 43:18-21 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. If you read a few verses before verse 18, Isaiah reminds the reader of how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. As always, we read scripture with the balance of all of scripture. And you wouldn't have to read much to know God doesn't intend the people to not remember the mighty things He has done for them in the past (in fact, there were many yearly festivals to remind the people of the past). I think it comes to that word "dwell". We remember the past, but we don't live there. And then Isaiah goes on to talk about providing "water in the wilderness". You can't live on yesterday's water. The water I drank yesterday gave me strength to live...yesterday. I need to drink more water to give me strength...today. Are you excited about how God is going to provide for you today? God has done wonderful things; throughout history, in our church, in our lives...but the following words are for us too, aren't they? "See, I am doing a new thing!" The best is yet to be. Sunday Sermon Recap Guardrails. The Consumption Assumption.* *Sunday's Message is based on teaching from Pastor Andy Stanley at North Point Community Church. I've been asked for my manuscript (what I preached from). If you'd also like me to send or print you a copy, let me know. Key Verse from Sunday: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." -Matthew 6:24, NIV God Is Not After Your Money. He's After Your Devotion. And money (our stuff) often gets in the way. The Ditch on One Side of the Financial Road is "consumption" and the other is "hoarding". We're either a consumer or hoarder. Spender or saver. The problem is, both ditches assume there's no God. Greed is simply the assumption that it's all for my consumption. How to avoid the ditches on the financial road: (Matthew 6:21, Numbers 18:26, Malachi 3:10). 1. Give. 2. Save (Hoard). 3. Live (Consume). Do you want financial freedom? Then live by God's principles, and drive within His guardrails. When we give to God first, it helps us keep our stuff and our relationship to it in check. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33 Question for Reflection How does giving to God first (before we save or buy stuff) help us live in financial freedom? I welcome your comments. -Jason A Power House
It's cold outside! As you know, sometimes the cold causes problems with engines starting up. Chrissy faithfully plugs in the Ford Focus on cold mornings to make sure it starts. I, however, have been chancing that the Taurus will start without being plugged in, and so far so good. I even use the remote starter (which I guess you're not supposed to do on really cold days). But it keeps on chugging. It has a good battery. A good power supply. How's your power supply? I've been enjoying a song this week by worship leader, Darlene Zschech, called "In Jesus' Name". The bridge declares; "God is fighting for us Pushing back the darkness Lighting up the Kingdom That cannot be shaken In the Name of Jesus, Enemy's defeated And we will shout it out, Shout it out"* Thank goodness we don't have to rely on our own power to "push back the darkness". "God is fighting for us"! Someday, I'm going to push the Taurus too far, and the battery is going to give out, and I'll need a boost." You know I love simple analogies...so here you go. Why not just skip the "trying to do it ourselves" phase and get our boost direct from God from the start. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." I don't know about you, but I need a power-up today. In Christ... I AM=purity I CAN=power I MUST=passion Do you have darkness in your world that needs pushing back? Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. "Be Bold. Be Strong. For the Lord Your God is With You." *"In Jesus' Name" by Darlene Zschech from the album, "Revealing Jesus". Click here to listen to an acoustic version of the song>> Sermon Recap for Sunday, January 18, 2015 Series: Together. Stronger. Message: Forsaken Assembly. Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25 The Local Church Is the Hope of the World Click here to view my opening video>> Key Verse: "...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -Hebrews 10:25, NIV Determine to make your church a priority because... 1. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we...” (v.19) 2. The Price for Your Entry Was So High. “...by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body...” (v. 20). Ephesians 2:13. 3. When We Draw Near to God, He Has Promised to Draw Near to Us. But When We Draw Near to God Together, He Will Move Heaven and Earth. “...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart...” (v.22). Matthew 18:19-20. 4. Real Hope Exists Here. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess...” (v.23) 5. Someone Is Looking for Your Love and Your Outstretched Hand. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...” (v.24) 6. You Are Not Alone. Why Act Like You Are? “...but encouraging one another...” (v. 25). 1 Peter 5:8. The Local Church is the Hope of the World. Be A Part of It! Question for Reflection How high on your priority list is your commitment to your local church and why? I welcome your comments. -Jason I Love When People Get Their Just Deserts...Unless It's Me
I love dessert. I admit it. Chrissy took me out for my birthday last night and we had these yummy donuts (after the waiters came and did their "happy birthday" chant). But of course, that's not what the phrase means. It actually has nothing to do with food. Getting your "just deserts" basically means "they'll get what's coming to them". We like it when a robber is finally caught or that scammer is finally found out. I read in Psalm 11:3-7 (NLT) today a passage that seemed to speak so clearly to the turmoil of the times we're living in. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. I'm glad our God "loves justice". I'm glad those terrorists in France will get their "just deserts". God doesn't stand for such things. But I'm also glad that God is full of grace and mercy. Because, although no terrorist, there are things I've done, sins I've committed, that demand justice. I'm not as excited about ME getting my "just deserts". James 4:6 says, "But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'” When we humble ourselves, and come in repentance to God, Jesus takes the penalty a God who loves justice demands (that's why He died on the cross) and we receive, instead, grace. That sounds more like the dessert I like. Ha. Question for Reflection It seems like that word "seek" has been showing up all over the place as I've read God's Word. Are you seeking His face? I read this recently: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV). We are encouraged to seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). What does it look like to find Him? I welcome your comments. -Jason New Year. New Thoughts. New Power.
So let me ask you a question. How's your thought life? How we think dictates how we feel and act. Let's take it a little further. Is your thought life pleasing to God? If you're like me, you know it's easy to stray in this area of our lives, cause we tell ourselves "who's gonna know". We pause and dwell when we should move on and rebuke. Whether it's gossip, negativity, temptation, anger...God wants all of us, not just the outside. But how do we get control of our thought life? A scripture that has helped me is 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV), "...take captive every thought and make it obedience to Christ". I love how The Message paraphrase puts this passage, "The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ." That's good stuff! So how will you and I wield these "powerful God-tools" this year? Sermon Recap Series: Together. Stronger. Message: Facetiming Key Verse from Sunday: "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV 1. Collective Prayer is Powerful ("...if my people"). 2. Prayer Puts God First ("...will humble themselves"). 3. Prayer Without Action Is Incomplete ("...and turn from their wicked ways"). 4. The Results Are Huge ("...then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land"). 5. When You Prayer, See His Face, Not Just His Hand (...and prayer and seek my face..."). Question for Reflection How do we "seek His face" when we pray and not "just His hand"? I welcome your comments. -Pastor Jason Growing In Love
"And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows." (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NLT). I've been reflecting recently on being at Laurentian for several "seconds". Having been here for over a year, we've shared our second Thanksgiving, our second Remembrance Day, our second Christmas. And I believe, by God's grace, we're not where we were when we began. I believe our love is growing for one another and for those in our community who need the love of Christ. I think perhaps most of all how Chrissy and I's love for you has grown. Just a short time ago you were all strangers to us, and now we count you as friends. But there's a funny thing about love. You can never get too much, or have too much to give. Just before Christmas, I walked through the Poinsettia isle at Walmart. You could tell that they had been very picked over and not watered. They were wilted and dry. When you moved some of them they almost fell apart. At one time, they were healthy and beautiful, but they couldn't just depend on past waterings, they needed watering today. It is my prayer for you and myself that our love would continue to grow and overflow. Growing love is moved to action to share that love with others. But growing love doesn't happen in a vacuum. Are you putting yourself in places where you receive Godly waterings? Private Bible reading and prayer, a commitment to being with His people, reaching out to others with practical acts of kindness, sharing what Christ has done for you. These things, done with a heart for knowing God rather than just duty or obligation, create fertile ground for love to grow and overflow. Sermon Recap: God's Chisel (make sure to watch the video above from the Skit Guys). Key Verse from Sunday: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) For Christ to do the "needed new" in our lives, we have to let Him chisel off the "hold-us-back old". I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Romans 7:15, NIV Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!..." Romans 7:25a, NIV ________[insert your name]_______ Is God’s Original Masterpiece. Question for Reflection What do you need God to chisel off in your life to make a new year new? I welcome your feedback. -Pastor Jason |
Jason McCutcheonDevotional thoughts, reflections on a books I've read or a great song I've come across. Thanks for reading! Archives
April 2021
|
Laurentian Wesleyan Church
529 McKay Ave. North Bay, ON P1B 7V7 705-494-9710 |
Proudly powered by Weebly
|