King Street Baptist Church

From the Pastor's Heart 1 Kings 13:6 - Then the king said to the man of God, "Intercede with the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored." So the man of God interceded with the Lord, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before. Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, has come under fire for urging people to pray for the recuperation of former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence following his recent heart surgery to implant a pa...cemaker. Although Franklin Graham is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, many of his fellow conservatives consider Mike Pence a traitor to America and refuse to pray for his recovery, even though some of those conservatives are evangelical Christians. I wonder what Bible they're reading! My Bible says in James 5:16: "Pray for one another so that you may be healed," and that verse does not specify the "one another" as only those people that you like, who are worthy of your prayers. Instead, we are commanded to pray for everyone: those we like and those we dislike! So, Franklin Graham is right, and those fellow conservatives of his are wrong! Although I don't agree with Franklin Graham on his politics, I do agree with him on his call to prayerfulness. During the reign of King Jeroboam of Israel, the king's hand "shrivelled up" (1 Kings 13:4), so he asked the Lord's prophet to pray for his healing. The prophet disagreed with the king's politics and religious practices, but he still prayed for him, and as a result of his prayers "the king's hand was restored." If a prophet, "a man of God" (1 Kings 13:1), could pray for the healing of a king with whom he disagreed, then we can and should pray for those with whom we disagree--including U.S. political leaders like Mike Pence and our political leaders here in Canada. We are still in the grip of a pandemic. As we pray that God in His mercy will bring an end to this global crisis, shouldn't we also pray that God in His mercy will grant healing to all those who need it, including politicians like Mike Pence? Of course, we should. If you let your personal politics keep you from praying for people, even for their healing, that's just wrong. Don't take a cafeteria-style approach to God's commands. You just can't pick and choose which Bible verses to obey! See more

WorshipApr18 Sun, Apr 18, 2021 10:25 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/573585653... You can also dial in using your phone. Canada (Toll Free): 1 888 299 1889 Canada: +1 (647) 497-9373 Access Code: 573-585-653 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/573585653

From the Pastor's Heart Isaiah 42:3 & Matthew 12:20 - A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out. This Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 42:3 was fulfilled by Jesus in Matthew 12:20. Isaiah 42 opens with a prophecy of the Messiah (Jesus), whom the Lord describes as "My Servant" and "My Chosen One" and adds, "I will put My Spirit upon Him" (verse 1). Then in verse 3, Jesus' ministry is foretold: "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoulderi...ng wick He will not snuff out." Jesus will not break the bruised nor will He snuff the smouldering. Perhaps you've heard these sayings: "Don't kick people when they're down" and "Don't shoot wounded soldiers." Jesus will never do that to you, nor will He pour salt on your wounds! Has this pandemic left you feeling battered and bruised, emotionally and spiritually? Have your personal trials left you feeling like a candle wick that is smouldering rather than burning brightly? Don't worry. Your Saviour will never add to your misery! Instead, He will strengthen and support you in your weakness, and He will fan back into flame your faith and hope. Jesus mends broken lives and heals broken hearts. He offered hope to the Samaritan woman at the well, who had been divorced five times and undoubtedly felt like a marital failure. And He offered forgiveness to the woman caught in adultery, who undoubtedly felt like a moral failure and was filled with shame and embarrassment. And He offered a second chance to Peter, who had denied Him three times and undoubtedly felt like crawling under a rock. And he turned the murderous Saul of Tarsus into the missionary Paul the Apostle, even though he undoubtedly felt like he didn't deserve such grace and mercy. Remember what the song "You Are My All in All" says. Not "When I fall down You keep me down." But rather, "When I fall down, You pick me up." See more

From the Pastor's Heart Mark 15:21 - A man from Cyrene--Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus--was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Luke 24:21 - "We had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel." Two verses, one from Jesus' crucifixion story and the other from His resurrection story. What do they have in common? More than you think.... Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is imposing stricter regulations and extending the province-wide Stay-at-Home order from four weeks to six weeks, past mid-May, in order to lower the rising number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths being caused by the COVID-19 variants. Just like Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry Jesus' cross, we are feeling forced to comply with greater restrictions to combat this alarming situation. And like those two travellers on the road to Emmaus, whose "faces were downcast" (Luke 24:17), we are saying, "We had hoped that by now these vaccines would help ease the restrictions and end this pandemic." Yet here we are, over a year later, having to cope with even stronger measures and ever-rising case numbers. We feel as frustrated as Simon of Cyrene and as discouraged as Cleopas and his companion. But wait. There's a lesson to be learned from these two stories. Mark mentions that Simon of Cyrene was "the father of Alexander and Rufus." So what? Well, in Romans 16:13, the apostle Paul writes, "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord." Despite the tragedy of the crucifixion, and being forced to carry the cross, Simon of Cyrene became a follower of Jesus, and he passed his Christian faith on to his sons. One of them, Rufus, also became a believer and a well-known figure in the Church at Rome. So, God brought good out of a bad situation. And when Cleopas and his companion poured out their discouragement to their fellow traveller (who was the risen Jesus, but they didn't recognize Him yet), Jesus reminded them of all the prophecies in Scripture concerning the Messiah, who would indeed "redeem (that is, deliver) Israel." Yet He would not deliver them politically from Rome but instead deliver them spiritually from their sins. Once again, the Lord turned a bad situation into a good one. As we continue to plough through this pandemic, learn from Simon of Cyrene the good lesson of having a positive spiritual influence on your family and friends, despite your frustration with these government regulations. And learn from Cleopas and his companion the good lesson of re-reading and cherishing all the encouraging and precious promises of God found within the pages of the Bible, despite your discouragement caused by "COVID fatigue." You have a choice: either be frustrated and discouraged, or be encouraging and hopeful. Either be negative or positive. Either pout or praise. You know what's better! See more

Worship Apr 25 Sun, Apr 25, 2021 10:25 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/899419773... You can also dial in using your phone. Canada (Toll Free): 1 888 455 1389 Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391 Access Code: 899-419-773 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/899419773 There will be a time of greeting at the beginning and the end of the service so you can greet our church family. Your microphones will be muted for the middle part of the service. We also ask for your prayers that this will run smoothly. Our worship is open to all.

From the Pastor's Heart Proverbs 12:16 - The prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 19:11 - It is to one's glory to overlook an offence. Have you been insulted during this pandemic? By anyone? In any way? Have you felt like returning fire for fire, insult for insult? If the feeling comes, let it go. The book of Proverbs says the prudent (that is, the wise) overlook an insult. When they are insulted, wise people ignore those insults. They don't let it get under their skin. Inste...ad of going on the offensive to get even for a personal offence, they "take the high road" and overlook the nasty comment. By doing that, it is to their glory (that is, honour). This pandemic time should be making us more and more like Jesus, right? Of course, it should. And how did Jesus respond when insulted? Here's how: "When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate" (1 Peter 2:23). So, "do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing" (1 Peter 3:9). Blessing? Yes, blessing! Try it. When someone says something insulting to you, respond with something kind. It will blow them away! Why? Because they will be expecting an insult in return so that they can escalate the insult war. But if you say something kind instead, it will be like removing the ammunition that they were hoping to use against you. As 1 Thessalonians 5:15 says, "Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." Even when you're insulted. As one of my former parishioners in another church once told me, "Kill them with kindness!" See more

From the Pastor's Heart 1 Corinthians 10:12 - If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. April 15, 1912. 109 years ago today, the "Unsinkable" Titanic sank beneath the icy waters of the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg. That disaster could have been avoided. But the warnings were ignored. Titanic received six radio messages that night, warning of icebergs in the path of the ship. But the warnings were largely ignored and the ship continued mov...Continue reading

From the Pastor's Heart Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. In ancient times, blades were sharpened by rubbing them against each other. Each blade would sharpen the other blade. It was a win-win situation. It was a mutual victory. Each blade came out sharper and stronger. Neither blade lost its cutting edge. Instead, each cutting edge became sharper as a result of the friction. You've heard the expression, "Don't rub me the wrong way." Th...at is, "Don't have a negative impact on me." And we can easily rub people the wrong way! But have you ever considered rubbing people the right way, and, in turn, allowing them to rub you the right way? How is that possible? By thinking of ways to have a positive impact on others, and vice versa. As you interact with others, let your positive words and actions "rub them the right way" by making them better and stronger, and let them do the same for you. That way, you both come out as winners. Just as in the sharpening of blades, "as iron sharpens iron," so that one blade does not get sharper at the expense of the other blade getting duller. Both get sharper. Nothing is lost in the process. Everything is gained. It's a win-win! This pandemic has rubbed us all the wrong way! But we can rub each other the right way. Let's put Proverbs 27:17 into practice by engaging in mutual sharpening. Let's develop good and godly character in each other. What positive lessons have you learned from others, and what positive lessons have they learned from you? Let's let our strengths--our positive influences--rub off on each other so that, in the end, we all come out better and stronger! See more

From the Pastor's Heart Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. Psalm 50:12 - The world is Mine, and all that is in it. It's Earth Day. Again. Or as I used to say as a teenager during the first Earth Day in 1970, "Happy Earth Day, man!" Back then, my high school went into overdrive to observe that first Earth Day. The entire school was mobilized: students, teachers, staff, everyone. All of us students did our part in cleaning up our lockers, cleaning up ...the classrooms and hallways, even cleaning up the school grounds. We worked together as a team and got rid of all the litter. Everything was spick-and-span. I never saw my school looking so clean and tidy! But the next day, everything was back to normal. Messay as usual. For most of the students, Earth Day was just for one day. The next day, and the following days, litter was everywhere, just as before. It was as if Earth Day never happened. But Earth Day was never meant to be a one-day cleanup event only. It was designed to emphasize the need to be environmentally conscious every day. It's like your wedding anniversary. When your anniversary day comes around each year, you reaffirm your love for each other, the same love you expressed on your actual wedding day. But for the next twelve months, do you refrain from expressing your love for your spouse until your next anniversary rolls around? Of course not! Your anniversary is a reminder of the love you should express not just on that day but every day. The same is true for Earth Day. It's a reminder that we should express our care and concern for this planet of ours each and every day, not just on April 22. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." God Himself, in Psalm 50:12, says that "the world is Mine, and all that is in it." That means this planet belongs to God, and He expects us to treat it with respect, not neglect. Even during this pandemic, let's be concerned not only for our own physical health but also for our global health. You and I must keep in mind that familiar hymn and always affirm that "this is my Father's world" to embrace, not our world to waste. Let's take good care of it, as faithful stewards, so that we leave it in good hands for our children and grandchildren. We owe them that legacy. Besides, we had better keep Mother Nature happy. Otherwise, as the saying goes. "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" See more

From the Pastor's Heart Numbers 20:11 - Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Someone recently posted this on Facebook: "Don't do something permanently stupid because you're temporarily upset." Moses did that! In Numbers 20, the Israelites complained (again) to Moses about there being no water for them in the desert. So, Moses went before the Lord. Then the Lord told him, "Take the staff. Speak to the rock before their eyes and it will pour out i...ts water" (verse 8). So, "Moses took the staff" and he "gathered the assembly together in front of the rock" (verse 9). But then Moses did something permanently stupid! Instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord had commanded him to do, first he became temporarily upset with them and said, "Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water out of this rock?" (verse 10). Then he "raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank" (verses 10 & 11). Nice ending, right? Wrong! The Lord scolded Moses in these words: "Because you did not trust in Me enough to honour Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" (verse 12). Wow! Moses actually did three permanently stupid things that day. One, he struck the rock with his staff instead of speaking to it. Two, he struck the rock twice, as if he was thinking, "And one for good luck!" And three, he took the credit personally rather than giving the credit to God, by saying, "Must we bring you water out of this rock?" instead of saying, "Watch the Lord bring you water out of this rock!" And because Moses became temporarily upset, he did something permanently stupid. Permanently, that is, because there were permanent consequences to his disobedience. What were they? God told Moses that he would never enter the Promised Land. Never. Never means forever. Moses died without ever entering the Promised Land. Talk about permanent! During this pandemic, have you been temporarily upset by something or someone--so upset that you have been tempted to say or do something permanently stupid? So stupid that the consequences would have long-lasting effects? Don't go there! Remember that actions have consequences. You can't unring a bell or unscramble an egg. Think before you speak or act. Don't say or do something that you will regret. If you're temporarily upset, then take time to cool down before you blow up! It's not worth it. Remember Moses! See more

From the Pastor's Heart John 20:26 - A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Have you ever read something in the Bible for years and years and then one day while reading the same passage you saw something that you hadn't noticed before? That happened to me this past week. One week ago we celebrated Easter. Although all four Gospels tell the story of Jesus' resurrection, only John's Gospel includes the story about Doubting Thomas in chapt...er 20. When Jesus first appeared to His apostles behind locked doors following His resurrection, Thomas wasn't with them. So, when they told Thomas, "We have seen the Lord!" (verse 25), he didn't believe them. He wanted proof. He wanted to see and feel for himself the nail prints and the spear gash (verse 25). So, a week later Jesus appeared to them again, this time with Thomas present. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His hands and His side (verse 27). Whether or not he actually touched Jesus, seeing was believing, and Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (verse 28). Here's my point. It was "a week later." One whole week. I never noticed that until now. What was Thomas doing during that week? What was he thinking? If he met with his fellow apostles one or more times during that week, surely he would have heard them saying that Jesus was risen and alive! How did that affect him? He was the only doubter among ten believers! Apparently, their combined conviction of Jesus' resurrection was not enough to convince him. It would take a personal appearance by the risen Saviour to convince Thomas that He had risen from the dead. We Christians are known to be a Resurrection People! Now it's been one week since Easter Sunday. Are you harbouring any doubts, as Thomas did? Are you questioning by asking, "If Jesus really is risen and alive, then why hasn't He put an end to this pandemic, with all of this sickness and death?" Are you doubting that the risen Christ can even solve your problems? We don't have the advantage that Thomas had. We are not able to see and touch Jesus for ourselves. But we do have the same words He spoke to Thomas: "Blessed are those who have not seen and still believe" (John 20:29). How long have you been wrestling with your doubts? One week, like Thomas? One week, since Easter? Has it even been longer? Turn your doubting into trusting. Remember, even Thomas was finally convinced. Doubting Thomas became Trusting Thomas. You can too! Hear again the words of your risen Lord and Saviour: "I am the Living One! I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!" (Revelation 1:18). Hallelujah! See more

From the Pastor's Heart Acts 20:28 - Watch over all the flock. Recently, I saw these words written on the back of a company truck: "Safety - The Measure of Success." Actually, there is more than just a single measure of success. But safety is indeed one of them. Interestingly, in the New Testament, the word for "pastor" and the word for "shepherd" is the same. That's because a pastor cares for the congregation just as a shepherd cares for the flock. And how does a shepherd c...are for the flock? By keeping them fed and keeping them safe. That's why Jesus told Peter, "Tend My sheep. Feed My sheep" (John 21:16 & 17). To tend sheep means to watch over them and keep them safe from all harm. No wonder the apostle Paul told the Ephesian elders (pastors) to act as spiritual shepherds to their congregations and "watch over all the flock" by protecting them from all danger--actual and potential. That is why the Lord said through the prophet Ezekiel, "Should not shepherds take care of the flock?" (Ezekiel 34:2). Of course, they should! It is my God-given responsibility as your pastor to keep you, the congregation, safe from all dangers--including this dangerous pandemic. So, until it is safe enough for us to reopen the church building and resume in-person worship services, we will continue to worship together safely on Sunday mornings by using the GoToMeeting format. It would be absolutely foolish and reckless and downright dangerous of me to put the health and safety of this congregation at risk by jeopardizing your physical welfare during this Third Wave of this pandemic. Hopefully, sooner than later, we will be able to pick up where we left off at the start of this pandemic. But until that day comes, as your pastor I promise to protect you and keep you, as the hymn says, "safe and secure from all alarms," just as a shepherd protects the flock. I can do no less. I will do no less! See more

From the Pastor's Heart Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" God called me into the ministry at a funeral! That's right. A funeral. I'm not kidding. But not just any funeral. My grandmother's funeral. My Dad's Mom. In April of 1978. I never expected God to call me into the ministry during a time of grief and sorrow. But He did. And today marks 42 years and 7 months since I was ordained to the ministry, ...after hearing God's call at a funeral. But it wasn't the first time God had issued a call like that. In 740 B.C., King Hezekiah of Judah died. He was a beloved king who had reigned for 52 years upon the throne. So, when he died, the nation was plunged into mourning. During that sad time, Isaiah went to the temple to seek comfort for his grieving heart, just as people go to church for consolation in their time of sorrow. And there in the temple, during a time of national grief and personal sadness, Isaiah received his call from God to be a prophet. When the Lord asked, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah answered, "Here am I, send me!" Here we are in the midst of a global pandemic. At any time during this pandemic, have you heard the Lord calling you to do something special, something important, for him? It may not be the call to ordained ministry, as I received. But have you heard a different call to a different task? Perhaps a call to do something significant for the Lord? Do you really think that God calls people only in times of sunshine but not rain, in times of peace but not pain? Think again! God called me during a family funeral. God called Isaiah during a national tragedy. God called Ezekiel while he was in exile (Ezekiel 1). God can call you even during this pandemic. The hymn "Here I Am, Lord" has these touching words: "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night." In the night, of all times! God can and still does call people during the "nighttime" of their lives, when things are dark and times are tough. Even during times when you're feeling low, or when your world is falling apart, God can come knocking on the door of your heart. Don't expect God to call you only when things are going well with the world and with your soul. Expect the unexpected from the God of surprises! He surprised me when my Grandma died. He surprised Isaiah when the king died. He surprised Ezekiel when his hopes died. Maybe He will surprise you when you least expect Him. He can come calling anytime. Even during your trials. Even during this pandemic. Just be sure, when He calls, to say YES! See more

From the Pastor's Heart Galatians 1:10 - Am I now trying to win the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Today marks 76 years since the execution of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor who opposed Adolf Hitler and Naziism. When Hitler rose to power in 1933, most of the Protestant pastors in Germany voted for him and supported him. But not B...Continue reading

From the Pastor's Heart Matthew 4:1 - Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Wait a minute! Jesus had just been baptized. Now the Holy Spirit led Him WHERE? Into the desert. Not back to His hometown, Nazareth. Not to the big city, Jerusalem. Not to the temple. Not to the synagogue. But to the desert, of all places! A lonely place. By Himself. His only company were "the wild animals" (Mark 1:15). And the Spirit led Him into the desert WHY...? To be tempted by the devil. Yes, you read that right. The Holy Spirit led the Son of God into the desert to be tempted by the devil! Why? Because Jesus was about to begin His public ministry, and for Him to be successful He needed first to win this all-important battle with the devil. If He failed here, He would fail everywhere else. Why? Because the devil would have the upper hand against Him every single day. So, Jesus needed to pass this test and pass it with flying colours. And, hallelujah, He did! Ever wonder why the Holy Spirit led you into a "desert" place by yourself. He sent you there to toughen you against the onslaught of the devil. He did it to make you spiritually strong, and He will no doubt do it again, and again, to toughen you and make you resilient. He did it with Jesus. Even after Jesus passed this test, the devil left Him, but not permanently. Just temporarily. The devil "left Him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:14). The devil came back, but Jesus was ready for him. Don't ever think that just because you win one battle against the devil you will never face another battle again. Believe me, you will. We all will. But after passing this test in the desert, "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14). Did you get that? He was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil, and He returned from the desert in the power of the Spirit. The reason why He returned in the Spirit's power was because He passed the temptation test in the desert. The same is true for you. During this pandemic, even during your personal crisis, allow the Holy Spirit to test you and train you and strengthen you, just as a boxer (like Rocky) is trained to face his opponent. That way, you can live your Christian life and do your Christian ministry in the power of the Spirit, just as Jesus did. See more

Worship Apr 11 Sun, Apr 11, 2021 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/882717261 ... You can also dial in using your phone. Canada (Toll Free): 1 888 455 1389 Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391 Access Code: 882-717-261 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/882717261

From the Pastor's Heart Luke 22:42 - "Not My will, but Thine be done." These words recently appeared on an outdoor school sign: "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same." It's nighttime in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is praying and having a titanic struggle of the soul. He knew what His mission was: to go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. But He also knew the consequences: to become total sin for us and suffer the horror of hell and sepa...ration from the Father. He knew that saying yes to His mission was the hardest thing for Him to do. It would cost Him everything. But He also knew it was the right thing to do. It was the only way to save mankind from eternal damnation. No wonder He wrestled in prayer and endured deep anguish and even sweated blood. But in the end, He surrendered and said, "Not My will, but Thine be done." For Jesus, the hardest thing and the right thing were the same thing. Sometimes in life, even during a global pandemic or a personal crisis, you may be faced with a similar choice. Either to do the hardest thing or the right thing. Usually, it all comes down to a crucial decision. Should you play it safe by taking the easy road? Should you avoid doing the right thing because it's too costly? Or should you choose to do the hardest thing just because it is the right thing? Jesus did. Follow His example. That's what faith is all about. It means taking a risk, and showing courage. And most importantly, faith means to do the hardest thing because it's the right thing to do! See more

Sun, Jan 24, 2021 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (EST) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://www.gotomeet.me/DWeatherby/worship-jan-24... You can also dial in using your phone. Canada (Toll Free): 1 888 455 1389 Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391 Access Code: 974-997-805 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/974997805 There will be a time of greeting at the beginning and the end of the service so you can greet our church family. Your microphones will be muted for the middle part of the service. We also ask for your prayers that this will run smoothly. Our worship is open to all,

From the Pastor's Heart Mark 5:36 - Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Just before he left office on the morning of January 20, 1993, outgoing President George H.W. Bush left a handwritten letter for incoming President Bill Clinton on the Oval Office desk in the White House. Part of that letter read as follows: There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a ve...ry good one to give advice, but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course." Good advice from a good man. In other words, ignore the critics and do your job. That reminds me of what my Dad used to tell me: "Ignore the critics. It'll drive them crazy!" This story in Mark 5 also appears in Luke 8. Jairus, the synagogue ruler, had a 12-year-old daughter who was dying. So, Jairus begged Jesus to come to his house and heal his little girl. Jesus agreed. On the way there, some people came from Jairus' house to tell him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?" (verse 35). Apparently, those critics didn't believe that Jesus, who had already been performing so many miracles, could not work the miracle of raising the dead! Did Jesus tell Jairus that nothing more could be done? Or that he would just have to wait until the resurrection of the dead to see his daughter again? No! Instead, Jesus ignored the critics! Read verse 36 again: "Ignoring what they said." He ignored the critics and continued walking to Jairus' house. When He arrived, he found people crying and wailing over the dead girl. But Jesus told them, "The child is not dead but asleep" (verse 39). Then the second wave of criticism came. "They laughed at Him" (verse 40). What did Jesus do? Did He lower His head and slink away? No! Again, He ignored the critics. He put them all outside the room and raised the girl back to life (verses 40-42). Jesus refused to let the critics keep Him from doing what He had to do. The same is true for you and me. Whether navigating this pandemic or our own personal valleys, the Lord often calls us to do something for others. But when the critics in your life try to derail you, what do you do? Do you listen to the critics and not finish your God-given task? Or do you ignore the critics and fulfill the ministry God has given you to do? If you follow Jesus' example, then the answer is obvious. Ignore the critics, and do what God has called you to do. As Max Lucado said, "Faith sometimes begins by stuffing your ears with cotton." Ignore the critical voices and listen to the one Voice. Keep on keeping on! See more

Ephesians 2:13 Through the blood of Christ all restrictions in approaching our Creator have been lifted and all barriers to our Father have been removed. We who were once dead are now made alive, we who were once lost are now found, we who were perishing and enslaved to sin are now rescued, we who were once sick have now been made whole. We who were sinners have now been made saints; we who were condemned have been made free, we who were in darkness have been brought into the kingdom of light - We who had no promises have been flooded with the many precious promises of God which are all Yes and Amen in Christ. In Christ Jesus - we who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Let us live our lives for the Lord, for He alone is worthy of our praise and thanks. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. During this COVID-19 pandemic, what kind of friend have you been to others? Hopefully, a good one. A good friend is there at all times, through thick and thin--even tough times like these. As the saying goes, "A friend walks in when the world walks out." And "a brother is born for a time of adversity." Not just a brother in your own family, but also a Christian... brother, or sister, in your church family. This coronavirus crisis is truly "a time of adversity." That's why we need one another to lean on day by day. We can't do it alone. We can't engage in Lone Ranger Christianity. Hey, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto with him! No wonder Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 says, "Two are better than one. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves." If that's true for two, how much truer it is for three or more. Even though you may not be related to someone else, you can still be a "brother" or "sister" to those who are suffering through their "time of adversity"--whether it's this pandemic or some other problem--and prove to them that "a friend loves at all times." See more

From the Pastor's Heart Hebrews 4:16 - Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Do you remember that memorable scene from The Wizard of Oz? The one where Dorothy and her three friends walk arm-in-arm down that long, green hallway to see the Wizard for the first time? They walked slowly, trembling with fear. Then they saw the flames and the floating head, and they heard the booming voice saying, "I am the gr...eat and powerful Oz! Who are you?" I remember as a child being frightened by that scene. Were you? Sadly, some Christians think that they must approach God with that kind of fear and trembling. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, when many people's hearts are filled with fear--fear of the coronavirus, fear of the present situation, fear of the unknown future. But our God is not the Wizard of Oz! And we need not approach Him with fear and trembling, fright and grovelling, and with knees knocking. Instead, we are invited to "come boldly to the throne of grace." That word "boldly" also means "confidently." As we continue our journey through this coronavirus crisis, let's remember that the God we worship is seated upon a throne of mercy and grace, with His arms opened wide to us, inviting us to come to Him boldly, confidently, with our requests, "so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Mercy and grace. They are similar but not the same. We ask for God's grace to help us resist temptation in order not to fail, and we ask for His mercy to forgive us when we do fail. So, as the hymn says, "Come into His presence singing Alleluia." One more thing. The Wizard of Oz asked those four, "Who are you?" That's a question God will never ask you. Why? Because He knows exactly who you are. He knows you personally. In fact, He says, "I know you by name" (Exodus 33:12 & 17). So, He will not shout at you like the Wizard of Oz. Instead, He will say to you softly and tenderly, "Come to Me, My child, and tell Me what you need." Just as the hymn "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus" reminds us: "I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, trusting only Thee. Every day and hour supplying all my need." See more

Psalm 8:4 Heavenly Father we are astonished that You should love this race of fallen people so much that You planned to become a Man and live a perfect life so that we might be saved from our sins - by faith in Jesus. Thank You for all that You have done for us - O Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth. Thank You that You are mindful of us - mindful of all of us. Thank You that by grace through faith in Christ we will be fully restored as Your chosen representatives - through Christ's return from heaven to rule and reign. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart Matthew 28:8 - So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy. Fear and joy. What a strange combination. Have you ever been fearful and joyful at the same time? The women at the empty tomb were, when the angel told them that Jesus was not there but was risen from the dead. So, they felt fear and joy simultaneously. Here's another strange combination: sorrow and joy. The apostle Paul mentions being "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" ...(2 Corinthians 6:10). That may sound like an oxymoron, but I remember feeling both sorrow and joy when my mother died four years ago. I felt sorrow that I had to say goodbye to her on earth, but I felt joy that I would one day say hello to her again in heaven. Even the hymn "Day By Day" has this strange combination: "Lovingly it's part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest." Yes, sometimes life gives us strange combinations! Can you feel afraid and joyful during this COVID-19 pandemic? Or can you feel both of those emotions during your personal crisis? Of course you can! They may seem contradictory, but they can still live side-by-side in your heart. Instead of denying one or the other, embrace them both and accept the fact that you can feel the way the women at the tomb felt: fearful yet joyful. But they were afraid only temporarily. They were joyful permanently! Remember that their fear dissolved and disappeared because of Jesus' resurrection, leaving only joy. The same can happen to you. Focus on the fact that Jesus is risen and alive and "with you always" (Matthew 28:20)--even during these troubling times--and your feelings of fear will be swallowed up in joy. The song "Counting on God" contains this beautiful phrase: "Joy unspeakable that won't go away." As a familiar hymn says, "Because He lives, all fear is gone." Not some. Not most. ALL. Why? Here's the answer: "Just because He lives!" See more

1 Thessalonians 5:8 Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful encouragement we receive in Your written word, and the enlightenment that You have given us about these end times. May we look for the blessed hope, when Christ returns - and in the meantime, may we continue to go forth and proclaim the gospel of grace, while there is still time - and we pray that many would come to faith in You, due to our testimony and for Your greater praise and glory. Amen!

Psalm 6:9 When, like David, we are encompassed by our enemies.. ill in body, distressed in mind and spiritually sapped, we should remember that the many precious promises of God, to all His children.. are 'yes' and 'amen' in Christ. And let us never forget that In Him we have access to the heavenly throne of grace, for mercy to find help in time of need. But we need to approach Him reverently, prayerfully and confident that He hears and answers prayer - our prayers and supplications should be done with a heart of praise and thanksgiving - a heart that not only trusts Him to keep His Word, but a heart ready to say, Thy will not mine be done. Amen!

Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3

From the Pastor's Heart Jude 24 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling. The little letter of Jude is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It has only one chapter, just like Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, and 3 John. There is a beautiful benediction at the end of Jude. It begins with these words: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling." Our God is able to keep you and me from falling and crashing, like a plane plummeting to the ground. He is strong enough t...o hold us up when forces beyond our control try to pull us down. Please remember these words from Jude during this COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is powerful, yes, but our God is all-powerful. Our problems are mighty, yes, but our God is the Almighty. That is why His grip on us is stronger than any force against us, including this coronavirus crisis and any other crisis we face. As we enter the Red Zone today in our Waterloo Region, remember that He is also able to keep us from falling into despair by giving us hope. The only falling our God will allow to happen is us "falling at His feet" (Luke 8:47) before Him in worship, to be, in the words of the hymn writer Charles Wesley, "lost in wonder, love, and praise." See more

From the Pastor's Heart Hebrews 12:3 - Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. That verse speaks about endurance, persistence, perseverance. We should "fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and "run the race with perseverance" (Hebrews 12:1). Jesus never gave up. We shouldn't either. He is our "example to follow" (1 Peter 2:21). But whereas Jesus "endured opposition from sinful men," we are being opposed by a c...ontagious virus called COVID-19. Even so, we "should follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21) and run this marathon race with faith, hope, love, patience, perseverance, and prayer. And we must never give up! Luke 9:51 says, "Jesus resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem." He was determined to finish the race and fulfill His mission: to go to the cross and die for our sins. Jesus had His eyes on the prize! The same goes for us. This coronavirus crisis should inspire us, not sideline us. We must not let this virus defeat us. We need to finish the race. Christian recording artist Twila Paris, in her 1985 song "Runner," sang these encouraging words: "Runner, when the road is long, feel like giving in, but you're hanging on. Oh runner, when the race is won, you will run into His arms." So, keep running and praying "so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Take your inspiration from Jesus, and from an Olympic runner named John Akhwari. At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania competed in the 42-kilometre Marathon Race. At the 19-kilometre point of the race, Akhwari stumbled and fell, dislocating his knee and badly bruising his shoulder. By 7:00 pm, Mamo Wolde from Ethiopia had won the race and had earned the gold medal with a time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. One by one, 55 other runners finished the race as well. Now just a small number of spectators remained in the huge stadium, and the sun had already set. One hour after the gold medal runner had crossed the finish line, a police siren at the gate caught the crowd's attention. Limping through the gate came the last runner: Number 36, John Akhwari, his leg wrapped in a bloody bandage. The remaining spectators stood and cheered as the courageous and exhausted man completed the final lap of the race in a time of 3 hours and 25 minutes. Later, a reporter asked Akhwari the question on everyone's mind: "Why did you continue the race after you were so badly injured?" Akhwari replied, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race." See more

From the Pastor's Heart Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Kathy Howard, in her recent commentary on this verse in www.crosswalk.com, says this: "Philippians 4:13 is probably the most misused verse in the Bible. We pull it out of the surrounding passage and hold it out as God’s obligation to empower our plans and dreams. Yet, Paul was writing about being content no matter his earthly circumstances. He could endure any difficulty or phys...ical need through the strengthening power of Christ. Oh yes, Philippians 4:13 is a great promise indeed! Jesus will give us the strength we need to endure desperate need. His empowering presence will be with us through every difficult circumstance." Kathy is right. In the two verses preceding this verse, Paul says this: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:11-12). Have you learned Paul's secret of being content, even during this COVID-19 pandemic, despite this coronavirus crisis or your personal crisis? Have you learned how to be content, no matter what your situation and circumstances are during this global pandemic? If you haven't yet, then you still need to learn, as Paul did. Ask the Saviour to teach you, and He will. As He said, "Learn from Me, and you will find rest for your soul" (Matthew 11:29). Learn the secret of contentment so that you can personalize Philippians 4:13 this way: "I can endure this coronavirus crisis and any other crisis I'm facing through Christ who strengthens me." You and I need not only to sing these words from the hymn "He Leadeth Me," but to embrace them and live them: "Content, whatever lot I see, since 'tis Thy hand that leadeth me." See more

Jesus never promised this life would be easy but He promised we shall overcome if we trust in Him and walk in His ways. We must look ahead of our struggles and sin and the tears we shed today will be like seeds planted in a field that in time, through toil and suffering, will rise to a great harvest of joy and thankfulness. Then our weeping, which may endure for a night, shall become joy in the morning. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart 1 Samuel 6:1 - The ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory for seven months. March 11. The day that sent the year 2020 into a tailspin. March 11, 2020, was the day when the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. It is now mid-October, and we have been living in a pandemic for seven months! Hard to believe, isn't it? Over 3,000 years ago, during the time of Samuel, the Israelites were at war with the Ph...ilistines. The Philistines won a decisive battle, captured the ark of the covenant, and took it back to their country, where it remained for seven months. The Israelites probably thought that God had abandoned them since the ark was gone. But even though the ark was not there with them, God still was. God had promised His people through Moses and Joshua that He would "never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6 + 8 & Joshua 1:5). During those seven months, while the ark of the covenant was in Philistine territory, God was still with His people. During these past seven months of this pandemic, the Lord has been with us and He will continue to be with us. Don't ever doubt that for a minute! As He promised long ago, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). Always. Even during this pandemic. And if this pandemic happens to last for many months more, rest assured the Lord will continue to be with us, for the long haul if necessary. His promised presence has no expiration date! See more

From the Pastor's Heart James 4:2 - You have not because you ask not. A ministry colleague of mine recently posted this on Linkedin: "Expecting things to change without putting in any effort is like waiting for a ship at the airport." Ain't gonna happen! Are you putting in the effort of persistent prayer to see a change for the better in this coronavirus crisis? Or are you just waiting for God to fix the situation, with little or no prayer effort from you? Throughout this CO...VID-19 pandemic, I've been saying over and over that we need to wait it out and pray it out. All of us need to pray it away. If we don't pray, then we might as well be waiting for a ship at the airport! That verse from James 4:2 in the King James Version is worded this way in the New International Version: "You do not have, because you do not ask God." In other words, no effort means no result. So, don't be a spectator in the stands. Be a player on the field. Don't give up. Look up! Don't throw up your hands in despair. Throw them together in prayer. Keep asking, keep praying, and that plane will arrive at the airport of answered requests! See more

Thank You, Lord, that You are our faithful and dependable God and Father, in Whom we put our trust. Use us, we pray, as witnesses of Your faithfulness in our lives today. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart Luke 17:16 - He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. This story appears only in Luke's Gospel. Ten lepers asked Jesus to heal them. He did. But only one returned to give thanks to Jesus--"and he was a Samaritan" (Luke 17:16b). He wasn't even Jewish! Although this story has a happy ending--all ten lepers were healed--there is a tinge of sadness to it. It's found in these words of Jesus: "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" (Lu...ke 17:17). The other nine didn't even bother to take the time to say "Thank you" to Jesus. They just kept walking farther and farther away, happy to be healed. Did they just take it for granted that Jesus would heal them, as He healed so many other people, and then just go on their merry way rejoicing? Today is the day after Thanksgiving Day. Have you thanked Jesus for keeping you safe from getting COVID-19? Or are you just taking it for granted that He will do that, because that's His job? Are you thanking Him daily for keeping you safe from this coronavirus? Or are you taking advantage of His mercy and protection? Are you taking advantage of HIM? Don't! Verse 16 literally says, "He fell to his face at His feet and kept on thanking Him." He didn't thank Jesus only once, or even twice, but over and over again. Don't let this crisis curb your thankfulness. Keep on expressing your gratitude to the Lord every day for all His blessings, great and small. The Lord loves to hear His children say, "Thank you!" There's a story about a little girl who had a dream. She dreamed that she went to heaven and saw Jesus sitting on His throne. On either side of Him was a telephone. One kept ringing constantly, and the other one only rang once in a while. She asked Jesus why one phone rang so much and the other one rang so little. He told her, "The phone ringing constantly represents the prayers of My people who are asking Me for favours." The little girl asked, "What about the other phone?" Jesus told her sadly, "The phone ringing just once in a while represents the prayers of My people who are telling Me THANK YOU." See more

God is good to those that wait for Him - to those that submit to His perfect will, to those that trust in His unfailing Word. God is good to the one that searches for Him, for He is not far from any of us and He will be found by us - if we search for Him with all our heart. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart Nehemiah 12:31 - I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. Happy Thanksgiving Day! So, what do thanksgiving and dung have to do with each other? Well, more than you think! Although the word "dung" appears in the Bible (King James Version) 26 times, I never thought that I could do a Morning Meditation on that word. Until ...now. When Ezra and Nehemiah and their fellow Jews returned to Jerusalem from their long exile in Babylon, the first thing they did was to rebuild the city wall and the temple of the Lord. "At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 12:27), there was a great celebration with much thanksgiving, led by two large choirs. But one choir sang their thanksgiving to God while walking toward the Dung Gate. What was the Dung Gate? It was the gate that was located closest to the Valley of Hinnom, which served as the city dumpsite where both garbage and the waste of animals and humans were thrown. Imagine the smell! Nehemiah instructed the one choir to walk toward, not away from, the Dung Gate. They gave thanks to God even though they were approaching the Dung Gate and all that garbage and all that stench. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are dealing with a lot of "garbage," aren't we? This coronavirus crisis has made things nasty. But rather than suppress our thanks to God, let's continue to express our thanks to Him. Sure, this situation stinks! But we're stuck with this crisis for now. Like those singers who faced the Dung Gate and offered their thanksgiving to God, let's face this foul crisis with faith and offer our thanks to God as well. Let's take our cue from centuries ago and do as that ancient Jewish choir did and make sure our gratitude to God is expressed, even sung, despite the dung! Since both of those choirs in Nehemiah's day gave "praise and thanksgiving as prescribed by David the man of God" (Nehemiah 12:24), and since "the two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God" (Nehemiah 12:40), perhaps one of the psalms they sang was Psalm 30, King David's psalm of dedication. If so, then it is very fitting on this Thanksgiving Day for each of us to join our hearts and voices with the words of King David in Psalm 30:12 in saying, "O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." See more

We are all children of God and as we grow in grace and in an understanding of His Word of Truth, our hearts should be unceasingly thankful, for His goodness and grace. Let us glorify God by giving thanks in everything-for this is the will of God. Amen!

From the Pastor's Heart Colossians 1:3 - We always thank God. Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks to the Father. Colossians 2:7 - Overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 3:15 - Be thankful.... Colossians 3:16 - With gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:17 - Giving thanks to God the Father. Colossians 4:2 - Be thankful. Recently, on an outdoor school sign, these words were displayed: "A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles." God can do amazing things for and through those who express their gratitude and thankfulness to Him each day. Consider Daniel, who "three times a day prayed and gave thanks to God," and so God did a miracle and "shut the mouths of the lions" (Daniel 6:10 & 22 and Hebrews 11:33). Look again at those seven verses from Colossians. The apostle Paul wrote those words from prison. Prison! He was in a jail cell. As Paul declared, "I am in chains" (Colossians 4:3) He had every right to mumble, grumble, and complain about his troubles. But he didn't. Instead, he gave thanks to God--not grudgingly, but joyfully. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, can you echo Paul's attitude of gratitude and "give thanks with a grateful heart" as the song says? Or is your grateful praise stuck inside a prison of pouting? Are you waiting until this coronavirus crisis is over to be thankful? Why not give God your thanks now, during this pandemic, in the midst of this crisis? Maybe you're not seeing many, or any, miracles from God because your gratitude has been grounded within the gutter of grumbling and griping. How do you get out of that gutter? By giving thanks to God, with a grateful heart, every day. Henry Ward Beecher, a 19th-century American preacher, once said, "If someone should give me a dish of sand and tell me there were particles of iron in it, I might look for them with my eyes and search for them with my clumsy fingers and be unable to detect them. But let me take a magnet and sweep through it, and now it would draw to itself the almost invisible particles by the mere power of attraction. The unthankful heart, like my fingers in the sand, discovers no blessings. But let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find in every hour some heavenly blessings. Only the iron in God's sand is gold!"

A blessed Thanksgiving to you all!