The Country Gospel Church
240429 Southgate Road 24, P.O. Box 453 N0C 1B0 Dundalk, ON, Canada

I haven't updated this page for a couple of months now, for a basketful of reasons (and it's a pretty big basket), not the least of which is the fact that I'll be stepping aside as pastor of The Country Gospel Church in the near future. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, before I step aside I thought I'd step up with a word or two of what I hope will be comfort and encouragement. We've seen various reactions to the pandemic. On one extreme is fear and panic - hoarding t...oilet paper (of all things!) and hand sanitizer. On the other end of the spectrum are those who think there's nothing to worry about, and the whole thing has been blown out of all proportion. To those in the second camp, if it turns out you're right, feel free to laugh at the rest of us after the whole thing has blown over. But what if you're wrong? What if the only reason it seems like it was blown out of proportion was that most people followed the directions we've been given about staying home, social distancing, extra hand-washing, etc.? By all means, still laugh at us as say, "I told you so!" In all likelihood we'd never be able to prove whether you were right or not wrong. Here's the thing: what is beyond dispute is that people have died, and are dying, from COVID-19. And if a few simple precautions can slow down, or even eliminate its spread, then I say go for it. I'm not advocating going into panic mode, or operating out of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." But that doesn't mean that we don't calmly, wisely and sensibly follow certain guidelines that can help keep ourselves and others safe. I may have more to say in the coming days. But in the meantime, wash your hands, keep your distance, but also keep your faith in God. He's still in control.

On a windy, snowy, blowy, blustery day, here's a little something to (hopefully) brighten up your day:

Since we're at (or just past, anyway) the beginning of a new year (that's 2020, for those not paying attention), here's a Monday Memory Verse that speaks of "the beginning": "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). That's all for now!

I haven't posted here for a bit, so I thought that, as an added bonus (and at no extra charge), I'd give you not one, not three, but TWO Monday Memory Verses: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34, 35). That's a possible Christmas present you could give this year - to love others as Christ loves us. Just a thought.

Just a couple of days ago I offered up this Trivia Question: What woman, known for her good works (like giving), did the Apostle Peter raise from the dead in Joppa? I now offer up the correct answer: a), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-40). That's it for now. Have a good one!

Since it's Giving Tuesday, I'm going to Give you a Trivia Question: What woman, known for her good works (like giving), did the Apostle Peter raise from the dead in Joppa? a), Tabitha; b), Lydia; c), Drusilla; or d), Bernice? The giving never ends, as I'll be sharing the correct answer in joust a couple of days. Until then, give it some thought!

It's Thanksgiving in the USA, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to give you the answer to this week's Trivia Question: How did Jesus say He was sending out His disciples? And the correct answer is b), like sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). Enjoy some turkey, enjoy some football, but mind you don't get fleeced!

Here's this week's Tuesday Trivia Question: How did Jesus say He was sending out His disciples? a), like doves among hawks; b), like sheep among wolves; c), like travelers among thieves; or d), like children among bears? I'll send out the correct answer later this week. Stay tuned!

Here's another Monday Memory Verse coming your way: "Now as he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, 'Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you'" (Acts 24:25). That's it for now. If quite convenient, I'll see you next time.

A few days ago I posted this trivia question: What convinced the Apostle Paul to take the Gospel message to Macedonia? I now post the correct answer: b), a vision of a man requesting help (Acts 16:9). That's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Even as followers of Jesus, we're going to have disagreements now and again. Here's one way we might handle them. (I'm not saying it's the best way, or even a good way; just that it's one way.)

Hello out there in Facebook Land! We've got another Trivia Question for you: What convinced the Apostle Paul to take the Gospel message to Macedonia? a), God's audible voice; b), a vision of a man requesting help; c), a letter from Peter; or d), a sign in the sky? I can be convinced to give you the correct answer in just a couple of days - and it won't take any of those to do it. (Chocolate wouldn't hurt, though.)

"The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy. What does it feel like to be weary? You have trouble concentrating. The problems of the day are like claws in your brain. You feel pummeled by life. What does heavy-laden feel like? Same thing. You have so many problems you don’t even know where to start. You can’t do life on your own anymore. Jesus wants you to come to him" ~Paul Miller, A Praying Life~