Midweek Devotion: A Real Refuge

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. (NIV) 

I love the old Hebrew word for refuge. It’s “ma-oze” which means a place of strength. In Biblical times, Jewish people often referred to God as their refuge, the source and keeper of their well-being, health, and strength. In times of war, famine, or economic uncertainty, they relied on God’s constant protection. Their faith sustained them, even during some horrifying and inhumane events.

In the midst of the current critical times, we can all feel vulnerable and unprotected, as well as isolated and fearful. The lack of civility and the increase of intolerance, along with the poor economy and instability of leadership, can make us feel unsettled and unsure of the future. In times like these, our Jewish brothers and sisters would encourage us to look to God to find the refuge and safety, hope and strength we all need. 

Even Jesus spoke about this when He was preparing His disciples for the chaos that would occur in their lives after He was arrested, tried, and executed. He told them that they would experience a great deal of trouble but urged them to hold on to their faith in Him rather than give into their fear of the authorities. In other words, they could rely on Christ because He would be their refuge and overcome whatever unrest the world caused them.

So, no matter what we’re currently going through, or how chaotic things appear to be, let’s continue to trust in God as our ‘ma-oze,’ our refuge in times of trouble.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, be our constant comfort and steadfast hope during these turbulent days. When we are fearful, be faithful to us; when we are down, lift us up; and when we feel vulnerable, be our refuge and source of strength. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Devotion: Lead Kindly Light

John 11:10 “It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

About this time of year, I start to regularly watch professional football games. The competition gets intense and I enjoy seeing teams from all over the country doing their utmost to beat their opponents to win a coveted place in the playoffs. I especially like the nighttime games which are brilliantly lit and the crowds are usually loud and amazing.

As I watch these games, it dawns on me that without modern lighting, none of them could be played at night. Even the great spectacle of the Super Bowl would have to be played early in the day if there were no floodlights in use. As soon as dusk occurs, the late afternoon games would have to be over quickly without the illumination of the great lights above the players and throughout the stadiums. Teams would stumble in the dark and competitors would be injured. Television broadcasting would be hopeless and even the view from the blimp in the sky would be like looking into a dark crater. Without light, the games would quickly end and none of them would be worth viewing.

Light is essential to our modern lives; it’s also a necessary part of our spiritual growth. Without the light of Christ in the world, what would our lives become? Wouldn’t the darkness of evil or corruption overwhelm our spirits and overshadow our existence? Thankfully, when Jesus comes into our lives, He brightens our spirits, enlightens our minds, and dazzles our souls. His light brings meaning and purpose, direction and encouragement to our situations, experiences, and moments. He is the Light of our world, our souls, and our hearts. If we stumble in the dark, Jesus raises us up back into His light; if we fall into despair, He is ready to embrace us and lead us kindly towards the dazzling brightness of God’s everlasting Kingdom.

Questions for personal reflection

When has Christ’s light helped me in my life? Where do I see His light in the world today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World and the Lamp for our souls. You direct our paths and give us guidance each day. Help us to follow Your light, so that we may see the way ahead that You have planned for us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Book Review: Looking for Terry

I couldn't stop reading this great book and finished it within two days.

It's one of the funniest and warmest books I have ever read.

I know who Terry Bradshaw is. I've watched him for years presenting pre-game shows during the regular football season. His sense of humor and knowledge of the game have always impressed me.

So, I was intrigued to read this book about his life in order to learn what made become a football player, what success meant for his life, and how he developed his wonderful career over decades.

I was not disappointed. Terry's story is full of many ups and downs, all of which he conveys simply, humoredly, and straightforwardly. The book is full of incidents and people in his life who influenced many of his choices. What did surprise me was his sincere faith that has sustained him through many issues, injuries, and illnesses. Terry Bradshaw is a practicing Christian who knows his flaws, confesses his mistakes, and seeks God's guidance every day. He also candidly expresses his experiences with depression and how medication, counseling, and support from his wife Tammy has helped him overcome it through the years.

It's a remarkable book and one which I'll return to again and again. Terry's mantra for life would be that whenever something causes you to stumble or fall, get up and start again.

The book would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for sporting Dads, Grandfathers, and friends instead of the annual present of ties or socks.

I rate this book with five stars, and I feel absolutely blessed for having read it.

You can view and purchase Terry's book at this link: Looking for Terry

Midweek Devotion: Real Truth

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to the people who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (NRSV)

The ancient Greek word for “truth” in the Gospels is pronounced “aleethia.” It describes what is wholly free from pretense, deception, falsehood, or corruption. In the New Testament, the term often refers to God’s works and ways: an absolute divine reality that human caprice or whim cannot challenge or change.

During these days of political upheaval, people are sadly misled by masterful manipulators who label what’s true as ‘fake news’ or ‘fake reports.’ This undermines our national confidence and disrupts our daily lives. It’s an old Machiavellian ploy where lies are used to confuse groups of people and disrupt them. It’s far easier to conquer and control a divided society than to overcome a people who are united. Presently, truth is harder to find and corruption is easier to hide, but history tells us that eventually wrongdoers will be revealed and bullying liars will be exposed. 

The truth that Christ was referring to – the real truth – will remain throughout history and continue into the everlasting realm of God. This is why Jesus also declares that He is the Truth – the whole and unassailable truth – which cannot be diminished or destroyed by deceitful men. So, as followers of Christ, we are called to seek, know, and live by the Truth for only then, as Jesus wisely stated, will we become truly free.

Point to ponder: How can God help me to discern the truth in today’s world?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us to value truth above all else, for only God’s real, divine, and sacred truth can set us free. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Midweek Devotion: Seeking Christ

John 6:24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. (NIV)

              Years ago, I was looking for an old recording of a conversation that I had with some dear friends which took place at a local radio station where I once hosted a weekly religious program. One of them had just died and I wanted to hear his voice again, as well as the remarkable story of his life which he shared with me and the radio listeners. I hunted high and low in my home, my study, my garage, and church office, but sadly I didn’t come across the CD recording. I know that I put it somewhere safe, so I’ll probably discover it when I’m searching for something else. Until then, I’ll just have to rely on the memories I have of my friend and all of the good times we shared.

              In today’s Gospel verse, the people are looking for Jesus, but He is nowhere to be found. The previous day, He had miraculously fed 5000 people, which made the crowd want to crown Him as their king. When they discovered that Jesus had gone elsewhere, they set out on their boats and sailed up to Capernaum where He usually resided. I’d like to think they were looking for Christ for all of the right reasons, but I suspect human nature being what it is, they were mostly looking for more miraculous free food.

              This Gospel incident has caused me to reflect on my own search for Jesus. Have I been seeking Him for all the right reasons, or do I have some selfish desires which I want Christ to fulfill? Am I looking to Jesus to straighten out my problems, overcome my difficulties, and fix my issues, or am I just humbly seeking to serve Him because He is my Lord and King? I hope and pray that it has more to do with the latter.

Point to ponder

Am I looking for Jesus to do something in my life, or am I seeking to do something for Him?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of our lives and the King of all Creation. We are supposed to be Your servants and faithful followers. Help us to seek Your will in all we set out to accomplish and experience today. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Short Devotion: Looking for Approval

John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

We sadly live in narcissistic times where people look for affirmation from those who hold the same views politically, religiously, and morally. Sometimes our inability to discern what is true and factual can only be eased by seeking approval and reassurance from our peers. We all want to be accepted by others, especially those who do not question our strong opinions or deride our unconfirmed notions. We build a wall around our thoughts and ideas in order to shield us from the blatant truth about corrupt leaders, gaslighting liars, and greedy people. In other words, we look for approval in all the wrong places, instead of seeking the real source of affirmation that is good for our well-being: divine praise and assurance from God.

The old confessions of faith revealed to us the chief purpose of humankind - to glorify God and enjoy creation forever. This is what today’s verse from John's Gospel is all about. Jesus was telling His people, as well as us, that they were misguided because they revolved their lives being lauded by other people when, in reality, the main purpose of life is to worship God and so be eternally blessed. According to Christ, whenever we misappropriate divine approval or attach it to someone or something else, we rob God of glory and praise, honor and devotion.

So, whatever we set out to do this week, let’s try to fulfill our divine purpose by not seeking praise, compliments, or approval from other like-minded people, but rather let’s look for opportunities to glorify God with our deeds and thus be praised by the Lord for our dedicated service and personal commitment.

Point to ponder: What am I doing today that will honor, praise, and please God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our lives belong to You because You redeemed us with Your blood and eternally claimed us through Your sacrifice. Enable us to honor You this day by glorifying God in what we think, say, and do. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and gladly pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Grace and Compassion

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

                             Whenever I make a selfish or sinful mistake, I end up feeling guilty for having disappointed God and others. The burden of my wrongdoing hangs over me for a while, and I sometimes find it difficult to fully confess my failings to God. Other times, I get angry with myself for making the same mistake again and feel that God cannot fully forgive me for my foolish ways. But that’s exactly what the devil wants me to think, to cut myself off from God or to feel so unworthy of God’s patience and grace that I avoid confessing my failure.

                             Thank God for verses in scripture like today’s that counter my abject feelings of inadequacy. God’s grace and compassion counter my grief and disappointment. God’s patience and love overcome my estrangement and isolation. Rather than wallow in my self-imposed unworthiness, I experience the liberation of God’s gracious love. I find that when God forgives me, I can also forgive myself and begin again.

                             Perhaps you are experiencing something similar. Maybe you’ve done something recently that you fully regret. It could be that you feel cut off from God, as well as other people. If so, then allow God’s gracious and patient love to pardon you; permit God’s compassion to free and liberate you from despair. Above all, know this: You are a child of God’s grace and always will be.

                             May God be with you and bless all of your loved ones with peace, hope, and love.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Not Knowing

 

Luke 23:34     Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

I can remember when our first daughter Lynsey was born. My wife Evelyn and I immediately felt the joy of bringing a new child into the world, but also the deep anxiety of not knowing what to do next. There are no instructions or blueprints that come with a baby and, if truth be told, most parents wing it on a daily basis. Every child is different and each one has their unique personality. However, what works for one baby will not necessarily work for another child. We learned this when our second daughter Lauren was born two years later. We soon realized that almost everything we learned with the first child was not applicable with the second.

Not knowing what to do because of inexperience happens to everyone. For instance, when we first learn to drive, we have to be taught what to do step by step, gear by gear, and street by street. We can’t suddenly take the car keys at the age of sixteen and fully expect to drive immediately. We have to learn what we’re doing; we have to know where we’re going; and we have to focus on how fast we are moving. To get in a car and drive without knowing the basics is just asking for trouble.

Crucifying the Christ, the Holy Son of God, was the ultimate act of human ignorance. The people had seen and experienced Christ’s ministry. They had heard His teaching and were astounded at His miracles. Jesus had brought them closer to God than any other prophet or religious leader in their history, but they still stubbornly ignored the Truth He proclaimed by casting aside His ways for their own understanding and choosing to take His life rather than changing their own. Some thought that they were getting rid of another false messiah, a theological troublemaker, and a religious rabble rouser, but what they were actually doing – and we would have done the same - was foolishly and selfishly killing the Son of God.

Jesus could have retaliated and called down a thousand angels to protect Him. God could have stopped the crucifixion at any moment and also destroy all Jerusalem. However, instead of reacting with judgment and wrath, Christ called for gentleness and redemption. Instead of punishment and destruction, Christ prayed for peace and deliverance. In all of the history of humankind, one of the most wicked and inhumane sins occurred at Calvary, but in the history of all Creation, Christ turned His execution into the most divine and gracious act of mercy humanity has ever known, by expressing these beautiful words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being foolish, careless, and selfish at times. We sometimes deliberately choose to do what is wrong and willfully ignore Your words and ways. Have mercy upon us; forgive our past mistakes and restore us to God’s favor and everlasting love. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: This is The Way

Isaiah 30:21   Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

I love this verse from Isaiah. It was written at a crucial time in the history of the Jewish people. They were in the midst of political upheaval, and their leaders were guilty of causing the nation to morally stray. God felt disappointed by the people’s ambivalence and laid out the consequences of their rebellious ways. However, God also provided them with grace and urged them to hear God’s voice. If they did this, they would know the right direction to take, the course correction that they needed, as well as the godly instruction they required.

I think this verse encapsulates what we all need in our lives each day. We each go through times of trouble and anxiety, confusion and fear. We can find ourselves vulnerable and our confidence can be broken, leaving us spiritually and emotionally lost, as well as physically and mentally drained. We sometimes don’t know what to do or where to go for help, guidance, or support.

I believe this is why we should turn to the scriptures for counsel and advice. Although the words were written long ago, they can still build up our faith and give us inside knowledge about God’s words and ways. I think when we use the Bible for guidance, we are given a divine GPS – God’s Poignant Scriptures – that will often help us to overcome our fears, show us what to do, and help us fulfill our plans. If we make and take time to daily read and study the Bible, then I firmly believe that during critical times we will hear God’s voice in our hearts, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your Holy Book which has inspired and directed our people for many generations. Give us a heart for learning about Your ways and works. Enable us to embrace and be guided by Your sacred words. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

May God be with and bless you all.

Pastor John

 

Midweek Message: Local Pilot

Midweek Devotion – Local Pilots

Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

                             One of the most fascinating things about being on a cruise ship was watching the passenger liner come into a new harbor. Just before this happened, a small speed boat would suddenly appear beside the ship in order to let the local pilot come aboard. The pilot’s knowledge of the water depth, harbor walls, and submerged rocks ensured the ship’s safety as we proceeded to dock or undock. Without the pilot, the ship’s captain would not dare to enter or leave the harbor. However, with the pilot’s presence, the ship docked safely each time.

                             This process reminded me of my role here at First Presbyterian. It has been almost two years since you invited me to be your part-time interim. My purpose has been to keep you on the right course as a congregation and thankfully we have managed this together. Hopefully, we are soon coming to a point on our journey where my work as your pastoral pilot will be completed, and you will have a new skipper to lead you to better and brighter things.

                             The presence of the local pilots on the cruise ship also reminded me that every one of us has Christ as our individual pilot to lead us safely through turbulent times and troubled waters. In today’s world, we can all be overwhelmed by the chaos and corruption, callousness and conceit that have damaged us as a people, or even personally as individuals. As Thomas Paine once remarked, “these are times that try men’s souls,” so the stress and sorrow that we have for the world can adversely affect our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. This is why we look to Christ to pilot us through these rough seas; this is why we need Him to guide us safely ashore.

May God bring you and your loved ones peace, hope, and faith to endure and overcome these troubled times.

Pastor John

Short Devotion: In God's Hands

Deuteronomy 33:3            Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction.

On Sunday mornings in many churches, young families come down to the front of the sanctuary to hear a story, sing a song, and say a prayer. One of the best family church songs is the old spiritual, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Kids love it and it’s always delightful to watch them with their parents sing together while doing the exaggerated actions to the words of this well-known simple song.

It's through those simple worship moments that the meaning, the unity, and the purpose of the church are experienced. We are called as a holy people, held in God's hands, worshiping His Son Jesus, and constantly guided by the Holy Spirit. We are made simply to enjoy God and to glorify the Lord forever. God’s words are spoken to every generation, and our faith is positively built up through the singing of simple songs that reach into our hearts and minds, our spirits and souls, which we will enjoy forevermore.

In my mind, I have this picture of everyone gathered together in glory, and we're all looking at the Earth, which is gently cupped in God's great hands. At that moment in eternity, wouldn't it be wonderful to sing the old spiritual and to truly experience it at the same time?

Sometimes, we feel isolated and all alone in this world. Sometimes, we just want the Earth to stop spinning, so that we can jump off. But in those moments of loneliness and vulnerability, we can also choose to remember that the Creator we worship loves people, just like us, holding them dearly in God’s hands.

Prayer:          Lord God, You are the One who created everything, and we live on such a tiny part of this gigantic universe. With all that is continually going on throughout the cosmos, we marvel that You love us so deeply and keep us in Your Holy Hands. Be with us this day and embrace us within Your everlasting arms. In Jesus' Name, we gladly pray. Amen.

 

Midweek Message: Strong Fortresses

Psalm 31:2b Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

My wife and I returned home from Europe recently. We had an amazing cruise vacation around the Mediterranean. We saw ports, towns, and cities in Italy, Croatia, Monaco, France, and Spain. It was a wonderful trip, filled with many happy memories and beautiful experiences. We know that jetlag will kick in soon, but we are grateful to have taken the opportunity to go and see different places, eat some new foods, and speak in different languages including a little Croatian!

In most of the ports on the Mediterranean Sea, there is usually a formidable fortress overlooking the harbor. This reminds us that throughout history, the Mediterranean has seen many conflicts. A lot of the ports also have narrow winding streets which were used to hide the inhabitants from invaders, as well as entrapping pirates and other conquerors from pillaging their towns. These days, those fierce-looking castles still experience many foreign invaders, usually carrying cellphones to take photos of the stern stone walls. Instead of being impenetrable powerhouses, the fortresses are now largely welcome centers and magnificent museums where tour groups and their guides gather to marvel at the structures and hear about their history.

At one time, large churches were also formidable buildings which were meant to make people feel small and vulnerable, sinful and unworthy. These fortresses of faith often presented a stern type of Christianity which sadly is still experienced in some congregations today. Thankfully, places like our own church, have become wonderful welcome centers and sanctuaries of refuge for the marginalized and victimized, as all as for the lonely and lost, where everyone is accepted as a child of God’s grace and truly loved by Christ.

May God’s grace be with you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Play Joyfully

Psalm 33:3 Sing to God a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)

Yesterday, the whole world was stunned with the news of Dolly Parton’s death. She was such a joyfully charismatic person, whose songs brought a great deal of happiness and meaning to millions of people across the globe.

For those of us who live in East Tennessee, it feels as though a dear and beloved family member has passed away. Dolly’s commitment to the folks who live in this region was wonderful to behold. She never forgot her humble roots and her international success meant that she could invest in the lives of East Tennessean families and children with her book ministry. Dolly cherished the richness of her own education and wanted to ensure that millions of children throughout various states were sent a book to read each month.

Dolly’s talents have been admired and celebrated since she was a teenager. Her positive attitude endeared her to many Americans. Her passing made us realize how much we all loved her as a person, as well as a performer. She was a National Treasure and one whom we will all dearly miss. She treated everyone as a child of God’s grace and showed us what really makes America great – compassion, tolerance, faith, and love.

Every year, Evelyn and I go to Dollywood in the Fall. It’s not just a beautiful season, but Dollywood is such a charming place to walk around, to see other people, to go on the rides, and, of course, to listen to the music being played all over the park. Dolly’s legacy will continue there for years to come and the good folks in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville will always be grateful for what she accomplished as an artiste, a Tennessean, and a Christian.

Just like the psalmist of old, Dolly sang joyfully to God and played skillfully. We have all been truly blessed by a remarkable woman.

May God be with you all.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Keep Going

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (NIV)

 When I was in High School, I enjoyed all sorts of athletic sports, especially anything to do with running. I was on the school’s senior sprint relay team, but I much preferred the middle and long distance events. I enjoyed running laps around the track and usually ended up as one of the first three runners to finish a race. The secret was to pace myself and to endure the number of laps required and then, with a burst of speed on the last lap, overtake most of the other runners.

 One season, my gym teacher invited me to represent the school in a cross-country race. I had never done this before, but I thought it would easy because I could cover the distance. When the race started, I was determined to keep up with the leading pack, but they were running much faster than I anticipated. I very soon got winded and fell back down the field. I had not anticipated the difficulties of running up and down hillsides, instead of being on a flat track. As I watched many other competitors gleefully run past me, I realized I was in the wrong kind of race. After it was over, I was glad to get back to running on a flat field.

 I still admire cross-country runners to this very day. Their perseverance and stamina, as well as their focus and determination, are qualities I deeply respect. They taught me a lesson about endurance which I often find relevant in today’s church world.

 Maintaining our faith in these trying times frequently requires patience and perseverance. The ups and downs of our daily lives are sometimes difficult to endure. Congregations like our own sometime experience bumpy roads and even a few setbacks. Thankfully, however, just as today’s verse amply expresses, God’s love always guides us while Christ’s perseverance helps us to prevail.

 May Jesus continue to bless us as a church of God’s people who faithfully keep going on.

Book review" Out of Colditz by David Lascelles

As a kid growing up in Scotland, I can remember both the movie “The Colditz Story,” and the television series simply called “Colditz.” Both were dramatic representations of what actually occurred to Allied Prisoners of War during World War 2. My impression was that the survivors of Colditz were national heroes and great escapers, so when I began reading David Lascelles’ book “Out of Colditz” I was intrigued by what happened to his father during the last year of World War.

I had never heard of the group of men called ‘The Prominente’ who were kept in isolation from the other prisoners because of their connections to the Royal family and European political leaders. It was interesting to note that they were largely being used as pawns to possibly negotiate surrender deals with the victorious Allied Forces.

Lascelles personal experiences with the German Commandant’s family as he researched material for his book were also fascinating. He gave us ‘the rest of the story,’ especially when he described several events which the Colditz Commandant used to gain some credible defense of not following Hitler’s orders to kill his prominent prisoners.

The book is well written and provides an ample history of some of the last days of the Second World War in Europe and the subsequent war-criminal trials. I would recommend it to anyone who is really interested in the Allied prisoners and the defeat of Germany in World War 2.

The book will be published by St. Martin’s Press in January 2027

Midweek Message: Have Patience

Ecclesiastes 7:8   Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (ESV)

            Sometimes when I am looking for a quick answer to things and pray for a swift resolution, the Bible reminds me that God’s timing may not be the same as my own. Take today’s highlighted verse, for example. It’s a wise way of telling us to slow down and wait for a positive result rather than hastily trying to enforce our own. We all look for a quick end to our issues, problems, and struggles, but sometimes we have to endure what’s happening for a while before we can reach a satisfactory conclusion. Sometimes this occurs when we’re recovering from an illness, surgery, or treatment, or when we’re looking for news about a meeting, a problem at work, or an incident with our family.

 

              I like what the ancient teacher has to write about being patient in spirit rather than being proud. It’s meant to teach us a lesson that patience requires some level of humility in order to reduce our anxiety and diminish our concerns. How many times have we worried about something that never transpired, or lost sleep over an issue that was never fulfilled? Rather than wasting our time with ‘what ifs,’ God often invites us to place all our anxieties into Christ’s hands and wait for the right moment for everything to be revealed or fulfilled.

 

              May God be with you and all your loved ones today, blessing you with patience and faith, hope and love.

 

Pastor John

Midweek Message: The Gift of Music

Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (NIV)

                             One of the most enjoyable aspects of worshiping on Sundays is the inclusion of music. Whether it is played on the organ or piano, is sung by the choir or the congregation, or even played on instruments by adults or children, music is a centerpiece of how we cheerfully and sincerely praise God. The lyrics we sing and the harmonies we create, bring us together as a family of faith and connect us to Christian communities across the Earth, as well as with the angels who are forever singing before the throne of God. Without the inclusion of music, our worship would be empty and dull; with the gift of music, our worship becomes inspirational and meaningful.

                             I like today’s highlighted verse from Colossians. It reminds us that we have been singing God’s praises for thousands of years. The Apostle Paul emphasized the singing of hymns and psalms as a special and holy means to teach the Christian faith to the young church at Colossae. The words and music helped his people draw closer to God in both cheerful and sorrowful times. Similarly, throughout the centuries, many Christian communities have sung sacred songs to strengthen their resolve and overcome their problems. For example, the hymns and spirituals of the nineteenth century enabled enslaved people to persevere; the protest songs and community choruses of the 1960s inspired churches to fight for civil rights.

                             I hope that you enjoy the music on Sundays, too, and understand how important and precious the gift of music is for everyone in our congregation. As we sing our hymns, listen to the anthems, and reflect on the special music, may we all experience the presence of God’s Spirit and deepen our relationship with the Lord, as well as with one another.

                             May God bless you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: O When the Saints

Midweek Message: O When the Saints

Psalm 30:4 Sing to the LORD, you saints; praise God’s holy name.

One of the first songs I learned on the guitar was "O When the Saints." It's easy to play because it only has three chords, so when you're a beginner, it makes you feel good playing, strumming, and singing a whole song. I spent many nights in my bedroom as a teenager singing it at the top of my voice until my parents or siblings told me to keep quiet.

When I first played it, I didn't really know what I was singing about, after all, as far I was concerned, saints were very holy people who had died long, long ago. It was only years later when I was studying the scriptures at seminary that I learned 'saints' can be ordinary people, alive and well, who practice and proclaim their faith through acts of mercy and kindness, devotion and love.

As followers of Christ, we all have the potential each day to be saintly. People will cross our paths that need our help, support, and encouragement. If we express Christ's love to them through acts of compassion, care, and concern, we'll be doing saintly deeds. It won't make us any holier, more sacred, or even spiritually superior, but it will help change for the better other people's lives, as well as our own. And after all is said and done, wouldn’t we rather be a saint walking through this world and doing what we can to make it a better and kinder place, than believing saints to only be holy people from the past?

Point to ponder: What can I do today to help other people and spread God’s love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You call us to be disciples and saints, to follow Your ways and fulfill Your words through acts of compassion, kindness, and care. Enable us to take the opportunities to serve You in a saintly way by helping, supporting, and encouraging others around us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

Pastor John

 

Book Review: The Rothschilds by Harry Freedman

 

A fascinating and engaging look at the history of the Rothschilds, this book explores the family’s remarkable influence across several centuries in a way that draws the reader in.

The book is well written and easy to read. By focusing on each generation in separate chapters, the author helps the reader follow the family’s story clearly while still maintaining a strong sense of continuity.

Harry Freedman has clearly researched his subject with great care, and he brings the family’s most important episodes to life in a thoughtful and accessible way.

The book also offers a fair and balanced account of the challenges the Rothschilds faced, particularly the antisemitism that shaped so much of their experience. Their perseverance in the face of opposition is presented as part of the broader story of how they influenced European politics, including their role in opposing figures such as Napoleon and Hitler. The author also shows how their financial support helped emerging nations, especially in the nineteenth century, develop their identities and strengthen their ambitions.

I also appreciated the attention given to the Rothschilds’ support of the arts and sciences, which adds another rich dimension to this detailed family history. Overall, I found the book a pleasure to read, especially because Freedman combines careful research with compelling stories and well-chosen quotes.

I rated the book with five stars. The Book is due to be published in December 2026.

Midweek Message: Camel Capers

Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (NIV)

A couple of years ago, Evelyn and I went on a special vacation to Egypt. We visited many ancient sites, including the pyramids where Evelyn was brave enough to sit upon a camel for a photograph. It was a wonderful moment, but when the camel started to move to follow another caravan, the tour guide had to quickly stop the camel in order to let Evelyn off before she was taken away into the desert!

When Jesus mentions a camel in the Gospel of Mark, He associates it with how hard it is for greedy people to enter God’s Kingdom. Christ had just amiably conversed with a rich young man who had the potential to become one of His disciples. However, the young man’s greed and insecurity prevented him from giving up his wealth in order to become a close follower. This saddened Jesus which caused Him to remark that it would be less difficult for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God’s Kingdom.

The point of this unusual image is to make all of us reflect on what it costs us to follow Jesus. It’s never an easy thing to do and our Christian faith is often hampered or even cast aside when it becomes inconvenient. This is why we should individually ponder what possesses and consumes our time – our wealth, our careers, our leisure – and how they compare to how much we devote ourselves to Christ’s ministry and mission in our world.

Point to ponder: What does it personally cost me to be a Christian in today’s society?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to become aware of what You require of us in order to faithfully follow You. Enable us to remove any obstacles that get in the way serving You and God’s Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Pastor John