Faith muscle memory!

The craziest thing happened.

On our way home during a very long car ride from Ottawa, the radio station we were listening to was playing songs from the early 80’s. It was disco music.  

 The craziest thing happened. If you had asked me to name the title of the song, I couldn’t. But when the music played I sang along, the words just pouring from my mouth.  It didn’t even feel connected to my brain.  During the instrumental part, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what the next words, were but when the chorus returned so did the words. It was nuts!  It was planted so deep into my mind.

 What is that even about?  I sometimes forget why I’ve gone into a room, but I remember all the lyrics to an 80’s song I haven’t heard in decades.

The mind is wild, isn’t it?

 Is that what it’s like with our faith?  A faith “muscle memory”, as it were?  

 Faith and faithfulness are grounded in the Word. 

 At times of crisis it’s tempting to respond with anxiety, anger or even revenge to the challenges we face. Unfortunately there are plenty of people in our midst who model this response.  

 James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that responding negatively to life’s challenges may be the result of not being steeped in God’s word. Instead, James says, we are to, “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”(James 1:21b)

 The question is this: Is the Word of God so planted within us that it can ground us in times of crisis? Put another way, is the Word of God so planted within us that in extraordinary times, when we least expect it but need it the most, it’s there? 

 I ask myself, would the Word of God and the actions they beg come out of me as effortlessly as the disco tune?

 How many times had I heard that ‘80’s disco song before it implanted in my mind? 

 To have God’s word planted within us takes time spent reading and reflecting so that, in times like now, it pours out of us without us even thinking about it!

 Doesn’t that sound great?

 So what can we do?

 Read, reflect and respond. Listen to sermons online. When things get back to normal participate in a Life Group.  And of course open the Bible. Let God’s word bathe us in peace, hope and inexplicable joy in this time. As we continue to soak in God’s word may it naturally pour out of us like a disco tune!

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During this unprecedented time we will be suspending onsite gatherings at Amberlea. This of course means that we will not be gathering for Sunday worship. However, you will be able to hear (and now see) the sermons online! Just go to https://www.amberleachurch.ca and click Online Worship. You have the option to just listen to the sermon or watch on our YouTube Channel (so you don’t forget what I look like ;). Keep up with our new sermon series entitled: When Pigs Have Wings! Sermons will be posted on Sunday at 11 am. Then at 11:30 am, join me at Google Hangouts (info on Online Worship page) where we can chat! So excited!!!

We are figuring out fun and creative ways to build community in isolation. That being said, if you need anything please contact the church at admin@amberleachurch.ca or RevMona@amberleachurch.ca

Looking forward to connecting on Sunday!

Be Well!

A mountain will be moved!

Have you ever heard the expression, “When Pigs Have Wings”?  It’s one of those expressions, like “When Hell Freezes Over”, which essentially means, “Ya, that ain’t happening. That would take a miracle!”

A miracle is defined as:  a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency. Simply put, a miracle is when God in heaven intervenes on earth.

Do you believe in miracles?

Are you quietly hoping for a miracle in your life? A miracle for health issues? A miracle for financial problems? A miracle for freedom from addiction?  A miracle for your marriage? For your children? For loved ones?

Max Lucado says in his book, The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus: 

 “Want to see a miracle? Try this: Take a seed the size of a freckle. Put it under several inches of dirt. Give it enough water, light and fertilizer. Get ready. A mountain will be moved. It doesn’t matter that the ground is a zillion times the weight of the seed. The seed will push it back,” 

 Lucado was referencing Mark 11:22-24 that says this:

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

God is still in the business of miracles today.  He does them every day and will do them in your life as well.

If you want to see a miracle — prayand believe!  Trust that God wants to bless you abundantly, but also remember that God knows what is best for you!

I believe in miracles. I have witnessed God’s miracles over and over again in my life and the lives of others. Today, I would challenge you, as you look with spiritual eyes, to see the countless miracles God has done, and will continue to do in your life too, as youpray —believe —trust!

Journey to Joy!

There is a beauty and richness in this 40-day season of Lent. I must admit I haven’t always had an appreciation for this time leading up to Easter. But when I have intentionally chosen to focus my attention and energy on engaging fully in the Lenten season, I have never regretted it.

So often when we think of Lent we think about giving up chocolate or some other equally delicious junk food, but I’ve come to discover a much deeper (and more powerful) purpose behind this season.

For me, Lent has become of time of prayer and reflection.

This morning as I read from the devotional Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easterthis quote struck me:

 “Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him-- in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph, we find our truest joy.”— Dorothy Sayers

I believe that is what Lent is all about - being surprised by joy. 

The purpose of our sacrifice is to focus on greater intimacy and unity with the God of hope and love. So if giving up chocolate will do that for you, go for it! Take away the distraction and focus on what God has done for you. Carve out some uninterrupted time to “Go Deep” with God as we journey toward Easter. And as you do, may you find your truest joy in Jesus!

Here are a few wonderful resources that you might find helpful. 

   Daily Bread (available now at Amberlea)

   Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter, by C.S. Lewis et al.

   On Calvary’s Hill: 40 Readings for the Easter Season, by Max Lucado

   Lent for Everyone: Matthew, Year A, by N.T. Wright

For Children:

   Countdown to Easter, by Ruth Geisler

   The Way to the Saviour, by Jeff and Abby Land