You'll be glad you did.

On Sunday we started a new sermon series called “Famous Last Words” and we tackled the first words Jesus uttered on the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

We looked at these powerful words of forgiveness but more specifically, how do we forgive like Jesus?  If you weren’t there on Sunday, check it out.

It shouldn’t surprise me but after the service I heard from so many of how the sermon had spoken to them.  It was a simple message of how and why we are to forgive.  Simple, however you and I both know how hard it can be to forgive sometimes, especially forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us or someone we love.

And yet, forgiveness is the heart of God’s good news for us.  Perhaps forgiving others would be easier if we truly understood what God has done for us.  God freely forgives us, and I wonder if we really take that in? How often do we turn a blind eye to that amazing truth?

I read this interesting story about an attorney, who after meditating on several Scriptures, (like Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32) decided to cancel the debts of all his clients that had owed him money for more than 6 months. 

He drafted a letter explaining his decision and its Biblical basis and sent 17 debt canceling letters via certified mail. 

One by one, the letters were returned by the Postal Service, unsigned and undelivered. 

Perhaps a couple people had moved away though not likely. Sixteen of the seventeen letters came back to him because the clients refused to sign for and open the envelopes fearing that this attorney was suing them for their debts. 

How profound! We owe a debt for our sin and God is willing to cancel it but how many of us will not even open the letter that explains how?

Today, take a moment to remember what God has done for you.  Ask God to fill you with love for those who have offended you, pray for them and forgive as you have been forgiven.  

You will be glad you did. 

Breathe, just breath.

A memory popped up on my Facebook feed.  On this day, twelve years ago I posted a quote from Mahatma Ghandi that said:

There is more to life than increasing its speed.

I don’t remember specifically what was happening in my life that that quote would resonate with me, but it resonates with me today.

As things are opening up and mask mandates have been removed (for the most part), there seems to be an urgency to get out to previously restricted places; to be with others; to return to some sort of “normal”.  And suddenly life is increasing speed.  I am also hearing from others that it is also increasing anxiety.

Long before I was an Ordained Minister, I was a Lamaze (Prenatal and Postnatal) Instructor. My company Expectations was contracted by three hospitals and I taught privately in my home. It was a wonderful time - meeting and guiding couples through one of the most significant and spiritual times in their lives. One of the core subjects of my curriculum was Non-medical coping strategies. The most effective coping skill I taught to deal with anxiety, stress and yes, even pain, was deep breathing.

Breathing is highly underrated.

Breathing is a miracle we seldom stop to think about. We just do it and it keeps us alive.

And breathing helps us to slow down, to chill out and to be mindful.

Breathing can also be Spiritual - to consciously and deliberately be aware of each breath as you inhale the pure and exhale the impure.  

To embrace a readiness to “exhale” or confess that which has separated us from God (sin), and to “inhale”, or trust God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.

When life increases speed or negative circumstances of life crowd in, we can slow down and breathe.  And as we do we can “Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit” – Ephesians 5:18 (ISV)

Breathe….Just Breathe.

Join us this coming Sunday as we begin a new sermon series that will take us to Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.  

TED

The Amberlea family lost a great man last week. Ted Jowett has joined the great cloud of witnesses that surround us.  He ran with perseverance the race marked out for him, fixing his eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

It was unmistakable that Ted loved the Lord and loved the church. Amberlea was blessed to be the recipient of Ted’s generous nature for a great many years. Ted was a man of many talents, many passions, abounding energy and a joyous presence. He and Margaret were involved in so many areas of the church — far to many to mention but, can I say that having Ted and Margaret greeting you at the door made Sunday morning somehow… perfect!

When I arrived on the scene 10 years ago as the minister of Amberlea Church, Ted lovingly guided me through.  He often popped into the church to visit.  He would walk into my office with a big smile, sit down and we would just chat. I loved our our conversations. We talked about family, and church but what really got him excited was talking about faith and world religions. He was always learning. He would often hand me a manilla envelope with copies of an article he found interesting.  “Read it when you have time, I would like to hear what you think”, he’d say. He was like steal on steal, he kept me sharp. I learned so much from him, and I will miss him dearly.

Ted left an indelible mark on so many of our lives. As a Church family we will have an opportunity to celebrate the amazing life of Thomas Edward Jowett and to show our love and support to Margaret, Fiona, Dave and the rest of the family.  I hope you will join us on Saturday, March 26th at 1:30pm at Amberlea.  

All are welcome.