Running the wrong way (and still getting there)

Let’s be honest—Jonah might be the most relatable prophet in the Bible. God says, “Go to Nineveh,” and Jonah replies, “I think I’ll head to Tarshish instead.” Classic.

Jonah didn’t run from God because he didn’t hear Him—he ran because he did. And sometimes, if we’re being real, we do the same. God nudges our hearts toward something outside our comfort zone—a conversation we don’t want to have, a call to serve, or a step of faith—and we find ourselves heading in the opposite direction.

But here’s the good news: God doesn’t give up on Jonah, and He doesn’t give up on us either.

After a storm, a sea toss, and a rather unexpected stay in the belly of a fish, Jonah finally goes where God asked him to go. And something amazing happens—God moves. People repent. Lives change. Jonah’s obedience, even delayed, becomes part of God’s bigger plan.

The story reminds us that the direction God calls us to matters. It may not always be easy, or logical, or convenient—but it’s always purposeful. Obedience isn’t about perfection; it’s about trust. It’s saying, “Yes, Lord,” even when the path looks a little fishy.

So wherever God is calling you today—toward reconciliation, service, courage, or something new—don’t run. Or at least, don’t keep running. Turn around. Follow His lead. You never know what kind of grace is waiting on the other side of your “yes.”

“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time…”
—Jonah 3:1

Because God is the God of second chances—and He always knows the right direction.

Father

Last Sunday was Father’s Day—a time to celebrate the dads, granddads, and father figures who have shaped our lives. I’m incredibly grateful that my children have a wonderful dad, and we took the weekend to celebrate him and all he means to our family.

I have to admit, though, that Father’s Day has never been a big deal for me personally. Growing up, my dad wasn’t around. My parents separated and divorced when I was young, and as a result, my relationship with my father—right up until his passing over 20 years ago—was distant at best.

When I became a Christian, some people assumed that because my earthly father relationship was strained, I must struggle to relate to God as Father. But honestly, nothing could be further from the truth.

There’s a moment after Jesus’ resurrection that has always spoken deeply to me. Jesus says to Mary, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17)

Those words still move me: “My Father and your Father.” Through Jesus, we are welcomed into a relationship with God as our own Father. From that moment on, no child is ever truly fatherless.

And in God’s great love, our Heavenly Father often places people in our lives to reflect His care and character. For some of you, that may have been your dad, or a grandfather, a coach, or a teacher. For me, it was an uncle who showed kindness and compassion when I was a child. And now, as an adult, God continues to reveal Himself through godly men and mentors in the church who guide and encourage me.

So even though Father’s Day may carry different meanings for each of us, I remain deeply thankful—for my Heavenly Father, and for all the men God has used to reflect His love in my life. I pray you can see those reflections in your life too.

Pentecost: The Spirit Within Us

Over the past six weeks, we’ve been looking at six promises Jesus made in our sermon series ‘Cuz He Promised. And here’s the thing: God’s promises are just as true today as they have ever been. In the midst of heartache, bigotry, cancer diagnoses, strained marriages, and financial upheaval—God was there. And God is still here.

This God—this very present, very faithful God—is the same One who showed us a love so complete, so unconditional, that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. Jesus died, rose again, and after spending time with His followers—teaching them, comforting them, preparing them—He returned to the Father. And then, just as He promised, He sent the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:1–4 we read:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

What a moment.

Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church—not because a building was opened or a denomination was formed, but because a movement began. A movement of Spirit-filled people called to love, to serve, to bear witness, and to live as Christ lived.

And here’s the beautiful truth: we are the Church.
Not just on Sundays. Not just when we gather.
We are the living, breathing body of Christ in the world today.

We’ve been given the gift of the Holy Spirit—the very breath, life, and power of God dwelling within us. That’s not just a nice idea. That’s everything.

So how does that shape how we respond to what’s happening in the world?
How does it influence how we see our neighbours?
How we face injustice?
How we walk through pain and joy and all the everyday in-between moments?

May we listen for the Spirit’s whisper.
May we be bold like fire and gentle like breath.
And may we never forget: the light of Pentecost lives in us—every single day.

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Join me on Sunday June 22nd as we look more closely at the Holy Spirit in a new four part sermon series called The Spirit Within Us!