Amberlea Church

Christian Worship, Contemporary Music, Groups for Kids, Youth, Adults

Member of the Presbyterian Church in Canada
1820 Whites Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1R8
905-839-1383
Church Office: Tue & Thu 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Worship: SUN 11:00 a.m.

  • home
  • Mona's Blog
  • Missions
  • Giving
  • Find Us
  • What we do
    • About Us
    • sermons
    • Family Ministries
    • Leading With Care
    • Community Groups
    • Volunteers
    • Private
    • RightNowMedia
  • Families
    • F.A.C.E.
    • Shelly's Blog
    • KidZone
  • Contacts

What if you knew then what you know now?

October 15, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

Ever look back at old pictures and think, “Why on earth did I choose that hairstyle?” (Perms, anyone?) Or maybe you’ve thought, “If only I had invested in Apple back in the ’80s, I’d be retired on a beach by now.”

Hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it? If we knew then what we know now, we’d probably make a lot of different choices.

But here’s the amazing thing: Jesus actually gives us insider information about the future. In Matthew 25, He tells the story of the master who entrusts his servants with talents (money, gifts, abilities) before heading off on a journey. Some invest wisely and see it multiply. One hides his talent out of fear and ends up losing everything.

The lesson? God gives us everything we have—time, resources, abilities—and asks us to steward them well. Not just for today, but for eternity.

Here’s the kicker: how we live now impacts what happens then. Jesus is basically saying, “I’m giving you the blueprint for heaven’s economy.”

So how do we live with that kind of eternal focus?

  1. Remember God owns it all. Your money, your gifts, your time—it’s all on loan from God.

  2. You’ll give an account. Not to a harsh judge, but to a loving Father who’s cheering you on, longing to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

  3. Choose to invest, not just spend. Netflix binging is fine now and then, but mentoring someone? Praying for your kids? Serving others? That’s investing—and the return lasts forever.

At the end of the day, the stuff we obsess over—our shoes, our cars, our gadgets—won’t carry over into eternity. But the people we love, serve, and point to Jesus? That’s eternal treasure.

So maybe the better question isn’t “What if I knew then what I know now?” but “What am I doing now, knowing what I know about then?”

Live open-handed. Invest your life. Run your race well. And one day, imagine hearing God say, “I’m so proud of you. Come and share my joy.”

October 15, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens

It’s Postseason Time: Faith, Hope, and the Toronto Blue Jays

October 08, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

If you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, you know what October means — it’s heart-in-your-throat, rally-towel-waving, seventh-inning-stretch kind of baseball! The postseason is here. The crowds are loud, the bats are ready, and every pitch feels like it could change the season.

There’s something beautiful about playoff baseball — the hope, the waiting, the tension, the sheer joy when your team pulls through in the clutch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come after the longest seasons.

That sounds a lot like faith, doesn’t it?

In Hebrews 12:1–2, we’re told:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Or, in Blue Jays terms: keep your eye on the ball.

Just like the Jays have had to stay focused through the highs and lows of a long season — the slumps, the injuries, the comeback wins — our spiritual lives are full of innings where we’re called to persevere. Some days we’re hitting home runs, and other days… well, we’re striking out and wondering if we’ll ever get another chance at the plate.

But here’s the good news: in God’s game plan, no inning is ever wasted.

Even when it feels like the season is long or the score is against us, God is still coaching from the dugout — guiding, teaching, and preparing us for what’s next. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” That means even the losses can turn into lessons, and the setbacks can set us up for something greater.

So whether the Jays go all the way or bow out early, we can still cheer with hope — because hope isn’t about the outcome, it’s about the journey. It’s about staying faithful through every inning, trusting that God’s timing is perfect, and celebrating the moments that remind us we’re part of something bigger.

And who knows? Maybe this is the year the Blue Jays fly high again. But even if it isn’t, our faith reminds us that victory isn’t just found on the scoreboard — it’s found in the steadfastness of our hearts.

So grab your glove, your rally cap, and maybe a hotdog or two — and let’s play ball, trusting the One who never calls us out but always calls us forward.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Because whether we win or lose, we’re playing for something eternal.

**********

Note: At the time of posting the Blue Jays are about to face the NY Yankees in game 4 of the ADLS. Go Jays Go!

October 08, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens

A seed with a promise

October 01, 2025 by Rev. Mona Scrivens

Think about that for a moment. A seed doesn’t look like much. It’s small, fragile, and easily overlooked. But within that tiny shell is the power to grow, multiply, and bear fruit far beyond what we could imagine.

Galatians 3:29 tells us: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

If you belong to Christ, that’s who you are—a seed of Abraham. You are part of a story that began thousands of years ago when God promised Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to the nations. And now, through Christ, you carry that same promise.

Here’s the truth: you may not always see the fruit right away. Seeds take time. They need planting, watering, and waiting. But never underestimate what God can grow from one life surrendered to Christ. Your faith, your obedience, your love—it can ripple out in ways you may never know, blessing generations to come.

So today, remember: you are not insignificant. You are not forgotten. You are a seed of Abraham, rooted in the promises of God, and God specializes in bringing abundance out of what looks small. Who knows what He will grow through you?

Plant your faith. Trust the promise. And watch God bring forth a harvest!

October 01, 2025 /Rev. Mona Scrivens
  • Newer
  • Older