Optimism in a Topsy Turvy World: My Journey of Hope

Hello, and welcome! I pray that as you read this, you sense God's presence in this space. Let's begin with a reflection on something that's deeply moved me recently, a moment that broke my heart but also ignited a flame of optimism.

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I Stand with Trey Savage

If you're not familiar, Trey Savage is a 22-year-old pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Recently, he courageously spoke out against the negativity that has impacted those close to him. Watching him stand up with such integrity was both heart-wrenching and inspirational. It reminded me how overwhelming negativity can be, especially in today's tumultuous world.

The World’s Challenges and My Faith

There's no denying the difficult news that surrounds us—people getting sick, job losses, natural disasters, and the constant stream of negativity. It's easy to get caught up in fear and anxiety. But as we recently celebrated Thanksgiving, I took a moment to pause and reflect on my role as an optimist. I am reminded to have faith and look for the good amid the chaos, believing wholeheartedly in a loving God who is for us.

Defining Optimism: What It Is and Isn’t

Optimism isn’t about denying reality or adopting blind faith. It’s about hopefulness and confidence in a positive future. As a believer, I see optimism as the unwavering expectation that our loving God is working in every situation for our future. This belief echoes the words of Paul in Romans 8:28, which promises that God works for the good of those who love him.

The Power of Our Thoughts

Reflecting on Proverbs 23:7, I understand that my life is a reflection of my thoughts. If my mind is consumed by negativity, that's the direction my life moves. But by feeding my faith and starving my fears, I strive toward optimism and God’s power.

Feeding My Faith: A Personal Practice

In nurturing my faith, I immerse myself in scripture, allowing it to renew my mind. For example, Romans 8 provides immense comfort. Despite the immense sufferings faced by the Apostle Paul, he espoused a perspective that our present struggles pale in comparison to the glory ahead. This scripture feeds my faith, assuring me that my loving God is working in every situation for my future.

Acknowledging Personal Struggles

Many of us face significant challenges, whether health issues, job losses, or relational strife. Each struggle is real, but the wisdom I draw from scripture tells me that these hardships are building the strength we need for tomorrow. In God's grand design, momentary struggles cannot compare to the blessings and glory to come.

The Spirit’s Strength in My Weakness

In moments of uncertainty, I remind myself that God’s spirit strengthens me. Despite feeling unprepared or second-guessing myself, I know that God's spirit, which raised Christ from the dead, dwells within me. This gives me hope and peace, allowing me to confidently trust in God’s guidance.

Conclusion: Choosing Optimism and Faith

We've endured the prolonged challenges of the pandemic and live in uncertain times. However, I hold unwavering optimism in God’s faithfulness and goodness. By trusting in God, I believe our present struggles stand against the promise of future glory. Let us be filled with gratitude, knowing that God is working through all circumstances to bring about good. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Let’s close in prayer. Lord, thank you for building our faith through your word. Even in the darkest times, your comfort and love remain. Thank you, holy God, for being with us. Amen.

Does your purse have holes?

Feel like your purse has holes in it? The money goes out as soon as it goes in?

This Thanksgiving, embrace a mindset of gratitude and abundance! Dive into the essence of generosity and how it can transform your life... and your purse!

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How many of you have heard the saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive?" I firmly believe that. It also brings me joy when someone graciously offers me a gift, even something unexpected like the person ahead of you in the drive-thru paying for your coffee. These acts of kindness highlight a simple but profound truth—it's indeed fun and uplifting to receive. Yet, Jesus beautifully emphasized that it's even more blessed to give.

Understanding God's Heart

Why did Jesus prioritize giving over receiving? The answer lies in reflecting the heart of God. Scripture teaches, "For God so loved the world that He gave." Giving mirrors God's infinite love and generosity because love inherently gives. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, as we count our blessings, let's remember the link between love and gratitude—generosity flourishes from a thankful heart.

A Personal Reflection

Through my life, I battled a scarcity mindset, constantly dwelling on what I lacked rather than appreciating what I had. My goal today is to inspire a change in our mindset towards generosity and gratitude. So, let's start with a prayer.

Opening Our Hearts to Generosity

Today marks the conclusion of our series on "More Than Enough," diving into Second Corinthians chapter eight, where Paul elaborates on generosity. To provide some context, Paul, a Jew, was called to spread the gospel beyond the Jews to non-Jews, or Gentiles. This stirred tension, but Paul recognized Jesus's message was for everyone. Eventually, church leaders supported Paul's mission, emphasizing the importance of remembering the poor.

Paul encountered overwhelming generosity during his travels to Macedonia. Despite their extreme poverty, the Macedonian churches gave with overflowing joy, exemplifying Thanksgiving, not through material abundance but through rich spirit and faithfulness.

The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset

Their mindset challenges us—how do people with so little give so much? It centers around two mindsets the Bible mentions: the purse mindset and the barn mindset. Like the purse, a scarcity mindset clings to the belief of not having enough. In contrast, the barn mindset embraces abundance, trusting that God provides more than enough. Gratitude fuels this generous heart, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:8—a blessing on our barns and work.

Embracing the Barn Mindset

Proverbs 3:9 speaks of honoring God with the firstfruits—a gesture of gratitude and trust. Returning to God the first ten percent of what we earn underlines our faith and worship. This act, known as tithing, underlines a divine promise—our barns will be overflowing when we put God first.

Breaking the Cycle of Scarcity

It might sound daunting, as I felt initially. But the process of tithing realigns our lives around God, sparking a faith-driven cycle that breaks fear's grip and nurtures abundance. Trusting God reshapes our perspective; 90% with His blessing can stretch further than 100% without.

The Macedonians as Exemplars

The Macedonians understood God's provision. Despite trials, they generously contributed, eager for the privilege to give, embodying the truth that love gives. They lived with open hands acknowledging the source of every blessing as God.

Conclusion: Love Gives

Generosity transcends money; it's woven into the fabric of everyday Thanksgiving. Paul witnessed this cycle of gratitude in the Macedonians, and Second Corinthians assures us that God will generously provide all we need. When we give, we gain boundless gratitude, fulfilling the Thanksgiving promise.

Let's choose to live with generous hearts, overflowing with gratitude this season. I invite you to join me in prayer as we thank God for His blessings and commit to living a life of open-handed generosity.

What if you knew THEN, what you know NOW?

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Good Morning Blue Jays Fans

Good morning, good morning. To all my Blue Jays fans, a special "woo" for you! No Blue Jays story today, but if you missed last week's, it was a good one. Welcome to everyone here and those joining us online. Delighted that you've tuned in.

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What If You Knew Then What You Know Now?

Let's begin with a question: What if you knew then what you know now? Ponder that for a moment. If you gaze back to 1980 or any other past time, with today's wisdom, what decisions would you have changed? Imagine investing in Apple back then—a $5,000 investment could have been worth millions now. Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20.

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The Parable of the Talents

Today, we explore a story told by Jesus in Matthew 25—the parable of the talents. He illustrates through this story how our earthly lives echo into eternity. The concept is simple yet profound: God has entrusted us with resources, talents, and time, and He expects us to steward them faithfully.

Understanding Ownership

It is crucial to understand that God owns everything. This mindset shifts us from being mere owners to stewards of His blessings. Accepting this truth changes how we live. It encourages open-handed generosity, as nothing is truly ours to hold onto.

Giving an Account

We will all give an account of our stewardship—not just our money but our talents and time too. Imagine standing before God, not to face judgment but to receive rewards like athletes at the bema seat in the original Greek games. It's not something to be feared but celebrated, as God lavishes His rewards on those faithful in stewardship.

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Living as Kingdom Investors

So, how do we live as faithful stewards? By seeing ourselves as kingdom investors instead of earthly spenders. Spending is trading while investing is dedicating resources with an expectation of spiritual return. This shift changes how we view our actions, time, and possessions.

Aligning Values

Reflect on the things you've spent a lifetime accumulating. Remind yourself that much of it may not hold any eternal value. Our identity and purpose are found not in material possessions but in being children of the King.

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An Encouragement to Invest Eternally

You are the ten talents, not the one. You live in a time of immense opportunity to impact eternity positively. Though we are saved by grace, our stewardship here on Earth can impact eternity—not just for us but for others as well.

Conclusion

Envision a future where there's no more sin, pain, or tears—just perfect love in God's presence. Let's live today in light of eternity. As we use our gifts and resources, God's voice cheers us on: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"Come and share your master's happiness," He'll say. Until then, let's pray and commit to living lives of faithful stewardship for His glory and our ultimate purpose.

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Prayer and Invitation

Father, thank you for your boundless generosity. Help us to steward wisely what you've entrusted to us. For those who feel the nudge to invest rather than spend, guide us in making a significant impact on heaven and others. In Jesus' name, amen.

As Chris comes up to receive the tithes and offerings, let’s prepare to share in the feast that the Lord has prepared—a reminder of His goodness and the abundance He offers us.

How I met Joe Carter... in person...

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Good morning! Isn’t it amazing to see the energy surrounding the Jays this season? As for myself, I've been a Blue Jays fan for a very long time, reminiscing about those monumental back-to-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993. 

An Unexpected Journey into Broadcasting

Today marks week two of our series called "More Than Enough," and I can't help but reflect on unexpected turns in life. Before becoming a minister, I worked as a prenatal educator and taught at places like Ajax Pickering Hospital. I met countless couples over the years.

One serendipitous meeting involved a client from the Women's Television Network who decided to film a day in my hectic life for a documentary about women balancing careers and family. It's funny how they caught the essence of my bustling household with kids, a dog, and all life's little surprises on film.

A Brush with Fame: From Prenatal Classes to the Jays Game

During the filming, I connected with the producer whose husband was none other than Gordon, the general manager of the Blue Jays. Can you imagine my surprise when I realized his identity? It was a moment of pure fan excitement mingled with a bit of embarrassment as I blurted out my admiration for Joe Carter, one of my baseball heroes.

Gordon and his wife graciously invited us to a Blue Jays game, which led to an incredible experience closer to the players than I’d ever been before. This interaction really solidified my long-held crush on Joe Carter, especially when he acknowledged me with a simple "Lama," leading to a moment of fun and fulfilment beyond the nickname.

The Divine in Coincidence: Lessons from Scripture

This experience, I believe, ties intricately into the message of divine timing outlined in Ecclesiastes 9:11 — that sometimes life doesn’t go to the fastest, strongest, or wisest, but those in the right place at the right time. Recognizing God’s work around us helps us step into these moments filled with opportunity.

From personal experiences to what’s happening here at Amberlea, God positions us to act and respond. Programs like the ministry to families with children on the autism spectrum emerged from a genuine need and willingness to say 'yes.' This response has led to the growth of ministries impacting our church and beyond.

Embrace Your Moment and Say Yes

As we reflect on these stories, think of your place and opportunity. Are you ready to step into what God is doing? Whether it’s through sharing your time, talents, or treasures, your participation can lead to miraculous multiplications in our community's life.

Even if you feel like a spectator, there's an open invitation to join in the vibrant work happening at our church. Our God is at work, and by saying 'yes,' you too can experience the joy and fulfilment of being a part of a flourishing, life-enriching community.

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A Call to Prayer and Action

In closing prayer and thought, consider this decision to join in what God is opening before you. It's about finding peace, living in faith, and transforming lives through Christ’s teachings. Those who responded to His call, embrace your new journey. Share this decision with others, and celebrate it with the community because your story is a testament to God’s incredible grace and timing.

Join us in this heartfelt journey as we thank God for what He is doing in and through each of us. Let us continue this walk of faith, empowered by the Spirit, to shine love and light in our world.

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I invite you to engage with us further by telling an elder or myself if today's reflection inspired a step of faith in you. Let's rejoice in this journey together and continue celebrating in community and purpose.

Expect MORE!

What I'd like to share today is a message for all who feel as if they're settling in life. At some point, you might've believed that God would work miracles in your life. You had faith, hope, and plans, even dreams of greatness. Maybe you uttered a prayer like Jabez did, asking God to enlarge your territory and bring blessings. Then life went on, and not much seemed to happen, and you started to settle. If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Before we delve deeper, let us pray.

Lowered Expectations

For those of you feeling as if you've lowered your expectations of what God might do, whether it's dreams to start a business, become the best parent, or simply to make it through the month, this message is for you. At times, we settle for less and ask God for merely the consolation prize. Maybe you once aspired to be an entrepreneur or the perfect caregiver, but found yourself praying for basic survival. The reality is, you have no idea what God may produce through a single seed planted in faith.

An Old Testament Lesson

Let's talk about a couple from the Old Testament—Abraham and Sarah. Like many couples, they dreamed of having children, but faced heartache when they couldn't conceive. Imagine their painful journey as they waited, watching others celebrate the miracle of life. At one point in Genesis, God promised them they would become the parents of nations. Despite the promise, at least a decade passed with no child. Abraham's doubts surfaced, and he settled, lowering his expectations. Just give me one son, he thought. And yet, God had a vision of multiplication far beyond what Abraham could imagine.

From My Own Experience

Reflecting on my own journey, I recall being the only brown girl in my school when I received a little red Bible from the Gideons. I didn't read it right away, not understanding its value until years later. As I read it, little did I know a seed was being planted within me. I was once asked to teach Sunday school, unprepared, yet just a few steps ahead of the children I taught. Decades later, I received a message from one of those kids, now a missionary in India, spreading faith. You see, the seed planted unknowingly had grown into a flourishing tree.

More Than Enough

Starting today, I want us to ponder this: when it comes to faith and God’s blessings, where we often see addition, God sees multiplication. We might plant a single seed and witness God’s incredible, exponential return. Just as a seed must take root before bearing fruit, so must our faith endure before flourishing. Despite the unseen, God works tirelessly to nurture our seeds of faith.

Conclusion: Exceedingly Abundantly More

As we walk forward, understand that God's promises are unwavering and abundant. They arrive when the time is right, bringing growth, salvation, and abundant grace. If you've begun to lower your expectations, I encourage you to rekindle the belief that God, in all His power, can yield immeasurable results through a single, sincere act of faith. Every life—your life—is a seed capable of unfathomable impact. We have no idea how our devotion and belief can touch countless lives and uplift countless spirits. Amen.

Let's keep planting those seeds in faith, and watch what miracles unfold.

How do you spell "FAITH"?... R-I-S-K

Introduction

Good morning, everyone. Whether you're visiting us for the first time, a regular, or joining online, I'm thrilled to have you with us today. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating film, "Aquila and the Bee," revolving around spelling bees, which led me to muse over the origins of these competitions and how they began in 1808. This got me thinking about what word God might ask all believers to spell in a divine spelling bee, and I believe the word would be "faith."

Faith Is Essential

In our walk with God, faith is an indispensable component—it's the oxygen of our spiritual relationship. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith." Faith is not an optional characteristic or a one-time class; it's a dynamic force requiring action. It's an essential part of our spiritual journey and is something that, although a noun, often functions best as a verb.

The Call to Risk

Faith pushes you beyond comfort zones, urging you to take risks. It may prompt you to leave a stable job, relocate to unfamiliar places, or make sacrifices that might not make sense to others. In essence, faith is spelled R-I-S-K. As we reflect on biblical narratives, it's clear that everyone who truly walked in faith took risks.

Peter Walks on Water

This brings us to the classic biblical story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. While initially not impressed by Jesus walking on water, I was intrigued by Peter, the impulsive disciple. Despite Peter's flaws, he managed to walk on water, demonstrating that even with little faith, God can work wonders. The real measure of faith lies not in its size but in its focus—on Jesus.

The Risk-Revelation Principle

When Jesus called the disciples, they took a risk, leaving behind their lives without fully knowing who Jesus was. The principle here is that God often grants revelation after the risk. Jesus revealed Himself slowly, allowing the disciples to grow in understanding over time. Like Matthew, the tax collector, who might have cataloged Jesus' miracles, we witness that God's revelations often follow steps of faith.

Trusting Amid the Storm

The disciples once faced a storm as they obeyed Jesus' command to sail across a lake. Even though Jesus wasn't in the boat with them, He watched over them from afar. Sometimes, our own storms stem from obedience, not disobedience. Trust Him in these times, for even when we can't see Jesus, His eyes are always on us.

Courage is Within Your Reach

In their fright, Jesus came to the disciples walking on water, calmly asserting, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." This is a profound reminder that courage is always within our grasp. Even when previous revelations are unavailable, the familiarity of His presence provides comfort and strength.

The Cost of Comfort

In the face of adversity, resist the temptation to retreat to safety. Stay the course because the Savior who calls you also sustains you. Take the risk, for it is often on the other side of risk where God reveals His power and purpose.

Conclusion

Let us pray for strength to embrace faith and take risks. Trust that if God sends us, He will not only strengthen and sustain us but reveal more of Himself as we step out in faith. Amen and Amen.

May you find encouragement in this message to embrace the risks associated with your faith journey, trusting that God will reveal His plans along the way.

YOU matter BECAUSE you're different

Hello everyone,

It's wonderful to connect with you today and share insights from my recent message at Amberlea. I'm Harry Bradley—or just Harry, as I often like to be called. I recently returned to speak at Amberlea, a place that feels like home to me, surrounded by many familiar faces and some wonderful new ones. Thanks to Maxene for the kind introduction.

The Art of Introduction

Allow me to start with a personal anecdote about introductions. When I first moved to Scarborough from Hamilton, where I had spent nearly 12 years, the congregation at Knox Church faced a little dilemma in introducing me to the community. The church signage didn't have enough letters to spell out my full title. Instead of opting for a formal title, I jested about simply putting "nice guy" on the board—we could all use more nice guys in the world! But, as always, tradition persisted, and I became the "moderator."

The Body of Christ: Together in Diversity

Today, I want to dive into a topic that has been close to my heart, reflecting on Paul's first letter to the Corinthian Church. In this letter, Paul uses the powerful metaphor of the church as the body of Christ—a body composed of many diverse yet equally essential parts. This metaphor is more than a mere analogy; it is a model for how we, as Christians, are called to interact and function together.

Gifts of the Spirit: Defined and Embraced

Paul speaks extensively about the "gifts of the spirit"—unique talents granted to each of us by the Holy Spirit for the common good. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpretation. Just as these gifts are varied, so are the roles within a body. We may be as different as the organs and limbs of our physical body, yet each plays a crucial part in the body's overall well-being.

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Unity Is Not Uniformity

A key takeaway from Paul’s message is that unity within the church doesn't stem from uniformity. Too often, Christian groups insist on homogeneity, believing that true unity requires everyone to agree on every detail. However, true unity, as Paul suggests, is found in our diversity—the blending of gifts, traditions, and personal strengths that make the body of Christ strong and vibrant.

Every Part Matters

Paul challenges us not to undermine any part of the body, regardless of how small or seemingly inconsequential it may appear. Each element has its place and purpose. Whether it's the visible roles like preaching and singing or the quieter acts of service, like the person who calls a fellow congregant during the week, every contribution is vital.

Cooperation Over Competition

The church thrives when we learn to cooperate rather than compete. As Professor Harvey Cox noted, even among Christians, discussions can often highlight differences rather than common ground. It's crucial that we find unity by working together to present a unified message of Christ's love to the world.

Reflecting on Our Blessings

In my journeys and after retiring from pastoral ministry, I’ve had the privilege of visiting diverse congregations, each with its style and customs. From formal and reflective services to those bursting with lively music, I've learned that God's work is manifest in many beautiful ways.

Conclusion: Sharing God’s Love

So, what's a body to do? Embrace our divine gifts and work harmoniously as parts of a whole. Let us go out, exercise our God-given talents, and unite as one body in Christ. The world will see our Christian witness, not as a fractured and divided entity, but as a harmonious family bound by love and purpose. Together, working through our many different ministries, we become a beacon of God’s love in a world too often filled with division.

I encourage each of you to carry these reflections into your hearts, cherishing the diversity and unity that form the body of Christ.

To God in Christ be the glory.

Amen.

Already Perfect? Then keep scrolling...

Hello and good morning to everyone here and online.

I want to share a story about my friend Tom, who I’ve known since we were ten. Our friendship and faith journey have been intertwined throughout the years. When he was in his fifties, Tom chose to attend seminary classes and became qualified to serve as a lay minister, often providing pulpit supply across Central and Southern Ontario. While Tom is busy with his calling, I find myself here today, once again called to share a message after nearly half a century since I last stood at a podium. Let's explore the path to becoming the best version of ourselves.

Why Are We Here?

The church is not just a building; it’s a place for worship, fellowship, and refuge. People outside the church, and sometimes the media, might have misconceptions about us, which we’ll address later. But first, let's pray for guidance as we discover our purpose both individually and collectively.

The Best Version of You

Today, let's ponder the idea of being the best version of ourselves. Although I speak mainly from my own experience, I hope some insights resonate with you. If you believe you’ve already reached this state, congratulations! If not, join me in exploring three questions to guide our discussion.

Am I a Good Person?

Looking at the news can make us question human goodness, but it’s essential to remember that everyone has goodness inside. Civilization's history, from the Greeks to the Ottomans, shows a cycle of dominance and decay. Where does Christianity fit in today? It's a discussion for another day, but it starts with reflecting on personal goodness.

I admit I’m flawed, and candidly, those close to me could attest to it. But embracing our imperfections while striving to meet biblical standards like the 10 Commandments or Proverbs 10:9 is what matters.

Who Is My Role Model?

Our world is filled with potential role models, from celebrities to social media influencers. Their images can create unrealistic expectations of success and happiness. Let me tell you about Alice Cooper—yes, the rock star—who found redemption through faith and sobriety. Yet, for the ultimate role model, we look to Jesus.

Who Can Fix It?

Jesus not only serves as the perfect exemplar but also provides the answer to “Who can fix it?” God is the solution, offering love and forgiveness to all. John 3:16 reminds us of the profound love God holds for us, sacrificing His son for our salvation.

Prayer: The Key to Transformation

Communication with God through prayer is our key to accessing divine guidance and grace. Jesus has opened the door for this communion, allowing us to grow spiritually and become the best versions of ourselves.

Conclusion: Striving Together

Living and worshipping in community gives us strength. We can support each other in our journey of faith, acknowledging our weaknesses to fortify our spiritual witness. Let’s strive together to embrace the best versions of ourselves.

Amen.