Answers on Wednesday

I like Wednesdays. Wednesdays we get some answers. I like Wednesdays not because I get to give the answers – and comments – but, like you, I get to see the answers, too. What does Jesus have to say? Let’s find out. 

Q1 – “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” (Matt. 7:22)

Right before this question, Jesus informs us, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (v. 21). Right after this question, He gives us insight. “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (v. 23).

Comments: Words can mean absolutely nothing. Even actions have little value without the proper motivation of the heart. If you don’t know Jesus (and He does not have your name in the Book of life), then our “good intentions” can only be for selfish reasons. If what we do is not for Jesus, then it is not for righteous reasons.

 Q2 – Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable?” “How then will you understand any parable?” (Mark 4:13)

Continue reading and Jesus explains the perplexing parable. 

Comments: It’s a reminder that those who don’t know God’s Word cannot explain God’s Word – and the only way to understand it, is to have God explain it. How is that possible? This, too, cannot be understood unless you’ve been born again. All Christians know that born-again people have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and it’s only through the Holy Spirit that God’s Word can be understood.

Q3 – He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind?” “Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

Jesus answered, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

Comment: Most Bibles list this section under the heading Judging Others. No teacher can teach past their own capabilities. This is why, throughout life, as we grow and learn, we continue to change teachers. Some have been good, some have been excellent, and some, not so much. Choose Jesus as your teacher, and you’ll soon realize (1) there will always be something to learn from Him and (2) you’ll never reach the level of your teacher. We’ll continue to change teachers as we grow, but understand there is one teacher for all time – one teacher we’ll never have to trade in. Jesus.

Q4 – “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)

Jesus comes across a man who’s been an invalid for a long time. And although the answer to Jesus’ question seems obvious, “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Jesus immediately healed him, and the man went off to testify for Jesus.

Comment: All that is good comes from above (God). Are you testifying to that? Are you telling people of the provisions from God? Are you testifying to others of your salvation? If you were arrested for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Jesus finds the man at the temple giving his testimony, and although He healed him, He also gives him (and us) advice that comes with a warning, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 

Q5 – Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” (Matt. 8:7)

A centurion comes to Jesus, informing Him of a paralyzed servant. Their dialogue gives us incredible direction and encouragement. The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

Comment: Faith! Faith is a powerful thing. Jesus healed with His words simply on account of the faith of a centurion. Do not sell your own faith short. And, do whatever you can to keep it strong!

Trivia Tuesday

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 

(John 17:7 ESV)

Today, as more and more information is released about the coronavirus, more and more questions come to mind – with far fewer answers. We don’t always know where to turn. Each announcement seems to contradict the previous announcement. What do we do? When do we do it?

My comfort comes from answers in Scripture. Jesus never contradicts himself. Jesus never changes his mind. Jesus always knows the truth. Jesus has all the answers. I’ve asked many questions and have no answers. Let’s hear Jesus ask the questions, and tomorrow, give the answers.

• Q1 – “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” 

• Q2 – Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable?” “How then will you understand any parable?” 

• Q3 – He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind?” “Will they not both fall into a pit?” 

• Q4 – “Do you want to get well?” 

• Q5 – Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 

(John 8:32 ESV)

Bubble Families

Shake hands warmly with each other. All the churches here send you their greetings.

(Rom. 16:16 TLB)

In a conversation I had with a friend from the US, I told him we were going to have dinner for the first time with our bubble family.* After I explained what that was, he laughed. He said there was no way their government would be allowed to confine the people to their homes, not allowing them to visit their family and friends. It made me think of a few things. Are we more law-abiding than our friends to the south? Do they value their civil liberties more than we do in the north? Do we value our elderly and those at high-risk more than our brothers and sisters to the south? Do they trust their government less? All these are great discussion topics, but today, I'm just thankful for the opportunity I had to get together with friends and to have a meal with someone outside my home.

Since moving to Cape Sable Island, I’ve been in a few meetings with Derek Melanson (pastor of Temple Baptist), but I don’t know him that well. His family and mine have never spent any time together, yet we decided we would make a good bubble family (pastor’s common sense).

We arrived, and one of the eleven-year-old twin boys greeted us at the door. He came outside, closed the door, and welcomed us with enthusiasm! I looked at the closed door and thought, “Did Derek forget to give us a password we were supposed to give to this curious host?” I was working hard, accessing my inner Gandalf, to surmise the elusive password when Derek’s wife graciously opened the door and invited us in.

Immediately we were “attacked” by the family puppy Izzy, and the more elderly dog Sneakers joined in the investigation, too! The initial awkwardness of meeting people for the first time quickly wore off as it seemed clear the Hunt family was indeed canine approved.

Dinner was not only delicious (lasagna and Caesar salad) but also highly entertaining. We discovered that our wives graduated from the same high school, and we were entertained with the children’s stories, one of which included a superhero with an opposing villain named “The claw” – not the kind of villain I’d like to face, for sure! I knew this was the bubble family for us when I looked above the dinner table to see three figurines hanging from the light fixture: Spider Man, Batman, and the “greatest” superhero of all time, Mr. Bean. It set a humorous contrast to the incredible place settings and dinnerware on the table.

After dinner, we played a game together, and my team finished in second place, but we made a great declaration that we were all winners! We ended the evening with some picture taking. (Sending out a huge thank you to Derek’s daughter for volunteering to be the camera girl.)

Izzy joins the family photo!

It would have been easy for both families to just stay home, within their comfort zone, but “easy” is not what God has called us to do. Second Timothy 1:7 is a wonderful reminder. “For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them” (TLB).

Shaking Derek’s hand as we headed out the door made me realize this was the first hand I’ve shaken in months. I’ve missed the handshakes. And I’m thankful we decided to “Just Do It!” I think Nike got its slogan from God’s Word:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

(James 1:22 ESV)

Who’s the Batman?

* A bubble family is the combination of two households who are able to visit one another freely during the stay-at-home pandemic restrictions placed on the Province of Nova Scotia.

Answers on Wednesday

Through difficult times, through times of struggle, through times of discontent, through times of frustrations, there is always a place we can go for help, for guidance, and for answers. That place is the heart of Jesus. So much can be learned from both His questions and His answers. So much comfort can be received. Let’s tune in – and listen to Him.

Q1 – If a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, will he be given a stone instead? If he asks for fish, will he be given a poisonous snake? (Matt. 7:9–10)

Jesus answers, “Of course not!” It clearly was a redundant question, but He had to ask it anyway – because he had another point to make. And the point was this, “And if you hard-hearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won’t your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them?” (Matt. 7:11)

Commentary

Bread and fish were staples in their diet. A father would never have withheld them from his children. Even sinful men wouldn’t do that. How comforting to know – that through these times – our heavenly Father will not withhold what is good from us.

Q2 – How can Satan drive out Satan? (Mark 3:23)

Jesus answers with a parable, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.”

Commentary

One of the best ways to discredit your enemy is to make him look less human. The Pharisees’ ploy was to suggest Jesus was part of Satan’s realm. Yet, in Jesus’ parable, He shows the people that Satan would not divide his own house, he would not attack his own. Only a stronger man can come into a strong man’s house and subdue him. Only one, who is stronger than Satan, can subdue him. Jesus is that strongman!

Q3 – If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32–34)

Jesus answers each of these questions with a statement. He says, (1) “Even sinners love those who love them”; (2) “Even sinners do that”; and (3) “Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.”

Commentary

Following Jesus is not easy. He asks us to do hard things. Even sinners can do the easy stuff. Jesus follows up with a final statement, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” << This is a hard thing to do, but Jesus gives us more than enough encouragement with this addition, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Q4 – Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest”? (John 4:35)

Jesus responded, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Commentary

There is a process to reaping and sowing. It cannot be done too soon. Jesus was quoting a Jewish proverb and teaching them (and us) there is no set process to reaping and sowing those for the heavenly Father.  There is no one time to plant the seeds, and no one time to harvest the fields. Some could be planters, sowers, or both. We live in an area that is ripe for the harvest. There is no better time to plant the seeds of the gospel in the people than now. There is no better time to harvest those whose hearts are begging for Jesus than now.

Q5 – Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? (Matt. 7:16)

Jesus responds to His question: “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Previous to His question, He said, “By their fruit you will recognize him.”

Commentary

Jesus is telling us to watch out for false prophets. If we watch closely enough and long enough, we can witness who bears good fruit and who bears bad fruit. Jesus puts the responsibility on each of us to make wise choices concerning which tree we take our fruit from. Let’s learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. 

Praying we’ve all been blessed by the Word of God and encouraged by the teachings of Jesus.

Trivia Tuesday

If your normal routine has been disrupted, every day can seem like every other day. The weeks blend into each other. Days blend into days. What day is it? It’s Tuesday again! :)

Routine is good, and that’s why I look forward to Trivia Tuesday. Trivia Tuesday is one of those routines that remind me what day of the week it is.

The questions come from Jesus – questions He asked, written in God’s Word. Questions that are relevant today, over two thousand years later. Today, the questions, tomorrow His answers – with my commentary.

• Q1 – If a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, will he be given a stone instead? 10 If he asks for fish, will he be given a poisonous snake?

• Q2 – How can Satan drive out Satan?

• Q3 – If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? 

• Q4 – Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest”?

• Q5 – Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Meditate on these questions. Some are rapid-fire, back-to-back, and even three-in-a-row type questions.

Think about them. Hear what Jesus has to say about them. And tomorrow, we’ll look at them together.

U.S.A. Racism – Should It Enrage Us?

Enraged: to be filled with anger.  

Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

(Acts 10:34–35)

I'm a white Canadian male living on a small island on the southern tip of Nova Scotia. I don't know what it means to be black, I don't even know what it means to be a white American male, for we as Canadians are much different than our friends to the south. I'm not qualified to share much about personal experiences when it comes to racism, but I'm fully qualified to speak of personal experiences when it comes to rage.

The images on my screens have instilled a sense of rage. Rage towards a white man murdering a black man. Rage towards a black community (the media is only showing the black community) destroying and stealing. Rage towards US leaders and their imbecile statements. But as I step back a moment, I see how the media has been manipulating my feelings. They show what they show, and it's rarely the truth. They portray the looters and fire starters as the protesters, fueling both hate and empathy towards the black community. They are playing both sides, dividing people. But, these reports don't appear to be an honest portrayal of the protesters. I've seen other images (I hope you have as well) of the protesting community working together with the law enforcement community, showing love towards each other. These images are not being shown (on mainstream news), and each of us must ask ourselves, Why? Perhaps the media does not want reconciliation, for chaos is what fuels their viewership.

Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

(James 2:4)

The incident – in and of itself – is horrific. A 9-minute video (which I refuse to watch) of a white policeman strangling a black man to death with his knee. It should fill us with anger. The question is, what do we do with that anger? I'm not sure, for I've not been filled to the brim with anger as some are (for they have experienced racism, and I haven’t). I may not know what the answer is, but I do know what the answer is not. Is it justice to destroy a small business that an elderly couple poured a lifetime into? Is it justice to burn a single mother’s car? Is it justice to throw a brick into the face of a horse, simply because a police officer is in the saddle? Is it righteous to make up excuses for these actions?

Thou shall not steal.

(Exod. 20:15).

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

(Rom. 12:19)

As a Canadian, it brings up questions of why our attention is drawn south of the border, yet there is little outrage of racism on our own soil. We rage at the racism by the US government, yet here at home, our government refuses to provide clean water for the Native Peoples. Do we believe they are "a lesser people" than black and white Canadians? Is it because they are slowly dying off-camera instead of dying in 9-minutes video clips? Should our communities bond together and storm parliament in protest against the racism against Native Peoples? Is it because we prefer to have our attention drawn to the south so we can ignore what is going on at home? This, too, is systematic racism – or at the very least, ignorance – but "who cares? They are only natives and it's not on TV." Where is the same outrage for these Canadians as there is for this one American?

Maybe it's because we're witnessing an international incident? So, what about the tens of thousands of black children dying from starvation every day? Why doesn't that cause outrage in North America? Should that be an international news story? Is it because they are black children in a different "world?" Would the lack of outrage over this injustice be considered racism? Is it because that's old news, and we need our “fast-food” media fix? How long before this US killing becomes old news? I have so many questions that cause so much confusion.

I don't know what the answers are, but I know what the answers are not. Allowing the media to manipulate our emotions is not the answer. Finding excuses for the horrific murder is not the answer. Empathizing with looters and destroyers of property is not the answer. Maybe we should be formulating our answers from God’s Word? Whether you believe it to be God’s Word or not, the wisdom is there for all of us. Below is some of that wisdom. Do with it what you will. My hope is that your rage is – in some way, somehow – redirected.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

(Gal. 3:28)

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

(John 7:24)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

(John 13:34)

Cain’s blood cried out for vengeance. The blood of Jesus speaks of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Whose blood will you listen to?

Answer Wednesday

Yesterday, Jesus asked questions. Today, we have answers. Let’s dive right in!

Q1 – Will he not much more clothe you? (Matt. 6:30)

To address this question we must hear what Jesus says before it and, more importantly, what He says after it. Before it He says, “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven will he not much more clothe you?” Jesus is making it clear that God is in control of all creation. So much in control that He even pays attention to the grass that grows. The Father created us in His image. Therefore, if He pays that much detail to nature, would He not pay even more attention to His children? What Jesus says after this question is a rebuke for us all. “Will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” It can be argued that faith is the main theme of God’s Word, and here Jesus tells us after asking His question that it's our faith in the heavenly Father that will guide us through our anxious times.

Q2 – Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?

Jesus then tells us what David did – “how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” Jesus taught that what is your heart is more important than your actions (read the beatitudes). Our motives are clearly important to our heavenly Father. The Pharisees focused on the letter of the law, whereas Jesus focused on the spirit of the law. The Pharisees believed it was better for someone to go hungry on the Sabbath than to work for some food. Jesus taught that it was better to feed the hungry than to obey the Sabbath.

Q3 – I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it? (Luke 6:9)

Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and made the religious leaders furious. Similar to question two, Jesus is questioning hearts. What is the right thing to do? Is it better to follow the law and do evil, or break the law and do good? Jesus clearly teaches that what we are to do is good - always. The laws are for good and for good only.

Q4 – “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?” (John 3:10)

Jesus is teaching Nicodemus, a respected Jewish religious leader. What is it that Nicodemus does not understand? “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus did not understand the fundamental idea of two births. Our first earthly birth, and our second spiritual birth: being born into God’s family. Nicodemus could not understand this because, at the time, all those born Jewish were (in their minds) born into God’s family. God’s Word clearly teaches us that no physical birth has any eternal salvation power – only a secondary birth, born through the acceptance, repentance, and reconciliation by the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus.

Q5 – Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3)

A beautiful double question that fits perfectly together. Why do we look at the speck (judge others)? It's to take the focus off ourselves. It's so much easier to judge the faults of others than it is to reflect on our own. It's hard to address our own faults, and Jesus reminds us that our faults are like logs compared to the faults of others, which are like specks. Jesus also says, “And then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” There is an insinuation from Jesus that once we deal with ourselves, we still don't have the right to judge others. Rather, we are to help others deal with their sin (we can see more clearly to take the speck out of our brother’s eye).

Be blessed by Jesus' teachings through God’s Word today!

Trivia Tuesday

It’s back! Trivia Tuesday. Questions Jesus asked.

Often Jesus answered His own questions (thankfully). Other times, we hear others. Listen to Jesus asking now – meditate on His questions (and what your answers would be). Tomorrow, I’ll share answers and personal reflections along with outside professional commentary.

Q1 – Will he not much more clothe you?

Q2 – Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?

Q3 – I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?

Q4 – “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?”

Q5 – Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Question #5 is a double question, and although every question Jesus asks may not be for everyone, these two are for us all – and require serious consideration.

Don’t lose sleep over these questions, for tomorrow brings insight, encouragement, and teaching from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

I Have Always Hated the Beach

Praise him who planted the water within the earth, for his loving-kindness continues forever. 

(Ps. 136:6 TLB)

Hate is such a strong word, yet when it comes to my dislike for the beach, it’s been the most appropriate description. At a young age, heading to the beach on the North Sea (Netherlands), we were told to be careful in the water. There were a lot of jellyfish, and their stings would hurt. I didn’t get stung because I didn't go into the water. This is where my dislike for the beach began.

I have two toes on each foot that are slightly webbed. The kids would call me “duck feet” and wonder why I wasn’t a better swimmer. Going to the beach meant taking my socks off, exposing my “duck feet,” and opening up myself to ridicule. The dislike for the beach grew.

As a teenager, and no longer caring what others thought of my toes, I would venture to the beach with my peers. This is where the action was. This is where my friends were. This is where all the cool kids hung out. I’d go – I’d get wet sand in between my toes, sand in my shorts, on my ice cream, and all over my towel – and I’d end up sunburned everywhere. My dislike for the beach had turned to hatred.

My wife (who loves the beach) would take our children there as often as she could. My hatred for all things sandy was stronger than my love for hanging out with my family. Friends and family would visit, and I’d have my grab bag of excuses ready: I’m not feeling well. My knee hurts. I have work to do …. The hatred for the beach was an immovable emotion.

And then I moved to Cape Sable Island. I ventured to the beach with my wife (only to walk). She really wanted me to go, so I went. I went multiple times. I didn't have to take my shoes off. I didn't have to take my shirt off. I didn't have to lay down on a towel. I only had to walk. My hatred for the beach lessened. I felt something peaceful on that beach.

You rule the oceans when their waves arise in fearful storms; you speak, and they lie still. 

(Ps. 89:9 TLB)

We got a puppy, a puppy full of energy. She needed a place to run. The beach was the perfect place. My smiles were a mile wide watching her run around like a banshee. I would stop to watch the birds, a seal or two, the fishing boats, the sun setting. My hatred for the beach diminished further.

The pandemic forced us to stay away from public beaches. We could no longer go. I found myself missing the trips. Friends offered us private access to a beach (which was allowed). We walked some more (the dog ran). There were times when Leona couldn’t go because she was working, so I went alone.

Two years previously, I never would have imagined voluntarily going alone to a beach, yet here I was – alone with my thoughts, talking to God, meditating on ideas, and laughing as Toby (the puppy) released her energy. I enjoyed the beach!

Life has a funny way of changing people. For fifty-four years I would have nothing to do with the beach, and now it's my preferred place to go for reflection, for exercise, for conversation – with whoever walks with me.

Life has a funny way of changing people. For thirty-four years I would have nothing to do with God. I wasn’t going to walk with Him (and let Him put wet sand in my shoes). I wasn’t going to let Him look at my feet and ridicule me for walking down the wrong path – walking with the wrong people. I wasn’t going to let His Son shine down on me, believing that the burn would be too painful. But, at one point, I did let Him – and my life was changed. The Son was good. My life was brighter. My path was more narrow and more joyful. Just as I had discovered the beach was good, I discovered God was good. The beach, created by God, blesses me – for His glory. 

I Love the Beach!

The God who made both earth and heaven, the seas and everything in them. He is the God who keeps every promise.

(Ps. 146:6 TLB)

Nova Scotia Strong – Nothing Can Keep Us Down!

Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent.

(Acts 18:9 ESV) 

Have you ever felt like you’ve been kicked in the gut? Physically or metaphorically? Pushed down, and every time you try to get up, you get pushed down again? For most of my school years, I was bullied. I received little empathy from my dad – as he continually gave me the same advice: Get back up, stand up to the bully, fight back. I always thought this was easy for him to say because he was a commando in the Canadian army and he was trained to defend himself in all situations. For me, I cowered in fear. I would slink down the school hallways, hoping beyond hope that I’d not be pushed down. I’d take the long way home if I saw certain people up ahead. Even bully-free days were filled with the stress of “what if?” – I lived in fear. Afraid to stand up for the extra pain that would follow.

Then one day, I heard my father’s voice as I was cowering in fear – and I listened. I stood up for myself. I fought back. My life was changed forever. It took me a long time to listen to my father’s voice, to trust in his instruction.

Today I think about Nova Scotia and how we’ve been bullied by life lately. The virus has taken its toll on us. Just as we were preparing to rise from the kick in the gut called COVID-19, a shooter put a beatdown on us. It hurt, it hurt bad. (Not too long after – or very far away, in Truro – a family is frantically searching for a lost toddler, yet to be found.)

Then, trying once more to get up, we are pushed back down by the news of a helicopter crash taking the life of one of our own.

Once more, pushing ourselves up, we are struck back down by the news of an airforce pilot, a Snowbird originally from NS, losing her life in a plane crash. Life attacked air, land, and sea.

It’s not life that’s the bully, for life is an incredible gift from God. The bully is the deceiver, Satan. Satan is the one who continually attacks. 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

(Eph. 6:12 ESV)

What are we to do? We keep getting pushed back down. Do we stay down? NO! We listen to the Father, for He is the one who encourages and gives us the advice we need to get up and fight back.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

(2 Chron. 15:7 NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

(Is. 41:10 NIV)

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

(Jer. 29:11 NIV)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

(Josh. 1:9 NIV)

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and prefect of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(Heb. 12:2–3)

Let’s not get discouraged, brothers and sisters. Turn to the Father, and nothing will keep us down.

Nova Scotia Strong!

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  

(1 Tim. 6:12 ESV)