We sang this hymn in Sunday. We are doing a series on relationships. It's been a while since a hymn spoke to me so clearly. I share it with you below...

We are God's people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of His Spirit, established by His Word;
Our cornerstone is Christ alone,
And strong in Him we stand:
O let us live transparently
And walk heart to heart and hand in hand.


We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;
Now let us learn how to return
The gift of love once given:
O let us share each joy and care,
And live with a zeal that pleases Heaven.

We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;
He wills us be a family,
Diverse yet truly one:
O let us give our gifts to God,
And so shall his work on earth be done.

We are a temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;
We die alone, for on its own
Each ember loses fire:
Yet joined in one the flame burns on
To give warmth and light, and to inspire.

Text and Tune (c) 1976, Fred Bock Music Co.

Energizer's got nothing on us!

I've been challenged by a series of recent events to determine why we do what we do. Is it for appearance? Is it for prestige and notarity? Pride? Love? Contrition? Because that is all we can do in light of grace? Because it is our area of giftedness? Because it is our passion?

Jesus was a servant because he was demonstrating the Kingdom and gave His all. David gives us a practical reminder in our sacrifcie in 2Samuel 2:24, "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." Do we "do" minstry only because it gives to us? Or because it costs us to respond in worship? When we serve are we keeping "our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11. It is amazing to see that verse in a new light. I thought serving God and maintaining our spiritual fervor was up to us. It's not! As we serve God we receive and He renews our passion to serve and live for him. It's the ever recharging battery. How great is our God.

A word of caution follows. It is not just for pastors but for all who desire to share the gospel where they are. "When you fail to pastor effectively your preaching loses all credibility." This one has been in my wee brain ever since my professor stated this in class last semester. This thought substantiates the challenge of 1Thess. 2:8 of sharing the gospel and our lives togther. It is the method I attempt to model in ministry becuase of the importance of the pairing. Jesus did it. Why would we do anything less?

Gowdy's geographical update...Here I am in snowy, cold Bristol, New Brunswick. Hanging out with AJ Plaizier. Tim Branscombe was my travelling companion from Oshawa, ON to here. He's making his way back to Grand Manan Island. Going to Fredricton this evening to see AJ Guptill for a bit. What an awesome opportunity to see these great guys! Be blessed all.