Above All

We've sung the very popular Paul Baloche song (co-written by Lenny LeBlanc) "Above All" countless times at Westside, and it has definitely become a favorite of many. Actually, this song was one of my favorites for a long time; the music composed so beautifully - soft and reflective at times, powerful - evoking a wave of emotion, at others.

One of the first times I heard the song, I scribbled a few lyrics in the front of my Bible - what I felt was the driving lyric that "made" the song.

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall, and thought of me
Above All

Powerful lyrics! But... are they theologically accurate? This week I spent some time thinking about that last phrase (in bold); He (Jesus) did indeed take the fall ... but was it me that he was thinking of, above ... all?

I think it warrants a closer look; some consideration. Did Jesus really think of me, or did he think of His Father above all? What was Jesus' last thought on the cross?

Matthew 27:46 records Jesus' last moments on the cross:

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'"

Luke 23:46 says:

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last."

In the final days, as recorded in Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus pleaded with the Father; He pleaded for another way, asked for the cup to be taken from Him, if there was another way. If there is no other way, Jesus would be obedient.

I would venture that Jesus' last thought was about the Father, and His obedience to the Father's will and plan for reconciliation. It's implied that through that thought and action, we were thought of... am I being too picky here? Or is there a theological problem with that statement?

Will we keep singing "Above All" at Westside? Probably... but for me, that last line will have me wondering. To God be the Glory! I praise God for His gift of reconciliation and redemption, for providing us a way to eternal fellowship with Him! But might we be careful to be true to His word and not distort it.

Thank you Father, for sacrificing Your Son, Jesus... that through His obedience to You, I might have reconciliation, renewal and eternal life. Might I never be so haughty to think that my lowly life might have taken preeminence over Jesus' obedience to You. Amen.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments!

Experience or Relationship?

Into the Wild, the 2008 film based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, raises a number of thought provoking ideas about life. Although the idea for this blog entry stems from the film, I’ll stop short of making a recommendation. The (sometimes slow moving) drama is rated 14A (in Canada, R in the US); that being said, if you’ve already seen the film, you’ll easily connect with my thought here – if you haven’t, I hope that you’ll be able to think on the idea presented here without any foreknowledge of the movie.

The premise of the movie is a young college graduate who leaves home – severing all ties with family and friends to embark on an adventurous journey of self-discovery in the wilds of Alaska. The movie chronicles his short life as he travels from Emory University to an old bus (which he turns into a home) in Alaska. Along the way we watch him interact with new friends, as well as his environment.

The movie prompts us to consider a number of ideas, including the weight we place on money; what our needs are, and what, truly, are luxuries. Chris gives virtually everything away – burns his cash, donates all of his savings, and embarks on his journey.

But perhaps most importantly, we are prompted to consider the importance of relationships. Even though the idea of a relationship with God is only addressed briefly in the movie, as a Christian it is the focus of my attention, which is why I choose to write about it here.

At first glance, the movie seems noble; he trades material wealth, status obtained by education, employment, cars and houses - as well as his parents aspirations for his future, for "experience". In doing so, he also trades relationships. Although he encounters a number of interesting characters along the way, he is determined to find happiness and fulfillment alone – in the solitude of Alaska – relying on nothing… no one. He is convinced that he will find some type of inner peace, direction and fulfillment in this experience.

He develops an interesting relationship with an older gentleman named Ron, and the two trade ideologies – philosophies on life, trying to find this illusive sense of fulfillment. When Chris decides it’s time to move on, he says this to his friend:

“You’re wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from human relationships. God’s placed it all around us, it’s in everything, in anything we could experience. People just need to change the way they look at those things.”

Although that thought is not theologically accurate, indeed, it’s clearly a pantheistic idea, contrary to what the Bible says, he nonetheless raises an interesting conversation. I think that Chris McCandless is partially right – if our search for joy and happiness is solely aimed at our interaction with each other – we are bound to find only disappointment and hopelessness. I believe we do need to change the way we look at life – we need to change our line of sight from horizontal, to vertical. Surely we will only find disappointment - we are all sinners in need of reconciliation, and if this is the case, we will never find that which we seek. We will be left only with a gnawing sense of ... emptiness. An emptiness that we will try to fill will monetary things, with important jobs, social security and status. What we really need is to search for our fulfillment from the only One who can truly fulfill.

At the end of his life (sorry to those who haven’t seen the movie, but I've heard it said – we all die sometime – and if you’ve done any research about Chris McCandless, you know how the story ends anyway), with a weak and shaky hand, he writes this in a book:

“Happiness only real when shared”

I urge you, Brothers and Sisters… let us find happiness and fulfillment in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ first, and then share that happiness with one another. Let’s take stock of our lives, evaluating what is really truly important. My prayer today is that we would let God change our hearts desires to His. May we see life as it was supposed to be lived and find true fulfillment.

Coming Soon...

Now that all the information for the Missions Conference has been posted, we'll be getting back to "regular" blogging. So, to entice you back... here's a few things that we're planning for October/November:

1. At least 2 (maybe 3) guest bloggers!
2. An in-depth look at the popular book The Shack by William P. Young.
3. Some follow-up information from Westside's Adult Sunday School class.
4. More study, encouragement and reflection

What else?

• Do you have other thoughts or ideas?
• Wonder about the content of a book, movie or cd?
• Have questions about the Bible, theology, sermons, or Sunday School?
• Or maybe you'd like to get to know Westside's leadership teams? Who would you like to get to know better?

There are all kinds of options, but I'd like to hear from YOU! Please register your email on the blog (don't be afraid!) and add a comment, or, email me ...



Enjoy what remains of the Fall season... I took this picture near the French River a few weeks back while we were camping.

Missions Conference 2008: Part IV

Part IV: The finale...

There are 2 events that will bring our Missions Conference to a conclusion; the Revelation Mystery Dinner Theatre (Saturday evening, 6:00pm) and Rabbi Jeff Forman (Sunday morning, 10:50am). Please have a look at the information below and click on the links to find out what's in store this weekend, and look forward to being involved!

Tickets are required for the dinner theatre - if you haven't yet got yours, contact the church office (905-529-5756).

Revelation Mystery Theatre is operated under Return Ministries - click here. The vision of Return Ministries according to the website is:

Return Ministries has been established to encourage Jews and Christians to work together to fulfill God's plans and purposes for Israel and the nations according to the Word of God.

Now is the Time! Return Ministries is focused on building bridges between the Jewish and Christian Communities and mobilizing the church to understand and embrace God's call to bless and serve Israel and the Jewish people. Return Ministries is committed to standing with Israel and the Jewish people as ambassadors and advocates for Israel . We will continue to initiate and participate in events here in Canada , Israel and other nations that will strengthen this unique and unprecedented bond between Jews and Christians - For such a time as this!

North American Aliyah is a crucial and central focus of Return Ministries. We desire to impart vision of God's loving plans to regather and return His Jewish People from the four corners of the earth to the land of Israel .

Isaiah 49:22 "This is what the Sovereign Lord says, 'See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, they will bring your sons in their arms and your daughters on their shoulders.' "

To find out more about the dinner theatre - pictures and video clips, check this out!


And to wrap up our MC week, Rabbi Jeff Forman will be speaking at Westside. Rabbi Forman is from City of David, a Messianic Synagogue in Toronto. What is Messianic Judaism? I'm sure Rabbi Forman will tell us much more about it, but the COD website has lots of links for more information. To become a little more knowledgeable on the subject before Sunday morning, have a peek!

Missions Conference 2008: Part III

Westside's Missions Conference officially kicked off this morning and we heard from Dr. John Howarth of CUFI.

I received some information in my inbox this week from Bob and Lisa Cowling. Lisa will be meeting with the ladies on Thursday night, and Bob will be eating bacon and eggs on Saturday morning with the men. Here's what you can expect from this couple:

For the women, from Lisa:

The topic: "Symbolism in a Jewish Wedding"

Our evening will be an interactive journey through Scripture and a study of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. We will not only learn the meanings behind many of our present-day wedding traditions but hope to be renewed and challenged in our Christian walk as well.

And for us guys, from Bob:

In Jeremiah 16: 14 - 16 the Lord declares that He will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel from "the land of the North" and everywhere else He scattered them and that this event will be so amazing that it will eclipse the time He brought the Jews out of Egypt.

In Isaiah 49:22 God declares that he will use the Gentile nations to bring the Jews home to the land of Israel.

At the Westside Men's Breakfast this Saturday, I will share how God called me, a Gentile, to be part of a Christian ministry called Ebenezer - Operation Exodus, whose mandate from the Lord is the fulfillment of these scriptures by bring Jews out of the land of the north (Russia) and back to Israel. According to the latest figures, in 2007 Ebenezer-Operation Exodus has helped and assisted 61% of all Jewish people making aliyah (returning to Israel) from the countries of former Soviet Union (FSU), a number exceeding 120,000 Jews.

In 2004 I joined a team of six from Ebenezer who sailed from Haifa, Israel on a boat through Istanbul, Turkey and the Black Sea to Odessa, Ukraine where we boarded 66 Jews for the return sailing home. This mission was accomplished with great joy and celebration but also under the threat of our ship being bombed and amidst the rising anti-semitism in the Ukraine and all the countries of the FSU.

It was also a journey of personal discovery as I learned the full extent of my father's involvement in keeping the Jews out of Israel when he was a British soldier stationed in Palestine between 1945-1948.

Please join us this week!

Missions Conference 2008: Special Project

Hey Westside: The following is an email from Bob Cowling (via Brett) regarding this year's special project. Please read, and be in prayer (and in your wallets) for this opportunity to give.

From Brett:

Every year during the conference we announce a special missions project. We usually let it go for 3 Sundays and then wrap it up. I have sent you the info that I was given for our project this year. There are a lot of Jewish families that have been left stranded in Georgia after Russia attacked them about 2 months ago, I'll let you read for yourself...

Our goal will be to support a family for a month... can Westside surpass the goal again...?

The details from Bob Cowling:

I appreciate your committee's willingness to consider this as a focus for your Missions project. Here are the details from our office in Georgia, Former Soviet Union (FSU):

We are currently supporting Jewish families who are now refugees as a result of the fighting and believe this would make a good project for this church to support. I have included some details below from Anya in Pyatigorsk who is helping these families. Any amount the church could send would be much appreciated. The value of $1,000 to $1,500 would cover the cost of supporting a refugee family for a month. This is a big need at the moment.

Anya in Pyatigorsk has sent possible spending plan for two families. They are now refugees, many have no clothing (except for what they had on them), no food and so on. At the moment those people are living in the refugee camp. Here are the translated values of what whose people would need.

First family of Gagievy (3 people):
1) Accommodation (rent of a flat) - 7000 rubles
2) Food (for a month roughly) - 7000 rubles
3) Documents (transport, payments and so on) - 5000 rubles (maybe there will be a need for more)
4) Clothing (bare necessities) - 10000 rubles
Total for the first month: 29000 Rubles (1185 US dollars with today's rate 24,48)

Second family of Rubshtain (1+6 people):
1) Accommodation (rent of a flat) - 5000 rubles
2) Food (for a month roughly) - 5000 rubles
3) Documents (transport, payments and so on) - 3000 rubles + 6000 rubles for the children and grandchildren
4) Clothing (bare necessities) - 5000 rubles
5) Medication - 3000 rubles
Total for the first month: 27000 Rubles (1103 US dollars with today's rate 24,48)

Please be in prayer about this opportunity and come prepared to give a little extra during the next few Sunday morning worship services.

For more information about the Russia/Georgia conflict - click here.

Missions Conference 2008: Part II

One week from today, Westside's Primetimers will be having coffee and tea with Clyde Williamson. You know Clyde... wait... you don't know Clyde?

Well, let me give you a brief introduction and some useful links to click so you're aware of the Williamson's and what Operation Outreach is all about.

Clyde and Marion Williamson have been praying for peace in Jerusalem since 1978. The early 1980's saw them leading small groups through the land of Israel, until 1988, when they made the commitment to enter full-time ministry, and that's where they are today, 20 years later, still leading "pilgrims" through the Holy Land, up to six times a year!

From the website:

It was in 1991 that he was officially introduced to congregational and ministry leadership in Israel, beginning in the Galilee. God has bound their hearts together with the leaders since that time and Operation Outreach now has the privilege of regular bi-monthly correspondence with over 60 ministries. It is out of these communications that the bi-monthly ISRAEL PRAYER WATCH (IPW) has been put together since its first issue in February/March 1992. Presently there are close to 60 IPW Prayer Groups established with the majority being in Canada.

To read more about Operation Outreach, the various ministries, resources, events, tours, to donate or contact them, check out Operation Outreach online, AND - if you're a "primetimer" make sure you come out on October 22 for tea, fellowship, and to hear more from the Williamson's and their involvement in and with Israel.

Missions Conference 2008

This year's Missions Conference is coming up soon, and Brett and I thought it would be helpful to post some additional content for you to check out as the week approaches.

Before we get to the first speaker, here's a run-down of the week:

Sunday, October 19, 2008 (10:50am) Dr. John Howarth
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 (2:00pm) Primetimers Tea with Clyde Williamson
Thursday, October 23, 2008 (7:00pm) Ladies Night with Lisa Cowling
Saturday, October 25, 2008 (8:30am) Men's Breakfast with Bob Cowling
Saturday, October 25, 2008 (6:00pm) Dinner Theatre by Revelation
Sunday, October 26, 2008 (10:50am) Rabbi Jeff Forman



Our first speaker is Dr. John Howarth, the Executive Director of Christians United for Israel - Canada. Christians United for Israel - Canada (CUFI - Canada) is a non-denominational coalition of individual Christians and Christian organizations from across Canada dedicated to actively supporting the Nation of Israel and its People. CUFI - Canada is affiliated with Christians United for Israel - America an umbrella organization representing a number of groups and leaders - including John Hagee, Pat Robertson, Jack Hayford - with a collective membership of more than 40 million.

Click here for an article that Dr. Howarth penned.

Click here for more information CUFI.

Stay tuned - more Missions Conference information coming soon!!

Alibis

As a family counselor I meet a lot of families, and each family I meet has encountered some type of problem, some big, some small. Most families I meet are very amiable, talkative and well-meaning. Most are trying to hide something. On a rare occasion the family will come right out and tell you what’s going on – the cold, hard truth. It’s usually pretty shocking; especially when it’s something truly sad or tragic, sometimes it’s horrific, and sometimes it’s completely, jaw-dropping-bizarre.

It gets me thinking.

Lately I’ve been thinking about authenticity; how hard it is to be transparent… honest… real. The things people don’t want me to know – that’s usually what I need to know first. Often, the challenging part of my job is earning enough of people’s trust, so they’ll share with me what’s really going on.

In a way, if we’re honest, we’re all a little like that… we hide… we deceive.

I was reminded of my own tendency to hide, to hide from God, from myself, from others. I heard a song – and I won’t use this space to promote the artist, but it’s worth noting the album’s title - “Fix me”. We all need fixing, don’t we? Here’s a little piece of the song “Alibis”.

This is not the man I hoped to be
And I'm just trying to stop the bleeding
I don't know how to word it
I just started to deserve it
And all my, all my faces are alibis
And me, I'm half the man I wanted to be

Most times it all comes out wrong
I don't know the words but I'll hum along
There's nothing familiar here anymore…

So what am I? What am I? So What Am I?

And all my, all my faces are alibis
This is not the man I hoped to be
And I'm just trying to stop the bleeding
I don't know how the words go
I just started not to say no

And I feel so … worthless
Another day is gone and all my faces are alibis
all my faces are alibis…

and me, I'm half the man I wanted to be

These words resonate with me. I listen to the song, over and over, rolling it around my mind. Am I the man I want to be? More importantly, am I the man God wants me to be? What a humbling thought.

I don’t know the words, but I’ll hum along… Yeah, I’ve done that. You have too. Say the right thing. Wear the right clothes. Show up at the right meeting. Shake hands and smile… “Oh, I’m just fine thank you... how are you? Good? Oh, that’s nice to hear…” Talk the talk. Try to fit in. All of it … alibis… just a different face you put on. Happy. Competent. Popular. Intelligent. Christian? It’s time to take a good look in the mirror; time to rid ourselves of our excuses, our deceit, our alibis; time to be genuine.

I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul; I’ll quote from Romans 7:15, 24-25a.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

We have a hard time being authentic don’t we. The song above echoes Paul’s thoughts… “What a wretched man I am!” (“And I feel so … worthless”). But unlike the song, Paul gives us hope – we can be rescued from our alibis – our sin! Jesus Christ sees through our defenses, through all of our faces, the façade - and will reconcile us to Him! If only we humble ourselves… if only we are willing to confess – to admit our guilt, to confess our alibis and accept His forgiveness.

As I search my own heart before God, and work towards an honest “face” – one without an alibi – not only to my family and friends, not only to myself, but to God… will you join me? Will you bow your head, bend your knee and confess to Jesus your alibis? God knew you before you were born (Ps. 139:13), He knows you now – Man looks at the outward appearance, He sees your heart (1 Sam. 16:7b), it’ll come as no surprise to Him.

Let’s learn to be authentic. Let’s learn together in community.

Christians Under Attack

Late last week I came across an article in the Spectator (found here) about the persecution of the church in India. Surprisingly (at least it was surprising to me), the Sikh PM of India called the attacks "acts of national shame". Even though India considers itself a "secular state... multireligious, multicultural", Christians are being physically attacked, churches are being damaged, and at least one person is dead. "Hindu hardliners" are blamed for these attacks that have destroyed church buildings, driven people into the wilderness and left many dead.

We are so blessed to be in a country where we face very little overt persecution. This type of conflict is far too common in other countries and we need to be reminded of it. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters across the world. Please read the article and be in prayer.

Unite in Worship

Well here's some exciting news! On October 17 & 18, two of Christian music's finest will be coming to a town near you! Paul Baloche (right) and Robin Mark (below) will be leading worship at the Unite in Worship conference in Cambridge, ON. Click on the link for more information about the schedule of events that are happening - there are lots of seminars to attend for those who are interested! Just want to attend the concerts? For $20 each, you can worship live with these amazing artists! Buy your tickets online here.

Who's Paul Baloche? Well, this rugged looking guy (above) penned "Open the Eyes to my Heart, Lord" and "Above All" - both in regular rotation at Westside! Paul will be leading worship on Saturday, October 18!


Recognize this guy? Well, if not, you'll recognize his music! Robin Mark wrote the popular "Days of Elijah" and is well known for his Celtic worship style. He'll travel from Belfast, Northern Ireland to be in Cambridge, ON this month at the Unite in Worship conference. He'll be leading worship on Friday, October 17!


Want more music? Check them out on myspace.com - Robin and Paul !!

The Beginning

Blogging. I never thought in a million years, that I - Paul - would be ... a blogger. I have to suppress a slight shudder at the thought of jumping on the blog-wagon (hah, bandwagon/blogwagon, get it? ... nevermind... *sigh*). In any case, here I am, writing my very first blog entry.

So why blog? Many of you may be acquainted with the work of John Piper and the Desiring God Ministry. On their website, they list 6 reasons why pastors should blog. Though I am not a pastor, I believe that a blog for our church family could be extremely valuable. From the Desiring God website (www.desiringgod.org), here's why:

1. ...to write.
2. ...to teach.
3. ...to recommend.
4. ...to interact.
5. ...to develop an eye for what is meaningful.
6. ...to be known.

At the desiringgod.org website they go into more detail about these ideas, but in brief, we (the leaders at Westside) want to write - to encourage, to inspire, to be transparent, and to inform. We want to teach - to help our family grow in their faith and in their relationship with The Creator, The One True God. We want to recommend authors, musicians, podcasts and other media that will help you in your walk with God. We want to interact - to build community and to foster honest and meaningful relationships. We want to develop an eye for that which is meaningful - to be discerning and find truth. And finally, we want to be known - we want people in our family and community to know us - that they may know our Saviour through us.

My hope is that this blog will help, teach, convict, inspire and encourage us as we navigate our daily lives, trusting in Him.

Stay tuned... I encourage you to bookmark this site, and make it a part of your regular "internetting". More to come shortly...