Weston Park Baptist Church

The message of the incarnation of Christ comes to us in a variety of texts including the Gospel nativity stories as well as texts from the Epistles. Today we begin with a Pauline text from Philippians which simply reminds us that, God is near (Philippians 4:5). In this passage we are encouraged to live in joy, peace and gratitude all because Jesus is near to us in time and space. Jesus is near therefore we do not have to live in fear or be controlled by our anxious hearts. Rather, we are able to live with tranquil and quiet hearts because Jesus is near to us in every situation we face.

The writer of Deuteronomy invites us to remember Gods blessings in our lives remember and not forget. In my mind this is a needed exhortation because frequently we do forget all the blessings we have received from God. Instead, we focus on the problems we are facing in the moment or we become distracted by the busyness (and projects) we are running in the present. The invitation from the sacred text is to remember and reflect upon Gods goodness that we experience in our day to day. In the prosperous or challenging times do not lose sight of the truth that we are sheltered in Gods hands and he will see us through to the completion of our days.

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Pastor Edson Torres is preachinfg this Sunday. Pastor Edson is the pastor of Projeto Restaurando Vidas, the Brazilian Portuguese church that worships at Weston Park.

Jesus leaves the upper room with his disciples and they pass through the Kidron Valley on the way to the garden of Gethsemane. It is a time of preparation for our Lord as he steels himself for the onslaught to come. He knows very well that Judas is intent on betraying him to the authorities and his demise is certain. Yet he is committed to protecting his disciples and submitting himself to Gods redemptive plans. For Jesus, the valley of preparation is the valley of descent in which he (the Good Shepherd) lays down his life for his sheep.

God has a vision for us a greater arch that stretches over our lives to give us meaning and purpose. The question we face is; will we discern this greater purpose? The prophet Isaiah speaks about such a purpose in his phrase the valley of vision. It describes a life lived open to Gods movements in our spirits, hearts and minds when we live this way the Spirit has freedom to lead and guide us in Gods ways. May we tear down the walls that separate us from God and become one with him in purpose and compassion for others.

Our loving God travels with us in solidarity knowing all about our weaknesses and anxious hearts. He travels with us in our valleys of discouragement and resistance always ready to renew our hearts. The prophet Isaiah underlines this truth as he affirms that the Valley of Discouragement will become a place of refreshment and repose. Our ultimate state is not one of sadness or conflict but one of shalom, joy and abundance all flowing from the hand of our creative, saving God.

Gods word to us is always one of hope. It is a message of Do not fear but keep trusting in the goodness and grace of God. It is a message of love and acceptance in spite of the waywardness of ones past. Truly God is our Good Shepherd who has revealed himself in the Good Shepherd of Galilee (Joh 10). It is this message of comfort and acceptance that the prophet Isaiah extends to the people of exile (of any age) a true message of homecoming and love.

We live our lives as passing guests before our living God. During our life pilgrimage we are invited to come into a relationship with God so that we know him more and more through each passing day. At times our days are blessed and joyful and at other times we experience seasons of aridness and tears. But through it all God remains our loving God who shelters us in every season of life.

Last Week we considered the valley of darkness and this week, the valley of victory. Life often presents itself in such a manner - we travel from the mist and move into clarity. When we enjoy such seasons of victory and strength we need to be especially cognizant of God's blessings and goodness to us. David models such a thankful heart as he praises God for his gracious gifts - especially for God's steady love and his faithful presence.

We all travel through the valley of darkness at some point in our lives. It can take the form of depression, anxiety, sickness, loss, loneliness there is no end to the shades of darkness we can experience. What we know is that God travels with us as a companion through it all. He is a faithful Shepherd and Friend who accompanies us at every step of our life journey. As a result we can make our way in confidence and hope because we never face anything alone.

The Apostle Paul recognizes that the body of Christ (the Church) is not going to agree on everything (it never has!) Differences of opinion even on key matters have always existed in the community of faith. The initiation is to always hold on to what connects us which is our shared life in Jesus Christ (living and dying in the Lord). Indeed, we are commanded to respect everyone and to live in love with all even with those who hold different ideas and practices of the Christian journey of faith.

Rev. Karen Fox is a Chaplain at Baycrest health sciences centre for older adults providing all levels of living and care. Today Karen will be using a variety of Gospel text to consider the topic, "While on the Journey". We appreciate Karen's involvement in our church community over the years and look forward to what God has laid on her heart to share with us.

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In the early church Christians were known as people of love: love was the rubric of the church of Christ. Today, we must pause and ask ourselves if we are truly known as a people of love. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to "wake up" to our fundamental calling to be lovers of God and our neighbour. Nothing is more important than this essential quality. It is love which will transform our world from being a place of darkness and despair into a place of light and hope.

The Apostle Paul invites us to make our declaration of faith clearly and boldly. We are to say our great yes and not a banner no! and this yes is to be repeated each and every day. It is this energetic dynamic which is to characterize both our relationship with our loving Abba and our service for his kingdom.

The season of Pentecost teaches us that the Spirit of Jesus is with us in whatever situation we face. In Romans, the Apostle Paul especially notes that the Spirit helps us in our weakness whatever form of weakness we are facing in this moment. The Spirit is our Helper to give us the strength we need to become overcomers in Jesus name.