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reflection articles
These REFLECTIONS are also posted on the @cochraneministerial FB page and here for your easy access. We would love to hear from you. Each article is signed so you can also contact directly the author if desired
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KNOX CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH - Jan 11, 2021
Changing Plans
It’s an understatement to say life doesn’t always go as planned. That’s not easy, but ultimately it’s for the best. The Lord said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). One time Augustine had prepared to preach on Psalm 138 but the public reader inadvertently read Psalm 139. Calmly, Augustine instead preached from Psalm 139 saying; “we have deemed it preferable to see in the reader’s mistake a sign of the will of God and to follow that, rather than to do our own will by sticking to our original plan.”
[Biblical Queen] Esther is a case study in unanticipated turns in life. Lee Fields observes; “Esther had been taken into the Persian harem and forced to play the new-queen beauty contest, and she successfully won the favor of the ruthless and lustful king Xerxes. The mystery of a combination of circumstances beyond her control and her own comportment had brought her to a moment of decision, a moment that will forever change her life and the lives of untold others.” Mordecai recognized the providential hand of God at work; “For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Like Esther, circumstances beyond our control combined with our own morally ambiguous decisions has brought us to today. We can’t change our circumstances, nor can we undo our past, but we trust; “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Much is beyond our control, but each day provides opportunity to live for the Lord through obedience to his Word. Life may not be perfect, but it can be purposeful.
Clint Sheehan
Changing Plans
It’s an understatement to say life doesn’t always go as planned. That’s not easy, but ultimately it’s for the best. The Lord said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). One time Augustine had prepared to preach on Psalm 138 but the public reader inadvertently read Psalm 139. Calmly, Augustine instead preached from Psalm 139 saying; “we have deemed it preferable to see in the reader’s mistake a sign of the will of God and to follow that, rather than to do our own will by sticking to our original plan.”
[Biblical Queen] Esther is a case study in unanticipated turns in life. Lee Fields observes; “Esther had been taken into the Persian harem and forced to play the new-queen beauty contest, and she successfully won the favor of the ruthless and lustful king Xerxes. The mystery of a combination of circumstances beyond her control and her own comportment had brought her to a moment of decision, a moment that will forever change her life and the lives of untold others.” Mordecai recognized the providential hand of God at work; “For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Like Esther, circumstances beyond our control combined with our own morally ambiguous decisions has brought us to today. We can’t change our circumstances, nor can we undo our past, but we trust; “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Much is beyond our control, but each day provides opportunity to live for the Lord through obedience to his Word. Life may not be perfect, but it can be purposeful.
Clint Sheehan
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Jan. 4, 2021
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Dan. 12:3 ESV This is one of those sparkly verses in Scripture that radiate enduring brightness. I love the symbolism of light. The two preceding verses peak of times of difficulty and the resurrection, but the passage ends on wisdom and present the principal goal of Christianity – turning many to righteousness. Fascinating isn’t it? The blessing of God is not mentioned for those who win Scripture debate contests. Instead, God values faith that changes people by example. As we have just stepped through the doorway of a new year, it’s a good time to pause and take stock of what we value, how we spend our time. Faith is founded on God’s words, not ours. He speaks truth that we can count on. Truth for doctrine, truth for living all week long. The sharing of faith is a role that belongs to you and to me. God gives us a context for how we are to do that. While faith comes from the WORD of God (Rom. 10:17), it is the life witness of the individual Christian that will make this faith appealing to others. This means that how you and I live this year will either turn many to righteousness or turn them away. If we are wise, we will choose to show faith more than speak about it. Talk is cheap. Actions are what count. By spending time sharing with others online or in person, depending on circumstances, as a neighbour and friend, we are doing our part in God’s plan of salvation. In a moment of crisis, you, I, can be a glimmer of hope for those nearby. Why not become the preferred friend in difficult days? Listening accomplishes more than speaking. You and I can shine brightly in our life of compassion for others. Shall we make 2021 the year of living compassionately on our street, in our neighbourhood, among our friends? Let it shine (Matt. 5:16)!
Mark Johnson, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada
NEW HOPE COMMUNITY - Dec 30, 2020
The End is the Beginning
2020 is ending, and many would say “good riddance” as our world has experienced challenges responding to COVID-19. While it stretched our limits and patience as personal freedoms were being sacrificed for greater good, there was no doubt that in the testing and stretching, many new things were developed to strengthen our global community. No doubt new appreciation for simple freedoms was experienced, and many good things in communication and sharing have been born out of the ashes.
With the birth of new things, sometimes older things, even good things, come to an end. So it is with this Reflection article spot in the Newspaper. Over the last year we have interviewed many and found that in most cases the article was unknown or unread. CAMA decided this year that there now existed more efficient ways to communicate event news as well as messages of God’s love and guidance. We have created a cochranechurches.com website as well as an @cochraneministerail FaceBook page, both of which will be used by all interested churches of the community, to share a weekly reflection. We have also rented the ‘road-sign’ at the Westway Hotel parking lot beside the Tim Horton’s Drive-thru, for the first week of every month. The churches will take turns highlighting Christian community insights and highlights. So thank you for your patronage over the last 30 or so years. Thank you to the Cochrane Times-Post for keeping space for us. And thank you to our Lord Jesus, who continues to offer hope and welcome to all those who are broken and lost. He is and will always be, “the Way, the Truth and the Life” for all who seek God!
Pastor Robert Cox – New Hope Community Church
and Cochrane Ministerial Association (CAMA)
The End is the Beginning
2020 is ending, and many would say “good riddance” as our world has experienced challenges responding to COVID-19. While it stretched our limits and patience as personal freedoms were being sacrificed for greater good, there was no doubt that in the testing and stretching, many new things were developed to strengthen our global community. No doubt new appreciation for simple freedoms was experienced, and many good things in communication and sharing have been born out of the ashes.
With the birth of new things, sometimes older things, even good things, come to an end. So it is with this Reflection article spot in the Newspaper. Over the last year we have interviewed many and found that in most cases the article was unknown or unread. CAMA decided this year that there now existed more efficient ways to communicate event news as well as messages of God’s love and guidance. We have created a cochranechurches.com website as well as an @cochraneministerail FaceBook page, both of which will be used by all interested churches of the community, to share a weekly reflection. We have also rented the ‘road-sign’ at the Westway Hotel parking lot beside the Tim Horton’s Drive-thru, for the first week of every month. The churches will take turns highlighting Christian community insights and highlights. So thank you for your patronage over the last 30 or so years. Thank you to the Cochrane Times-Post for keeping space for us. And thank you to our Lord Jesus, who continues to offer hope and welcome to all those who are broken and lost. He is and will always be, “the Way, the Truth and the Life” for all who seek God!
Pastor Robert Cox – New Hope Community Church
and Cochrane Ministerial Association (CAMA)
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - December 21 2020
Who is this Babe?
Who is this Babe in the manger in Bethlehem? Angels will tell us, He is the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11) Adam tells us: He is “The Seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15) Abraham states He is the King of Salem, the King of Peace (Heb. 7:1) Jacob informs us that He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. (Gen. 49:10) Mathew notifies us He is Immanuel, God with us. (Matt. 1:23) Isaiah assures us He is Almighty God Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Jeremiah enlightens us that He is “the Lord our Righteousness”. (Jer. 23:6) Daniel advises He is the Prince, the Anointed One. (Dan. 9:25) Hosea communicates to us that He is “the Lord God of hosts” (Hos. 12:5) John the Baptist declares “Behold the Lamb of God”. (John 1:29) And God Himself proclaims “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:17) Thus, we may well say, “This is Jesus Christ, our Saviour, our Redeemer and our adopted Big Brother! May the blessings of this Christmas Season bring each one, peace within our hearts, joy in our spirit, and love within and without.
Alison Down, Pastor, Seventh-day Adventist Church
Who is this Babe?
Who is this Babe in the manger in Bethlehem? Angels will tell us, He is the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11) Adam tells us: He is “The Seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15) Abraham states He is the King of Salem, the King of Peace (Heb. 7:1) Jacob informs us that He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. (Gen. 49:10) Mathew notifies us He is Immanuel, God with us. (Matt. 1:23) Isaiah assures us He is Almighty God Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Jeremiah enlightens us that He is “the Lord our Righteousness”. (Jer. 23:6) Daniel advises He is the Prince, the Anointed One. (Dan. 9:25) Hosea communicates to us that He is “the Lord God of hosts” (Hos. 12:5) John the Baptist declares “Behold the Lamb of God”. (John 1:29) And God Himself proclaims “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:17) Thus, we may well say, “This is Jesus Christ, our Saviour, our Redeemer and our adopted Big Brother! May the blessings of this Christmas Season bring each one, peace within our hearts, joy in our spirit, and love within and without.
Alison Down, Pastor, Seventh-day Adventist Church
KNOX - December 14 2020
The Advent of Liberty
Christmastime is here again and so it’s a good opportunity to remind ourselves of Zechariah’s prophecy
that Jesus would fulfil God’s promise “to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
would serve God without fear” (Luke 1:74). Jesus launched his public ministry declaring himself the
fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to bring
good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, to set free those who are
oppressed,” (Luke 4:14-21; Isaiah 61:1-9). Jesus did proclaim liberty for sinners; “Friend, your sins are
forgiven” (Luke 5:20). He also proclaimed liberty for the suffering; “Woman, you are freed from your
sickness” (Luke 13:12). Concerning the corpse of Lazarus dead three days, echoing the words of Moses
to Pharaoh, Jesus proclaimed “Unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44). These were not generic
platitudes but personal proclamations of genuine liberty to real individuals.
Through the First Advent, in Christ we have “been freed from sin and enslaved to God” (Romans 6:22).
Through the Second Advent creation itself is going to be freed from the curse (Romans 8:18-25) and all
those in Christ will be liberated from all suffering when God “will dwell among His people, and wipe
away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any
mourning, or crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:3-4). Because Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus,
the Messiah and Savior who came to liberate, we can shout “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O
Death, is your sting? Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1
Corinthians 15:55-57).
ST PAUL'S UNITED - DEC 7 2020
Christmas Elves
Each year homes are visited by a Christmas Elf. For many years, I would see posts and advertisements for the “Elf on a Shelf”, a mischievous little fellow who would get himself into the most dubious of situations while cautioning the children in the home to “be good because he was Santa’s eyes and ears” and “I will be reporting to Santa about your behaviour each day.” Frankly the adventures that I would see this little elf get into did not sit well with me simply because I felt that the elf was not leading by example. When I became a grandmother, I searched for a different way to bring together the excitement of Santa’s impending visit and helping my grandchildren understand that the Christmas season is so much more than receiving. And we discovered the “Kindness Elves”. Their origin is not very clear but I used the story from Anna Ranson of the Imagination Tree and created homemade elves that come along on December 1st. They have been sent by Santa but they have daily missions for the children to accomplish. As each mission is completed, a link is added to a paper chain that is hung on the tree. When Santa comes to deliver the presents, he will see the chain and take his elf friends back to the North Pole knowing that the children have taken time to do good deeds for family and friends.
In the United Church, the first Sunday of Advent is ‘hope’. It is my hope that my grandchildren will discover with the help of their kindness elf, that the true message of Christmas is what we do for others. That even the youngest amongst us can follow in Christ’s footsteps and be a beacon of kindness in a challenging world. Here is a kindness elf mission for each of you: donate to a Cochrane charity this month. Times are hard for so many here in our little town and we all have something that we can share with others. Margaret Burkholder - Chair, St. Paul’s United Church
Christmas Elves
Each year homes are visited by a Christmas Elf. For many years, I would see posts and advertisements for the “Elf on a Shelf”, a mischievous little fellow who would get himself into the most dubious of situations while cautioning the children in the home to “be good because he was Santa’s eyes and ears” and “I will be reporting to Santa about your behaviour each day.” Frankly the adventures that I would see this little elf get into did not sit well with me simply because I felt that the elf was not leading by example. When I became a grandmother, I searched for a different way to bring together the excitement of Santa’s impending visit and helping my grandchildren understand that the Christmas season is so much more than receiving. And we discovered the “Kindness Elves”. Their origin is not very clear but I used the story from Anna Ranson of the Imagination Tree and created homemade elves that come along on December 1st. They have been sent by Santa but they have daily missions for the children to accomplish. As each mission is completed, a link is added to a paper chain that is hung on the tree. When Santa comes to deliver the presents, he will see the chain and take his elf friends back to the North Pole knowing that the children have taken time to do good deeds for family and friends.
In the United Church, the first Sunday of Advent is ‘hope’. It is my hope that my grandchildren will discover with the help of their kindness elf, that the true message of Christmas is what we do for others. That even the youngest amongst us can follow in Christ’s footsteps and be a beacon of kindness in a challenging world. Here is a kindness elf mission for each of you: donate to a Cochrane charity this month. Times are hard for so many here in our little town and we all have something that we can share with others. Margaret Burkholder - Chair, St. Paul’s United Church