“Stop acting rich and start living rich like a real millionaire.” That is a statement in a book written by author Thomas J. Stanley, PhD. He speaks of people who prefer to become rich rather than just acting rich. He counsels, if you want to become a real millionaire, look for quality not glitter and squirrel away your savings. That’s an interesting philosophy which, I’m sure will stimulate quite a few of his readers. It would be considered good advice for this life, if that is your goal in life. But it is much different when we consider being rich in the life to come. Jesus advised, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also.” In another place, Jesus asked rhetorically, “what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Good question. Remember please, you and I are going to live somewhere forever. Are you living for time or eternity

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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“One must never lose hope, always look forward to tomorrow because it’s a brand new day and anything is possible.” Marilee (Merrily) Arsenault of Tignish PEI made that comment last Fall, after PEI health authorities added Revlimid and nine other new medications to its provincial High Cost and Catastrophic Drug program. It was wonderful news for Marilee and her family. Her husband Gary suffers from multiple myeloma and can now receive appropriate treatment with this drug. Often in this old world, we lose hope and conclude there are no answers to our problems. If you are in what seems like an impossible situation please remember Marilee Arsenault’s words, “one must never lose hope…anything is possible.” Jesus once said, “ with God all things are possible.” When we are in a right relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, He walks with us through our problems, He knows what is ahead and gives us His grace to help in time of need. Reach out to Jesus- He’s reaching out to you.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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The Cape Bear Lighthouse was constructed in 1881 in Cape Bear, on the southeast cliff of Prince Edward Island. Last month, it was relocated off that cliff to a more secure site. This spring it will be moved to its new site on the property once owned by the two former keepers, Thomas Munn and Luther Jorden. Wallace Jorden, who lives in the area, has been involved in the relocation, and said recently, “Plans are to develop a Heritage Project that will preserve the traditions and values of the forefathers to the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.” Pastor Jorden adds, “lighthouses remind us of God’s love. Like the bright shining beam of a lighthouse, His love reaches out, piercing through the darkness and dangers of the fiercest storm.” Our Lord said “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Whenever we see one of these shoreline beacons, let’s remember that Jesus is the ultimate Lighthouse.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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It has been called “The moment that changed America on November 22, 1963. In a matter of seconds beloved John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States was dead. Shot by a bolt action rifle. America would never be the same again. It was indeed a life changing, historical event. But there was another death which has produced even greater change, not only for America, but the entire world. I refer of course to that dark day in Israel, when Jesus died on a cross. Peter wrote, “…Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death …” Isaiah explained, “ He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Paul put is simply, “Christ died for our sins.” And John tells how to access that death, with the words, “..that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” That moment at Calvary changed my life. It can change yours too!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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The cover of Time Magazine said “Broken Promises”. The story quotes a promise made by President Obama when introducing the infamous Obamacare. He said, “If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.” Many Americans, including former President Clinton, now know that promise was not kept.. Many politicians make promises they do not to keep, resulting in deep mistrust of those who hold office. But how wonderful that we have a heavenly Father who always keeps His promises. Joshua wrote, “…you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you; all have come to pass.” One promises made to Israel, while they were still scattered throughout the world. was that He would one day restore them to their own land-Palestine. That promise was laughed at by scoffers until May of 1948 when the State of Israel was formed, just as the Bible prophesied. We can trust God in this life, and for the next one. He promises, “whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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"We are unable to provide coverage for any medical expenses incurred… Those words from a health insurance representative were received by a medical centre in Honolulu. They referred to a Saskatchewan couple, Jennifer Hucalak and her husband Darren Kimmel. As a result of the Insurance company’s decision, the couple has been hit with nearly $1 million in medical fees, after the premature birth of their daughter Reece, and other medical complications, resulting in a prolonged stay in hospital. Unable to pay, the couple was considering bankruptcy. Let’s hope for a happy ending. This unfortunate incident reminds us that every single one of us has a debt we are unable to pay. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners, by nature and by choice. Face it- you and I are spiritually bankrupt, unable to pay our debt to God. But our story can have a happy ending, since God’s Word says that, while true that “the wages of sin is death” the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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He went to a grocery store and picked up a nice looking fruit basket. But to his surprise, he learned it was not for sale- because it was not real fruit, just an imitation for demo purposes. This was amusing, but provides some important reminders. Sometimes imitations look like the real thing. They are good to look at, but bring only temporary satisfaction. These reminders are important with life in general, but even more so when pertaining to things eternal. John in his letter, cautioned, “… do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” The major area where false prophets err is teaching that doing good works opens the door to heaven. They hide clear Bible verses such as this one – “…not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” The clear truth is “by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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“It can be by design, accident, choice or habit…there are those among us who live very solitary lives… some even in isolation.” That is a story about Maritimers who, for whatever reason, live lives as “loners” or as they are now described, “outliers.” Sometimes this is a result of ageing, bereavement, disability, or just personal preference. While it is true that we are social creatures, we also crave by times, quietness and time for reflection. No matter what type of person we are, our ultimate peace and rest will be found only through a proper relationship with the Heavenly Father. The Psalmist wrote of this as follows- “My soul rests in God alone; my salvation comes from Him…He alone is my rock and my salvation…” Then the Psalmist urges all, to “trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts to Him for God is our refuge.” What a beautiful invitation from the Lord. Come to Him with your heartaches, your burdens, yes, even your sins. He is ready to forgive and welcome home, the humble and sincere of heart.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Someone recently sent me the story of a little girl who wanted to know what the United States looked like. So she kept asking her father. Finally, wanting to get back to his reading, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the USA. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to her and said, ”Go into the other room and see if you can put this together.” Soon, she returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The surprised father asked how she had finished so quickly. ”Oh,” she said, “on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.” There is an important lesson here. When we give Christ His rightful place in our lives, everything else comes together. Paul urged, “that in all things He (Christ) might have the preeminence.”( Or first place) in our lives. And Jesus, said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Undertakers are now called morticians. Janitors are now called custodians, and garbage men are referred to as sanitary engineers. Those, and other name changes are apparently intended to rid those respectable occupations of a supposed lack of dignity. But in spite of the new titles, the work is the same. Another word that is being pushed aside is the little word “sin.” We are embarrassed by it, think it’s old fashioned and politically incorrect. Some are more comfortable admitting mistakes, errors or lapses of judgment. Anything but sin. but the reality is that sin is still sin- a transgression of God’s laws. The Bible does some straight talking that cuts through our little word games. It reminds us- “Be sure your sin will find you out,” and “the soul that sins shall die.” The prudent acknowledge sin’s reality and ask God’s forgiveness. I urge you to stop playing word games with God. Admit your sin and turn to Jesus Christ, the answer to the sin question.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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