Last month our daughter-in-law, May, rolled her car. A pickup truck following her closely, left the scene of the accident without stopping.. For a while she was unable to get out of her car, which landed on the driver’s side.. But a good man living across the road from where the accident occurred, saw it, helped her out of the car and called 911. An ambulance was soon on the way, and she received appropriate medical care. The event reminds one of the parable of the good Samaritan in the Bible, where a man was injured, and left on the side of a road. Two men passed him by. without helping. But another man, known as the good Samaritan, found him, had compassion and tended to his wounds. Those men who helped another person, both then and now, in that way are like our Lord. On one occasion, Jesus came upon some people in trouble. When He saw them, He was “moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd. “ If you are in trouble today, reach out to the Saviour. He’ll help you!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Many parts of the Maritimes, especially in rural areas do not have the same access to ambulance and hospital services as those who live in towns and cities. With this in mind, a Cavendish PEI couple have purchased an automatic External Defibrillator, a device used to restart the heart following cardiac arrest. They are also willing to share the life saving machine with others in their area should the need arise. This couple obviously believes in preparedness, an admirable and prudent characteristic. But while we all commend this thoughtful couple and have nothing but praise for them, many drift through life with no thought given to the next life. To such, James in the New Testament advised, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[a] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Remember –we are going to live somewhere forever.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Dr. Vanessa Brown, in her recent book “Cool Shades: The History and Meaning of Sun Glasses,” makes some interesting observations: Referring to sunglasses, she writes, “ In a fashion context, they draw attention to the eyes but render them unreadable, hence the mystique and “cool” factor. Then Ms. Brown adds, “No matter who’s looking, shades are the difference between being seen and being known.” It is true that people can only see us externally, when we wear sunglasses that shade our eyes, and they cannot really know us on the inside. But what is true of us, is not true of our Maker. David the Psalmist makes this clear, writing, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me…You understand my thought afar off…and are acquainted with all my ways.” As He looks into our hearts He sees much that displeases Him. But when we seek Him and call upon Him He has promised that He will “abundantly pardon.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Last month it was reported that the south coast of Haida Gwai is the likely epicenter of a future large earthquake and tsunami in British Columbia. Thomas James of the Geological Survey of Canada has studied the second biggest earthquake in Canadian history in 2012. He is convinced that the pressures that produce changes in the earth’s crust raise the possibility of future earthquakes and tsunamis in the region. His predictions follow a provincial government report which concluded that because of 20 years of staff cutbacks, B.C.s earthquake preparedness is inadequate. Not being prepared for the future possible disasters is a very serious condition. But not being prepared for the next life, which is a sure thing for all of us, is even more serious. Isaiah advised, us to “ seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near…for He will abundantly pardon.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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There is much talk today about “brain fitness.” Doctors tell us that our brains don’t grow old from working too hard, but rather from lack of exercise. Mindless hours in front of TV, avoiding mental stimulation can result in shrinking of the mind’s capacity. So they recommend thoughtful reading, rational thinking, intelligent analysis and conversation. And we should add another dimension- God’s Word, the Bible gives some excellent advice. Timothy urged, “Study (that is exert yourself mentally) to show yourself approved unto God. “Paul also put in his contribution, writing, “set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” When we learn about the God who made our brains, He has promised that He will renew our minds so that we no longer need to conform to the pattern of this world, but can be transformed by His power.” That’s because, as the writer of Hebrews says, “ The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Misao Okawa, died last month after observing her 117th birthday. Born in Osaka Japan on March 5,1898 Okawa was recognized as the world’s oldest living person by the Guinness Book of Records. Whether we have few, or many years on this earth, we have been given this time to do what Amos of old advised,- “prepare to meet your God.” The news of the long life and death of this lady gives us much to ponder. No matter how long or short our lives, each one of us has a rendezvous with the grim reaper, like it or not. Because of that, it is wise to heed the invitation in the Bible to “seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near,” and to take advantage of the truth that Our savior is “willing to save to the uttermost, all who come to God by Him.” Songwriter Ira Stanphill reminds us, “There’s room at the cross for you, There’s room at the cross for you. Though millions have come, there is still room for one, There is room at the cross for you.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Ray Hinton, 58 of Alabama, who served 30 years in prison for a murder he did not commit is free. As he was leaving Birmingham Jail, he was heard to say, “Thank-you Jesus.” Think of it- a wrongful conviction because of human error or worse cost this man 30 years of his life. How different it is with the Heavenly Father. One old Testament writer asked the rhetorical question, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” The answer is that He always does right. But there is another interesting fact that is in stark contrast to the sad story of innocent Ray Hinton’s release. He got the freedom He deserved and should have had long ago. I refer to the fact that all of us are guilty of wrong-doing before God, just like the two thieves on the Cross. Not one of us can claim that we are not sinners by nature and by choice. But because Jesus died on that Cross, He has made freedom for the guilty possible. Peter, himself forgiven, wrote, of Jesus, “He died the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God.” Though we are guilty, Jesus offers to make us free.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Right? Wrong! New research has found that daily apple eaters had as many doctor visits as others who ate fewer of no apples at all. So much for a quick fix by eating an apple a day for a healthy diet. But just as our physical bodies need a balanced diet for optimal health, so our spiritual needs require us to follow the only reliable rule book- the Bible- God’s inspired Word. Many, attempting to be pleasing to God, try the quick fixes of turning over a new leaf, giving to charities, attending church regularly or even being baptized. But God’s Rule Book tells us that self effort will never bring the desired result. How do I know that? The Book tells us that ”without faith it is impossible to please God.” He tells us that “there is none righteous, no not one.” And He tells us that when it comes to forgiveness and a home in heaven, “it is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy that He saves us.” That’s what the Good Book says.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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The Kohinoor Diamond is among the world’s most spectacular. It was first presented to Queen Victoria by the Maharajah of India, when he was just a boy. As a grown man, he visited her and asked to see the diamond. Taking it in his hand, he said, “Your majesty, I gave you this jewel as a child, but now, I give it to you in the fullness of my strength, with all my heart, affection and gratitude now and forever.” Those warm heartfelt words remind one of how every one of us should relate to our Heavenly Father, who made us, and watches over us daily. This precious diamond was given to Queen Victoria with affection and gratitude. And you and I can give our lives to our King Jesus with affection, and gratitude. In doing so, we can be very sure that whatever Queen Victoria did for the young Maharajah to earn such gratitude, cannot be compared with what the dear Lord Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for our sins. Let’s say with John, “We love Him because He first loved us.” And then let’s demonstrate that love in our daily lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo, of Guyana, was a brilliant lawyer, politician and diplomat with a long and successful career. Guinness Book of Records named him “the world’s greatest lawyer.” And what does the “world’s greatest lawyer” say about the Resurrection of Christ ? Here are his amazing words. “I have spent more than 42 years as a defense lawyer, appearing in many parts of the world. I have been fortunate to secure a number of successes in jury trials and I say unequivocally the evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.” Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in me, shall never die. If you have been musing over whether or not there is life in the next world, may I invite you to consider this brilliant lawyer’s strong view about Jesus’ resurrection, and therefore that of believers. He is alive forevermore!

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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