July 9 – We are being watched

From time to time people are caught invading the privacy of others with hidden cameras or microphones. But though many Canadians don’t realize it, we are all being watched by the Communications Security Establishment Canada which mines the data associated with the calls, texts and instant message Canadians exchange. The way we spend our money, the things we look at online or share via email, even the stuff we "like" is being tracked, compiled and catalogued by private companies. Unfortunately, the information passed on is often not for our good. But there is good news. We are also constantly under the searchlight of One who has only good intentions and wants the very best for us. Job of old wrote,” His eyes are on the ways of man and He sees all his steps.” And Solomon wrote, “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” So if we are in a right relationship with Him, we have nothing to fear. If not, Jesus is able to change our situation if we are willing to be changed.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 8 – Nik Wallenda on Fear

Nik Wallenda said “ I would say the only thing I fear is God.” The Florida based daredevil, acrobat and heir to the famed Flying Wallendas circus family is not afraid to do things most of us would not consider.. He was not afraid when he walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope, or riding a bike on a high wire 80 meters above ground or hanging from a hovering helicopter by his teeth. And Wallenda, a devout Christ follower is on the right track and wise, when he says that he fears the Lord, because the Bible tells us, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil,” and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Thoughtful people will also fear the Lord for another reason. Luke, a Medical doctor wrote in the book of Acts, “…. anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to him. And “doing what is right” is acknowledging our spiritual poverty, and asking Christ to be our Savior.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 5 – 2500 Year Old Mummy

A twenty-five hundred year old Egyptian mummy, a gift to the Massachusetts General hospital from the City of Boston in 1823, came out of his coffin recently for cleaning and restoration. But afterward, the mummy will still be a dead man. There are really only two kinds of people in this world- the spiritually alive and the spiritually dead. Those who have entered into a personal relationship with Christ are fully alive. Those who have not are only physically alive. Paul explained this in his letter to the Ephesian church. He described them before they had come to Christ- “…at that time you were without Christ, being aliens….and strangers …having no hope and without God in the world..” Then speaking of the spiritually alive he wrote, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins… But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Are you dead or alive?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 4 – No Respecter of Persons

In Sweden, not even a Princess can get away with breaking the traffic laws. Princess Madeleine was recently pulled over and faces a $150 fine for driving in a bus lane. The law is no respecter of persons. God, in His love and mercy has provided one way to heaven. He did that by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to take our place on the Cross, and pay the price we could not afford. If He had declared that we could buy our way to heaven, the rich would have had the advantage. If we could work our way to heaven, only industrious would make it. No, God in His wisdom tells us there is only one way for everyone. We are to confess our spiritual p0overty, admit we are sinners by nature and by choice, by faith receive Jesus, who took the punishment for us, and accept the gift of eternal life. God’s Word informs us that, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 3 – Counterfeits

The Bank of Canada claims that the new polymer bank notes are the most secure series ever issued. But apparently some counterfeiters did not know. Several fake 100 dollar bills are circulating in British Columbia. Sometimes it is hard to tell the fake from the real thing. But put a counterfeit next to a legitimate bill, the difference is obvious to most. Similarly, there are many” counterfeit Christians too. They look very good in their own eyes but put them beside a real Christian, and it’s not hard to see the difference. That’s because a real Christians have acknowledged their spiritual bankruptcy, humbly cry out to the Lord for forgiveness and a home in heaven. God has promised, “Call to me and I will answer you.” That’s how we become children of God. There then follows a life demonstrating love, faith, joy peace and a genuine trust in God. Someone has well said, “Christians are not perfect, they’re just forgiven.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 2 – Stronger than the Storm

U.S. President Obama and New Jersey Governor Christ Christie toured sites along the New Jersey shore hit hard by last year’s super storm “Sandy.” They again reviewed the damage and gave a message of hope. Saying, “We are committed to the Federal government making the Jersey Shore stronger than it was before. Adding “After all you’ve been through, we know you are stronger than the storm.” Well, although the forces of nature can be very destructive, they do not compare with the storms that life can throw at us- such as despair, death, pain, and sorrow. And we do not have the strength in ourselves to survived the storms of life. Only God can make us “stronger than the storm.” Listen to these words: “Their soul melts because of trouble…and they are at their wit’s end. Then they cry out to the Lord and He brings them out of their distress and calms the storm…”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

July 1 – Lunar View

A telescope set to launch to the moon in 2015 will allow the public to view the earth from the lunar surface. People will see the images they’ve never been able to see before. Talk about a different perspective! As we gain more knowledge about space, the theory that this vast universe just happened by a gigantic accident becomes more and more ridiculous, even though believed by sincere, educated, intelligent people. The Bible assures us, that we can lift up our eyes on high and see who has created all things. Isaiah, in the Bible, explains that it is “by the greatness of His might and strength of His power…the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator. ”Whether we look up from the earth or down from the moon, the evidence is everywhere that God is our Creator, and that He has sent His Son to this world to prepare us for the next life. Since we are alive, there is still time to “seek the Lord while He may be found.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

June 28 – UN Says Eat Insects

A new United Nations report, Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security". says it is important we eat insects to help the Earth. It gave three reasons why we should be adding insects to our diet. The first is they are good for our health. "Insects are healthy, nutritious alternatives to mainstream staples such as chicken, pork, beef and even fish." The second reason is they are better for the environment than breeding cows, sheep, and other animals. Finally, "insect farming" would help millions of poor families around the world eat and start a small business. But here is another suggestion for a healthy diet. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In other words, make Bible reading a part of our spiritual diet. There we learn that in God’s eyes we are spiritual paupers. But there we also learn of His grace and willingness to cleanse, forgive and fit us for heaven. What a meal!

Pastor Alex Rockwell

June 27 – Secular Humanism

Have you ever noticed that most of the material in the print and broadcast media which feeds our minds and that of our children is ant-Christian, and sympathetic to an immoral lifestyle? Ever asked yourself why? According to author and film-maker Dr. Timothy LaHaye, known for his book “Battle for the Mind” and his involvement with the movie “ Left Behind,” the answer is Secular Humanism, which leaves God and His Word out and places man at the center. Humanism says mans is basically good and able to handle things. We don’t need God, while God’s Word says, “…from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Do you suppose that leaving God out and putting man in charge is the reason this world is in such a mess?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

June 26 – Honesty the Best Policy

Patty Wesner of Greenwich New York had an unusual experience recently. A Brink’s truck she was following hit a bump in the road, and it’s back door flew open. Then, to her surprise, thousands of dollar bills came fluttering out. She honked her horn, but the Brinks driver did not hear her. She pulled over, gathered as much of the money as she could and called 911. Soon a New York State Police trooper and two other policemen arrived, gathered up the rest of the loose money and located the Brink’s drivers. All of the $11,000 lost was recovered. In appreciation, Brink’s donated $2,500 to the community library where Patty Wesner is executive director. For Patty, honesty was the best policy. But even when it does not result in an immediate reward, honesty is still the best policy. It’s more important when it comes to being honest with God. When we admit our spiritual poverty and our need for a personal relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Alex Rockwell