OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #212 This Week’s Theme
Some weeks develop themes. This week’s theme for us seems to be saying goodbye.
On Monday we held the funeral service for Jan’s grandfather. He was a good and kind man who gave his heart to Jesus in his later years, so we have hope in the resurrection. As Paul reminds us, we do not grieve like those who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Jan sang and did the euology. The boys read scripture and were pallbearers. It was somehow strange and yet right to see our boys dressed in their suits as young men.
At the funeral I also spoke and used some of the tools he had given me when he downsized. He was a carpenter and gave me a level, hand saw, and some clamps. I used these as reminders of our faith. Just as the bubble on the level ensures that walls and floors are true and level, we will never be quite right until the bubble of our lives is centred on Jesus. The Bible is able to penetrate deeply into our hearts and lives just as the handsaw cuts sharply and quickly through wood. And finally, we need to remain clamped to Jesus during times of trouble and trials.
Today, Thursday, also fits the theme of saying goodbyes, although thankfully a funeral is not involved. We just came back from the airport where we said goodbye to our Japanese student. He has lived as part of our family for the last 51 weeks. In that time we have eaten many meals, laughed and argued, travelled and loafed together, and so it is not surprising that the water level behind our eyes was a little high as we waved from opposite ends of the security area. We pray for him and hope he will do well in life and keep in contact with us.
Tonight we’ll take it easy and get used to being on our own again. We have a week before our next student arrives and we’ll enjoy this time together.
A few days ago I came across this passage while I read through 1 Samuel again and it seems to fit. "Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (1Samuel 23:16*)
David’s situation was dire. Afraid for his life, he hid in the dessert with a faithful band of men around him. But it was a good friend who came alongside to give him that extra encouragement he needed. We would like to think that we are strong, independent, capable, able to stand alone. But the reality is that we need the help of others at our side to find strength, comfort and encouragement, not only in ourselves, but in God also. Our faith in God is closely tied to our relationship with others. We need each other.
It was good to spend time with Jan and her family. We are family together, and prop each other up when needed. And it will be good to stay close tonight. This is good, and the way God intended, to give strength to each other and bolster our faith.
I write these things because it helps me to write. But also, I’m one of those people who likes to stand tall on my own. I like being independent and able. Somewhere along the way, however, I have understood that it is good to let people come alongside for strength and support. In fact, I need it. I would hate to see someone miss out on the blessing of strength and comfort by holding others at arms length.
I hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Jan 14, 2010. Scripture references taken from the New International Version. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/
OnFire is an occasional letter on Christian faith and character
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
OnFire #211 Voices of Faith
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #211 Voices of Faith
Happy New Year!!!
We enjoyed Christmas very much. We didn’t go anywhere since we are usually wiped by the time Christmas arrives. That, plus Christmas was on Friday, making it hard to be back for Sunday. Taka, our Japanese student, seemed to enjoy Christmas. It was interesting for us to hear of the differences between cultures. We hope that he understands something about our faith in Jesus.
What did we do over the holiday? We worshipped, talked with relatives, ate, slept, watched old episodes of CHIPS, and ate some more. As I write, Jan and the boys are painting upstairs. Jan started this project a while ago and thought it would be good for them to help. They are doing a good job under Jan’s instruction. For part of a day, Ian and I went hunting and he finally got to fire the 12-guage shotgun. Fun stuff!
Finally, I have a new Introduction to Romans on my website. Check it out, along with other intros and an article on Basic Bible Reading Tips. http://onfireletter.com/page15.html
Blessings for your new year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan and I were engaged while I was in seminary. One day while we were hanging out in the student lounge, a classmate commented that her husband would soon be home from his 28-day shift at sea with the Coast Guard.
"28 days at sea. 28 days home. Yup, it’ll take me half of that to make him fit to live with."
There was something about the way that she said it that depressed us. We were happily engaged and she made marriage sound as if it was a bother and a big disappointment. Was this what we were getting into?
We called up a set of friends who, while married a dozen years, were so obviously in love with each other that it made us feel good to be around them. "We’re feeling kind of depressed. Can we come over?" They were great for us to be around.
This memory came to mind this week as I recalled the Nephilim in Numbers 13:33 (see also OnFire #47). Having returned from spying out the promised land, the 12 tribe leaders gave their reports. All agreed the land was good and they even had a cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry as proof.
The problem was that they saw descendants of Anak there. Anak himself was a descendant of another group of legendary people, the Nephilim. We don’t know a lot about them, but they were large and fierce. 10 of the spies spread a report that they could not go into the land because of the Nephilim.
Two of the spies, however, saw things differently. Joshua and Caleb knew that God would provide the victory and so they saw no reason to fear the Nephilim.
As I pondered these things this week, some new insights jumped out from Numbers 13 & 14.
First, we can’t go and stay. We often want things both ways. We want to change, but we want to stay the same. We want the new without changing the old. I call this "Wishing for the Divine 649." We have a national lottery in Canada called 649, which often runs into the tens of millions of dollars. Wouldn’t it be great to have a pile of money dumped into our laps without having to work, scrimp, or save? Change without change. The truth, however, is that sooner or later we have to face the "Nephilim" in our lives if we want to change.
Next, if we do not go, we stay. This is not as obvious as it sounds because we think that our good intentions let us hover between going and staying. "Someday I’ll get around to it." We think that if we say it this way, we are not deciding to stay, but we’re just fooling ourselves. If we don’t decide to go, we stay. If we want change to happen, we need to change. This means, of course, facing the Nephilim in our lives.
We need to find voices of faith and encouragement. Joshua and Caleb correctly believed God would give the victory. "If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD." (Numbers 14:8-9*) Unfortunately, the people did not listen and eventually died without going into the promised land.
Our problem is similar to the one in Joshua’s day. There were more who believed the Nephilim could not be defeated than those who believed God is bigger than our problems. We need to seek out the Joshua and Calebs so that we will be encouraged to trust God more.
As we stand just inside the borders of this new year land, may we encourage and strengthen each other so that our faith becomes stronger everyday. I hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Jan 4, 2010. Scripture references taken from the New International Version. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/
OnFire #211 Voices of Faith
Happy New Year!!!
We enjoyed Christmas very much. We didn’t go anywhere since we are usually wiped by the time Christmas arrives. That, plus Christmas was on Friday, making it hard to be back for Sunday. Taka, our Japanese student, seemed to enjoy Christmas. It was interesting for us to hear of the differences between cultures. We hope that he understands something about our faith in Jesus.
What did we do over the holiday? We worshipped, talked with relatives, ate, slept, watched old episodes of CHIPS, and ate some more. As I write, Jan and the boys are painting upstairs. Jan started this project a while ago and thought it would be good for them to help. They are doing a good job under Jan’s instruction. For part of a day, Ian and I went hunting and he finally got to fire the 12-guage shotgun. Fun stuff!
Finally, I have a new Introduction to Romans on my website. Check it out, along with other intros and an article on Basic Bible Reading Tips. http://onfireletter.com/page15.html
Blessings for your new year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan and I were engaged while I was in seminary. One day while we were hanging out in the student lounge, a classmate commented that her husband would soon be home from his 28-day shift at sea with the Coast Guard.
"28 days at sea. 28 days home. Yup, it’ll take me half of that to make him fit to live with."
There was something about the way that she said it that depressed us. We were happily engaged and she made marriage sound as if it was a bother and a big disappointment. Was this what we were getting into?
We called up a set of friends who, while married a dozen years, were so obviously in love with each other that it made us feel good to be around them. "We’re feeling kind of depressed. Can we come over?" They were great for us to be around.
This memory came to mind this week as I recalled the Nephilim in Numbers 13:33 (see also OnFire #47). Having returned from spying out the promised land, the 12 tribe leaders gave their reports. All agreed the land was good and they even had a cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry as proof.
The problem was that they saw descendants of Anak there. Anak himself was a descendant of another group of legendary people, the Nephilim. We don’t know a lot about them, but they were large and fierce. 10 of the spies spread a report that they could not go into the land because of the Nephilim.
Two of the spies, however, saw things differently. Joshua and Caleb knew that God would provide the victory and so they saw no reason to fear the Nephilim.
As I pondered these things this week, some new insights jumped out from Numbers 13 & 14.
First, we can’t go and stay. We often want things both ways. We want to change, but we want to stay the same. We want the new without changing the old. I call this "Wishing for the Divine 649." We have a national lottery in Canada called 649, which often runs into the tens of millions of dollars. Wouldn’t it be great to have a pile of money dumped into our laps without having to work, scrimp, or save? Change without change. The truth, however, is that sooner or later we have to face the "Nephilim" in our lives if we want to change.
Next, if we do not go, we stay. This is not as obvious as it sounds because we think that our good intentions let us hover between going and staying. "Someday I’ll get around to it." We think that if we say it this way, we are not deciding to stay, but we’re just fooling ourselves. If we don’t decide to go, we stay. If we want change to happen, we need to change. This means, of course, facing the Nephilim in our lives.
We need to find voices of faith and encouragement. Joshua and Caleb correctly believed God would give the victory. "If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD." (Numbers 14:8-9*) Unfortunately, the people did not listen and eventually died without going into the promised land.
Our problem is similar to the one in Joshua’s day. There were more who believed the Nephilim could not be defeated than those who believed God is bigger than our problems. We need to seek out the Joshua and Calebs so that we will be encouraged to trust God more.
As we stand just inside the borders of this new year land, may we encourage and strengthen each other so that our faith becomes stronger everyday. I hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Jan 4, 2010. Scripture references taken from the New International Version. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 21, 2009
OnFire #210 The Search for the Perfect Gift
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #210 The Search for the Perfect Gift
Last week I heard an interesting statistic. 40% of all Christmas gifts will be bought in the week before Christmas. The pressure is on to find the right gift for those we love at Christmas.
I always find it hard to shop for Jan because I never seem to know the right thing. Some years I have hit it right on the mark, and others were, well, a little off centre. I think my instincts are getting better. For instance, the other night Jan was folding clothes and pointed to our ancient cracked and worn baskets. "I could really use some new clothes baskets," she said.
"Are you trying to get me hurt?" I replied. "If you tell our friends that I got you clothes baskets for Christmas, I’ll never hear the end of it. And then the women at the church will hear, and I’ll get it from them, too." We both laughed because we knew it was true. "Maybe not for Christmas, then."
You may have seen the commercial on TV lately, where a couple stands in the window of their suburban home, watching the neighbours running and laughing in their yard. It is Christmas day and she is holding a food processor, while the neighbour’s wife is dancing for joy because of the new car she got for Christmas. The message is simple: buy her something she really wants. I have the feeling I’m not alone in my quest, but Jan and I have a commitment not to blow the budget at Christmas, so things like cars are definitely out.
Jan, on the other hand, has great instincts. She’ll shop all year long, seeing things on sale that she knows will really be appreciated. Tools always work for me. I love gadgets and things for the shop, such as it is. I’ve figured out the difference here between men and women. When Jan gave me a cordless drill last year, she was suggesting, "This is fun, so go along and play." If I get an appliance for Jan, like a vacuum cleaner, I’m saying, "Here is something so you can work a little harder." Like I said, I think my instincts are getting better, even if I still struggle.
We may struggle to find the perfect gift, but as we reflect on Christmas, let’s not forget that the perfect gift is not the one we give, but the one we get through Jesus Christ.
"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23*)
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones we get before we even realize we’re going to need them, like the boots we get just before the old ones fall apart. That’s the way it was with Jesus. Long before we even knew we needed a saviour, God sent Jesus.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
The wise men of the Christmas account got it right. Their search for the perfect gift ended with Jesus.
We’ll continue to do our shopping and wrapping and all that goes with Christmas, but sometime this season, we need to take time and thank God for His gift to us of Jesus Christ. It’s too easy to put it off or say, "Yeah, I know," and then do nothing about it. Let’s not forget to thank the One who gave us the best gift of all.
Blessings and merry Christmas from all of us here. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Dec 21, 2009. *Scripture taken from New International Version. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/
OnFire #210 The Search for the Perfect Gift
Last week I heard an interesting statistic. 40% of all Christmas gifts will be bought in the week before Christmas. The pressure is on to find the right gift for those we love at Christmas.
I always find it hard to shop for Jan because I never seem to know the right thing. Some years I have hit it right on the mark, and others were, well, a little off centre. I think my instincts are getting better. For instance, the other night Jan was folding clothes and pointed to our ancient cracked and worn baskets. "I could really use some new clothes baskets," she said.
"Are you trying to get me hurt?" I replied. "If you tell our friends that I got you clothes baskets for Christmas, I’ll never hear the end of it. And then the women at the church will hear, and I’ll get it from them, too." We both laughed because we knew it was true. "Maybe not for Christmas, then."
You may have seen the commercial on TV lately, where a couple stands in the window of their suburban home, watching the neighbours running and laughing in their yard. It is Christmas day and she is holding a food processor, while the neighbour’s wife is dancing for joy because of the new car she got for Christmas. The message is simple: buy her something she really wants. I have the feeling I’m not alone in my quest, but Jan and I have a commitment not to blow the budget at Christmas, so things like cars are definitely out.
Jan, on the other hand, has great instincts. She’ll shop all year long, seeing things on sale that she knows will really be appreciated. Tools always work for me. I love gadgets and things for the shop, such as it is. I’ve figured out the difference here between men and women. When Jan gave me a cordless drill last year, she was suggesting, "This is fun, so go along and play." If I get an appliance for Jan, like a vacuum cleaner, I’m saying, "Here is something so you can work a little harder." Like I said, I think my instincts are getting better, even if I still struggle.
We may struggle to find the perfect gift, but as we reflect on Christmas, let’s not forget that the perfect gift is not the one we give, but the one we get through Jesus Christ.
"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23*)
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones we get before we even realize we’re going to need them, like the boots we get just before the old ones fall apart. That’s the way it was with Jesus. Long before we even knew we needed a saviour, God sent Jesus.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
The wise men of the Christmas account got it right. Their search for the perfect gift ended with Jesus.
We’ll continue to do our shopping and wrapping and all that goes with Christmas, but sometime this season, we need to take time and thank God for His gift to us of Jesus Christ. It’s too easy to put it off or say, "Yeah, I know," and then do nothing about it. Let’s not forget to thank the One who gave us the best gift of all.
Blessings and merry Christmas from all of us here. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Dec 21, 2009. *Scripture taken from New International Version. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 14, 2009
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #209 Treasuring and Pondering
Hi Folks:
What a mixed-up kind of week. It started as the week of apologies, as I apologized for several issues I had created. I didn’t mean to, but I did, and felt really very bad. I apologized in each case and hoped I had undone at least some of the damage I caused. Apologizing is hard work, and I felt drained as I replayed the footage of those various events over and over again, trying to figure out where I went wrong and what I would do differently next time. That was the beginning of the week.
In the middle of the week we started the musical, White Christmas, at Ian’s high school. I got involved after the musical director discovered I play trumpet and she asked me to help out. The musical opened Wednesday with a matinee and an evening show. I played in 5 of the 6 shows. What a whirlwind of activity! Home to eat quickly and then back out until 10 at night. Staging a play or musical is an exercise in stamina. My arms still ache from holding the trumpet for 13 hours this week.
A highpoint of the week happened on Saturday. While in my office at the church in the morning, I looked up to see my mother and step-father outside the door. They had arrived as a surprise to attend the musical that night. That meant so much to me, that they would want to see the show. I really liked looking out to see my family enjoying the production.
And then there were all the normal parts of my week, like planning, organizing, meeting, speaking, teaching, writing, worshipping, praying, reading, talking, listening, and helping friends.
So that was my week. I don’t often think this much about all that goes on, but this was such a different week that I couldn’t help ponder it. At different levels I was processing pain, success, fear, failure and joy, all at the same time. We are complex critters, aren’t we, living in all these different kinds of worlds at the same time?
Simple sounds good, right about now. Take away some of the complexity to make life a little easier to fit together.
"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.*" These are simple words which cover a lot of jumble and complexity. A mysterious pregnancy before marriage in a deeply religious community. Uncertainty and travel in the last days before birth. The mixed blessing of finding shelter in a stable. And then, as if wasn’t complicated enough for the poor young couple, Jesus was born, bringing shepherds, Magi, and angels in dreams pointing the way to Egypt. What to think of all this? Joy, confusion, fear.
Two ideas from these words bring me comfort. First, it somehow brings me comfort to know that the first Christmas wasn’t so simple, that Jesus was born into a world of complexity. It seems hard to identify with simple.
And then, second, it brings me comfort to know there are things to treasure in the midst of everything else. There are some things which will make us ponder, but other things which we will treasure.
These things help me as I process last week. I don’t understand everything about it, and so I will ponder. But I will also treasure some things, like my mother’s visit to see me play, and some other neat stories from people about how God is providing for their needs.
I hope this helps,
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Dec 14, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ *Luke 2:19 New International Version. See also Matthew 2 for more of the Christmas accounts.
OnFire #209 Treasuring and Pondering
Hi Folks:
What a mixed-up kind of week. It started as the week of apologies, as I apologized for several issues I had created. I didn’t mean to, but I did, and felt really very bad. I apologized in each case and hoped I had undone at least some of the damage I caused. Apologizing is hard work, and I felt drained as I replayed the footage of those various events over and over again, trying to figure out where I went wrong and what I would do differently next time. That was the beginning of the week.
In the middle of the week we started the musical, White Christmas, at Ian’s high school. I got involved after the musical director discovered I play trumpet and she asked me to help out. The musical opened Wednesday with a matinee and an evening show. I played in 5 of the 6 shows. What a whirlwind of activity! Home to eat quickly and then back out until 10 at night. Staging a play or musical is an exercise in stamina. My arms still ache from holding the trumpet for 13 hours this week.
A highpoint of the week happened on Saturday. While in my office at the church in the morning, I looked up to see my mother and step-father outside the door. They had arrived as a surprise to attend the musical that night. That meant so much to me, that they would want to see the show. I really liked looking out to see my family enjoying the production.
And then there were all the normal parts of my week, like planning, organizing, meeting, speaking, teaching, writing, worshipping, praying, reading, talking, listening, and helping friends.
So that was my week. I don’t often think this much about all that goes on, but this was such a different week that I couldn’t help ponder it. At different levels I was processing pain, success, fear, failure and joy, all at the same time. We are complex critters, aren’t we, living in all these different kinds of worlds at the same time?
Simple sounds good, right about now. Take away some of the complexity to make life a little easier to fit together.
"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.*" These are simple words which cover a lot of jumble and complexity. A mysterious pregnancy before marriage in a deeply religious community. Uncertainty and travel in the last days before birth. The mixed blessing of finding shelter in a stable. And then, as if wasn’t complicated enough for the poor young couple, Jesus was born, bringing shepherds, Magi, and angels in dreams pointing the way to Egypt. What to think of all this? Joy, confusion, fear.
Two ideas from these words bring me comfort. First, it somehow brings me comfort to know that the first Christmas wasn’t so simple, that Jesus was born into a world of complexity. It seems hard to identify with simple.
And then, second, it brings me comfort to know there are things to treasure in the midst of everything else. There are some things which will make us ponder, but other things which we will treasure.
These things help me as I process last week. I don’t understand everything about it, and so I will ponder. But I will also treasure some things, like my mother’s visit to see me play, and some other neat stories from people about how God is providing for their needs.
I hope this helps,
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on authentic faith and character written by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Dec 14, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ *Luke 2:19 New International Version. See also Matthew 2 for more of the Christmas accounts.
Monday, December 7, 2009
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #208 Jan’s Christmas OnFire
Hi Folks:
Inspired by something she has read, Jan spoke this past weekend at a women’s group and offered up her thoughts as an OnFire letter. So, this week’s letter is her gift to me, and I pass it along to you.
Blessings,
Troy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan writes:
My favourite part of Christmas decorating is digging out the ornaments. They’re like old friends because each time I open the boxes I am flooded with memories. I have quite an eclectic mix of ornaments that we’ve collected over the years, and they bring back memories of people, places and events.
While living in Wolfville, just after Troy and I were married, I started collecting pewter ornaments. Eventually I had to slow down on the pewter since they are heavy and the tree can only hold so many!! But I still look for ornaments on trips to add to my "places I have been" collection.
I see some parallels between ornaments and our lives. Ornaments have been made for a specific purpose. Like ornaments, we have been created for a specific purpose. But what type of ornament are we?
Are we like a glittery golden bell without its clapper? It looks great on the outside but there is a problem. It’s not able to do what it was created for because something is missing. Our lives are empty without Jesus Christ. We cannot fulfill our true purpose without Him.
Are we a little tarnished? We started out pretty but have come into contact with things that have discoloured our spirit. We still function but fall short of our true potential until we let Jesus polish us.
Are we like those pretty golden ornaments which look so good from a distance, but upon closer inspection reveal that they are not real. The inside is filler. If it were solid gold it’s value would be much greater. No matter how beautiful the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts and increases worth. God is concerned more with the inside.
In 1 Peter 3:4-5 we read, "But let it be the hidden man of the heart,... the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The outward decoration is okay but God places greater value on the inner beauty of a humble and quiet spirit.
Sometimes we feel like ornaments that are ugly, broken or discarded. Ugly, because there is sin discolouring our lives, souring our attitudes. Broken, due to the weight of worry and problems. Cracking, trying to hold it all together. Discarded, that we are no longer useful. When we feel like this way it easy to drift away from fellowship with Christ and other. Ironically, we avoid reaching out for Christ, when that is what we really need to do.
I have a very pretty crystal snowflake ornament. It’s transparent, letting God’s light shine through for others to see. This snowflake had to undergo adversity in order to attain maximum potential. It was shaped and cut several times to create the most light. We can either let hard times, discouragement, trials and devastation turn us into ornaments that aren’t so pretty or allow God to turn adversity into something beautiful that radiates His light.
Ian’s favourite ornament is a little pewter lobster we bought for him on Grand Manan. Mark’s is a snowman with a pull string that makes the arms and legs move which he received at a school ornament exchange. They are treasured. They’re not my favourite ornaments, not ones that I would pick for myself but because they are special to the boys they are special to me. God sees all of us as His favourite ornaments no matter the size, shape, colour, whether we’re fancy, plain, antique, modern, tarnished, or broken. We are valuable because God sees us that way and we need to value others because God sees them as his treasures.
Jan
We hope this helps. Be on fire.
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character normally written by Troy Dennis. This letter published Dec 7, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives located at www.onfireletter.com. Blog at www.onfireletter.blogspot.com
OnFire #208 Jan’s Christmas OnFire
Hi Folks:
Inspired by something she has read, Jan spoke this past weekend at a women’s group and offered up her thoughts as an OnFire letter. So, this week’s letter is her gift to me, and I pass it along to you.
Blessings,
Troy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan writes:
My favourite part of Christmas decorating is digging out the ornaments. They’re like old friends because each time I open the boxes I am flooded with memories. I have quite an eclectic mix of ornaments that we’ve collected over the years, and they bring back memories of people, places and events.
While living in Wolfville, just after Troy and I were married, I started collecting pewter ornaments. Eventually I had to slow down on the pewter since they are heavy and the tree can only hold so many!! But I still look for ornaments on trips to add to my "places I have been" collection.
I see some parallels between ornaments and our lives. Ornaments have been made for a specific purpose. Like ornaments, we have been created for a specific purpose. But what type of ornament are we?
Are we like a glittery golden bell without its clapper? It looks great on the outside but there is a problem. It’s not able to do what it was created for because something is missing. Our lives are empty without Jesus Christ. We cannot fulfill our true purpose without Him.
Are we a little tarnished? We started out pretty but have come into contact with things that have discoloured our spirit. We still function but fall short of our true potential until we let Jesus polish us.
Are we like those pretty golden ornaments which look so good from a distance, but upon closer inspection reveal that they are not real. The inside is filler. If it were solid gold it’s value would be much greater. No matter how beautiful the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts and increases worth. God is concerned more with the inside.
In 1 Peter 3:4-5 we read, "But let it be the hidden man of the heart,... the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The outward decoration is okay but God places greater value on the inner beauty of a humble and quiet spirit.
Sometimes we feel like ornaments that are ugly, broken or discarded. Ugly, because there is sin discolouring our lives, souring our attitudes. Broken, due to the weight of worry and problems. Cracking, trying to hold it all together. Discarded, that we are no longer useful. When we feel like this way it easy to drift away from fellowship with Christ and other. Ironically, we avoid reaching out for Christ, when that is what we really need to do.
I have a very pretty crystal snowflake ornament. It’s transparent, letting God’s light shine through for others to see. This snowflake had to undergo adversity in order to attain maximum potential. It was shaped and cut several times to create the most light. We can either let hard times, discouragement, trials and devastation turn us into ornaments that aren’t so pretty or allow God to turn adversity into something beautiful that radiates His light.
Ian’s favourite ornament is a little pewter lobster we bought for him on Grand Manan. Mark’s is a snowman with a pull string that makes the arms and legs move which he received at a school ornament exchange. They are treasured. They’re not my favourite ornaments, not ones that I would pick for myself but because they are special to the boys they are special to me. God sees all of us as His favourite ornaments no matter the size, shape, colour, whether we’re fancy, plain, antique, modern, tarnished, or broken. We are valuable because God sees us that way and we need to value others because God sees them as his treasures.
Jan
We hope this helps. Be on fire.
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character normally written by Troy Dennis. This letter published Dec 7, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives located at www.onfireletter.com. Blog at www.onfireletter.blogspot.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
OnFire #207 Is That It?
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #207 Is That It?
Like so many others this past week in New Brunswick, our family watched the Olympic torch relay as it passed through the area. This flame started in Athens, Greece, and it will wind its way across Canada to light the flame for the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.
We thought it would be good for the boys to see this historic occasion, so we got them up early one morning and lined up along the side of the road. Representatives from major sponsors handed out pennants and pins while we waited.
The flashing lights of police cars announced the arrival of the flame. The crowd cheered as flame touched flame and the torch whooshed into life. Then the torch bearer jogged up the hill and it was over. “Is that it?” I wondered.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad I went. If the torch is passing through your area, I encourage you to go. It is inspirational to think that this flame will pass through more than 1000 communities on the way to Vancouver. Whose heart could not stir? The torch logo proclaims, “With glowing hearts,” a play on words with the Canadian national anthem.
But even as we walked back to the car the crowds were thinning. It another 10 minutes it would be hard to know anything extraordinary had happened that morning.
We could be tempted to think the same about Christmas. We make a lot of fuss and then its over. But that’s only if we make it about the wrong things. If we make it about the gifts, glitz, and glamour, we come to the end and think, “Is that it?”
But here is the good news. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” By this he meant spiritual illumination. “No one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (Jn 12:46)*
Christmas comes and goes, but Jesus continues to provide light all year long. If we take this approach, then Christmas becomes more than hustle and bustle. It really does become a celebration of Jesus’ arrival to show us the way.
Here are some ways to help us take this perspective:
• Follow an Advent Bible reading plan with your family this Christmas. There is one on my website, www.onfireletter.com
• Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 with your family on Christmas day
• Simplify Christmas to take the emphasis off “things.”
• Set an example of following Jesus everyday.
• Decide to follow Jesus if you haven’t.
• Attend worship at Christmas and throughout the year
Hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character by Troy Dennis. This letter published Nov 23, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ *Scripture taken from the New International Version.
OnFire #207 Is That It?
Like so many others this past week in New Brunswick, our family watched the Olympic torch relay as it passed through the area. This flame started in Athens, Greece, and it will wind its way across Canada to light the flame for the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.
We thought it would be good for the boys to see this historic occasion, so we got them up early one morning and lined up along the side of the road. Representatives from major sponsors handed out pennants and pins while we waited.
The flashing lights of police cars announced the arrival of the flame. The crowd cheered as flame touched flame and the torch whooshed into life. Then the torch bearer jogged up the hill and it was over. “Is that it?” I wondered.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad I went. If the torch is passing through your area, I encourage you to go. It is inspirational to think that this flame will pass through more than 1000 communities on the way to Vancouver. Whose heart could not stir? The torch logo proclaims, “With glowing hearts,” a play on words with the Canadian national anthem.
But even as we walked back to the car the crowds were thinning. It another 10 minutes it would be hard to know anything extraordinary had happened that morning.
We could be tempted to think the same about Christmas. We make a lot of fuss and then its over. But that’s only if we make it about the wrong things. If we make it about the gifts, glitz, and glamour, we come to the end and think, “Is that it?”
But here is the good news. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” By this he meant spiritual illumination. “No one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (Jn 12:46)*
Christmas comes and goes, but Jesus continues to provide light all year long. If we take this approach, then Christmas becomes more than hustle and bustle. It really does become a celebration of Jesus’ arrival to show us the way.
Here are some ways to help us take this perspective:
• Follow an Advent Bible reading plan with your family this Christmas. There is one on my website, www.onfireletter.com
• Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 with your family on Christmas day
• Simplify Christmas to take the emphasis off “things.”
• Set an example of following Jesus everyday.
• Decide to follow Jesus if you haven’t.
• Attend worship at Christmas and throughout the year
Hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character by Troy Dennis. This letter published Nov 23, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ *Scripture taken from the New International Version.
Monday, November 23, 2009
OnFire #206 Going Back to School
OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #206 Going Back to School
Hi Folks:
What a great day we had yesterday. I baptized one of our young people and that is always exciting.
Deer hunting season is over. I’ve had Ian out a few times and it was nice to spend that time together. Some of you will be pleased to hear that the deer are still safe.
I hope you have a good week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My high school music teacher stood behind me beating out the rhythm of a piece of music on my head. I’d like to say this was unusual, but we were thick and we didn’t always get it. Plus, being a trumpet player himself, he pushed us a little harder than some of the other sections.
My favourite times were when he grabbed his "horn" and sat beside us to work through difficult parts. It felt so good to play along with him. His presence inspired us to try harder and gave us confidence to play better. Plus, his example showed us how things were supposed to sound.
I’ve been thinking about this as I’ve gone back to high school this week.
No no. I’ve not gone back for classes. I’m helping the trumpets at Ian’s school as the orchestra prepares for their Christmas musical, "White Christmas." It all started at parent-teacher night when the music teacher found out I play trumpet. I’ve gone to a couple of practices so far.
I sit between two trumpet players. One has played for three years and plays decently well, but has no power. The other has only played a year and struggles to produce good tone. Their teacher tells me that sitting with them gives them confidence. Cool.
Here’s the neat thing. Its not my ability to play the music perfectly that gives them confidence. Far from it, the music is challenging and I’m playing it for the first time. Plus, I sometimes get the "count" wrong and come in at the wrong place. But even though I don’t do it perfectly, I give them confidence. I’m further down the road and it helps them.
This week I met with a pastor friend. Once in a while we get together to chat about how things are going in life and ministry. He’s a little older and more experienced, a little further down the road. I love to listen to his "war stories" and sometimes I ask him questions. It helps me and gives me confidence.
The two stories are not so different. In the first, I was helping, and in the second, someone was helping me. Both are important and I mention them for two reasons.
First, we need the help and wisdom of people who have "been there and done that." At present this is helping me with a dry spell. I need a little help to stay spiritually fresh. But, here’s where I find my problem. There are times my pride makes me think that I can do it on my own. Or, I worry about imposing upon someone. But my options really are limited - stay the way I am, or get help - so I set myself aside and call to ask for time to chat.
Here’s the other reason. We can help others coming down the road behind us. Sometimes we wonder what benefit we could possibly be to someone else. After all, we know our own weaknesses and failures. Here’s the thing - we don’t have to be perfect, just a little further down the road. And, believe it or not, our presence actually helps the people coming behind us to feel more confident.
Paul provides the example: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1*). We all look to Christ, but we also need the example of those ahead of us, and the people behind us need our example, too.
I hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Nov 23, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ * Scripture taken from the New International Version.
OnFire #206 Going Back to School
Hi Folks:
What a great day we had yesterday. I baptized one of our young people and that is always exciting.
Deer hunting season is over. I’ve had Ian out a few times and it was nice to spend that time together. Some of you will be pleased to hear that the deer are still safe.
I hope you have a good week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My high school music teacher stood behind me beating out the rhythm of a piece of music on my head. I’d like to say this was unusual, but we were thick and we didn’t always get it. Plus, being a trumpet player himself, he pushed us a little harder than some of the other sections.
My favourite times were when he grabbed his "horn" and sat beside us to work through difficult parts. It felt so good to play along with him. His presence inspired us to try harder and gave us confidence to play better. Plus, his example showed us how things were supposed to sound.
I’ve been thinking about this as I’ve gone back to high school this week.
No no. I’ve not gone back for classes. I’m helping the trumpets at Ian’s school as the orchestra prepares for their Christmas musical, "White Christmas." It all started at parent-teacher night when the music teacher found out I play trumpet. I’ve gone to a couple of practices so far.
I sit between two trumpet players. One has played for three years and plays decently well, but has no power. The other has only played a year and struggles to produce good tone. Their teacher tells me that sitting with them gives them confidence. Cool.
Here’s the neat thing. Its not my ability to play the music perfectly that gives them confidence. Far from it, the music is challenging and I’m playing it for the first time. Plus, I sometimes get the "count" wrong and come in at the wrong place. But even though I don’t do it perfectly, I give them confidence. I’m further down the road and it helps them.
This week I met with a pastor friend. Once in a while we get together to chat about how things are going in life and ministry. He’s a little older and more experienced, a little further down the road. I love to listen to his "war stories" and sometimes I ask him questions. It helps me and gives me confidence.
The two stories are not so different. In the first, I was helping, and in the second, someone was helping me. Both are important and I mention them for two reasons.
First, we need the help and wisdom of people who have "been there and done that." At present this is helping me with a dry spell. I need a little help to stay spiritually fresh. But, here’s where I find my problem. There are times my pride makes me think that I can do it on my own. Or, I worry about imposing upon someone. But my options really are limited - stay the way I am, or get help - so I set myself aside and call to ask for time to chat.
Here’s the other reason. We can help others coming down the road behind us. Sometimes we wonder what benefit we could possibly be to someone else. After all, we know our own weaknesses and failures. Here’s the thing - we don’t have to be perfect, just a little further down the road. And, believe it or not, our presence actually helps the people coming behind us to feel more confident.
Paul provides the example: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1*). We all look to Christ, but we also need the example of those ahead of us, and the people behind us need our example, too.
I hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character by Troy Dennis. Troy is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada. This letter published Nov 23, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ * Scripture taken from the New International Version.
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