Articles https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:10:38 -0400 https://www.churchplantmedia.com/ The Cost of Christmas https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-cost-of-christmas https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-cost-of-christmas#comments Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:24:32 -0500 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-cost-of-christmas Have you been wrestling with your Christmas budget? Many people are trying to discover how to “do
Christmas” while keeping their spending in check with the financial pressures we all face these days. You may
have heard the annual report on how much it would cost to give all the gifts (not just 12, but all the repeated
gifts) listed in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. The media will also report on what it will cost the average
Canadian family to have a traditional Christmas dinner. This will be followed by polls stating how much the
average person will spend on gifts this season.
It can be overwhelming to hear these numbers and try to figure out how you will manage to get through the
season while paying your regular bills. The pressure and expectations that we feel, coupled with the financial
realities we face, can make for a rather tense month. I heard someone say, “it’s beginning to cost a lot like
Christmas!” A clever adjustment to the traditional song, and a reflection of the way many people really view the
Christmas process.
Would it help you to know that these things are not actually associated with the true cost of Christmas?
These are just the price tags on the way we choose (or feel pressured) to celebrate. To understand the true
cost of Christmas, we need to look again at what Christmas is about. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of
Christ. It is God sending His Son to live among us, to die for our rebellion against Him, and to rise again to
offer us eternal life. When we remember that Christmas is about the mission Jesus came to accomplish, the
cost becomes clearer.
First, there is the cost to God. Have you ever considered what Christmas cost Him? God sent His Son to
die for us as a sacrifice, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. This was motivated by
His love for us even while we were still rebelling against Him. The Bible tells us “But God demonstrates His
own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God loved us, so He gave
His Son for us. Christmas cost God His Son.
Next, we need to think of what Christmas cost Jesus. Philippians 2:7, 8 says that Jesus humbled Himself,
left His home at the Father’s side and came to live among us as one of us. He humbled Himself and “made
Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, and being found in human likeness…”. Jesus was born to simple
people, in a borrowed barn, living in poverty and spending His earliest years as a refugee fleeing to Egypt to
escape the murderous plot of King Herod.
As if this weren’t enough, giving up the glory of heaven and the position He rightly deserves, He then
humbled Himself to the point of dying at our hands at the cross for our rebellion. He took our place, becoming
sin for us so that in Him, we could become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christmas cost
Jesus His place and His life.
What, then, is the cost to us? First, it costs us nothing. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus! (Romans
6:23). That’s right, our forgiveness and eternal life is a gift. A gift of God’s grace completely undeserved. All we
must do is receive this gift. John 1:12 tells us “…to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave
the right to become children of God…”.
Christmas also costs us everything. In order to follow Jesus, we must surrender control of our lives to Him,
deny ourselves, take up our cross daily (“today is about Jesus, not me”), and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
While you think through the cost of your Christmas celebrations this year, be sure to reflect on the true cost
of Christmas. When you pay for a gift, remember what Christmas cost God. When you give gifts motivated by
love, think of God’s great love for you. When you receive a gift, ask yourself if you have truly received God’s
great gift.

]]> Have you been wrestling with your Christmas budget? Many people are trying to discover how to “do
Christmas” while keeping their spending in check with the financial pressures we all face these days. You may
have heard the annual report on how much it would cost to give all the gifts (not just 12, but all the repeated
gifts) listed in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. The media will also report on what it will cost the average
Canadian family to have a traditional Christmas dinner. This will be followed by polls stating how much the
average person will spend on gifts this season.
It can be overwhelming to hear these numbers and try to figure out how you will manage to get through the
season while paying your regular bills. The pressure and expectations that we feel, coupled with the financial
realities we face, can make for a rather tense month. I heard someone say, “it’s beginning to cost a lot like
Christmas!” A clever adjustment to the traditional song, and a reflection of the way many people really view the
Christmas process.
Would it help you to know that these things are not actually associated with the true cost of Christmas?
These are just the price tags on the way we choose (or feel pressured) to celebrate. To understand the true
cost of Christmas, we need to look again at what Christmas is about. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of
Christ. It is God sending His Son to live among us, to die for our rebellion against Him, and to rise again to
offer us eternal life. When we remember that Christmas is about the mission Jesus came to accomplish, the
cost becomes clearer.
First, there is the cost to God. Have you ever considered what Christmas cost Him? God sent His Son to
die for us as a sacrifice, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. This was motivated by
His love for us even while we were still rebelling against Him. The Bible tells us “But God demonstrates His
own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God loved us, so He gave
His Son for us. Christmas cost God His Son.
Next, we need to think of what Christmas cost Jesus. Philippians 2:7, 8 says that Jesus humbled Himself,
left His home at the Father’s side and came to live among us as one of us. He humbled Himself and “made
Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, and being found in human likeness…”. Jesus was born to simple
people, in a borrowed barn, living in poverty and spending His earliest years as a refugee fleeing to Egypt to
escape the murderous plot of King Herod.
As if this weren’t enough, giving up the glory of heaven and the position He rightly deserves, He then
humbled Himself to the point of dying at our hands at the cross for our rebellion. He took our place, becoming
sin for us so that in Him, we could become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christmas cost
Jesus His place and His life.
What, then, is the cost to us? First, it costs us nothing. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus! (Romans
6:23). That’s right, our forgiveness and eternal life is a gift. A gift of God’s grace completely undeserved. All we
must do is receive this gift. John 1:12 tells us “…to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave
the right to become children of God…”.
Christmas also costs us everything. In order to follow Jesus, we must surrender control of our lives to Him,
deny ourselves, take up our cross daily (“today is about Jesus, not me”), and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
While you think through the cost of your Christmas celebrations this year, be sure to reflect on the true cost
of Christmas. When you pay for a gift, remember what Christmas cost God. When you give gifts motivated by
love, think of God’s great love for you. When you receive a gift, ask yourself if you have truly received God’s
great gift.

]]> How Are You https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/how-are-you https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/how-are-you#comments Wed, 15 May 2024 13:45:47 -0400 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/how-are-you How are you? It’s a simple question and it’s asked countless times everyday. We ask our families, neighbours,
coworkers, classmates, and friends. We ask strangers on the street or waiting in line at the store. How many times have
you been asked that question this week?
When we ask this question, we aren’t usually looking for much of an answer. We use it as more of a greeting than a
conversation starter. Usually we expect the traditional, “fine, how are you?” response. We rarely go beyond that
response ourselves when asked by others.
Have you ever answered honestly? How did the person respond? What happened next? Has someone ever answered
you honestly? How did you respond? Were you glad you asked? Did you sit down and talk for a while? Or did you regret
opening this can of worms and worry that you were in for a 2-hour conversation when you had “important” things to
do?
In January of this year, Elmo (yes, the little red guy) asked on X, “How is everybody doing?” What happened next was
unexpected, as well as being very revealing about our current state of mind. Thousands of responses quickly flooded in!
Of course, there were some sarcastic answers, some comical, some dark. Most, though, showed us something about
ourselves. These responses turned a simple question into a news story.
Consider some of the responses to Elmo’s simple question. Someone referred to the abyss we stare into and the new
horrors each day brings. One person said that when they wake up everyday, they can’t wait to go back to sleep. One
person said that they were at their lowest. One replied “sorry but this is above Elmo’s pay grade”. People poured their
hearts out on social media to a puppet. They even thanked Elmo for asking. This made me wonder “does no one ask
them how they are?” Do they feel so unseen and unheard that this was their one chance to express themselves?
When I read that story, my mind went to two places in the Bible. The first is Mark 1:40-45. A man suffering with
leprosy approached Jesus, got on his knees, and begged Jesus to heal him. The response was amazing. Jesus looked at
him and was filled with compassion. Jesus reached out and touched him; then Jesus healed him. How long since this
man had been touched by anyone? People would run from him afraid of contracting his contagious and deadly disease.
Jesus healed his body that day but first He did something powerful for that man’s heart. He saw him, heard him, and
touched him. In that moment the man knew that he really did matter and that someone truly cared. The power of the
Saviour was on display that day, but so was His heart.
The second passage is Psalm 62:5-8. Here we listen to David at a time when he was very low. Everything and everyone
were piling up against him. He was at his lowest. He then reminds himself to find rest in God alone. He then calls others
to “trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” What a powerful invitation.
Come, pour out your heart to the Lord!
I have a challenge for you today. Ask someone this simple question but don’t just run off to the next thing. Wait for an
answer and engage with their response. Someone needs it and is waiting for you.
Then, answer this question honestly when someone directs it your way and see what happens. There may be more
people who care than you realize.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you, contact us here at Harrow Baptist Church (519) 738-
2275. It would be our privilege to meet you and connect with you. Finally, pour your heart out to God. He is there. He
cares for you. He is listening.
So, again, how are you?

]]> How are you? It’s a simple question and it’s asked countless times everyday. We ask our families, neighbours,
coworkers, classmates, and friends. We ask strangers on the street or waiting in line at the store. How many times have
you been asked that question this week?
When we ask this question, we aren’t usually looking for much of an answer. We use it as more of a greeting than a
conversation starter. Usually we expect the traditional, “fine, how are you?” response. We rarely go beyond that
response ourselves when asked by others.
Have you ever answered honestly? How did the person respond? What happened next? Has someone ever answered
you honestly? How did you respond? Were you glad you asked? Did you sit down and talk for a while? Or did you regret
opening this can of worms and worry that you were in for a 2-hour conversation when you had “important” things to
do?
In January of this year, Elmo (yes, the little red guy) asked on X, “How is everybody doing?” What happened next was
unexpected, as well as being very revealing about our current state of mind. Thousands of responses quickly flooded in!
Of course, there were some sarcastic answers, some comical, some dark. Most, though, showed us something about
ourselves. These responses turned a simple question into a news story.
Consider some of the responses to Elmo’s simple question. Someone referred to the abyss we stare into and the new
horrors each day brings. One person said that when they wake up everyday, they can’t wait to go back to sleep. One
person said that they were at their lowest. One replied “sorry but this is above Elmo’s pay grade”. People poured their
hearts out on social media to a puppet. They even thanked Elmo for asking. This made me wonder “does no one ask
them how they are?” Do they feel so unseen and unheard that this was their one chance to express themselves?
When I read that story, my mind went to two places in the Bible. The first is Mark 1:40-45. A man suffering with
leprosy approached Jesus, got on his knees, and begged Jesus to heal him. The response was amazing. Jesus looked at
him and was filled with compassion. Jesus reached out and touched him; then Jesus healed him. How long since this
man had been touched by anyone? People would run from him afraid of contracting his contagious and deadly disease.
Jesus healed his body that day but first He did something powerful for that man’s heart. He saw him, heard him, and
touched him. In that moment the man knew that he really did matter and that someone truly cared. The power of the
Saviour was on display that day, but so was His heart.
The second passage is Psalm 62:5-8. Here we listen to David at a time when he was very low. Everything and everyone
were piling up against him. He was at his lowest. He then reminds himself to find rest in God alone. He then calls others
to “trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” What a powerful invitation.
Come, pour out your heart to the Lord!
I have a challenge for you today. Ask someone this simple question but don’t just run off to the next thing. Wait for an
answer and engage with their response. Someone needs it and is waiting for you.
Then, answer this question honestly when someone directs it your way and see what happens. There may be more
people who care than you realize.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you, contact us here at Harrow Baptist Church (519) 738-
2275. It would be our privilege to meet you and connect with you. Finally, pour your heart out to God. He is there. He
cares for you. He is listening.
So, again, how are you?

]]> Did You Miss The Sun? https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/did-you-miss-the-sun https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/did-you-miss-the-sun#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:46:36 -0400 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/did-you-miss-the-sun Even after a light dose of winter, we have been looking forward to spring. A few weeks ago, we turned our clocks
forward 60 minutes to extend our daylight hours. Our days are noticeably lighter, longer, and that feels better. Then, we
lost the sun.
Well, it didn’t go anywhere, the moon passed between the earth and sun yesterday and for a few brief minutes, it
obscured our view of the sun. There was quite a build up to this, wasn’t there? The eclipse came with warnings (“don’t
look!”, “close the schools!”), excitement (“wear these glasses and look!”, “attend our eclipse party”), and explanations
(what happened, why, and when will it happen again). The point is, for a few moments, something came between us
and the sun and we could not see its light or feel its warmth.
What is strange about this event is that there was so much excitement over what kept us from what we desperately
need, that the eclipse became our focus rather than the sun itself.
The Bible tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).
Think about the ways God’s glory is on display in the sky above. Consider the patterns of the sun that we see, rely on,
and set our clocks and calendars by. Wonder at the beauty of the sun as it rises or sets or as it rules the afternoon sky.
Stand in awe of its size and the scope of its power and influence. Are you astounded by the obvious power of the One
who put it in place and controls its path?
The Bible also tells us, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature –
have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Here it is again – the inescapable glory of God on full display for us to see so that our eyes and hearts are drawn to Him.
There is no avoiding this. In creation, and in this case the sky, we see His power and glory before us everyday.
An eclipse reminds us of what we have everyday, what we really need, and who has provided this for us. It started
conversations about what things would be like for us if the sun was permanently hidden from us – how long would we
last?
Looking back on this event, some questions come to mind. Am I focused on this rare exception or on the beauty,
power, size, patterns, and warmth of the sun day to day as it points me to God’s glory? Maybe missing the sun for a few
minutes will make us slow down and take note of it more often. Maybe our eyes, hearts, and minds will be drawn
heavenward a little more in appreciation for God’s provision and in wonder at His greatness.
Another question also comes to my mind. Is there something in my life that obscures my view of God and His power
and glory? Something I allow to get in the way of my view of Him and instead becomes my focus? Something that I am
more excited about than God and His glory? Is it possible that whatever has come into my life and seems to dim my view
of God was never intended to become the focus, but instead is meant to remind me of how desperately I need Him and
all that only He can provide for me?
We should look to the eclipse and learn what we can from it. We need a reminder of how much we depend on the
sun. Let’s also ask what obscures our view of God and His Son, and are we focused on that or on noticing our need of
Him?
Take time this week to be still and quiet, to look up to the sky and remember that “The heavens declare the glory of
God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands”. Then, bow in humble wonder and worship as our hearts are drawn to
the One we need most.

]]> Even after a light dose of winter, we have been looking forward to spring. A few weeks ago, we turned our clocks
forward 60 minutes to extend our daylight hours. Our days are noticeably lighter, longer, and that feels better. Then, we
lost the sun.
Well, it didn’t go anywhere, the moon passed between the earth and sun yesterday and for a few brief minutes, it
obscured our view of the sun. There was quite a build up to this, wasn’t there? The eclipse came with warnings (“don’t
look!”, “close the schools!”), excitement (“wear these glasses and look!”, “attend our eclipse party”), and explanations
(what happened, why, and when will it happen again). The point is, for a few moments, something came between us
and the sun and we could not see its light or feel its warmth.
What is strange about this event is that there was so much excitement over what kept us from what we desperately
need, that the eclipse became our focus rather than the sun itself.
The Bible tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).
Think about the ways God’s glory is on display in the sky above. Consider the patterns of the sun that we see, rely on,
and set our clocks and calendars by. Wonder at the beauty of the sun as it rises or sets or as it rules the afternoon sky.
Stand in awe of its size and the scope of its power and influence. Are you astounded by the obvious power of the One
who put it in place and controls its path?
The Bible also tells us, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature –
have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Here it is again – the inescapable glory of God on full display for us to see so that our eyes and hearts are drawn to Him.
There is no avoiding this. In creation, and in this case the sky, we see His power and glory before us everyday.
An eclipse reminds us of what we have everyday, what we really need, and who has provided this for us. It started
conversations about what things would be like for us if the sun was permanently hidden from us – how long would we
last?
Looking back on this event, some questions come to mind. Am I focused on this rare exception or on the beauty,
power, size, patterns, and warmth of the sun day to day as it points me to God’s glory? Maybe missing the sun for a few
minutes will make us slow down and take note of it more often. Maybe our eyes, hearts, and minds will be drawn
heavenward a little more in appreciation for God’s provision and in wonder at His greatness.
Another question also comes to my mind. Is there something in my life that obscures my view of God and His power
and glory? Something I allow to get in the way of my view of Him and instead becomes my focus? Something that I am
more excited about than God and His glory? Is it possible that whatever has come into my life and seems to dim my view
of God was never intended to become the focus, but instead is meant to remind me of how desperately I need Him and
all that only He can provide for me?
We should look to the eclipse and learn what we can from it. We need a reminder of how much we depend on the
sun. Let’s also ask what obscures our view of God and His Son, and are we focused on that or on noticing our need of
Him?
Take time this week to be still and quiet, to look up to the sky and remember that “The heavens declare the glory of
God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands”. Then, bow in humble wonder and worship as our hearts are drawn to
the One we need most.

]]> The Easter Display https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-easter-display https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-easter-display#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:59:18 -0500 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-easter-display Have you seen any Easter displays yet? In stores, on lawns, in windows, and on coffee
tables? They include everything from eggs to rabbits, young lambs to baby chicks, flowers, and
of course chocolate. Why do people celebrate Easter? For many it is about welcoming Spring …
new life, a fresh start, warmer weather, and bright colours as we put the dreary cold months
behind us. Looking at someone’s Easter display can give you some clues about what they
celebrate and why.
As you look at the Easter decorations and displays around you, stop and ask yourself if you
have paid enough attention to God’s Easter display. God has an Easter display? Oh yes, He
does. It has 3 components to it.
The first is the cross. At the cross we see the seriousness of our sin, our rebellion against
God in all its forms. Justice demands that this rebellion be punished. The cross also shows the
depth of our sin. This rebellion includes our indifference and ignoring of God and our outright
defiance of Him. This rejection went all the way to hatred, betrayal, and a cruel painful death.
The cross also shows us the great love of God. He demands justice for sin, and then He paid
for our offence by sacrificing His own Son to pay this penalty for us. Take some time to read
Isaiah 53 and consider again the lengths to which God went to rescue the offenders while
satisfying the need for justice.
Colossians 2:15 says “…having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public
spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (NIV). Another translation puts it this way:
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame…” (ESV).
At the cross our greatest act of rebellion against God was on full display, yet God took our
worst intentions and used them to actually pay for our rebellion, paving the way for our
forgiveness and rescue. He showed the world the true nature and intentions of the evil one and
the ugliness of our own sin as together we unleashed our hatred toward God by killing His Son.
With the cross, God shows us that forgiveness is possible no matter how intense our rebellion
has been.
The second feature in God’s Easter display is the empty tomb. Acts 17:31 tells us that God
“… set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has
given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead” (NIV). The resurrection of Jesus
shows us God’s power over death and His plan at work, proving who Jesus is and what Jesus
will yet do.
Just as God kept his promise to raise Jesus from the dead, He will keep his promise to send
Jesus to complete the rescue of all who will follow Him and bring final judgement to the earth
and its inhabitants. All is not lost! There is more for us than just this life, these few years. There
is hope in Jesus! The empty tomb tells us that eternal life is available and we no longer need to
fear that great enemy death if we will come and find forgiveness and life in Jesus who paid for
our sin and can provide eternal life.
Finally, the third part of God’s Easter display is the people He has rescued, those who have
experienced His forgiveness and have been gifted eternal life. This leads to joy and peace deep

down no matter what circumstances we face here and now. If we are right with God through His
Son, and eternity is secured, our hearts are at peace no matter what. Have you encountered the
Saviour and experienced His forgiveness and gift of life? Are you a person of great peace and
hope because of what Jesus has done for you? Are you part of God’s Easter display?
God’s display tells us that forgiveness and eternal life are available through the crucified,
risen, and returning Saviour. When you see an Easter display, reflect again on God’s and on
your response to it.

]]> Have you seen any Easter displays yet? In stores, on lawns, in windows, and on coffee
tables? They include everything from eggs to rabbits, young lambs to baby chicks, flowers, and
of course chocolate. Why do people celebrate Easter? For many it is about welcoming Spring …
new life, a fresh start, warmer weather, and bright colours as we put the dreary cold months
behind us. Looking at someone’s Easter display can give you some clues about what they
celebrate and why.
As you look at the Easter decorations and displays around you, stop and ask yourself if you
have paid enough attention to God’s Easter display. God has an Easter display? Oh yes, He
does. It has 3 components to it.
The first is the cross. At the cross we see the seriousness of our sin, our rebellion against
God in all its forms. Justice demands that this rebellion be punished. The cross also shows the
depth of our sin. This rebellion includes our indifference and ignoring of God and our outright
defiance of Him. This rejection went all the way to hatred, betrayal, and a cruel painful death.
The cross also shows us the great love of God. He demands justice for sin, and then He paid
for our offence by sacrificing His own Son to pay this penalty for us. Take some time to read
Isaiah 53 and consider again the lengths to which God went to rescue the offenders while
satisfying the need for justice.
Colossians 2:15 says “…having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public
spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (NIV). Another translation puts it this way:
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame…” (ESV).
At the cross our greatest act of rebellion against God was on full display, yet God took our
worst intentions and used them to actually pay for our rebellion, paving the way for our
forgiveness and rescue. He showed the world the true nature and intentions of the evil one and
the ugliness of our own sin as together we unleashed our hatred toward God by killing His Son.
With the cross, God shows us that forgiveness is possible no matter how intense our rebellion
has been.
The second feature in God’s Easter display is the empty tomb. Acts 17:31 tells us that God
“… set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has
given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead” (NIV). The resurrection of Jesus
shows us God’s power over death and His plan at work, proving who Jesus is and what Jesus
will yet do.
Just as God kept his promise to raise Jesus from the dead, He will keep his promise to send
Jesus to complete the rescue of all who will follow Him and bring final judgement to the earth
and its inhabitants. All is not lost! There is more for us than just this life, these few years. There
is hope in Jesus! The empty tomb tells us that eternal life is available and we no longer need to
fear that great enemy death if we will come and find forgiveness and life in Jesus who paid for
our sin and can provide eternal life.
Finally, the third part of God’s Easter display is the people He has rescued, those who have
experienced His forgiveness and have been gifted eternal life. This leads to joy and peace deep

down no matter what circumstances we face here and now. If we are right with God through His
Son, and eternity is secured, our hearts are at peace no matter what. Have you encountered the
Saviour and experienced His forgiveness and gift of life? Are you a person of great peace and
hope because of what Jesus has done for you? Are you part of God’s Easter display?
God’s display tells us that forgiveness and eternal life are available through the crucified,
risen, and returning Saviour. When you see an Easter display, reflect again on God’s and on
your response to it.

]]> The Search For Truth https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-search-for-truth https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-search-for-truth#comments Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:31:53 -0500 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-search-for-truth Our ears and our eyes are easily deceived these days. From scams through the phone, email, and social media to
computer generated images in movies and now the advancements of Artificial Intelligence
Beyond that, there is the battle for truth in the realm of information. In classrooms, parliament, courtrooms,
newscasts, Instagram and the internet the battle rages on. We live in a he said, she said world.
To complicate matters, for some reason we decided that everyone is entitled to their own version of the truth. I can
have my truth and you can speak your truth. The problem comes when they don’t align. Now what? You have your truth
(your view) and someone else has theirs. Your truth is the lens through which you view and interpret the world, people,
conversations, events, information, history, and reality.
How can this be? If we all get our own version of the truth, our own reality in which to live, we will simply be passing
by each other unable to really interact or communicate. What a chaotic, lonely world that is proving to be!
When Jesus was arrested and tried before the Roman Governor Pilate, He said “for this reason I was born, and for this
reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Pilate
responded with “What is truth?” (verse 38).
I don’t think Pilate was embarking on an intellectual quest here. This wasn’t a philosophical discussion. His life had
been spent in politics and the law. He was very familiar with the twisting of “facts” to suit an agenda. He had seen that
which is false be presented as truth many times. His concern was how to navigate this political minefield in a way that
upheld the law, appeased the Jews so there was peace in Jerusalem, and hopefully spare an innocent man along the
way. As we know, he caved in to the pressure and chose politics over justice, convenience over truth.
The night before this exchange, Jesus prayed for His followers at what we call the Last Supper. Here, as recorded in
John 17:17, Jesus prayed “Sanctify them (set them apart for God’s use) by the truth; Your word is truth.” Jesus answered
the question before Pilate even asked it. God’s Word, a standard that is not from us or by us, but one that is given to us
by the One who is over us, is truth. Jesus also said that same evening “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
If we honestly want the truth about ourselves, our lives, our purpose, right and wrong, and how to be right with God,
we need to go to the standard of truth. God’s Word (the Bible) and God’s Son (Jesus). In your search for truth, spend
some time checking into who Jesus is and what Jesus said. Look into the Bible to see what God actually said, not what
you assume is in there. Come to Him to encounter truth.
Have you seen the words “the truth will set you free” on a courtroom wall? What a strange place to put that. In many
cases the truth will put someone in that room behind bars! This is a misquote, a partial quote of what Jesus also said on
this topic.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”
(John 8:31,32). Do you see the difference? Reading or hearing the truth doesn’t set you free. Repeating the truth doesn’t
set you free. Believing what Jesus said, living in obedience to His teaching – this is what shows that we know the truth
and it is in living this way that the truth will set you free.
Please don’t end up as another casualty of the battle for truth. Go to the source, the standard. Listen to Jesus, believe
Him, and follow Him. Then you will know the truth and find the freedom you are hoping for.

]]> Our ears and our eyes are easily deceived these days. From scams through the phone, email, and social media to
computer generated images in movies and now the advancements of Artificial Intelligence
Beyond that, there is the battle for truth in the realm of information. In classrooms, parliament, courtrooms,
newscasts, Instagram and the internet the battle rages on. We live in a he said, she said world.
To complicate matters, for some reason we decided that everyone is entitled to their own version of the truth. I can
have my truth and you can speak your truth. The problem comes when they don’t align. Now what? You have your truth
(your view) and someone else has theirs. Your truth is the lens through which you view and interpret the world, people,
conversations, events, information, history, and reality.
How can this be? If we all get our own version of the truth, our own reality in which to live, we will simply be passing
by each other unable to really interact or communicate. What a chaotic, lonely world that is proving to be!
When Jesus was arrested and tried before the Roman Governor Pilate, He said “for this reason I was born, and for this
reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Pilate
responded with “What is truth?” (verse 38).
I don’t think Pilate was embarking on an intellectual quest here. This wasn’t a philosophical discussion. His life had
been spent in politics and the law. He was very familiar with the twisting of “facts” to suit an agenda. He had seen that
which is false be presented as truth many times. His concern was how to navigate this political minefield in a way that
upheld the law, appeased the Jews so there was peace in Jerusalem, and hopefully spare an innocent man along the
way. As we know, he caved in to the pressure and chose politics over justice, convenience over truth.
The night before this exchange, Jesus prayed for His followers at what we call the Last Supper. Here, as recorded in
John 17:17, Jesus prayed “Sanctify them (set them apart for God’s use) by the truth; Your word is truth.” Jesus answered
the question before Pilate even asked it. God’s Word, a standard that is not from us or by us, but one that is given to us
by the One who is over us, is truth. Jesus also said that same evening “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
If we honestly want the truth about ourselves, our lives, our purpose, right and wrong, and how to be right with God,
we need to go to the standard of truth. God’s Word (the Bible) and God’s Son (Jesus). In your search for truth, spend
some time checking into who Jesus is and what Jesus said. Look into the Bible to see what God actually said, not what
you assume is in there. Come to Him to encounter truth.
Have you seen the words “the truth will set you free” on a courtroom wall? What a strange place to put that. In many
cases the truth will put someone in that room behind bars! This is a misquote, a partial quote of what Jesus also said on
this topic.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”
(John 8:31,32). Do you see the difference? Reading or hearing the truth doesn’t set you free. Repeating the truth doesn’t
set you free. Believing what Jesus said, living in obedience to His teaching – this is what shows that we know the truth
and it is in living this way that the truth will set you free.
Please don’t end up as another casualty of the battle for truth. Go to the source, the standard. Listen to Jesus, believe
Him, and follow Him. Then you will know the truth and find the freedom you are hoping for.

]]> The Christmas Quest https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-christmas-quest https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-christmas-quest#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:54:14 -0500 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-christmas-quest Has your Christmas quest begun this year? Have you completed it? How would you describe your Christmas quest, this
determined search and focused journey? Is it the hunt for time in your schedules to connect with friends and family? Is it
the search for the perfect gift? People spend a lot of time and money during the Christmas season trying to complete
their quests. Whatever your personal quest is this year, be sure that you do not neglect THE Christmas quest.
Faith Hill asks the question in her seasonal song “Where are you, Christmas?” Here she expresses that something has
been lost through the year or over the years and the magic of the season seems to be gone. It could be that she and
others are looking for the wrong thing in the wrong place. Let’s briefly look at the true quest of Christmas.
The Biblical records of the birth of Jesus found in Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:1-20 introduce us to two interesting and
very different groups of men. The first, in Matthew is the magi. These mysterious visitors from the east came to
Jerusalem in search of the newborn king. These were men from the upper level of society. They rubbed shoulders with
rulers. They were not Jewish. They were extremely well educated. They came from far away. Their stated purpose was
to find the one who had been born King of the Jews and to worship Him. When they found Jesus, they did bow and
worship Him. They gave Him lavish gifts of great symbolic importance. They completed their quest after a long journey
and thorough search. These men found and worshiped Jesus, God’s Son, the King of Kings, who had come to rescue us.
The second group is the shepherds of Luke chapter 2. These men were at the lowest level of society. They rubbed
shoulders with other shepherds and sheep. They were Jewish men. They were uneducated and lived simple lives. They
lived in the hills nearby, right around the corner from where Jesus was born. They travelled a short distance but were
just as focused on their quest as the magi were. They came to check out what the angel had told them about this baby –
the Saviour who is Christ, the Lord. They wanted to see for themselves what they had heard about. After meeting Jesus
they went and told everyone about this baby and what the angel told them about his identity.
Back to you and I and our quest this Christmas. Whatever else is on your calendar or on the lists you are busy working
through, the focus of the true Christmas quest remains Jesus, Himself. He is the point of Christmas and more than that,
of life itself.
Maybe like the shepherds you need to come and check out for yourself this Jesus you have been hearing about. Who
is He really? Why did He come? Why does it matter to us so many years later? Continue this quest and seek out the
answers. Read about Jesus in the Bible starting with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Come to a service
some Sunday at 10:00 or watch online and see for yourself.
Maybe you have taken the step that the shepherds took and are now on a quest like the magi. It’s time to not just
research Jesus, but to actually worship Him. Come bow before the King of Kings. Come surrender your life to this Saviour
who is Christ, the Lord. He is God and King and sacrifice. He is all that you need. God Himself come to rescue us.
Don’t ignore Jesus like the people of Bethlehem and Jerusalem did when He arrived. Don’t fight His rule and reign as
King Herod did. Search for Him, pick up a Bible (or read online, or ask us for one) and check out this “good news for all
the people.” Then bow before Him and worship Him as He alone deserves.
We would love to have you join us on Sundays for worship at 10:00, or on Monday evenings this winter for our
Christianity Explored course. Call us with your QUESTions. We would love to encourage you in your Christmas quest.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Harrow Baptist Church (519) 738-2275 harrowbaptistchurch.com

]]> Has your Christmas quest begun this year? Have you completed it? How would you describe your Christmas quest, this
determined search and focused journey? Is it the hunt for time in your schedules to connect with friends and family? Is it
the search for the perfect gift? People spend a lot of time and money during the Christmas season trying to complete
their quests. Whatever your personal quest is this year, be sure that you do not neglect THE Christmas quest.
Faith Hill asks the question in her seasonal song “Where are you, Christmas?” Here she expresses that something has
been lost through the year or over the years and the magic of the season seems to be gone. It could be that she and
others are looking for the wrong thing in the wrong place. Let’s briefly look at the true quest of Christmas.
The Biblical records of the birth of Jesus found in Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:1-20 introduce us to two interesting and
very different groups of men. The first, in Matthew is the magi. These mysterious visitors from the east came to
Jerusalem in search of the newborn king. These were men from the upper level of society. They rubbed shoulders with
rulers. They were not Jewish. They were extremely well educated. They came from far away. Their stated purpose was
to find the one who had been born King of the Jews and to worship Him. When they found Jesus, they did bow and
worship Him. They gave Him lavish gifts of great symbolic importance. They completed their quest after a long journey
and thorough search. These men found and worshiped Jesus, God’s Son, the King of Kings, who had come to rescue us.
The second group is the shepherds of Luke chapter 2. These men were at the lowest level of society. They rubbed
shoulders with other shepherds and sheep. They were Jewish men. They were uneducated and lived simple lives. They
lived in the hills nearby, right around the corner from where Jesus was born. They travelled a short distance but were
just as focused on their quest as the magi were. They came to check out what the angel had told them about this baby –
the Saviour who is Christ, the Lord. They wanted to see for themselves what they had heard about. After meeting Jesus
they went and told everyone about this baby and what the angel told them about his identity.
Back to you and I and our quest this Christmas. Whatever else is on your calendar or on the lists you are busy working
through, the focus of the true Christmas quest remains Jesus, Himself. He is the point of Christmas and more than that,
of life itself.
Maybe like the shepherds you need to come and check out for yourself this Jesus you have been hearing about. Who
is He really? Why did He come? Why does it matter to us so many years later? Continue this quest and seek out the
answers. Read about Jesus in the Bible starting with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Come to a service
some Sunday at 10:00 or watch online and see for yourself.
Maybe you have taken the step that the shepherds took and are now on a quest like the magi. It’s time to not just
research Jesus, but to actually worship Him. Come bow before the King of Kings. Come surrender your life to this Saviour
who is Christ, the Lord. He is God and King and sacrifice. He is all that you need. God Himself come to rescue us.
Don’t ignore Jesus like the people of Bethlehem and Jerusalem did when He arrived. Don’t fight His rule and reign as
King Herod did. Search for Him, pick up a Bible (or read online, or ask us for one) and check out this “good news for all
the people.” Then bow before Him and worship Him as He alone deserves.
We would love to have you join us on Sundays for worship at 10:00, or on Monday evenings this winter for our
Christianity Explored course. Call us with your QUESTions. We would love to encourage you in your Christmas quest.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Harrow Baptist Church (519) 738-2275 harrowbaptistchurch.com

]]> God Bless Us, Everyone! https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/god-bless-us-everyone https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/god-bless-us-everyone#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:47:00 -0500 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/god-bless-us-everyone “God bless us, everyone!” is the toast given by Tiny Tim at the conclusion of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
How many versions of this story have we read, or presentations and movies have we watched over the years? Of all the
times I have seen this story presented, I cannot recall one that did not include this toast at the end. It is such a refreshing
and uplifting note after a story that was full of such intense emotion.
We love this classic piece of literature with its vivid descriptions of people and places, its character development, the
social issues it confronts, and the seasonal setting. We are even willing to face the turning of the tables as we are forced
to consider our ways and the impact of the way we treat others each Christmas as we engage with this story.
Underlying this toast and happy finish to a story, lies a deeper question. Why should God bless us? Should God have
blessed Ebenezer Scrooge because he changed his ways and was nice to people and now generous instead of being a
selfish, nasty guy? Has he, and have we, earned God’s favour by what we have done for others? It is true that our
external behaviours reveal our internal conditions, but at times we can also use what we do on the outside to mask or
hide what is really going on deep down. We need to consider our hearts carefully in this.
I think this issue around asking for God’s blessing is rooted in what we are celebrating and what we are hoping for.
Certainly, we ask God to bless us. We ask Him to bless us with His forgiveness and favour, with His presence and
provision as we celebrate this Christmas and look ahead to the new year. But as Dickens’ story goes, Scrooge (and
others) praises Christmas itself as a season and occasion of giving and good feelings. He praises Christmas, not Christ.
Many of us do as well.
It is easy for us to approach this season with excitement over a holiday, a dinner, family time and an opportunity to
step away from our daily challenges and be happy together. But as we do, are we praising Christmas or Christ? The focus
of this day and all that it should point to is Jesus Himself.
Matthew 1 verses 21 and 23 tell us that Jesus was given His name because it means “the LORD saves”. He was called
Emmanuel because He is “God with us”. When the shepherds came to see the baby in the manger, they did so in
response to the angel’s message that this child was the Saviour who is Christ, the Lord (Luke 2:11). The shepherds
responded by going to meet Him themselves and telling everyone they met about all that the angels had said. They were
focused on this Saviour who is Christ (Messiah) the Lord, not on learning a catchy new song presented by an angelic
choir.
The magi came from the east, a long and difficult journey, to worship him. They brought gifts of such significance and
so rich in symbolism – possibly beyond their own understanding. They came to worship Jesus, not celebrate some time
off, a long trip, and a shopping excursion. Their focus was to praise Christ, not merely Christmas.
Now, back to the issue of blessing. God sent Jesus to us and for us because of His love for us. In mercy and grace, He
sent His Son to be our Saviour, to rescue us from the consequences of our rebellion against the Almighty (John 3:16, 17).
This is who and what we celebrate. Our rescue, God’s blessing offered to us. What an amazing and joyful thing this is.
I love Christmas as much as the next guy, but here is the challenge to my heart and yours this Christmas: engage with
others but go deeper and encounter the Saviour; enjoy Christmas but go further and embrace Christ; celebrate this
season but be sure to worship the Lord. Praise Christ and not merely Christmas.
Surely in Christ, God has blessed us, everyone.

]]> “God bless us, everyone!” is the toast given by Tiny Tim at the conclusion of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
How many versions of this story have we read, or presentations and movies have we watched over the years? Of all the
times I have seen this story presented, I cannot recall one that did not include this toast at the end. It is such a refreshing
and uplifting note after a story that was full of such intense emotion.
We love this classic piece of literature with its vivid descriptions of people and places, its character development, the
social issues it confronts, and the seasonal setting. We are even willing to face the turning of the tables as we are forced
to consider our ways and the impact of the way we treat others each Christmas as we engage with this story.
Underlying this toast and happy finish to a story, lies a deeper question. Why should God bless us? Should God have
blessed Ebenezer Scrooge because he changed his ways and was nice to people and now generous instead of being a
selfish, nasty guy? Has he, and have we, earned God’s favour by what we have done for others? It is true that our
external behaviours reveal our internal conditions, but at times we can also use what we do on the outside to mask or
hide what is really going on deep down. We need to consider our hearts carefully in this.
I think this issue around asking for God’s blessing is rooted in what we are celebrating and what we are hoping for.
Certainly, we ask God to bless us. We ask Him to bless us with His forgiveness and favour, with His presence and
provision as we celebrate this Christmas and look ahead to the new year. But as Dickens’ story goes, Scrooge (and
others) praises Christmas itself as a season and occasion of giving and good feelings. He praises Christmas, not Christ.
Many of us do as well.
It is easy for us to approach this season with excitement over a holiday, a dinner, family time and an opportunity to
step away from our daily challenges and be happy together. But as we do, are we praising Christmas or Christ? The focus
of this day and all that it should point to is Jesus Himself.
Matthew 1 verses 21 and 23 tell us that Jesus was given His name because it means “the LORD saves”. He was called
Emmanuel because He is “God with us”. When the shepherds came to see the baby in the manger, they did so in
response to the angel’s message that this child was the Saviour who is Christ, the Lord (Luke 2:11). The shepherds
responded by going to meet Him themselves and telling everyone they met about all that the angels had said. They were
focused on this Saviour who is Christ (Messiah) the Lord, not on learning a catchy new song presented by an angelic
choir.
The magi came from the east, a long and difficult journey, to worship him. They brought gifts of such significance and
so rich in symbolism – possibly beyond their own understanding. They came to worship Jesus, not celebrate some time
off, a long trip, and a shopping excursion. Their focus was to praise Christ, not merely Christmas.
Now, back to the issue of blessing. God sent Jesus to us and for us because of His love for us. In mercy and grace, He
sent His Son to be our Saviour, to rescue us from the consequences of our rebellion against the Almighty (John 3:16, 17).
This is who and what we celebrate. Our rescue, God’s blessing offered to us. What an amazing and joyful thing this is.
I love Christmas as much as the next guy, but here is the challenge to my heart and yours this Christmas: engage with
others but go deeper and encounter the Saviour; enjoy Christmas but go further and embrace Christ; celebrate this
season but be sure to worship the Lord. Praise Christ and not merely Christmas.
Surely in Christ, God has blessed us, everyone.

]]> The Unseen https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-unseen https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-unseen#comments Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-unseen Last time, we considered the mirage…things in our lives that look so promising but prove to be hollow and worthless. Today, let’s look at the other side of this coin, at the things that really matter even though they are unseen.

    Israel faced repeated attacks by the king of Syria and his forces. Several times God warned the prophet Elisha what the Syrians were planning. Elisha passed this along to Israel’s king thwarting these plans. As you can imagine, this did not go over well with the king of Syria. He began hunting for Elisha to remove this problem. When he discovered where Elisha was, he sent his chariots, soldiers, and cavalry to surround the city during the night. At last, he had Elisha surrounded.  

    In the morning, Elisha’s servant got up early to prepare for the day. He looked out the window and was shocked to see the city surrounded. He knew they were here for Elisha. They were surrounded and done for. He called to Elisha and asked “what will we do?” I wonder if the prophet smiled and shook his head a little as he calmly replied, “Relax, we aren’t the ones surrounded.” 2 Kings 6:17 tells us that Elisha then prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” The eyes of the servant were opened and what he saw surprised him. The hills around the city, surrounding the Syrian army, were full of horses and chariots of fire. The Syrians were encircled by the army of angels the Lord had sent. No wonder Elisha was calmly starting his day. God was in control, so everything was good. 

    These eyes of faith, this heart of trust in the Lord were not unique to Elisha. Hebrews 11:27 says that Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt by faith, not fearing Pharoah’s anger because he “endured as seeing Him who is unseen”. Moses trusted God for His presence, leading, protection and provision as He took them out of slavery in obedience to God’s instructions. 

    The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that whatever we face and endure, we are to “look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” What a great reminder to stop chasing the mirages that so easily distract us, deceive us, and try to keep our focus on the here and now. Instead, we are to stay focused on things of eternal value. There is indeed a God who created this world, the One to whom we are all accountable. He is the same one who sent His Son to rescue us from the consequences and judgement we face for rebelling against Him. He is holy, righteous, and just. He will judge. He is, however, also gracious and merciful in providing for our deliverance. This world and our lives in it are temporary. We need to focus on what will last into eternity. Everything else is just a mirage. 

    Why do people see things so differently today? This isn’t new. Elisha and his servant saw things differently as well. That was because they were looking at and for very different things. One was focused on here and now and what he could see. He lived based on how things appear. The other was focused on much bigger things and looked beyond appearances to the way things actually were. This changes everything. 

    Have you ever noticed that hunters see things in the forest that hikers don’t? Hikers are enjoying the scenery, fresh air, and exercise as they make their way along the paths. Hunters are looking for subtle but sure indications of the presence of deer. Where have they been? Where are they going? What patterns do they follow? What indicates that they have been nearby? The difference is what we are looking for along the way. 

    May the LORD open our eyes so that we may see things as they are, not merely as they appear to be. God is at work right here, right now. Don’t miss it. 

]]> Last time, we considered the mirage…things in our lives that look so promising but prove to be hollow and worthless. Today, let’s look at the other side of this coin, at the things that really matter even though they are unseen.

    Israel faced repeated attacks by the king of Syria and his forces. Several times God warned the prophet Elisha what the Syrians were planning. Elisha passed this along to Israel’s king thwarting these plans. As you can imagine, this did not go over well with the king of Syria. He began hunting for Elisha to remove this problem. When he discovered where Elisha was, he sent his chariots, soldiers, and cavalry to surround the city during the night. At last, he had Elisha surrounded.  

    In the morning, Elisha’s servant got up early to prepare for the day. He looked out the window and was shocked to see the city surrounded. He knew they were here for Elisha. They were surrounded and done for. He called to Elisha and asked “what will we do?” I wonder if the prophet smiled and shook his head a little as he calmly replied, “Relax, we aren’t the ones surrounded.” 2 Kings 6:17 tells us that Elisha then prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” The eyes of the servant were opened and what he saw surprised him. The hills around the city, surrounding the Syrian army, were full of horses and chariots of fire. The Syrians were encircled by the army of angels the Lord had sent. No wonder Elisha was calmly starting his day. God was in control, so everything was good. 

    These eyes of faith, this heart of trust in the Lord were not unique to Elisha. Hebrews 11:27 says that Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt by faith, not fearing Pharoah’s anger because he “endured as seeing Him who is unseen”. Moses trusted God for His presence, leading, protection and provision as He took them out of slavery in obedience to God’s instructions. 

    The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that whatever we face and endure, we are to “look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” What a great reminder to stop chasing the mirages that so easily distract us, deceive us, and try to keep our focus on the here and now. Instead, we are to stay focused on things of eternal value. There is indeed a God who created this world, the One to whom we are all accountable. He is the same one who sent His Son to rescue us from the consequences and judgement we face for rebelling against Him. He is holy, righteous, and just. He will judge. He is, however, also gracious and merciful in providing for our deliverance. This world and our lives in it are temporary. We need to focus on what will last into eternity. Everything else is just a mirage. 

    Why do people see things so differently today? This isn’t new. Elisha and his servant saw things differently as well. That was because they were looking at and for very different things. One was focused on here and now and what he could see. He lived based on how things appear. The other was focused on much bigger things and looked beyond appearances to the way things actually were. This changes everything. 

    Have you ever noticed that hunters see things in the forest that hikers don’t? Hikers are enjoying the scenery, fresh air, and exercise as they make their way along the paths. Hunters are looking for subtle but sure indications of the presence of deer. Where have they been? Where are they going? What patterns do they follow? What indicates that they have been nearby? The difference is what we are looking for along the way. 

    May the LORD open our eyes so that we may see things as they are, not merely as they appear to be. God is at work right here, right now. Don’t miss it. 

]]> The Mirage https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-mirage https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-mirage#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/the-mirage Have you ever been disappointed or disillusioned? You saw something that looked so good, you wanted it intensely and could think of nothing else. The things that you did have, now seemed so ordinary and boring and you were sure you needed to “move on”. Then, when you finally possessed or experienced it, it turned out to be so different than you had anticipated. Like a cheap toy won in a carnival game, the object of your desire turns out to be of very little value with no lasting satisfaction.  

    This happens everyday. People pursue money and find that there is never enough. Others chase a sexual experience or new “relationship” only to end up empty and alone looking at the destruction they have caused to others. Some pursue positions of power and authority only to find that the weight of responsibility is more than they can handle. There are those who pursue comfort at every turn to find out that they have missed the benefits of hard work. Have you noticed how many “celebrities” spend a lifetime chasing the spotlight and then find that what they now want most is privacy?

    We see these mirages all around us. Something appeals to our desires and catches our attention but after chasing it we discover that it was never real.  Like someone lost in a desert, when it gets hot enough and we are tired and thirsty enough, our eyes will play tricks on us and we will “see” something that isn’t there. 

    The people of Israel fell into this trap. They were facing threats from other nations. Instead of turning to the true and living God who had done so much for them, they decided to look to Egypt for help. Egypt. The empire that had enslaved them for so long. The place from which God had rescued them. They would rather call out to Egypt for what Isaiah calls shade (relief, protection, security) than lean on God and go to Him for relief and rescue. Instead of walking so closely with their God that they were in His shadow, they looked across the desert and saw the shiny weapons of Egypt’s army and thought “now that looks like the help we could use!”

    In Jeremiah chapter 2:12-13, God called the heavens to look closely and bear witness to this horrifying choice. He declared that His people had committed two sins. The first was their rejection of Him. After all the mercy and grace repeatedly extended to them, they walked away. “They have forsaken me, the spring of living water” God said. He was the source of all they needed yet they walked away chasing something that seemed more tangible, something that seemed more impressive. 

    The second sin was to dig for themselves cisterns in the desert. Broken cisterns, unable to hold water. Can you picture it? It was as if they were walking through the desert and turned their back on the best possible well. Instead, they picked up shovels and began to dig in the sand. Pretty soon they looked like a bunch of prairie dogs surrounded by holes in the ground, yet they now had no water. God called them to “consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me” (Jeremiah 2:19).

    As you go through the stages and challenges of life, mirages will continue to appear. Attractive things that will entice you to pursue them. Giving in to these illusions and chasing after them will leave you standing beside empty holes in the sand, with hands blistered from your digging and throats still parched in desperate need of living water. Meanwhile, the spring of living water, the source of all you will ever need is standing right there waiting for you to turn back to Him and receive what only He can give. 

        If you would like to talk about this living water, if you have questions, or if there’s something you would like us to be praying about, contact us at Harrow Baptist. We would love the opportunity to connect with you and help you put down your shovel.

]]> Have you ever been disappointed or disillusioned? You saw something that looked so good, you wanted it intensely and could think of nothing else. The things that you did have, now seemed so ordinary and boring and you were sure you needed to “move on”. Then, when you finally possessed or experienced it, it turned out to be so different than you had anticipated. Like a cheap toy won in a carnival game, the object of your desire turns out to be of very little value with no lasting satisfaction.  

    This happens everyday. People pursue money and find that there is never enough. Others chase a sexual experience or new “relationship” only to end up empty and alone looking at the destruction they have caused to others. Some pursue positions of power and authority only to find that the weight of responsibility is more than they can handle. There are those who pursue comfort at every turn to find out that they have missed the benefits of hard work. Have you noticed how many “celebrities” spend a lifetime chasing the spotlight and then find that what they now want most is privacy?

    We see these mirages all around us. Something appeals to our desires and catches our attention but after chasing it we discover that it was never real.  Like someone lost in a desert, when it gets hot enough and we are tired and thirsty enough, our eyes will play tricks on us and we will “see” something that isn’t there. 

    The people of Israel fell into this trap. They were facing threats from other nations. Instead of turning to the true and living God who had done so much for them, they decided to look to Egypt for help. Egypt. The empire that had enslaved them for so long. The place from which God had rescued them. They would rather call out to Egypt for what Isaiah calls shade (relief, protection, security) than lean on God and go to Him for relief and rescue. Instead of walking so closely with their God that they were in His shadow, they looked across the desert and saw the shiny weapons of Egypt’s army and thought “now that looks like the help we could use!”

    In Jeremiah chapter 2:12-13, God called the heavens to look closely and bear witness to this horrifying choice. He declared that His people had committed two sins. The first was their rejection of Him. After all the mercy and grace repeatedly extended to them, they walked away. “They have forsaken me, the spring of living water” God said. He was the source of all they needed yet they walked away chasing something that seemed more tangible, something that seemed more impressive. 

    The second sin was to dig for themselves cisterns in the desert. Broken cisterns, unable to hold water. Can you picture it? It was as if they were walking through the desert and turned their back on the best possible well. Instead, they picked up shovels and began to dig in the sand. Pretty soon they looked like a bunch of prairie dogs surrounded by holes in the ground, yet they now had no water. God called them to “consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me” (Jeremiah 2:19).

    As you go through the stages and challenges of life, mirages will continue to appear. Attractive things that will entice you to pursue them. Giving in to these illusions and chasing after them will leave you standing beside empty holes in the sand, with hands blistered from your digging and throats still parched in desperate need of living water. Meanwhile, the spring of living water, the source of all you will ever need is standing right there waiting for you to turn back to Him and receive what only He can give. 

        If you would like to talk about this living water, if you have questions, or if there’s something you would like us to be praying about, contact us at Harrow Baptist. We would love the opportunity to connect with you and help you put down your shovel.

]]> Decisions, Decisions https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/decisions-decisions https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/decisions-decisions#comments Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.harrowbaptistchurch.com/articles/post/decisions-decisions  

    Have you ever been out with friends and tried to decide where to eat? This simple decision often degenerates into an exchange of the phrase “no, you decide”. At times we may honestly want the other person to get what they would like, but I wonder if it isn’t also pointing to our constant need to make decisions. Maybe choosing a restaurant is just one decision too many some days.  

    It has been estimated that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions per day. That’s roughly 2,000 decisions an hour while we are awake. That’s a lot of thinking! Many decisions we make without much thought as we follow our daily routines. Others we make quickly because they don’t seem to matter much. Do I wear the red shirt or blue shirt today? Other decisions we face, however, are more consequential. They do matter. How will I respond to this situation? What will I say to (or about) this person? What will I feed my heart and mind today? 

    Important decisions require help. If you face a major financial decision, you go to your financial advisor – someone who knows what to do. If you are experiencing health problems, you go to your doctor – someone who can determine the correct course of action to fix the problem. If we are to make good decisions, we need input from someone with wisdom. Who better to consult than King Solomon? Solomon was revered in his day for his incredible wisdom. This was God’s gift to him as he led God’s people Israel. You can read how that came about in 1 Kings chapter 3. For today, let’s look at his words in Proverbs 3:5-7. 

    Solomon shares some important ingredients to good decision making in these verses. First, he warns us not to lean on our own understanding (verse 5). He also says “be not wise in your own eyes” in verse 7. So often we think we know more than anyone else, or at least enough to be able to handle what we are facing. The reality is that there are many things that we do not know with our limited information. There are many things that we cannot see such as the consequences our decisions will have on ourselves or on others. 

    Second, Solomon tells us to trust in the LORD with all our hearts. Depend on Him and trust His wisdom and leading completely, knowing that He knows so much more than we do. Solomon says “in all your ways acknowledge Him” in verse 6. In everything we do, every choice, every decision, every situation. Putting God first and looking to bring glory to Him and not to ourselves, following His instructions given to us in The Bible and not merely following our own ideas. This will change the way we live, think, make decisions, and interact with others. 

    Did you notice that Solomon said in “all your ways” not in some of them. People used to love the quote (and the little book) “don’t sweat the small stuff; and it’s all small stuff”. That might make us feel better in the moment, but it will set us up for a lot of trouble in our lives and relationships. We can’t just stumble through life not thinking about our choices. Solomon reminds us in verse 7 that we should fear the LORD (stand in awe of Him, respond to Him in humility and reverent worship) and turn away form evil (all that would disobey or dishonour God in any way). Live how we already know through the Bible that God wants us to live. If we would start there, we will be ready to lean on his guidance when we face the next decision. 

    Finally, Solomon tells us in verse 6 that if we do this, God will lead us along and show us the next step as we face our decisions day to day. Who could possibly be a better guide in our lives than the One who created us? He knows His purpose for each of us. He knows what He wants to do in each of our lives and through us as we impact each other. So, whatever you are facing today or will face tomorrow, don’t go it alone. Look to the One who knows all. 

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    Have you ever been out with friends and tried to decide where to eat? This simple decision often degenerates into an exchange of the phrase “no, you decide”. At times we may honestly want the other person to get what they would like, but I wonder if it isn’t also pointing to our constant need to make decisions. Maybe choosing a restaurant is just one decision too many some days.  

    It has been estimated that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions per day. That’s roughly 2,000 decisions an hour while we are awake. That’s a lot of thinking! Many decisions we make without much thought as we follow our daily routines. Others we make quickly because they don’t seem to matter much. Do I wear the red shirt or blue shirt today? Other decisions we face, however, are more consequential. They do matter. How will I respond to this situation? What will I say to (or about) this person? What will I feed my heart and mind today? 

    Important decisions require help. If you face a major financial decision, you go to your financial advisor – someone who knows what to do. If you are experiencing health problems, you go to your doctor – someone who can determine the correct course of action to fix the problem. If we are to make good decisions, we need input from someone with wisdom. Who better to consult than King Solomon? Solomon was revered in his day for his incredible wisdom. This was God’s gift to him as he led God’s people Israel. You can read how that came about in 1 Kings chapter 3. For today, let’s look at his words in Proverbs 3:5-7. 

    Solomon shares some important ingredients to good decision making in these verses. First, he warns us not to lean on our own understanding (verse 5). He also says “be not wise in your own eyes” in verse 7. So often we think we know more than anyone else, or at least enough to be able to handle what we are facing. The reality is that there are many things that we do not know with our limited information. There are many things that we cannot see such as the consequences our decisions will have on ourselves or on others. 

    Second, Solomon tells us to trust in the LORD with all our hearts. Depend on Him and trust His wisdom and leading completely, knowing that He knows so much more than we do. Solomon says “in all your ways acknowledge Him” in verse 6. In everything we do, every choice, every decision, every situation. Putting God first and looking to bring glory to Him and not to ourselves, following His instructions given to us in The Bible and not merely following our own ideas. This will change the way we live, think, make decisions, and interact with others. 

    Did you notice that Solomon said in “all your ways” not in some of them. People used to love the quote (and the little book) “don’t sweat the small stuff; and it’s all small stuff”. That might make us feel better in the moment, but it will set us up for a lot of trouble in our lives and relationships. We can’t just stumble through life not thinking about our choices. Solomon reminds us in verse 7 that we should fear the LORD (stand in awe of Him, respond to Him in humility and reverent worship) and turn away form evil (all that would disobey or dishonour God in any way). Live how we already know through the Bible that God wants us to live. If we would start there, we will be ready to lean on his guidance when we face the next decision. 

    Finally, Solomon tells us in verse 6 that if we do this, God will lead us along and show us the next step as we face our decisions day to day. Who could possibly be a better guide in our lives than the One who created us? He knows His purpose for each of us. He knows what He wants to do in each of our lives and through us as we impact each other. So, whatever you are facing today or will face tomorrow, don’t go it alone. Look to the One who knows all. 

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