In our darkness, there is no darkness...

J.S. Bach’s ‘St Matthew Passion’ is one of the powerful, pieces of music that rings so true at this time of year. Bach, recounts the last hours of Jesus life on earth, the meaning of his sacrificial death, and our human response.

In tears of grief, dear Lord, we leave Thee.
Hearts cry to Thee, O Saviour dear.
Lie Thou softly, softly here.

Rest Thy worn and bruised body.
At the grave, O Jesus blest,
May the sinner, worn with weeping
Comfort find in Thy dear keeping,
And the weary soul find rest.
Sleep in peace, sleep Thou in the Father’s breast.

Words much more recent, from Taze come to mind as I think of Bach's musical phrases.

“In our darkness, there is no darkness, for you, oh Lord, the darkest night is clear as the day.” (Taize)

Day 30 :: 31 March [Tuesday]

Read:
Matthew 5:14-16

Reflect:
When Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, do you think he meant for it to stay in a box? Or do you think he meant for the light bulb to generate light?
In the same way, when God shines His light into His people, He also means for us to generate light.

• What does it mean that Christians are the light of the world?
  
• How does the image of putting a light on a stand have to do with generating light?
  
• What are some of the ways you could “let your light shine” before the people you come in contact with today?
  
• What does this passage say the results are?
  
• Look as well at Proverbs 13:9.

Respond:
Shine upon us, O God of lights. Show us the way. Reveal to us Your glory. Then may Your light shine through us as we go today. May my thoughts, my words, my whole life reflect the glory of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer for God’s light to be bright at OCC.
Pray for our Leadership Team: Mark Farrugua, Glenn Gillespie, David Gillett, Phil McLeod, Dan Sawatsky.
Pray for our BAD [Building, Auditorium, Design] teams: Alan Jarvis, Mike Luoma, Ray Scriver, David Gillett,
And pray for God to raise up more leaders as He expands our territory.

Day 29 :: March 30 [Monday]

Read
Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 10

Reflect
We can talk theology and devotions all day long, but there comes a time when we are called to act.
Read Matthew 28:16-20

• What are we called to do as Christians?

Read Matthew 10

• What are some of the things that disciples do?
• Who are people either rejecting or receiving?

Respond
Oh Lord, how I long to hear your voice and learn what it is to be loved — to thrive, transformed by Your Spirit in a world that seeks to take away Your life in me. I confess that sometimes I drift away from You. I want to walk more closely with You than ever before. Today Lord, I answer You with my whole life... take me and transform me. May I come to know You so personally and powerfully that I can’t help but tell others about who You are. Father God, help me to recognize that the only holy thing in us is Your Holy Spirit... and that if we are to answer Your call, we must relinquish our lives to Your lead.
Fill our whole community with Your presence today, O, Lord! Amen.

Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi wrote this prayer in the 13th Century:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Day 28 :: March 28 [Saturday]

Read:
Psalm 62:5-8

Reflect:
How is the journey going?
By this point in the journey you may feel discouraged... why hasn’t God spoken more?
Why can’t I read the Word and pray every day?
You may be realizing that the kind of growth God has in mind doesn’t come easy.
The good news is that it’s not our faithfulness that makes us grow, but God.
So don’t resolve to “do better” to “try harder.”
Instead, ask God to change you. Cling to the One who is perfect... Jesus Christ alone.
And keep walking.

Respond:
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
My rock of strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is our refuge. (Psalm 62.5-8)

OCC & Cinema4

UPDATE:
The final details were not completed by 5:00pm when the provincial online registry shuts down. So, while everything seems to be completed, the official transfer will not happen until Monday morning.

As I write this, we are awaiting final word from the lawyer that the sale of the Cinema4 property has closed.

COLIN MCKIM has written an article at the Orillia Packet & Times. [The photo to the right is his as well.] Don't you just love windy days and longish hair.

Sunday Morning @ 10:00am: Popcorn! As we celebrate the goodness and greatness of our God. Come prepared to bless Him in worship.

Sunday Evening @ 6:30pm: We are having a potluck dinner at the Orillia Christian School. One of the things we will be doing is looking at some of the plans and some of the next steps as we prepare to move to Cinema4

I am listening to Elijah Streams radio as I write this and the Chris Tomlin song God of This City started to play. It brought tears to my eyes, as I recognize that our God has great plans for OCC and Orillia.

You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Day 27 :: March 27 [Friday]

Read:
Joshua 1:1-9

Reflect:
As you read this passage, what invitation does the Lord give Joshua over and over?

• What are some of the promises God gave to Joshua?
• How does the Word of God relate to the presence of God?
• How do the concepts of listening and obeying go together?

Respond:
Lord, You are present in Your Word, therefore I will study and read and meditate in Your Word all the time. Lord, I give thanks for Your greatness, your goodness, and your love, and I now draw near to enjoy your presence. In Jesus name. Amen

Day 26 :: March 26 [Thursday]

Read:
Psalm 119:33-40

Reflect:
Psalm 119 is all about God’s Word.
As you meditate on verses 33-40, how is God’s word described?
How would you describe the heart of the Psalmist as he wrote this?
How would you describe your heart in relation to God’s Word?

Respond:
Use these words from Psalm 119.33-40 as part of your prayer:
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me through Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 25 :: March 25 [Wednesday]

Read:
Hebrews 1

Reflect:
God is the only being who exists eternally. There has never been a time when God did not exist. As you read and meditate today, think about what it would be like if God decided not to speak to us again — if He hadn’t sent Jesus.

• What would your life be like without God’s Word?
• Would it be any different?
• What would it look like to make God’s Word more central in your everyday life?

Respond:
Father, I want Your Word to be deeply implanted in me so that I not only know the truth, but also express it in the way I live. Move me toward your Word that I might not experience so much fear about my future. Help me cling to your perfect Word, for it brings life, and is flawless in every way. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 24 :: March 24 [Tuesday]

Read:
Psalm 1

Reflect:
The Bible is God’s completely true Story about who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. It was given by God to human writers and so reflects their backgrounds, styles, and use of language. The Bible is the final authority on all matters of life.

• Do you believe these things?
• What does God’s Word mean to you?

As you meditate on Psalm 1, consider...

• What should you expect your life to be like if you make God’s instruction central to your walk?
• What are the results of a life apart from God’s Word?

Respond:
God, give me a love for Your Word. Help me understand it. Make it become a part of who I am and how I live. Transform me according to Your Word, for Your Word is perfect. Make it do everything in me that it was intended to do so that I might know You more personally and have a life that is connected to who You are. In Jesus name. Amen.

Day 23 :: March 23 [Monday]

Read:
Proverbs 1:1-7

Reflect:
In your own words, summarize the meaning of this passage.

• What is the main point of this portion of God’s Word?
• What is true of the wise man?
• What is true of the fool?
• How is the Lord leading you?

Respond:
God, I surrender to who You are and what You’ve said. I’m not afraid of You, for You are loving, but I am laid low in awe of Your majesty and power. Give me a healthy sense of fear that I might increase in wisdom and knowledge. Give me a heart that clings to Your Word and give me courage to follow where You lead all my days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 22 :: March 21 [Saturday]

Read:
1 Thessalonians 2

Reflect:
Paul’s word of thanksgiving for the Thessalonians is followed by a review of his ministry in their midst and a defense of his care, concern, motives, and message (2.1-16).

First Thessalonians centers on the theme of the salvation and spiritual growth of the believers in Thessalonica. After hearing Timothy’s report about the steadfastness of the Thessalonians’ faith, Paul writes this letter to tell them how thankful he was for the reality of their growing faith and love in the face of persecution. He also responded to the false accusations of the Jewish opposition by reminding his readers of the selfless way he ministered to them and the truthfulness of the message he imparted to them.

Read and relect/meditate over 1 Thessalonians 2.8 [you may want to memorize it], asking God to give you a heart like Paul’s.

Respond:
Lord, may I love and serve others out of tenderness and affection as I encourage them to walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls us to His own kingdom and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 21 :: March 20 [Friday]

Read:
James 5:16, Romans 12:15

Reflect:
Write out today’s verses on a piece of paper.
Picture a conversation where these things were happening.
So often we keep such a distance from each other, for fear of exposure, that no one sees the “real” us.

• Do you have relationships in which you are free to cry and rejoice, to confess struggles, desires?
  
• Do you allow others to get close to you?
  
• Who is one person with whom you could develop a more open and honest relationship?
  
• How does this help transform us?

Respond:
Jesus, thank You for showing me more about who You are in my relationships. Help me live without envy, lust, or hate. Move me toward a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5.22-23).

You may want to write out a prayer in your own words related to your life in the community of God’s people. [writing a prayer out, allows us to think a little more deeply about what and how we are praying.]

Day 20 :: March 19 [Thursday]

Read:
1 John 4:7-21

Reflect:
When it all boils down, one of the main things lost in the Garden of Eden is relationship. We have been separated from God and from each other. And just as we are broken in relationship, there is the possibility of being redeemed in relationship. The cross of Christ show us that redemption comes through relationship. Part of God’s remedy in fitting us back together comes through transformational relationship.

• What comes to mind when you think of a “good relationship”

1 John 4.7-21 provides a good picture for us. Spend some time meditating in this passage.

• What is the one element of relationship repeated over and over again in this passage?
  
• What is love?
  
• Where is the source of love?
  
• How does love transform?

Respond:
Lord, You have invited me to pray for the needs of others, and since You desire what is best for them, I take this opportunity to bring these requests to You. May I be of the same mind with others; instead of being haughty in mind or wise in my own estimation, let me associate with the humble. (Romans 12.16) If it is possible, as far as it depends on me, let me live at peace with all men. (Romans 12.18)

Take some time to lift up the needs of your family and friends, and other needs that the Lord brings to mind.

Day 19 :: March 18 [Wednesday]

Read:
Daniel 1

Reflect:
As you read today, consider Daniel’s relationship with God, his friends, and the king.

• What was on Daniel’s heart?
• What were some of the commitments he made?
• While many people think this text is about learning to be a vegetarian, can you see the deeper point this chapter is trying to make?
• What are some of the ways this world is drawing you away from God?
• Who are some friends that you might surround yourself with, like Daniel, who will encourage you in your faith?

Respond:
O Lord, may my relationships be pleasing in Your sight. May You bring me encouragement from my friends, and may You transform me to be a great friend for other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 18 :: March 17 [Tuesday]

Read:
John 15

Reflect:
John 15 gives us great hope that God did not send us out alone.

• How is Jesus described in this passage?
• How are radical disciples described?
• What are the results of staying connected to the vine?
• How might you stay more connected to the vine?
• How might your close relationship with Jesus actually become more central in your closest relationships?
  
• How might a deeper relationship with Jesus flavor your other relationships?
• List specific things you could do to be more connected to God.
• List specific ways you’d like to make an impact on those closest to you.

Respond:
O God, you intend for my life to make a huge impact on the people around me. I want to stay closer to Your heart today, that my words, my thoughts, my actions would flow from who You are. Keep me from wandering away from You. Help me hear Your quiet voice as I go today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 17 :: March 16 [Monday]

Read:
Acts 1: 12-15; Hebrews 10:24-25

Reflect:

• Who are the people closest to you?
• What are your relationships like?
• What do these passages teach you about God’s plan for relationships?

• Being with others who will wait on God with you and renew your strength often means having to rearrange your relationships.
• Read and ask God for some intimate allies.
  
  
• What could you do to simplify your life today?
  
• What are some things that get in the way of spending quality time with others?
  
• Remove one of those obstacles today, and make plans to meet with someone to talk about God’s Word together.
  
• Transforming relationships are those that create space for God to act and speak.

Respond:
Lord, you have made me to live in relationship with others. Give me strength to move toward others, away from isolation. May my relationships not be shallow; may they not be trivial. Give me meaningful words and a listening heart. I belong to God’s people and am no longer alone. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God of many names

God of many names, my name is known to you.
I am held in the hand of your life, and I do not know what you will make of me.
All I know is that I cannot make myself any more than I could in my mother's womb.
But this I can do, this I choose.
To give myself into the hand of your continuing creativity;
my past, with its joys and triumphs, its failures and regrets;
my present, with its struggles and accomplishments, its hopes and setbacks;
my future, with its fears and freedom, its pain and promise.
To loose and to bind, to stretch and to shape, to become what I will,
trusting the hand that made the world
trusting the spirit that breathes life
trusting the love that will not let me go
trusting the promise of the Word made flesh.
Amen

a dedication by kathy galloway from the book: talking to the bones, spck, 1996
found at fresh worship

DAY 16 :: 14 March [Saturday]

READ:
Luke 6:37-42

REFLECT:

• Who do you end up feeling most judgmental about? Why?
• How can we be passionate about the truth of the Gospel and convinced of the rightness and health of life in the way of Jesus without coming across as a complete jerk?
• If you were wrong about something how would you want someone to approach you?

RESPOND:

• Pray that God would soften your heart towards others and most specifically – show you any “specks” in your own eye.

DAY 15 :: 13 March [Friday]

READ:
Matthew 23:23-24

REFLECT:

• Do you think doing certain religious things (like fasting or observing Lent) or even not sinning makes you a better person?
• What’s more important?

RESPOND:

• Pray that God’s Spirit would use this season of Lent to form you, humble you, convict you of your priorities, continue to transform you and convince you of your place in serving others.

DAY 14 :: 12 March [Thursday]

READ:
Matthew 18:5-9

REFLECT:

• In what way(s) does sin have a grip on you?
• What do you know you need to let go of, but have been unwilling up to now.
• How might your unwillingness to deal with that affect others?

RESPOND:

• Pray that God would search your heart and point out to you anything that needs to go, be let go of, be crucified in your life.

Films

I am beginning to collect a list of films on the passion.
The list will be displayed in the column to the right - currently, the lines are not breaking properly - I`ll try and get that fixed.
Films are listed as: title (year) director

At this point, it`s simply a list, with no comments about the film - that may come later.
So please add films you`ve seen or heard about, don`t worry if you don`t have all the details.

One of the things I`m thinking of, for next year when we are in Cinema4 is having a passion week film festival... it`s just in the preliminary idea stage right now.

DAY 13 :: 11 March [Wednesday]

READ:
John 15:9-17

REFLECT:

• What has been the story of your relationship with Jesus?
• How has He pursued you?
• How have you pursued Him?

RESPOND:

• Pray that God’s Spirit would help you know, feel and lean into the love of Jesus for you on a daily basis.

DAY 12 :: 10 March [Tuesday]

READ:
Luke 12:13-21

REFLECT:

• Why does Jesus talk so much about money?
• How is an over-emphasis on material things corrosive to our souls and our world?

RESPOND:

• Pray that God would show you where and how you are overly concerned about and tied to money, possessions and acquisition.

DAY 11 :: 9 March [Monday]

READ:
Matthew 6:19-34

REFLECT:

• In what ways have the things you own ended up owning you?
• Where could you simplify if you only had the will to do so?
• What are we really saying to God when we place such an importance on things? When we worry?

RESPOND:

• Pray that your worry would melt into trust, that your desire for things would be redirected into a desire for God and His kingdom.

DAY 10 :: 7 March [Saturday]

DAY 10

READ:
Acts 7:1-8; Ephesians 1

REFLECT:

• List the promises God made to Abraham [Acts 7], note how Stephen describes God as the God of promise.
• What promises are given in Ephesians 1?
• Do you believe these promises?

RESPOND:

• Pray the prayer that Paul prays in Ephesians 1:17-23.
• Pray this for yourself;
  for your family;
  and for OCC.

DAY 9 :: 6 March [Friday]

DAY 9

READ:
Psalm 8

REFLECT:

• As you read, think about God.
• Picture the images used in this Psalm.
• Talk to God about how great He is. Don’t ask for anything, simply look at Him.
• As you read, make a list of what is true about God. For more, read Psalm 19.

RESPOND:
Spend some time in prayer, simply worshipping the Creator.

save the daylight

brokenness and prayer

One of the marks of the lenten season - this journey toward Christ’s resurrection - is a recognition, a radical awareness of our brokenness, our need for God. Here is a prayer posted on the the refuge blog.

• pray it
• reflect on it.
• let the words sink in.
• let God speak to the deep places of our parched hearts.
• let Him sweep out what needs sweeping.

God, all-loving and all-caring,
We come before you with hesitant steps and uncertain motives
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

We want to sweep out the corners where sin has accumulated
And uncover the places where we have strayed from your truth
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

We ask for courage to open our eyes and unstop our ears
That we may be aware of all that distracts us from a whole-hearted commitment to Christ
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

We want to see ourselves as you do and live our lives as you intended
Expose in us the empty and barren places where we have not allowed you to enter
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

Reveal to us our half-hearted struggles,
Where we have been indifferent to the pain and suffering of others
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and put a right Spirit within us
Nurture the faint stirrings of new life where your spirit has taken root and begun to grow
Our hearts are parched from wandering in a desert of sin.

We long for your healing light to transform us into the image of your Son,
For you alone can bring new life and make us whole
In your mercy, shine upon us, O God, and make our path clear before us.

Pause to remind yourself of your own brokenness and need for repentance.

God of mercy, come
Into the hidden places of our hearts.
Christ of compassion, come
Into the broken places of our world.

Spirit of life, come
Into the polluted places of our lives.
Forgive us, heal us, redeem us,
Lead us from death to eternal life.

DAY 8 :: 5 March [Thursday]

DAY 8

READ:
Matthew 16:24-28; Ephesians 5:18-21

REFLECT:

• After reading the above verses, simply sit still before God.
• Push away your agenda and just “be present”.

RESPOND:
Allow the Lord to remind you of His care for you.

DAY 7 :: 4 March [Wednesday]

DAY 7

READ:
John 14:15-31

REFLECT:

• How aware are you of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
• What are some of the thing that this passage shows you about the Spirit’s ministry?

RESPOND:
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you.

DAY 6 :: 3 March [Tuesday]

DAY 6

READ:
Psalm 15

REFLECT:

• Psalm 15 contains several responses for radical followers of Jesus – identify them
• What is the result of such commitment?
• Read John 14:6 and allow God to stir devotion to Jesus alone.

RESPOND:
Use the following passage as your starting point in prayer and praise.

Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehemiah 9:5b-6

DAY 5 :: 2 March [Monday]

DAY 5
READ:
John 1:1-12; 3:16-21

REFLECT:

• Reflect on how some people are drawn to Jesus and others turn away from Him.
• What does it mean to “receive the light”?
• Read and reflect on John 12:46

RESPOND:
Spend some time praying these passages.