Perspectives by Rev. Janet Evans

 

It's All About Winning

Well, here we are in June once again, and while for most of us, our hockey heroes are playing golf, or whatever it is they do in the summer, there are still those who are experiencing hockey fever.

By the time you read this Los Angeles may very well be the new NHL champions. I hope that is so.

Have you noticed how a city can become so pumped when their team is about to capture such a prized trophy? Los Angeles is alive with hockey energy. Those who may have never skated or felt the cold of the ice, all of a sudden, are experts in the game and are completely taken with this winter sport.

As I was thinking about this, my mind began to muse on some spiritual truths that are given to us in the word of God.

For example, like hockey players, if we are going to win, we must be disciplined. You will never see the coveted Stanley Cup go to a team that is not disciplined to hard work, to continuous practices. No matter how good last night’s game was, you will find a winning team on the ice the next morning going through the drills that made the win last night possible.

There must also be the discipline of working together. No one person ever wins a Stanley Cup, it’s a team effort. Even the great one will tell you that.

Well, what does this have to do with being a Christian? After all, isn’t everyone born in Canada a Christian?

The Bible makes it clear that everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved, Acts 2:21. But then as we examine the teachings of Paul the Apostle, we find after we have believed we are to have a disciplined life, a life that reflects the character and nature of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For example, in Paul’s first letter to his young protégé, Timothy, he writes, “Fight the good fight of faith.” In the verse preceding, he warns Timothy to flee from things that are evil and pursue righteousness or right living according to God. 1 Tim. 6:11-12.

In his second letter to Timothy, he refers to his own life as he prepares for his end in chapter 4:7. He says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That certainly is a picture of a disciplined life.

There is a difference though between winning the Stanley Cup and gaining eternal life. Only one team can lift the Cup in victory, but the Bible declares, “All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

That is everyone who comes to realize they are sinners, separated from God because of their sin, and come to know that Jesus came into this world to give His life to save us from sin, and then accept His payment for our sin, they will be saved.

I want to encourage you who have believed to live a disciplined life according to God’s word. If you are reading this and have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ why not begin right now?

Confess your sin to God, ask for His forgiveness, and follow Him. You’ll never regret that decision. May God bless you as you take this into consideration.

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

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First impressions really do matter. Ask anyone. And flubbed first impressions can come back to haunt you. Forever.

In my extreme youth, I decided to travel to an all inclusive resort in Jamaica for a vacation. By myself. What a great opportunity to meet new friends, especially, the agent told me, since most of the resort visitors would be German tourists! First morning, first day, I approached the crowded pool ready to make that crucial entrance. Didn’t notice the sign which said “slippery when wet.” Rolled head over heels down a shallow flight of stairs, in my bathing suit, and flopped (unhurt), butt in the air, to the cement, before dozens of suddenly quiet German guests. I impressed. Oh yes.

“Tragic” first impressions can even happen to one’s nearest and dearest.

My parents and their friends, Wes and Marian, attended a party hosted by a dignified and formal couple they barely knew. As they were saying good night, Wes, prodded to compliment the hosts, floundered around, then finally loudly announced, “All kidding aside, cheese sandwiches do make a real good cheap lunch.”

They were not invited back.

Two weeks later, the four attended yet another party. My parents had been at this home once before, (and apparently my father hadn’t found the occasion memorable).  This was different. As he vigorously shook the hostess’ hand, he said, with deep conviction, “Gee, I really had a good time, this time.”

They were not invited back.

Of course, no first impression could be as traumatic as that of my friend’s friend, a woman who had been seriously dating a certain young man and had finally been invited home to meet his parents. Dressed in her best, wearing a pair of high, high heels, she nervously made small talk with the parents, while standing at the top of the stairs in their split level. 

She turned, promptly caught one of those heels, tripped, and then rolled violently down the steps  –  landing directly on top of the family’s beloved chihuahua.

They did not get married.

Just to prove that lightning can strike twice where first impressions are concerned, two years ago I went to the Dominican, this time travelling with friends. 

First day, very first public appearance, I wandered (in that inevitable bathing suit) among the lounge chairs and guests, looking for the place by the pool_where my group had set up. 

Missed noticing the “slippery when wet” sign. Again.

Shortly thereafter, found myself, with my ‘better side’ in the air, face down and sprawled before holidaying strangers. 

A large man in a tight t-shirt  reading “Beer’s my Bud,”  actually helped me up, then genially remarked to the crowd, “Wow, that usually doesn’t happen to me until late afternoon, after lots of brewskis.”

Another grand first impression. Sigh.

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