The craziest thing happened.

On our way home during a very long car ride from Ottawa, the radio station we were listening to was playing songs from the early 80’s. It was disco music.

The craziest thing happened. If you had asked me to name the title of the song, I couldn’t. But when the music played I sang along, the words just pouring from my mouth. It didn’t even feel connected to my brain. During the instrumental part, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what the next words, were but when the chorus returned so did the words. It was nuts! It was planted so deep into my mind.

What is that even about? I sometimes forget why I’ve gone into a room, but I remember all the lyrics to an 80’s song I haven’t heard in decades.

The mind is wild, isn’t it?

Is that what it’s like with our faith? A faith “muscle memory”, as it were?

Faith and faithfulness are grounded in the Word.

At times of crisis it’s tempting to respond with anxiety, anger or even revenge to the challenges we face. Unfortunately there are plenty of people in our midst who model this response.

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that responding negatively to life’s challenges may be the result of not being steeped in God’s word. Instead, James says, we are to, “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”(James 1:21b)

The question is this: Is the Word of God so planted within us that it can ground us in times of crisis? Put another way, is the Word of God so planted within us that in extraordinary times, when we least expect it but need it the most, it’s there?

I ask myself, would the Word of God and the actions they beg come out of me as effortlessly as the disco tune?

How many times had I heard that ‘80’s disco song before it implanted in my mind?

To have God’s word planted within us takes time spent reading and reflecting so that, in times like now, it pours out of us without us even thinking about it!

Doesn’t that sound great?

So what can we do?

Read, reflect and respond. Listen to sermons online. When things get back to normal participate in a Life Group. And of course open the Bible. Let God’s word bathe us in peace, hope and inexplicable joy in this time. As we continue to soak in God’s word may it naturally pour out of us like a disco tune!

++++++++++++++++++++

During this unprecedented time we will be suspending onsite gatherings at Amberlea. This of course means that we will not be gathering for Sunday worship. However, you will be able to hear (and now see) the sermons online! Just go to https://www.amberleachurch.ca and click Online Worship. You have the option to just listen to the sermon or watch on our YouTube Channel (so you don’t forget what I look like ;). Keep up with our new sermon series entitled: When Pigs Have Wings! Sermons will be posted on Sunday at 11 am. Then at 11:30 am, join me at Google Hangouts (info on Online Worship page) where we can chat! So excited!!!

We are figuring out fun and creative ways to build community in isolation. That being said, if you need anything please contact the church at admin@amberleachurch.ca or RevMona@amberleachurch.ca

Looking forward to connecting on Sunday!

Be Well!