Pastor's Corner

Search Me, O God

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23, 24).

We are visual creatures. Once we see something, it’s easier to believe it. We tend to live by the common concept that “seeing is believing.” But is that what the Word teaches us? Is this faith? The essence of faith believes something is real without having seen it – seeing it with the eyes of faith rather than natural eyes. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

This short verse gives us a lot to think about. Paul wrote these words knowing that we all have a tendency to walk by sight rather than by faith. Although his letter was directed to the Corinthians, these eight short words still reverberate throughout the centuries . . . faith is seeing that which cannot be seen with our natural eyes and believing that it is.

Faith has been a common theme in my sermons and devotions over the years. At times I am misunderstood and at times I am on the same page with some people. None the less I do feel we need to be reminded to refocus our attention on the fact that a grateful heart sees each day as a gift from God. Faith and gratitude go hand in hand. God has been good to us and the persistence of our prayers and devotion to ministry at St. Ansgar are beginning bear fruit.

To me the fruit of prayer began when I received a call early in the morning few weeks ago from my cousin in Ghana saying “your aunt Matilda is speaking” Matilda had been in a coma for the past twenty five months, she was given up for dead after she had a massive stroke. Prayer coupled with loving care and she opened her eyes and spoke.

Another item that is cause for praise and thanksgiving is over the past ten years our dear congregation went through a decline and financial difficulties, but the all knowing God began to turn things around when a neighbouring Anglican Church closed its door after 150 years of ministry. Some of the former members made St. Ansgar’s their home of worship. Their presence inspired much needed encouragement, blessing and vitality to the on going ministry in the community.

Isaiah the prophet caught on to this secret of trusting God when he penned these words: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” This brings us to the third reason to praise God, the God of the valley is also the God of the mountain. Great is his faithfulness, finally we are in the position to replace the roof over Beck hall which has plagued us with leaks for years.

Gratitude gets us through the hard stuff. To reflect on your blessings is to rehearse God’s accomplishments. To rehearse God’s accomplishments is to discover his heart. To discover his heart is to discover not just good gifts but the Good Giver. Gratitude always leaves us looking at God and away from dread. It does to anxiety, and fear what the morning sun does to valley mist. It burns it up.

Best wishes from your friend and Pastor.
Be blessed,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

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Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/03/04
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal