Friday, October 24, 2014

Ottawa Shootings

For the most part, radio is full of fun.  I get to play great songs, give away cool prizes, and share what's on my mind and heart.  But every once in awhile, all of the "planned" elements of the show get thrown out.  That was the case on Wednesday October 22 when a man with a gun shot and killed a Canadian soldier at the War Memorial in Ottawa.  He then ran into the Parliament buildings before he was finally shot and killed.

I was also doing a radio show on the day the planes hit the Twin Tower in New York City on 9/11.

In both situations, we as a country were shocked and probably a little bit scared wondering if and what would happen next.  The simple answer in both situations is, we don't know.

You say, Steve, that certainly wasn't very encouraging.  You are supposed to be the guy to bring peace and hope to the listeners.  Truth be told, I tried to do that on 9/11.  I was working at an "oldies" radio station at the time playing the best of the 50's, 60's, and 70's.  No one really listened to the music for hope and encouragement.  Instead, we looked to our government to step up our security to make sure something like this would never happen again.

But the book of James 1 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So...we know that our lives will have scary moments.  Worst of all, there will be situations we can't control.  But the four verses in James are not only about the trials.  It says, "your faith produces perseverance."

We are just like Peter walking on the water to Jesus in the storm.  As long as we keep our eyes on Him, we don't sink.

When the shootings happened in Ottawa, I was on the air at LIFE 1003.  Honestly, I was shocked and concerned for the well being of everyone involved.  My heart broke for the soldier who was shot.  I thought of his family and friends and how October 22 would never be the same for them.

But the biggest difference for me from then to now, was the music.  On 9/11, the music did not provide any hope or encouragement.  In that moment, it was just empty lyrics.  But on LIFE, every song brought hope and encouragement.  Here is a list of the songs that played when the news of the shooting first broke:

Mandisa - Stronger - "God's right there, even if you can't see Him, I promise you that he still cares."
Tenth Avenue North - No Man Is An Island - "I can see fear in your eyes, There's No safety here.  Oh My Friend, let me in.  I will share your tears."

And...



After 11 years, I am so honoured to be able to play such a small part in what God is doing in Central Ontario.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Take Your Time

I have conceded that my Grade 1 teacher took me off the big red pencil too early.  I should have stayed with it for another grade and maybe, just maybe my penmanship would have been a little bit better.  

I have heard all of the jokes too.  Are those real words?  Did anyone ever say, you should have been a doctor?  


Every problem can usually be traced back to one thing.  In the case of my penmanship, I think it was impatience.  If I just slowed down and took my time, we might be able to understand my hand-writing.  Yes, I said we, because I can't even understand it most of the time.

I always think of Romans 5:4 when I think of patience.  It says, "And endurance produces character, and character produces hope."  Who knew that eight words could contain so much wisdom.

Take anything in life and apply this verse.  It works every time.
  • Kids are not listening...endurance produces character, and character produces hope
  • Can't find that special someone...endurance produces character, and character produces hope
  • Never get the promotion at work...endurance produces character, and character produces hope
  • Prayers are not being answered...endurance produces character, and character produces hope
Commit Romans 5:4 to memory and think about it often.  The next time we talk about it, your character will have developed greatly and the hope you have will be enormous.
 

Friday, October 10, 2014

NHL Hockey Is Back

The NHL regular season kicked off on Wednesday night.  Honestly, it is tough to get into the hockey mood when the grass is still green and some light rain is falling outside...but that was the case.

So, here we are into another season with the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967.  What do the experts say?

According to NHL.com, the Maple Leafs are not projected to be anywhere close to the Stanley Cup Finals, never mind winning the cup!

I guess there are two options, the Leafs could prove everybody wrong, overcome the odds, and win the trophy.  Or, it is back to the drawing board for another year.

The only thing worse for a Leaf fan than not winning the cup is if the Montreal Canadians win it instead.  One thing we know for sure, the rivalry will live on forever!




Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Mechanical Devotion

My pastor used to say, "savings is what you have just before your car breaks down."  Do you believe that to be true?



As frustrating as it can be to take your car in to get fixed, there are a few things I have learned from the process.

1) Regular maintenance can prevent breakdown
2) No matter how many tune ups and oil changes you have done, they are never a guarantee that your car will not break down.
3) Ignoring a problem will not make it go away.

Sure, it's embarrassing to say that I have had to learn all three of those points the hard way.  But did you notice that those three points can apply to our spiritual life too?  

1) If we are not spending time reading the Bible and in prayer, it is almost a guaranteed breakdown.  
2) The Bible never promises a problem free life.  Believe me, I looked...it's not there.
3) If God is speaking to us about something, either through prayer, something in the Bible, or another person.  We should listen and try and fix it.  If we don't, the issue will only get worse and drag us down.

I bet you never thought a car that wouldn't start would lead to a blog like this.  I guess God really can use anything to teach us something.

P.S.  When was the last time you changed your oil?