Pastor Mike’s Garage July 7th, 2022
July 7, 2022
This morning I was reminded of a trip we took as a family to BC when I was
a child. On a side highway through the mountains, we stopped at a roadside
tourist attraction. It was an old house in which they claimed the laws of
physics did not apply. Water appeared to run uphill, you could walk on
walls, everything seemed different than it should be. The reality was the
house was built on a serious slant on the side of a mountain and everything
that seemed abnormal was actually quite logical but as a child it was quite
amazing and magical.
As Pastor Dave and myself were sitting in the sanctuary this morning
discussing our plans, dreams, fears, and goals for the church, I once again
observed an optical illusion. We were sitting in the front row facing the
stage. Under the top step, on the left side, against the wall, in the sun,
was a tall kleenex box with at least two inches to the top of the step
above it. As I looked to the right side of the stage at the same step
against the wall, which was in the shade, it appeared much shorter. I could
swear if that same kleenex box were to be placed there, there would be no
way it would fit under the top of the step let alone having two inches of
room above it. Now I happened to have been involved when we built those
steps. Dean Drinnan was one of the carpenters involved as we built them,
and I know he did the finishing work on them. He is a finish carpenter with
an attention to detail so I know that there would not be an eighth of an
inch difference between those steps from side to side. Yet as we sat there
staring at them, I would swear one was at least three inches shorter than
the other!
You’ve heard the saying “things are not always as they seem”. A good friend
of mine who used to attend this church before they moved away, named Rudy
Lepp, would always say that’s not true. He would say “things are never
totally as they seem!” So often we think we have things and people figured
out so we make decisions and judge others based upon our preconceived
notions and opinions. The reality is things are quite likely never totally
as they seem! There is only one who knows the thoughts and intents of the
heart. We can even deceive ourselves let alone others! There is only one
who sees everything done, even in the secret.
I will close with a few passages of scripture. “Trust in the Lord with all
your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6 “For the
word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the division between soul and spirit, and of joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And
there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and
open to the eyes of Him of whom we must give account.” Hebrews 3:12, 13 “My
dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to
listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Please keep Eunice Tanner and her family in your prayers as they mourn the
loss of her son Terry. His wake will be tonight at 7 at the Cowessess
community hall. Pray for Pastor Dave as well as he shares at that.
Pastor Mike