My Times

There is much in this season for the church to be concerned about, both within our faith communities and in our communities of Canada. Here are just a few off the top of my head:

• Economic uncertainty as the USA ponders tariffs on our nation.
• Threats of being annexed.
• A leadership transition during a frail time in Canada’s history.
• Rising cost of just about everything.
• External threats, some subtle, some not, that the church better get in line with how Canadian culture thinks and acts in a variety of areas like human sexuality, secularism, hedonism and consumerism.
• On-going wars and conflicts that don’t seem to get resolved (Ukraine and Russia, Congo, Mali, Middle East, etc.).
• The growing exodus of believers from participation and service in the church.
• Progressive theology and deconstructive philosophy which have caused many to abandon long held orthodox Christian beliefs.

Yes, the list is long and somewhat frightening, indeed. And yet, God is not surprised or somehow caught unawares of all these things. He has also not lost control of this world in which we live. In fact, his kingdom continues to advance and expand even as these destructive things unfold.  Lastly, his purposes for us, for Canada, and for the world will be accomplished (Proverbs 19:21).

Friends, let me suggest several responses to the terrors and threats outside our front door, in the church and beyond it:

• Remember that God is sovereign.  He and his kingdom will prevail.
• Abide with Jesus as the core of your discipleship.
• Be faithful to the Great Commission with a Great Commandment posture.
• Anchor yourself to God’s Word every day.
• Watch less TV news, view less social media, and use the time you save to pray.

Let me leave you with these last words: “My times are in thy hand…” (Psalm 31:15).

Phil Gunther