Harmonious Change

I remember it clearly. I had just got home from an 8 hour long night shift, and was crawling into bed utterly exhausted. At 7:30 AM in the morning on a cold fall morning, the rest of the world was just beginning to wake up. The fumes from cars warming up was beginning to float over dew-covered driveways, and the birds sung their last few songs before they would depart for the winter. I slowly made my way into my bed, prepared for a long day of catching on lost sleep... when all of sudden, I heard...



BRAAAAAAAANNNGGGG, BRRAAAAAANNNNGGG, BRRRAAANGG... If there was ever a time where I cussed out loud and actually meant it, that was it. Not only was I incredibly exhausted, but the sound of the alarm blaring RIGHT ABOVE my bed made me want to throw concentrated acid on my ears just to stop hearing it.



When I relayed this story to a friend of mine later that day, I briefly mentioned something about wishing that they would play a song like "Staying Alive," instead. (BTW, for you CPR savvy people who want to remember what the tempo is for 100 BPM to do CPR to, apparently Staying Alive is the tune that best fits... and pun intended.) Said friend looked at me and asked, "Are you sure a super loud song would be better?" UH YES.

What makes music is the change in pitch. A single note held over a long period of time not only is NOT music, but is rather annoying and is just NOISE. It's that change that we're looking for, that makes real music.

Much like how a faith without change in a person is meaningless. It's just words or actions, or worse yet, RELIGION. Just like change in pitch can make all the difference between noise and music, so does change in a life make the difference between religion and real faith.

Matthew 18:1-3 (NIV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [2] He called a little child and had him stand among them. [3] And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 2:28-29 (NLT)
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. [29] No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Take it one step further. When we allow God to lead the way in our lives, he writes a melody to match our notes and makes harmony. There is a difference between singing your own melody and expecting God to do harmony over your notes... and allowing God to pick the leading line.



The challenge: Are you trying to be the writer of the music, instead of following the Composer's lead? Is it leading to meaningless sound, or harmonious music? Is it evident by the change in your life that that your eyes are the Conductor?

Worship - Mashup: Unashamed / Amazed

Unashamed Amazed by daphadillz

Recorded from MCBC Sunday Service: Rebecca L (lead vocals, keys) / Daphne C (piano, vocals) / Keith L (acoustic, vocals) / Bonnie W (acoustic) / Dan K (bass) / Jeff P (drums)

I have not much to offer You, not near what You deserve

But still I come because Your cross has placed in me worth

Oh Christ my King of sympathy whose wounds secure at peace

Your grace extends to call me friend, Your mercy sets me free

I know I'm weak, I know I'm unworthy to call upon Your name

But because of grace, because of Your mercy I stand here unashamed

I can't explain this kind of love - I'm humbled and amazed

That you'd come down from Heaven's heights and greet me face to face

I know I'm weak, I know I'm unworthy to call upon Your name

But because of grace, because of Your mercy I stand here unashamed

Lord I'm amazed by You

Lord I'm amazed by You

Lord I'm amazed by You, how You love me

Here I am at Your feet in my brokenness complete

Here I am at Your feet in my brokenness complete

I know I'm weak, I know I'm unworthy to call upon Your name

But because of grace, because of Your mercy I stand here unashamed

How wide, how deep, how great is Your love for me

How wide, how deep, how great is Your love for me

Christ's Love and Basketball...

I remember the first big crush that I ever had - he was one of the most popular boys at school in grade 6, and he was good at everything. He was smart, he was athletic, musical, and cute! Alas, I was smitten. Of course, my grade 6 mind couldn't possibly imagine telling him or ever letting him know that I had a thing for him despite the fact that we had some classes together and we sat right next to each other. So for years, I never let him know that I was head over heels for him. (Even to this day, we are good friends and that grade 6 mentality still tells me to never ever let him know... Actually he probably figured it out in grade 6... I wasn't very stealth haha.)


But don't get me wrong - I found ways to interact and do things with him, hoping all the while that he would never find out that I liked him. He was athletic, so I joined all the sports clubs and teams that I could. In fact, I picked up basketball because of him. At the time, there was a sports club that you could join, and knowing that this was the type of thing he would join, I picked up basketball and learned to get really good at it! Sure enough, he joined the club haha. Within a year, I loved basketball. It was my favourite sport, and even going into high school, it was my primary sport up until my knee injury. By that time I'd forgotten the real reason that I'd picked up the sport because I loved the game.


Such is the story of how many people find Christ. Often people will go to a conference, or an event for very wrong reasons (i.e. lots of people join Christian softball leagues in order to find a girlfriend or boyfriend), but often God has a greater plan than that and we end up finding Him amongst our wrong motives - and we come to love Him and form a real relationship with Him. It doesn't mean it's right, but it means God's plan is greater than our small intentions.

But it doesn't stop there. Christ's changing power demands that once we have engaged in a relationship with Him that we make our future decisions intentional for His purposes... no longer should we involve ourselves in activities for our own motives (a boy we like for example haha), but now that we have been transformed, so should our motives behind our decisions. Christ should now consistently be the reasons behind our actions. If we truly attest that we have experienced Christ's love, then it should only be natural that we abandon our own motives to strive for His alone, in confidence that God will provide for those other things that He knows we need.


2 Corinthians 5:13-17 (NIV)
If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. [14] For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. [15] And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

The challenge: What's motivating you? Do you make decisions for yourself, or for His glory? What's your life's mission statement?

Unrecognized Footprints

I'd tell you to close your eyes for this exercise, but then you wouldn't be able to read it. So. Here goes. Imagine where you live. Perhaps it's on Bayview Avenue... Bayview Avenue... is just really a street, in the city of North York. North York is a tiny part of the Greater Toronto Area. The GTA is really a city in the province of Ontario, which is one of many in the country of Canada, on a continent called North America. North America is one continent on the Earth, which is part of the milky way, in the Solar System, in the Galaxy. Get the point? If you don't feel really small right about now, maybe you needed to do it with your eyes closed haha.


Romans 1:20 (NLT)
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This verse has really stood out to me. God drops big anvils on us to remind us that He is Lord, and yet we accept what we see as the norm, and forget to give Him the glory. When was the last time we had to think about taking a breath, to hope that if we jump, that we'd land back on the ground? All of creation is balanced in this perfect system... and yet we aren't amazed?


God also gives us little hints that he's around. At a time where I was going through a really tough time, I remember putting on a really good act, trying to pretend that everything was okay and that I wasn't upset. Inside, I was drained, and felt like following God's commands was not only a thankless, lonely, and difficult work, but that God wasn't going to be pleased with my offering or that I was failing by being so tired and drained by life's stresses. That day after service, a complete stranger came up to me in the foyer and said, "Keep up the hard work, because your efforts are appreciated. Good job." I nearly bawled my eyes out right then and there.


I remember once praying: "God, are You even hearing me?" And it took me a long time to realize that it was I who wasn't listening to His response.

The challenge: Perhaps it's the little things that count more, but whether big or small, God demonstrates His presence every second of every day. Question is... did you catch it?

A Chance to Meet a Hero

My mom is a pretty extraordinary woman. Despite the fact that her and I have had our share of differences in the past, I definitely respect her for how hard she works and cares for the people in her life. This comes out in her work. At her job, she's won this very prestigious award 7 times in a row, and as a result, for the past 7 years, she's had the chance to go on all inclusive trips to amazing countries with beautiful resorts. This year was no exception. The resort booked this year was in Las Vegas... and she got to dine with... wait for it...


Yup! "The Great One" himself, Wayne Douglas Gretzky, the most famous and awesomest player in the NHL. So much to the point where no other NHL player will ever wear his jersey number ever again! Wow.

When my mom returned from her trip, I eagerly asked her, "was it awesome?!" Her reply astounded me, "He was a nice guy. He signed a puck and gave it to me. Do you want it?" OH MY GOODNESS. My mom's complete lack of enthusiasm prompted me to ask her, "do you even know what team he played for?" It took her about 4 tries before she guessed "Oil," which my dad corrected to "Oilers." I asked her who he then played for... and after a few hints, I let her get away with New York.


Don't get me wrong. I am NOT a hockey buff. In no way do I really have a favorite hockey team. In fact, I tend to cheer for everyone - a very frustrating fact for real die-hard hockey fans. However, I do appreciate really good athleticism, and as such, I consider myself well informed about Wayne Gretzky, and couldn't believe my mom was so nonchalant about meeting him! What a once in a lifetime event!


But we get the chance to meet with a real Hero every day. He's so famous that there's no one else like Him, and He plays on anyone's team if they're willing to have Him. Meeting with Him every day, even for 10 minutes means that on a day when you really meet Him face to face, you will know Him. You won't be uneducated. He won't say to You, "I don't know You." If you had a chance to meet a real Hero today, right now, wouldn't you?

“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy... You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

Psalm 69:13,30,32,34 (NLT)
But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. [30] Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. [32] The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. [34] Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them.

The challenge: God is always desiring to meet with us. Will you show, or will you bail?

Step off the Boat!

Back in my prime (haha my older friends will argue I'm still in it), I competed in several national beauty pageants. Before this story goes any further, don't imagine me as your typical pageant contestant. I was probably the goofiest and most misfit contestant of them all. Not only did I have to take a makeup lesson before I entered, but I cared not about who won (I didn't obviously haha), and I didn't know the ins and outs of pageant lifestyle. I was completely out of my nerdy athlete element.

In preparation for the biggest pageant that I participated in, I competed in a smaller one and made it all the way to the final question. That dreaded final question. How nerve-racking. As I pulled the question out of the bag, I told myself, "Just don't say 'world peace' and you'll be fine." The question was read, and I cracked a joke to give me time to think. I really don't remember what my answer was, but I did avoid world peace, and ended up landing a first runner up position. Neat. (But also, NEVER AGAIN lol.)


Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. [23] After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. [24] Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. [25] About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" [27] But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" [28] Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." [29] "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. [31] Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" [32] When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. [33] Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.


1. If you want to walk on water, you need to to step out of the boat.

I was challenged by a message a couple of years ago to step out of my comfort zone, in order to realize Christ's power. I was asked to completely step out of my element, and show a vulnerable side of me that would make me feel incredibly nervous and put me in a place I know I would otherwise choose to be out of. And yet, through it, I was able to impact others' lives and to see the fruit of His efforts. And years earlier it would never have dawned on me to enter beauty pageants, but I was able to fulfill my goal of raising the money for a children's charity... Peter was called to step out of the safety of the boat in order to walk on water. For some people this means going on international missions, for others it means changing the style in which you serve. Make yourself vulnerable if you want to see real Strength.


2. When we are discouraged, our true nature shines through.

Someone once blurted out something extremely offensive and insulting to me during an argument, and although the sentence was later retracted, I felt like I had seen what was truly in this person's heart. When Peter was walking on water and saw the waves crashing around him, he freaked out and started sinking. It is in our times of despair that our faith (or lack thereof) can reveal itself. When we are caught in a moment of nervousness, needing to provide an answer to a final question within 30 seconds in a beauty pageant, we often reveal what is really within our minds, what we really think or how shallow we really are. (World peace lol) When the storm is raging, when you are put into a tough situation, what will people see when the real you is shown?


3. Jesus saves.

Despite all of this, Jesus saves. And it is in that moment of salvation that sometimes we come to that realization that He really IS the Son of God, and we can only worship Him as the winds around us calm.

The challenge: In a moment of despair, what is your natural response? Are you stuck in a place of comfort? Step out of the boat! Be not afraid of sinking, for Jesus saves.

Where's my Muffin, Bitch?

One summer, while in university, I worked in the downtown Toronto financial district. My parents' house is right on the subway line, so I would bus down to King subway station every day. A homeless man would be there every Monday morning, holding open the station door, with an empty cup in his hand, and every Monday afternoon, he'd see the bankers back to the trains through the same doors.


Right next to the King subway station doors, was a muffin bakery. This store made the best muffins every morning, hands down. They were made fresh, and they came in about 15 different flavors. They literally served them to you out of the muffin tray! The lineup would go out the door of the store, and would only grow as open store doors wafted the smell into the subway station. I was hooked. Every morning: carrot muffin, with butter.


One week, I decided I would buy the homeless man a muffin. I passed him on my way out of the station, bought two carrot muffins with butter, and returned into the subway station to give him one. For nearly two months, I bought the man a muffin every Monday morning, when I bought mine.

On the second last week at my job, I was running late. By the time I actually got to King station, I was already 10 minutes late, and it would take me another 10 minutes to get to the tower and up to my floor and to my desk. Knowing I didn't have time to get a muffin that day, I rushed past the homeless man, and scurried up to my office.

At the end of the day, stayed 20 minutes late and then headed down into the subway to go home. I walked past the man holding the door open again, and thought nothing of it until I heard, "Where's my muffin, bitch?"

Yeah whatever response you just had... is the one I had. I couldn't believe it! After all this time, I'd bought you at least 8 muffins, and now, on the day when I had a legit excuse for why I couldn't, you cuss me out? Not to mention those muffins are NOT cheap! I was floored. I flashed him a disgusted face and angrily boarded the subway home.


People cannot control HOW they feel when they're confronted with a problem like mine. If it was within everyone's power to always feel happy simply by choice, no one would ever choose to be upset. You can't control how you FEEL when insulted. You can however control how you're going to respond to a comment like that, and the difference in response can sometimes indicate the presence of the Holy Spirit within someone.. I vowed that on the next Monday morning, I would buy him a muffin.

Except life also has a funny way of telling you that you shouldn't waste the little time that you have. On that last Monday of working downtown, Muffin Bitch man was not there, and I'd lost my chance to show the evidence of God's presence in me.

The challenge:

1. Out of faith comes good deeds. Exercise yours.
James 2:20-22 (NLT)
How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? [21] Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.

2. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive - for you have been forgiven for much more. Your response to being sinned against will demonstrate Christ's impact (or lack thereof) in your life.
Matthew 5:39-42 (NLT)
But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. [40] If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. [41] If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. [42] Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

3. Don't waste time. God gave it to us to use efficiently. Act now while it is within your power to do so before you lose your chance.
Proverbs 3:27-28 (NLT)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. [28] If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."