Trustful Confidence

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.

Psalm 37:1-5
Of David. Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.

Psalm 9:9
"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Good day--this day too the Lord has made and let us rejoice in His gift to us.

In our earthly pilgrimage we need to remind each other that the LORD is always our stronghold. He has been the stronghold of His people from the beginning of time. C.S. Lewis (writing in the dreadful days of WWII) reminds us that we should not exaggerate the novelty of our situation. That is to say that in every age there have been troubles and in some periods of time past there have been troubles much more severe than our own. Thus to remind ourselves as we go forward in the callings given to us that we do so with a long range perspective knowing our times are also held in the Hand of our Sovereign God.

As has been said by another, David mentions "the oppressed", which implies people abused by those who exercise control over them. The Hebrew word implies something being crushed or harassed. Perhaps the abusers were political rulers or wealthy landowners.

God is identified as "a stronghold" for those abused in such ways. In Hebrew terminology, a "stronghold" was a high, safe, refuge. It was a place where people could seek security from attackers or enemies. The root word, in fact, most literally means "height." David often resorted to strongholds during his wilderness exile, but he felt safest in his reliance on the Lord.

And it must be the same with us. The Lord is still giving us time to labour in His vineyard. Let us do so in confidence that come what may our labour for the LORD is not in vain. Let us do so not in fear but simply being who we are called to be--disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wishing you all well in kingdom service. Sincerely in the blessed comfort of our Lord's grace and truth-- Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Keep Praying

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing, 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

In all that we do we do not do unless we pray. We acknowledge that our help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth. Every breath is a testimony to our reliance on God's merciful kindness.

So in the busyness of life let us not forget to pray. Pray with thanksgiving. Pray in earnest. Pray toward expectation. Pray knowing God hears faithful prayer. Be encouraged to participate in the prayer meeting. In one of the reformed Catechisms (Heidelberg) the following Q&A is appropriate to our thinking about prayer:

116. Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
A. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.1
Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.2
1 Ps 50:14, 15; 116:12-19; 1 Thess 5:16-18. 2 Mt 7:7, 8; Lk 11:9-13.

And so let us continue to pray for the gospel ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ to go forward. Pray for the community and nation to which we belong. Pray for our salt to be salty. Pray that God would continue to bless our efforts in speaking to those who do not know the Lord. Pray that we might have a voice for the political culture of the day. Pray with thanksgiving that we may be used by the LORD. Pray that the momentum of our voice that cries in the wilderness would be heard.

I close with a prayer attributed to  Augustine (354-430)
O Lord our God, under the shadow of Thy wings let us hope. Thou wilt support us, both when little, and even to gray hairs. When our strength is of Thee, it is strength; but when our own, it is feebleness. We return unto Thee, O Lord, that from their weariness our souls may rise towards you, leaning on the things which Thou hast created, and passing on to Thyself, who has wonderfully  made them; for with Thee is refreshment and true strength.

Wishing you all the comfort and joy of God's covenant promises
Sincerely, in God's grace--Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Discernment

Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.

Ephesians 5:6-10
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord

Discernment is essential for the Christian. It is essential for our work in living out the gospel. Discernment is a key ingredient necessary to navigate the season of time we are in. It includes having a vision for the future. It requires insight and foresight. As someone else has said " the fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision." Discernment is to recognize a situation for what it is.

By God's grace Christians have been given a measure of discernment with respect to our pilgrim travels. Such discernment is necessary in order to be a credible voice in society at large. Now it is true that our voice is not welcome by most--but it remains a most necessary voice in faithfulness to the God we love and serve. Let us not tire of exercising discernment. Let us also pray for it.

Sincerely, in the confidence of our Lord's grace and truth. Rev. P.J. Vellenga

The Gospel also Sounds the Alarm

Sound the alarm! An eagle looms over the temple of the Lord! For they have broken their covenant with me, and have rebelled against my law. Hosea 8:1

Each builder worked with a sword strapped to his side, while a trumpeter remained beside me to sound an alarm. Nehemiah 4:18

Greetings in the assurance of God's Sovereign Hand;

Gospel proclamation declares the joyful good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. The voice of the believer by God's grace speaks of the precious promises of the LORD. In Christ there is the hope that does not disappoint grounded in the sacrificial work of our Saviour. Believers hold to the conviction that Christ is preparing a place for prepared people.

And we respond in a variety of ways--we gather for worship and we seek to bear witness. We participate in the body of Christ. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. We raise our voice for the cause of life. We declare the family to be foundational for societal life. Ultimately we raise our voice to honour God and to bring Him glory.

But the gospel also comes with warnings. Our testimony not only includes good news but also the bad news for those who do not trust in Christ alone for their salvation.If the Lighthouse ministry is to be faithful in her task we must also know what it is to sound alarm. Some translations of the aforementioned texts use the word trumpet.The trumpet in the context of our meditation is for the explicit purpose of sounding the alarm. Not in the sense of wringing our hands, but (even as a voice in the wilderness) to tell unbelievers that they are on a collision course that will result in devastating consequences for all of eternity.

The texts above speak to a particular context and situation--the theocratic nation. But the implications of the aforementioned texts do have application for us. And so we honour our God by speaking for the truth by the truth. May our words be measured by grace and truth, spoken in love find a place in the eardrums of those who have ears to hear.

Let us be in prayer to stay the course to be steadfast (to stand fast) in the strength of the Lord's steadfast love to us. Let us pray that when given the opportunity we would be filled with courageous courage. And let us pray that more will rise up to be part of the voice that recognizes the only way to be saved is by and through the Triune God.

Wishing you all the peace of the LORD. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

The Importance of the Heart

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD: He turns it wherever He will.-Proverbs 21:1

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?-Jeremiah 17:9

Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel and he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law.  For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47

The Bible often speaks of the heart. We often wonder why the leaders of our land lead as they do. And then again we know something of the answer. God is a heart turner. And hearts are turned to God or away from Him. It is as simple as that--one of two directions.

We may wonder why we are given wicked leaders.. But we do know that often we get the leaders we deserve. We are a nation that has left God and gone our own ways. And the consequences are growing.

We live in a divided nation in desperate need of the gospel. Some time ago Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) wrote "This present age is so flippant that if a man loves the Saviour he's a fanatic and if he hates the powers of evil he's a bigot". If this was true in Spurgeon's day how much more so in our own!!

God is not a quiet bystander. Verse 2 of Proverbs 21--Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. Yes the LORD weighs all of our hearts. For that reason (and many more) let us remember the importance of the heart; let us seek the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in order that we keep on keeping on in the gospel way. We too must give an answer to the LORD. Let us not lose heart but press forward while the LORD gives us opportunity.

Be encouraged to keep your eyes heavenward and trust God to also lead us in our particular callings. He asks of us faithful obedience and to leave the outcome with Him. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!I Chronicles 16:10

Wishing you grace and peace in the Saviour's provision. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

The Word of God teaches:

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." (II Thessalonians 3:13) "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." (Hebrews 10:36)

Do you experience a weary heart? Is all this societal upheaval getting to you? Indeed we have experienced a season of time where many of our efforts have been frustrated. We have made plans only to see them postponed/cancelled. We have wondered about these 'covid' restrictions--what have they accomplished? We are puzzled that more Canadians can not see 'better solutions'. Not many are looking to the God of heaven and earth for help. We see before our very eyes the dismantling of the Judeuo/Christian ethic.

Let us not however lose heart. God is sovereign and what we are experiencing is under His control and direction. He is speaking to us.

One of the essential elements that is required of us is continued perseverance. It has been said Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other. It has also been said Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. Ultimately perseverance is resting in the preservating work of God's grace. And how thankful we must be for that grace.

God knows the honourable desires of our heart and He will honour us for it. We may not achieve our desired results--but if we are seeking to be faithful we will persevere. Let us live out of the message of God's call to us to look to Him for all that we need--a message that is rooted in the hope of the gospel. Let us do so in prayer seeking God's glory.

Wishing you God's continued blessing in the strength of God's peace. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

The Lord, our cornerstone, secures the foundation.

Jesus said:

Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49 (ESV)

Our lives can be compared to a building project. How important it is to build our house on a solid foundation. Crooked foundation crooked house.

The Bible clearly puts before us what is essential as we build. The heart of the matter is our trust in the sovereign God and His Word of Promise as fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Out of the storehouse of God's grace we are called to believe God at His Word in faith. Prayerfully we need to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit.

How is it that you are building? Are you busy doing the work asked of you? This world is no friend to grace. The world's foundations are crumbling and shaking. But the question is not first of all what is unfolding around us but what is unfolding in your heart.

Let us be thankful God is long suffering. It is true we are all a work in progress but there should be progress in the building project. Do not despair if you are not what you should be--none of us are. Rather let it be your desire to all the more resolve to build on the firm foundation. The Lord, our cornerstone, secures the foundation. Christ is the solid rock! The Scriptures always hold true. And so in our own small way let us strive to build on the sure firm foundation. Ultimately the Lord's people will not be put to shame.

If you would like to speak with someone about your building project do not hesitate to contact the Lighthouse Ministries. Wishing you all well in gospel peace. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Go forward day to day prayerfully

Each day we are given new opportunities, responsibilities and privileges in which to be busy with what the LORD puts on our hands to do. We confess we cannot do what we are called to do in our own strength.

We need to go forward day by day prayerfully. One of my favourite Psalm renditions comes from Psalm 61 (Blue Psalter Hymnal #109)

O God, regard my humble plea; I cannot be so far from Thee
But Thou wilt hear my cry; When I by trouble am distressed,
Then lead me on the rock to rest that higher is than I.

That rock we know to be the Lord Jesus Christ. And when we rest in Him our particular troubles find perspective also in these so called covid days.

How beautiful then to sing:

In Thee my soul has shelter found, and Thou hast been from foes around the tower to which I flee. Within Thy house I abide my refuge sure, whate'er betide, Thy sheltering wings shall be.

This must be our firm confidence--all other ground is sinking sand. Christ the solid rock by which we stand--He is our tower of strength--our sheltering wings.

We continue to sing:

For Thou, O God, my vows hast heard, On me the heritage conferred of those that fear Thy Name, a blest anointing Thou dost give and Thou will make me ever live Thy praises to proclaim.

The LORD knows our sighs and tears; He knows the vows we have made before Him. And we are thankful for the heritage He has given us--a beautiful heritage in Jesus Christ! His covenant promises fail not!

The concluding stanza:

Before Thy face shall I abide; O God, Thy truth and grace provide to guard me in the way; So I will make Thy praises known, and humbling bending at the Thy throne, my vows will daily pay.

We very much need the LORD to guard us in the way. To protect us from ourselves, to lead us in the truth, to stand for the truth and to do so with courage and without shame. Let us pray for the grace to be found faithful.

Sincerely in the comfort of comfort and joy in Jesus Christ. -- Rev. P.J. Vellenga

A Thousand Ages in Thy sight are Like an Evening Gone

Time moves. It is like an ever-rolling stream. It stops for no one. We look back at an unusual year with all the attendant difficulties and by God's grace continue to confess our times are in His Hands. We look forward to what the LORD would have us be and do for His service in the Year of our LORD 2021. We confidently continue to believe God is the ruler Supreme who hears humble prayer. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The Holy spirit will lead according to the promises we receive in the Holy Bible.

Below are the words of one of my favourite hymns. It is deeply reflective and I am sure you can find your heart in the lovely lyrics. You can also listen to it by means of the link below.

As we D.V. enter a New Year, I wish you the Lord's comforting peace and strengthening grace in order to press forward in our mutual callings knowing that our cares are God's caregiving. Sincerely in the confidence of our sovereign God. - Rev. P.J. Vellenga

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home.
- from Psalm 90

1. Hours and days and years and ages Swift as moving shadows flee;
As we scan life's fleeting pages, Naught enduring do we see;
On the paths our feet are wending Footprints all will be effaced;
Present time to past is tending, Though its page is not erased.

2. But from sin Thy mercy drew us, Would not leave our souls alone;
Gracious Lord, Thou didst renew us, All our guilt Thou didst atone;
Yea, the plan of Thy salvation, For our journey, all the way,
Is a blessed preparation, Leads to life of endless day.

3. And though time will all things conquer, It shall not our lot decide;
Thou alone, eternal Father, Wilt for aye our Lord abide;
And when dangers round us gather, They cannot our souls molest;
In Thy Son Thou art our Father, In Thy love our hearts e'er rest.

4. Speed along, then, years and ages, With your gladness and your pain;
E'en when deepest sorrow rages, Faithful will our God remain;
Though all earthly friends forsake us, Guided by His loving hand
To His heart we'll aye betake us, Looking toward our fatherland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B233DL6i-CQ

The Reason for the Season

We have come to the time of year where it is popular in our neighbourhoods to hang coloured lights. There are those who adorn their homes with the sparkles of various hues so as to brighten things up.

And while these lights have their own beauty, they of themselves have no power to dispel darkness. Oh they may somewhat so to speak light up the neighbourhood on a cold winter evening, but ultimately they have no power to do away with the encroaching shadow. And then there are the shadows of despair & distress; dejection/rejection, alienation and even despondency that are evident in society all around us and perhaps even in our own hearts. There is the reality of sin in our hearts. Looking closely at the world we live in there is much darkness--all the result of rebellion against God and His Word.

God would not have His people live in darkness. Long ago the prophet Isaiah prophesied the "people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shone" (Isaiah 9:2). And because God so loved the world He "gave His only begotten Son and whosoever believes Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)

It is especially at this time of year where followers of the Lord Jesus Christ focus their meditation on the coming of the Saviour into this world He is the true Christmas light. By His own declaration believers confess that Jesus is the "light of the world. " and those who follow Him "shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Christmas is a remembrance of God's great gift of His Son--and we give thanks for the "indescribable gift" ( I Corinthians 9:15). Jesus is as we say the 'reason for the season'. How well do you know the reason? Will Christmas this year be for you a true celebration of the Saviour?

Christmas is a call to reflect on the perfect light of our Redeemer. Let us answer that call in abounding praise! May the gospel light shine in the communities we have been placed in. May the LORD add His blessing.

Sincerely, in His grace and peace. Rev. P.J. Vellenga

We live in a topsy-turvy-tipsy world.

Unrest is world-wide. This 'covid business' just adds to it. That there is unrest is nothing new--we might say it began when in the fall of Adam and Eve. Christians yearn for the rest to come.

Those who hold to the most holy faith have an answer to the anxieties of our present age. The answer is Jesus Christ through His "resurrection from the dead" by Whom we are begotten to "a living hope". (I Peter 1:3). Jesus by His Word and Spirit establishes His disciples in hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

Believers have been gifted with a living hope. A hope that is secure not merely for a season of time but from now to eternity. We look beyond this season of stress and struggle. We rejoice to be anchored in what God has done through His only begotten Son to solidly root us in the confidence that our times are in our heavenly Father's Hand (Psalm 31:15).

The dictionary defines hope as a verb: to desire with expectation of obtainment; to expect with confidence. Alongside the word hope we think of words like trust, expectation, longing, dream, optimism, and desire. The opposite of hope is despair. So many live with and in despair--but not those who fix their eyes on Jesus the author, perfecter and finisher of our faith (cf. Hebrews 12:1&2).

The object of our living hope is described in I Peter 1:4 as “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away reserved in heaven". As one commentator put it God's people "have an inheritance that will never be touched by death, stained by evil, or faded with time; it is death-proof, sin-proof, and age-proof. This inheritance is also fail-proof because God guards and preserves it in heaven for us. It is wholly secure. Absolutely nothing can undermine the certainty of our future inheritance."

The Bible is filled with many references to hope; we cannot possibly exhaust them in a short meditation nor even in countless pages. Our hope lives on, it is not a hope so hope but a know so hope. Jesus alone is hope for the hopeless. Praise God!

Faith calls us to action in our believing and in our doing. We can not be passive. When we live according to Biblical hope we live with the hope of glory to come. It is precisely our hope that compels us to live out of our hope as we give witness to our calling in this world in preparation for the next.

The hope that we hold dear does not make life smooth sailing. This world is no friend to grace and this world remains often a vale of tears. Joni Eareckson Tada who has suffered much once remarked “The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.”

The Word of God promises those who "hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) When you are feeling the weakness of your body and spirit, remember God's promises by grace and through faith. Remember the beautiful word which has been given us in the revelation of Jesus Christ by which we might know the glory of the mystery which in turn is the hope of glory (cf. Colossians 1:26-27).

Charles Spurgeon reminds us “Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song – He has become your salvation." And so in conclusion let us stand with Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Lighthouse Meditation - Trust

Greetings from Lighthouse Ministries of London;

When you find yourself contemplating the life you have been given, where do your contemplations take you? Do you know where you will find yourself in the afterlife? As we travel life's path we come to twists and turns that are unknown to us but well known to God. He knows the end from the beginning and there are no surprises with God.

We have been placed at a certain place and juncture in history and each day again called to respond to God's call to believe His Word and give of ourselves faithfully in faith for His purposes. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey! This is our high and blessed calling.

Given the spirit of the age we find ourselves a part of, the temptation becomes to lose sight of our calling. What to do? Do we allow ourselves to be paralyzed by our own uncertainties? Do we believe that our particular uncertainties are answered by the certainties of God's sovereign and holy will?

As someone else has said: "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength." How true! Elisabeth Elliot wrote: Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." Do you know this to be true for yourself? Do you take your questions to God?

And then to remember from God's very own Word Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Or, think of Proverbs 3:5&6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

While it is not always easy for us to see God's vision for our lives, it remains our calling to believe that our Heavenly Father knows best and in faith trust He will guide us down the road that He's built especially for us. And how important it is to trust the saving work of Jesus by which we alone can arrive safely in the world to come!

If you are seeking answers concerning your particular journey in life don't hesitate to comment below or reach out in the contact section. Wishing you all grace and peace in Jesus. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Thanksgiving

“The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; His love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,” 2 Chronicles 5:13

On October 12 we had a special day set aside for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving to God for all His manifold blessings. We live in a nation that yet speaks of thanksgiving but there are so many who do not connect the gifts with the Giver.
In part the Lighthouse Ministries of London exists with the desire to help people see the connection between the for and the to. Thankfulness for what we have received as a nation. Thankfulness to God for richly bestowing such blessings on undeserving people.
We have received so many gifts--abundantly more than we can ask or think. Gifts rooted in the beauty of God's providence and yet further rooted in our beautiful Saviour. Thanks be to God for His love endures forever (cf. Psalm 136).
I conclude with a few quotes as food for thought and wish you all comfort in the promises of the LORD. Sincerely in God's grace and peace - Rev. P.J. Vellenga

“We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.” – J.I. Packer

“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” – A.W. Tozer

“'Gratitude' comes from the same word as freedom (gratis = free). Gratitude is the freeing expression of a free heart toward one who freely gave." – Ravi Zacharias

“It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.” – Tim Keller

Confidence in Uncertain Times

The Bible teaches there is nothing new under the sun. As age to age passes on, the record of history reminds us there have been many points in time where people have faced their own season of uncertainty. We should not think that in these 'covid times'  we are the first to experience unstable times.  To take some examples of recent history, we mention the two world wars, the great depression and think of the many millions outside the Western world who experience unimaginable turmoils in the form of drought, pestilence, other kinds of viruses and let us not forget brothers and sisters persecuted for their faith.

 God's people are called to respond to our own situation in our own age. What particular challenges are you facing at this time? Have you noticed any tendencies on your part to become fearful or anxious? Can you trace back to the source of those concerns or anxieties? Perhaps it is health concerns or income loss or interpersonal conflict.

It is important in responding to our situation that Christains remember that our strength does not live in ourselves. Always we must confess our help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2) No matter what the times (cf. Ecclesiastes 3) we can and must trust that the promises of our God are yea and amen in Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 1:20). Our triune God is the source of our confidence.

It is crucial then that we maintain our convictions concerning God's purposes. He is the Ruler Supreme who hears humble prayer. With the Psalmist (Psalm 62:5-8)) let us hold to this rock solid conviction:"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. 

Sadly many in our nation no longer believe we need God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Nor do the majority want Him.  They believe that man has become the measure of all things. How did we get to this point? Fingers could be pointed in many directions but that solves nothing.  We do need to encourage others of the urgency of the present hour.  Are we being lulled to sleep? Are our present circumstances part/type of the veiling the Scriptures speak of for instance in Isaiah 44:18?  "They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand."  I am told the idea of shutting the eyes is akin to smearing or plastering. 

2020 vision in our nation is almost lost--many have their eyes plastered.  Humility demands for us to pray that the LORD would also help us to see clearly.  Lord--help us to know what to do and when to do it and  how to do it and to not give up! Let us not tire of calling others to our founding foundations May the LORD so help us as we in our own small way seek to honour our King.

And then to remember along with the hymn-writer:"Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim its glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

In closing, let us stand with the Scriptures believing the eternal truth. "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 4:6-7) "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."(I Peter 5:6&7)

Wishing you the Lord's grace and peace. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Gospel Blessings

Dear Friends;

Those seeking light and being found by the light realize the tremendous importance of the gospel. They also come to see the beauty of the gospel call which draws people to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is the good news of salvation. The gospel tells us of life in Christ. A life that sets us free from the bondage of our sin and declares to us a new life in Jesus Christ. A life with a new direction and a life that promises complete restoration in the world to come!

The Scriptures tell us that the "wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). The gift we speak of is Christ given freely out of the bounty of God's grace through faith. Faith that trusts Jesus at His Word. Faith that believes the testimony of the Scriptures.

What do you believe? What convictions guide you in the journey of your life? We at Lighthouse Ministries believe that life without Christ is a hopeless end but life in Christ is an endless hope. And this hope does not disappoint (cf. Romans 5:5). Timothy Kellar once said " the gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared or hoped".

If you are wondering about the gospel and desire to learn the gospel message personally don't hesitate to comment below or reach out in the contact section. Wishing you all grace and peace in Jesus.

Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

1. Blessed is the man
   Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
   Nor stands in the path of sinners,
   Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
   And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.

3. He shall be like a tree
   Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
   That brings forth its fruit in its season,
   Whose leaf also shall not wither;
   And whatever he does shall prosper.

4. The ungodly are not so,
   But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
   Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
   But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Footnotes

1. Psalm 1:1 wicked

2. Psalm 1:2 ponders by talking to himself

3. Psalm 1:3 channels

Psalm 1 is instructive for all of life. Life is compared to two paths which the Lord Jesus Christ calls either narrow or broad. It is only the believer that can travel the narrow path and that all of grace and completely undeserved.

There are so many who are aimlessly wandering through life on the wide path leading to destruction.  Many do not seem to know why and for what they have been created.  As we scan the pages of unfolding history we see many sorrows and distresses. Misery as a result of our sin.

The calling of the Christian is to call others to the way of fruitfulness--to the road that alone brings us to the world to come. That pathway is rooted in Christ.  He is The Way, The Truth and The Life.  This gospel/good news is to permeate all of life as we prepare for eternity.

Thankfully we may confess that the blessed man of Psalm 1 is ultimately the Lord Jesus Christ Himself WHO perfectly fulfilled God's Holy Word for our sake. In Him we find our strength and life. Remember life is short, death is sure, sin the cause and Christ the cure.

If you are seeking answers concerning your particular journey in life don't hesitate to comment below or reach out in the contact section. Wishing you all grace and peace in Jesus. Sincerely, Rev. P.J. Vellenga

Greetings from Lighthouse Ministries of the greater London Ontario area.

We write to you in the conviction that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and that in His light we see light (Psalm 36:9)

We write in the conviction that the world we live in desperately needs the light of Jesus. All around us is the despair and futility of darkness. We live in a broken world filled with much misery seeking to find its way. This 'covid business' has left many pondering the direction of society going forward. Then there is the darkness of our own sin--our own shame and the guilt we carry because of our sin.

Light dispels darkness. Street lights shine a path to walk. In days gone by lighthouses served an incredibly important task. Light would shine out into the ocean offering incoming ships guidance in the midst of blinding fog and encroaching rocky shoals. Thus the lighthouse has served as a navigational aid and to warn boats of dangerous areas. It is like a traffic sign on the sea. The light shining forth from the lighthouse symbolizes safety and represents hope and a trustworthy haven when a ship first sees the glimmering light atop a lighthouse in the distance. We have chosen Lighthouse Ministries as a name to come alongside you in your need; to bring Jesus to you.

We all need the light of Jesus. He has given us His Word which is as a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). In the weeks to come you can come back to this site for a word of encouragement and a word of guidance according to the Scriptures. It is the intention of the Lighthouse Ministries going forward to make a weekly blog/devotional submission. Feel free to comment below and if you want to speak with us concerning your spiritual need please reach out to us via the contact section of the website.

Wishing you all grace and peace in Jesus. Sincerely, on behalf of the Lighthouse Ministries.
Rev. P.J.Vellenga

Introduction to Lighthouse Ministries in London

WHO ARE WE?
We are a group of Christians who see the need to bring the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the spiritually lost in the core area of London, Ontario. We are from the United Reformed Churches of Aylmer and Woodstock and from the Canadian Reformed Churches of Kerwood and London.

OUR HISTORY
As early as 2013, the idea of having a mission field in the heart of London was felt by concerned members of the URC of Aylmer. The idea grew from there and the URC of Woodstock took the initiative to extend an invitation to the URCs and CANRCs in the area. The churches at Aylmer, Woodstock, Kerwood and London accepted the invitation and entered into a joint venture agreement. Documents were drawn up, a proposed mission field was determined and a sending church was established. Once completed an official board was put into place with two members from each congregation making up the complement of the board, with ideally one of the board members was also to be a member of their council.

Since the work of missions was to take place in London, it was decided that Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church would become the overseeing church for this work and that the board would be under its leadership. Since then, the board has been meeting monthly and a Promotions / Fundraising committee has been established to assist the board in these areas.