Fom the Pastor’s Desk Dec 23 2017

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Welcome to the Bronte Church family during this festive season as we celebrate the first Advent of our Lord. As the world gathers to celebrate Christmas with its gifts, merriment, feasting and partying, it is evident that the reason for the season is forgotten. If we take Christ of out of Christmas, we have nothing. It’s just another occasion or festive event and many times empty of purpose and significance. The difference is not the gifts we get or give, but the Gift that was given to us! The prophet Isaiah looked down at our time and He declared in chapter 12 verse 2, ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.’ What a vivid reminder of God’s presence in our lives, especially during this time, as we reflect upon the entrance of the King of Glory, born in a manger in Bethlehem, instead of a throne. What humility and condescension. It is a privilege to gather as a church family and celebrate the gift of God’s love through Jesus Christ. As we reflect upon this festive season, we remember the price that was paid to redeem us from sin. What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus our Lord. Where would we be without Jesus?

– Pastor Daniel D. Saugh

From the Pastor’s Desk – Dec 16 2017

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Good day all,

“Welcome to God’s house at Bronte as we study, worship, and fellowship today. We are truly experiencing a shift in the weather and it’s beginning to feel and look more like Christmas and the festive season that closes another year. I got up one morning over the past week and saw the first of fluffy stuff. The white snow carpeted the landscape and gave such lighted reflection during the day and right into the dusk of the evening. As I went out to clear the snow on the driveway, I looked a little closer at the snow and saw how unique and beautiful (though frigidly cold) it was. I like the snow… sometimes from a distance, sometimes through the window, sometimes walking on it and through it… but what is fascinating is that the snow keeps its bright white colour. Scientists even tell us that every snowflake is unlike another and each has its own unique design. The colour of snow is such a vivid and visual reminder of what God desires for us, to do through us, with us, and in us. Our God invites us, ‘Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool…’ (Isaiah 1:18). What a God who gives us an audience with Him, and because of His mercy and grace we have access and the privilege to His power to cleanse and cover us. My prayer is, ‘Lord, make me whiter than snow’ and I need it that today, tomorrow, and always.”

– Pastor Daniel D. Saugh

 

From the Pastor’s Desk – December 9 2017

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We can’t wait to welcome to the Bronte church family where we will meet again to study, worship, and fellowship. We look forward to your presence with us and hope that you will receive a rich blessing and your experience today will be an uplifting one. We continue with part II of dealing with discouragement. We have all tried to avoid the big “D” word, but at some point or another in our lives, we have all experienced discouragement; perhaps you may be in such a moment as you read this. Discouragement is part of the human condition that we all encounter when we going through the vicissitudes of life. There are four “F” factors that may precipitate discouragement and I will share more in the sermon this week, but will briefly introduce them now: fatigue, frustration, failure, and fear. Each element has a way of overwhelming, overpowering, limiting, and paralyzing a person.  What we need to do is realize is that our perception is not always actually our reality, but it can become our reality because of the lens through which we view life. God speaks to Isaiah and to us in chapter 40:10 reminding us, “fear not and be not dismayed… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand…” We can all have courage and confidence that our God will uphold us up no matter we face, and He will see us through. How encouraging it is to know that His hand is upon us, and that we have nothing to fear when God is there. Be encouraged, be blessed, and behold your God – today and always!

– Pastor Daniel D. Saugh

From the Pastor’s Desk – Dec 2nd 2017

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Welcome to our Bronte Church family as we gather this first Sabbath of the last month in 2017! Are you excited? Anxious? In shock? As the year draws to a close, it is a time of reflection for many, anticipation for some, and anxiety for others. Our outlook depends on where we are in life, what is happening, and our mind-set. Sometimes our attitude loses altitude; as days pass, we may experience highs and lows, troughs and crests, and mountains and valleys. We have the choice to soar above the clouds, stay clouded by the clouds, or fly below the clouds which loom over us. We often get down and discouraged when things do not work out the way we want, plan, or intend. However, it is at these moments in our lives we must ask ourselves, is this my reality or just a perception of what is going on in my life? The Apostle Paul knew about these feelings all too well when he found himself in a dark, dingy, and depressing dungeon, witnessing to his faith in Philippi. He said, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice… Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God… will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:4-7). This peace breaks the bondage of discouragement because we know that we can do ‘all things through Christ who gives us strength’ (Philippians 4:13). Each day, let us find something specific to thank God for, and focus on positively changing, overcoming obstacles, and living better. By this, our attitude will gain altitude and shape the attitude of our faith!

– Pastor Daniel D. Saugh