micahemerson.ca

All things good, beautiful and true.

Author: Micah Emerson

  • Getting to know the Holy Spirit

    There’s something stirring within, a gentle knocking on the door of our hearts. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit inviting us into a deeper relationship.

    If you’ve ever felt like God was distant, or like you’re going through the motions of faith without experiencing His presence, then this is for you. It’s time to reintroduce ourselves to the Holy Spirit—the divine Helper who was sent to be with us always.

    Who is the Holy Spirit?

    At the church where I serve, we are unapologetically Trinitarian. That means we believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, yet distinct, and they work in perfect unity.

    Often, we speak about God the Father and Jesus the Son, but what about the Holy Spirit? Jesus himself promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent to us after His ascension (Acts 1:5), not just to visit, but to dwell within us, guiding, teaching, and empowering us.

    So why do so many believers neglect or ignore Him?

    Learned Helplessness—A Lesson from Lobsters

    Believe it or not, we can learn something about ourselves from lobsters.1

    In their natural habitat, lobsters are in constant competition for food and shelter. When two lobsters fight, the winner is flooded with serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical—while the loser experiences a depressive reaction, making it more likely to lose future battles. Over time, the defeated lobster stops trying, settling for a life on the fringes – isolated and alone.

    This is called learned helplessness—and it’s something we experience too. After enough struggles, disappointments, and losses, we begin to expect failure. We stop striving for more, settling for a passive rather than an active personal faith.

    But here’s the good news: Jesus never meant for us to be helpless.

    The Promise of a Helper

    Jesus told His disciples:

    “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

    John 14v16-17

    Jesus promised that even though He was physically leaving, He would send another Helper—the Holy Spirit—to be with us. This means we are never truly alone.

    The Greek word for “Helper” here is Parakletos, which can also be translated as Comforter, Advocate, or Counselor. But at its core, it means one who comes alongside. The Holy Spirit walks with us, teaching, guiding, and empowering us for the life God has called us to live.

    How the Holy Spirit Works in Our Lives

    1. Illumination – The Holy Spirit helps us understand Scripture and brings God’s truth to mind exactly when we need it (John 14:26). Ever had a verse pop into your head at just the right moment? Or you suddenly understand something in scripture in a new and meaningful way? That’s the Spirit at work.
    2. Witness – The Holy Spirit testifies to the reality of Jesus, strengthening our faith when we doubt (John 15:26). If your faith feels dry, ask the Spirit to refresh your heart and reveal Jesus to you in a new way.
    3. Guidance – The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, convicting us of sin and showing us the path of righteousness (John 16:13). In a world full of confusion, we have a divine Guide who never leads us astray.

    Sensitivity and Obedience

    To fully experience the Holy Spirit’s presence, we must be sensitive to Him. Paul warns in Ephesians 4v30 not to grieve the Holy Spirit through bitterness, anger, or unkindness. Like a dove, the Spirit is gentle and easily disturbed by the sin in our lives.

    We must also be obedient. Walking with the Spirit isn’t about trying harder; it’s about yielding to His leading (Gal 5v16). Just like learning to ride a bike, it takes trust and practice. At first, it feels unnatural, but as we follow His voice, we begin to move in step with Him.

    A Challenge for the Week

    Here’s my challenge to you: Each morning when you wake up, simply say, “Hello, Holy Spirit. What do you want to do today?”

    Invite Him into your day, your conversations, and your decisions. When you do, you’ll begin to experience a faith that is alive, dynamic, and filled with His power.

    The Holy Spirit isn’t a distant force—He is God, living in you. Let’s welcome Him back into our lives today.

    Come, Holy Spirit.

    Grace and Peace

    M

    1. this example is adapted from Jordan Petersen’s 12 Rules for Life ↩︎

  • Meeting with God in Silence and Solitude

    In our fast-paced, noisy world, it can be hard to find time to slow down and be still. Yet, when we look at the life of Jesus, we see that silence and solitude were central to His relationship with God. If we want to follow in His footsteps, we must learn to embrace the quiet—to make space for God in the stillness.

    The Pursuit of God

    At the local church where I serve, we define pursuit as this:

    “Pursuit is when a disciple seeks to know Christ personally above all things. They seek Him through personal spiritual practices like Bible reading and prayer. They also seek Him publicly through worship with the body of Christ.”

    Simply put, pursuit is about wanting to know Jesus more than anything. And we do this with two approaches:

    • Practices of Abstinence – When we step away from distractions to focus on God.
    • Practices of Engagement – When we actively seek Him through community, worship, service and mission.

    One of the most powerful ways to pursue God is through silence and solitude—something Jesus practiced regularly.

    Jesus and the Wilderness

    Before Jesus began His public ministry, He withdrew into the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1-13). He wasn’t running away from responsibility—He was preparing Himself spiritually. During that time, He faced three temptations from the devil. On the surface, it seems that the evil one just wants Jesus to prove his divinity. In one sense that’s true, however, in a other sense Jesus faces a struggle that runs much deeper and that we all face. Henri Nouwen said the Jesus face three significant challenges:

    1. The temptation of instant gratification – “Turn these stones to bread.”
    2. The temptation to be powerful – “I will give you all the kingdoms.”
    3. The temptation to be spectacular – “Throw yourself down and let the angels catch you.”

    Jesus resisted these temptations because He had already filled Himself with something greater—God’s presence.

    What if Jesus’ ability to resist temptation wasn’t a coincidence?

    What if His time alone with God prepared Him for the trials ahead?

    Why Silence and Solitude Matters

    Throughout His life, Jesus made time to be alone with the Father:

    • After healing many, “Jesus departed and went into a desolate place” (Luke 4:42).
    • Before choosing His disciples, “He went out to the mountain to pray” (Luke 6:12).
    • Before His arrest, “He withdrew… and prayed” (Luke 22:39-41).

    If Jesus, the Son of God, needed silence and solitude, how much more do we?

    Solitude as Opportunity

    Silence and solitude aren’t about escaping the world—they’re about encountering God.

    Henri Nouwen describes true solitude as removing our “scaffolding”—the things we use to distract and protect ourselves. No phones, no meetings, no noise—just us and God. But silence is uncomfortable, isn’t it?

    We live in a world that avoids silence at all costs. We keep the TV on, scroll social media, and fill every moment with noise. Why? Because in the silence, we come face-to-face with ourselves—and with God. Yet, it’s in this quiet space that transformation happens.

    In The Way of the Heart, Henri Nouwen writes:

    “Solitude is the furnace of transformation. Without solitude, we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the illusions of the false self. Jesus Himself entered into this furnace. There He was tempted with the three compulsions of the world: to be relevant (‘turn stones into bread’), to be spectacular (‘throw yourself down’), and to be powerful (‘I will give you all the kingdoms’). There He affirmed God as the only source of His identity. Solitude is the place of great struggle and great encounter—the struggle against the compulsions of the false self and the encounter with the loving God who offers Himself as the substance of the new self.”

    This is why Jesus withdrew—again and again. Not to escape, but to be filled.

    Silence as Discipline

    Pursuing God in silence takes discipline. It will be inconvenient, countercultural, and even awkward at first. But if we keep at it, we’ll find that silence isn’t empty—it’s full of God’s presence.

    Jesus didn’t just teach His disciples how to pray—He showed them how to be silent before the Father.

    And in that silence, we find:

    1. Communion – The deep, soul-refreshing connection with God.
    2. Transformation – The space where God confronts our hearts and renews our minds.

    How to Start

    If you’re new to the practice of silence and solitude, here’s how to begin:

    1. Start small. Try 10 minutes of silence each day.
    2. Find a quiet place. A room, a park, or even your car.
    3. Be still. Resist the urge to check your phone or fill the silence.
    4. Pray simply. Say, “Lord, help me be still.”
    5. Listen. Let God speak in the quiet.

    A Word to the Wise

    Embrace the Season

    Silence and Solitude can be something to avoid or hard won. When you are young you have great potential to steal away with God, unattached from family and responsibilities. However youth also comes with the greatest risk. You can squander the opportunity you have and completely avoid God altogether.

    When you marry, embark on a difficult journey, have kids, start a career or whatever it might be, you will find it increasingly difficult to find that silent place where you can be alone.

    It’s important that we be honest about the season your’e in, and the capacity you have. Name it, adjust your expectations and be kind to yourself. Remember, time with God isn’t necessarily about quantity, even though all of life is lived before Him- it’s about quality. Quality time with God is the goal. Make whatever you can count.

    Be Ruthless, not Reckless

    It’s important to remember that while silence and solitude is a worthy pursuit, we should be mindful of the potential for collateral damage. Be ruthless in finding the time and space, not reckless. The pursuit of time with God should not come at the expense of your relationships and responsibilities. So, it’s going to take creativity, flexibility, and discipline.

    It Starts with a Choice

    When you begin, spending time along in silence before God won’t be thrilling. It might seem like nothing is happening and nobody is speaking. Just you with swirling thoughts filling your head. However, in time, you will notice the difference it makes when you have made the time for God and when you have not. Then, it is a well your return to time and again. Then, it’s not a choice, you need it. It fulfills the deepest desire of our souls – community with God.

    Reengage

    We don’t always need a reason to spend time with God. Like a friend, it’s worth being with them if you don’t accomplish anything. However, God created you with a purpose and wants to empower you for life with Him. It important, then, that our doing flows from our being with Him. To do that, we need to return from the quiet place and participate in community with others. In the body of Christ, and our neighbourhood.

    A Challenge for You

    Imagine what your life would look like if you were regularly preoccupied with God—if your thoughts were shaped more by time in His presence than by the noise of the world.

    Jesus invites us to come away with Him (Mark 6:31).

    Will you accept His invitation?

    M

  • Integrity

    “Loose lips sink ships.”

    This timeless phrase, born in the urgency of World War II, reminds us of the weight of our words. Back then, soldiers and citizens alike were cautioned to guard their speech because a careless word could jeopardize lives. But what about today? Are we as careful with what we say, and do our words still carry such significance?

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus underscores the importance of our words. He reveals that words are not mere sounds; they are reflections of our hearts and wield the power to create or destroy. Jesus’ message goes beyond outward behavior, urging us to embrace a life transformed by God’s presence and truth.

    The Problem with Promises

    Promises, oaths, and commitments are familiar to us all. Yet, we’ve all experienced the sting of broken promises—whether we’ve been let down by someone else or failed to keep our own word. Jesus’ teaching addresses the problem of empty promises and manipulative speech. In ancient times, people swore oaths to enhance their credibility, often invoking God’s name or sacred symbols. However, this practice quickly became a way to manipulate and deceive while bypassing accountability.

    Jesus challenges this behavior by saying:

    “Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil”

    Matthew 5v34-37

    He calls us to a higher standard: truthfulness without the need for embellishment or external validation.

    God: The Ultimate Promise Keeper

    The foundation of integrity lies in God’s character. Scripture tells us that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. From His covenant with Abraham to salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s word is trustworthy and unchanging. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same truthfulness in our lives.

    The theologian J. Vernon McGee said it well: “God’s Word is as good as He is.” When we honor our word, we mirror God’s faithfulness and demonstrate that His reputation is safe in our hands.

    Integrity in Action

    Living a life of integrity means cultivating a greater awareness of God’s presence and committing to honest communication. Here are practical steps to help us align our words with God’s truth:

    1. Weigh Your Words
      • Before making a promise, ask yourself: “Can I truly deliver on this?”
      • Be honest and clear—a simple “yes” or “no” is better than an insincere or exaggerated commitment.
    2. Examine Your Relationships
      • Reflect on whether you are consistent in your interactions.
      • Avoid creating false impressions or using manipulation to influence others.
    3. Practice Honesty
      • Return extra change when it’s given to you by mistake.
      • Admit your mistakes and take steps to make things right.
    4. Embrace Silence
      • Speak less and listen more. Thoughtful communication builds trust and credibility.
    5. Ask for Help
      • Integrity is not achieved by willpower alone. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth and transform your heart.

    The Call to Simplicity

    Jesus’ call to simplicity in our speech is a profound challenge in a world filled with spin, exaggeration, and curated images. When we let our “yes” mean yes and our “no” mean no, we stand as witnesses to the truth in a culture that often distorts it.

    As followers of Christ, our words matter. They have the power to build or break trust, to reflect or distort God’s nature. Jesus invites us to live authentically, where integrity flows naturally from hearts transformed by His presence. This week, consider how you can weigh your words, practice honesty, and rely on God’s strength to live with integrity. Let’s be people whose words align with God’s truth, pointing others to His unwavering faithfulness.

    M

    This post is based on a message originally given at the Crosspoint Church on December 1st, 20241

    1. https://www.youtube.com/live/OzRBY1EnbgE?si=h7h8YUZJoDFijoBC ↩︎

  • Reaction

    E. Stanley Jones once said we are more likely to sin in our reactions than in our actions.

    In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us a pattern for how to live as he lived, but many are hard teachings. Few are harder than this one:

    Do not resist the evil one -  Matthew 5v39

    What does it mean to not resist evil?

    In the transformative teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, we are invited to explore Jesus’ revolutionary call to respond to evil not with retaliation, but with acts of goodness. This passage from Matthew 5v38-42 challenges the status quo and introduces a divine approach to dealing with wrongdoing.

    “An Eye for an Eye”

    Jesus begins by addressing the well-known phrase, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” a principle from the ancient law of retaliation, or Lex Talionis. This law was meant to limit revenge and ensure that punishment did not exceed the crime. It didn’t work, and violence only led to more violence. Instead, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that breaks the vicious cycle entirely.

    Jesus’ Radical Call to Non-Resistance

    Jesus’ instruction is clear: “Do not resist the one who is evil.” He provides four illustrations of how we can live this out in the various situations of real life.

    1. Turning the Other Cheek: If someone strikes you, offer them the other cheek. This act of non-retaliation not only diffuses the situation but also shifts the dynamics of power. You are taking responsibility for your own life and nobody can have your dignity.
    2. Giving More Than Asked: If someone sues you for your tunic, give them your cloak as well. This demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond, reflecting a spirit of genuine care , generosity and peace. Christians need not go to court or seek litigation unless absolutely necessary.
    3. Going the Extra Mile: When compelled to walk one mile, walk two. Jesus example refers to the Roman practice of making occupied subjects carry a soldiers equipment for a mile without questions or opposition. The first mile you have to walk, but the second is your choice. How do we respond to obligation in our lives? Often we do the bare minimum. However, going the proverbial “extra mile” shows a proactive approach to serving others, transforming an obligation into an opportunity to exemplify grace.
    4. Generosity to Those in Need: Jesus urges us to give to those who beg and lend to those who wish to borrow, highlighting the importance of compassion and selflessness. It does not, however, say that we should give them whatever they ask for. Instead, we should be willing to give to those in need, as we are able and in ways that are helpful.

    Breaking the Cycle of Violence

    Jesus’ approach is not about passivity but active non-resistance. By returning good for evil, we disrupt the cycle of violence and demonstrate the transformative power of love. This principle challenges us to think deeply about our reactions and to embody the values of the Kingdom of God.

    Practical Steps for Living Out This Teaching

    1. Be Proactive: Take care of your inner world. Address wounds, anger, and sin that could influence your reactions.
    2. Practice Curiosity: Reflect on your responses. Ask yourself if you are reacting with force or practicing a Kingdom response.
    3. Pray for Strength: Seek the Holy Spirit’s power to respond with grace and love, acknowledging that we cannot do this on our own.

    How will you react?

    The call to respond to evil with good is not easy, but it a significant part of God’s rule and reign through His followers on earth right now. Where evil is returned with good, His Kingdom is announced and by embracing this teaching, we participate in a divine conspiracy to overcome evil with the transformative power of love. Let us strive to reflect Jesus in our reactions and be agents of His Kingdom in a world that desperately needs His grace.

    M

    This post is based on a message originally given on January 5th, 2025, at the Crosspoint Church1

    1. https://www.youtube.com/live/ziAkc6on878?si=R5sbSotdvGLOfoOI ↩︎

  • A Magnificent Feast

    To be a pastor’s kid is like being invited to a magnificent feast. The table is laden with delights, each dish carefully prepared to nourish and satisfy. No one can force you to partake, but they can show you the beauty of the feast, name every dish, and equip you with the tools to eat until your soul is full, again and again. Yet, many pastor’s kids sit at this table, starving, and walk away. The wine spoils, and the veal has gone bad—or so it seems. Still, deep down, they know whose table it is. They know the joy He finds in sharing it with them. And so, despite their hunger or disillusionment, they can return—without shame, without guilt—and savor His presence once more.

    Every pastor’s kid’s story is unique. However, they’re people like everyone else. Like generations before them, they stand at the edge of victory or destruction. For ministry children, they risk great rewards and really – tragedy. And yet, God is continually working to use adversity for our good because He loves us. So, every journey has the potential to be a redemption story.

    Many pastors’ kids, like others, have a journey that mirrors the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15). We wander, often painfully, before finding our way back. But in return, we discover the beginning as if for the first time—those familiar smells and rich soul foods that we hunger and thirst for, more vivid and powerful. Now, we encounter the feast with greater fervor and depth. It’s a paradox: years of hardship and failure condensed into a crucible of transformation, forging a faith that burns bright and true.

    Though the path is steep, and the pain often more than I can bear myself, I find myself grateful. Being the child of a preacher taught me lessons about my Lord and Savior that I might never have learned otherwise. While some people coast through life without wrestling with God, ministry children are born into the fire. They are invited into something bigger, beyond and greater than themselves. And for that, as hard as it has been, I am profoundly thankful.

    M

    this article was originally written for pastorskids.org1

  • Heaven Meets Earth

    When Heaven meets earth, worlds collide.

    20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”

    Luke 17v20-21

    The logo for this blog isn’t because I really love Venn diagrams (but honestly who doesn’t?), but it represents the contents of my heart and the substance of my life – the Kingdom life. Now, I can’t claim to follow Jesus perfectly, but despite my many mishaps and struggles, I continue on.

    The religious leaders of the time didn’t realize it, but Jesus himself was at the epi-center of heaven and earth. They were looking for a revolution, a king and militant cout d’etat – but Jesus came as a working class man from a backwater town nobody took seriously. He came lowly and humble. In many ways and more, He was unexpected, disappointing and even when He was right before theirs eyes they could not see that the Kingdom of God was within arms reach. They could reach out and touch it. They could touch Him.

    The kingdom of God is not a place, organization or vigilant takeover to free the oppressed by force. It is the rule and reign of Jesus. Where He is, there is the Kingdom. When we obey His teachings and do His will – there is the Kingdom.

    As followers of Jesus, we too intend to stand in the intersection between heaven and earth. This thin place, where we sit with Jesus, learn at His feet and obey what He has commanded. It’s not an easy life, and many don’t choose to live it, but it’s never dull and it’s changed everything. Life in the kingdom has many stories. This collection aims to tell them.

    Grace and Peace

    M

  • Why Write?

    Why Write?

    I have been trying to articulate as far back as I can remember. As far back as chicken scratch on the playroom floor. Late-at-night keyboard jam sessions while Dave Mustaine howled “Trust” into my headphones and I crammed nearly incoherent words, paragraphs and pages full of teenage angst into notepad while the dial-up struggled to connect. Journals, notepads and papers. Sermons, case notes and everyday communique. Mustering emotions into words with my therapist. Bringing life to words.

    So, why the blog resurrection? Do I have something to say? Yes. Can I say it perfectly? I cannot. But why write? Simply, because I have to. My life is so full and God has been so good. These words overflow from my heart and spill on the page.

    Grace and Peace

    M