In May, the rhododendron beside my front porch buzzes with bees. They flit from flower to flower seeking sweet nectar. Occasionally, one hapless bee flies into my plastic-enclosed porch and buzzes along the plastic wall nearest the nectar-laden bush. It … Read more

I praise the Lord that soon after my covenant renewal with Him, I was taught in church by God-loving teachers about our triune God, and at home by the Holy Spirit by reading the Bible, by studying and reading Christian … Read more

In February, my husband had surgery that we knew would take time and rehabilitation in hospital, rehab center, and at home, with help. While he was in the hospital and the rehab center, we were asked, "Who does the banking, … Read more

As I opened the fridge one morning to get milk for my morning cup of tea, I noticed the following phrases on items in the fridge: Improved recipe New buttery taste New great taste Same look, new taste Improved taste … Read more

Some preschool children were in a race to see who could reach the red flag first. Jane, a spirited little girl, was gaining speed on a little boy who was leading the group. It was evident to the bystanders that … Read more

They say that life is full of hidden surprises. One of those appeared, on a recent morning. One of the contractors dug through a hidden gas main at our church, causing an emergency. Within minutes, fire engines and utility trucks … Read more

Inspired by today's Scripture, one local church in my area has developed a ministry entitled A Cord Of Three Strands, which involves small meeting groups consisting of a leader, the group, and most important of all, the Lord. The purpose … Read more

Did you ever have one of those days when everything seems to go wrong — and sometimes the wrong lasts more than a few days? It all started when we were driving home from our holidays on Manitoulin Island. Approximately … Read more

How constantly happy I am to be saved to this abundant life, to eternal life, and by God's grace to live as God's child in this new covenant dispensation. In this new covenant of God's grace, loving Father God saved … Read more

Have you ever released a helium-filled balloon and watched it float up into the sky? I have done this several times in my life, and have been captivated by the balloon's flight. As it climbs skyward up into the clouds, … Read more

Prince, my collie, loved playing with sticks. He was forever carrying one around in his mouth and was also forever trying to bring the stick inside through the dog door. No matter how many times he tried, however, he could … Read more

When speaking of man's spiritual condition, God's word uses the analogy of passing from death to life, and from darkness into light. Another analogy is with bondage and freedom: A number of years ago, as I was dropping my wife … Read more

I recently was at an event where there were young children. One of the children wanted to show me his car. As he was showing it to me, he told me that it was a special car. I asked him … Read more

A massive digger has just been parked outside of my church study window. The contractors are getting the equipment in place in order to begin digging up the backyard of the church, so that we can lay the foundations of … Read more

I grew up in a slum area. When I entered grade seven, I was a bad kid. I hung around with a rowdy bunch of kids, and I am sure my parents wondered what would become of me. My father … Read more

Through my family's and the church's prayers, and even after thirty years of daily study of God's Word, my spiritual journey in the Lord and my little knowledge of Him still seem to me rather like and ant climbing a … Read more

I often work late here at the university. On one recent occasion, I had just been for a break, when I found a student failing in his attempt to access the rear doors to the computer suite. He, like many … Read more

I remember the first time I ever rode a bike without using the stabilizers, which we called "training wheels" in Scotland. It didn't go very well. The bike shoogled and vibrated, making me so anxious and fearful that I kept … Read more

I had very little understanding of other people's pain until I had a knee go bad. As I struggled to continue the chores of everyday living with constant pain, I became aware of those around me living with pain. I … Read more

The sound from the next cubicle was heart wrenching — sobbing. Whoever was in there was very upset. Cancer had invaded his body, and being alone and, yes, afraid, he found the dark moments of the night very hard to … Read more

In three most important ceremonies in my life, I gave my solemn promises, vows, and agreements. I gave assent to, and made my marriage vows from my heart to the boy I loved, I made my renewed covenant vows to … Read more

Years ago, I spent a lot of time ministering to a handful of people who had addiction problems. Because of my alcoholic past, I became a crusader for each of them, and felt that only I could save them from … Read more

I find that some Bible verses hold a mystery. It seems like they keep coming into my reading, and some take time for me to understand them. Today's Scripture is one such verse. Our past can follow us, and it … Read more

I enjoy baking. I bake a lot: I bake for special occasions; I bake for my children, grandchildren, and friends. It was a day like any other day when I got a call from my daughter. She asked me if … Read more

I am usually a peaceful man who enjoys the wildlife — birds, squirrels, and the like — which frequent our yard. Last Saturday, however, I was heard to say, "I would like to shoot that rabbit!" The problem was that … Read more

When I first started in parish ministry, I made some house calls to an old man who had no family, no property, and hardly any possessions. He lived in a council house, and all that he had was a sofa, … Read more

The apostle Paul wrote to people who believed in Jesus Christ at Colosse around the year 60 A.D. My experience brings me to agree with what Paul said almost 2000 years ago. Decades ago, I found myself in a spiritually … Read more

I will never forget my first experience teaching the primary-level Sunday school class at my church. I loved using the old flannelgraph board to illustrate Bible stories to my students. While most of the lessons were easy to teach, I … Read more

Through God's perfectly gracious mercy to me thirty years ago, I was given a lastingly grateful heart, ever growing in thanksgiving, praise, and worship. Through my family's godly mercy I was given their total "let's not remember" forgiveness, and shared … Read more

At this time of year, the green fields of Scotland are full of lambs that are usually leaping and jumping into the air, as if they were on emerald trampolines. It's a pretty sight to see, and one that I … Read more

This scripture brings to mind memories of two wonderful friends and prayer partners I once had. Both have now gone to their final home. Their lives and influences remain strong in my memory, especially when I need friends to pray … Read more