Christians mark the weeks of Advent with candles, one for each week until Christmas Day. For me, candles are a powerful symbol of Advent and the coming Christ. Candles are simple; just some wax and a wick and you have … Read more

These words remind me of Aunt Katie, a grand lady of the old school. When any proposed future activity was discussed, she would qualify any commitment with, "The Lord willing." It was a fairly common saying in those days. We … Read more

A few thoughts on the rocky road of getting along with people. Disagreement and conflicts are inevitable. With the present emphasis on individuality, being assertive, and standing one's ground ("I ain't takin' no guff from nobody!"), it is becoming more … Read more

Last week I was visiting a couple whose daughter is likely to die of cancer before Christmas. They mentioned that their son was coming up from California for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be tough for them this … Read more

We ask for and receive messages in varied and unusual ways and places. I "received a message" one day a few years back as I grabbed my husband's Rotarian magazine to read in the "loo". There I read the story … Read more

Recently, I saw a story in the newspaper from one of the southern US states. This particular place apparently has some type of "Social Register", a large book listing the socially in people in this community. If you were not … Read more

Recently, my wife mentioned that she thought that the windshield wipers on our car were not working properly. She said they leaving streaks. The next time it was raining (which was soon in our West Coast climate!), I looked carefully … Read more

At my workplace, there is a digital clock that's counting down to the year 2000. It tells everyone how many days and weeks until the 1900's are no more. If you work with computers, as I do, that's a big … Read more

The previous three devotions have featured Rhoda, the woman "behind that smiling face." In case you have been wondering how she received this wonderful faith, here is her story. When Rhoda was eleven years old, two travelling evangelists were holding … Read more

When I was a young and eager Christian I was reading a book on prayer entitled Asking and Receiving. I was stopped dead in my tracks by a story of a dead American railroad engineer who was restored to life … Read more

In the previous devotional you were introduced to Rhoda, the woman "behind that smiling face". In it she told how she learned to enjoy life even while her only son Wayne's health was at the point of destroying her with … Read more

My wife and I met her one day fifty miles from home in a U Pick strawberry patch. She was a couple of rows over from us. She wore a broad brimmed hat and a long-sleeved jacket. There was little … Read more

How do you witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ?. Words work, but often words remain only words. Actions are good, too. While a group of labouring youth went to work on the Gene MacLellan Centre, the new … Read more

Yesterday here in Daily we visited the Daybreak Prison Ministry and the new Gene MacLellan Centre. What I didn't tell you was how I got there. Presbyterian Youth from the Pictou County area representing about a half dozen churches joined … Read more

Ever hear of the Gene MacLellan Centre? No? I doubt you have because it's not open yet, but it will be soon. Back in 1979 Gene began a prison ministry in Ontario, using his wonderful God-given gifts to share God's … Read more

It may come as a surprise that more Christians have been martyred in the twentieth century than in the previous nineteen centuries combined. There are several reasons for this: 1. The Christian faith has grown very rapidly in third world … Read more

I was recently reading a local sports columnist. He tells the sad story of Corey Hirsch. Corey lost out on a goalie job with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. He was demoted to a minor league team, … Read more

When we try to relate the "world" in John 3:16 to the "world" in World War II we find two things. While God shows equal love and concern for all individuals on both sides of the conflict, he did, however, … Read more

As a young child I have two memories. One was memorizing John 3:16 and the other was a fascination with World War I. Memories of that war were still fresh. We were the "good guys" and Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany … Read more

Did you ever try to relate the "world" in John 3:16 to the "World" in World War 2? I did about a year ago while working on a Remembrance Day sermon. I was thinking about a black leather waist belt … Read more

It's not a popular thing, in these times, to be a fan of the Canadian Armed Forces. The times, politics and economics have turned them into a pale shadow of the fighting machine they were fifty years ago. There is … Read more

I am having trouble getting this devotional started. I know what I want to say but more than a dozen starts have all gone flat. Now I have lifted up my eyes to those words again. Help! That's it. I … Read more

Sunday's reading from Job 38:1-7 really got to me. And not for the first time either. Even when not reading it, its essence entraps me. "Who do I think I am?" It all became a bit much. There I was, … Read more

I was thrilled with a recent episode of the TV Series "Seventh Heaven". It was the story of what happened in a clergy family home when a container of marijuana "pot" was found in the house. This caused a major … Read more

Each day when I leave the house, I give myself a little pat-down. Bulge in the right pocket — that means I've got my wallet. Lump in the left-hand pocket. That's my house keys. Need those. Bump in the top … Read more

Yesterday I mentioned our recent 800 km trip into the south-eastern corner of our province. On our return trip, we experienced a miracle. We left my brother's house at 8:25 a.m., intent on finishing our ten hour trip in time … Read more

In mid-October, my wife and I and our younger son drove 800 km (500 miles) into the south-eastern interior of British Columbia, Canada, where I was involved in an annual Church meeting. The fall colours were spectacular and awe-inspiring, worth … Read more

I once heard a Bible scholar assure us that the "darkest valley" is for real in Israel. Using some considerable detail he made it clear that some terrifying gorges awaited the ancient traveller. These situations are still with us, even … Read more

We have started an intercessory prayer group in our church. We are small in number, but we spend much time praying for the concerns of our largely senior citizen congregation. The other day, as we went down the list of … Read more

From the corner of my eye, I first glimpsed him. Loosely fitting clothes, well worn and soiled. I walked purposefully toward my Ford Explorer. Wool-suited, suede-shoed, paycheque cashed. Confidently, I walked. Head held high. He staggered. Eyes downcast. Grasping first … Read more