Some years ago, we had the privilege of doing a "Cities of the Reformation" tour, where we heard a lot about the different reformers of that time so many years ago. The last city that we visited was Geneva, Switzerland, where John Calvin, … Read more
Archive for October, 2015
Careless Words
During the recent Canadian federal election, several candidates were forced to withdraw after comments they had made on social media surfaced. These comments, which were thoughtless, ill-considered, and sometimes offensive and hateful, … Read more
Barriers To Acceptance
Accepting another person doesn't necessarily mean accepting their beliefs or practices. Accepting someone whose beliefs or practices aren't the same as mine isn't easy. For example, growing up, I was taught that Sunday was a sacred day. … Read more
The Situation
As usual, Bonnie and Sophie, my two-year-old collie and retriever, were outside on the property enjoying themselves as they kept an eye on the livestock. And just as usual, I was diligently keeping an eye on them. Even though they are … Read more
On Being Still
There is an old preacher's story about the little girl who brought her friend to worship with her one Sunday. When her friend started to talk out loud, the girl said, "You have to be quiet or the hushers will come for you." My weekly … Read more
The Trouble With Dents
Dents happen. They happen to our freshly painted walls, our cars, our fine furniture, and other things that we cherish. At least, these are the dents that we notice: dents in the things that matter to us. This past summer, I painted some … Read more
Receiving A Blessing
Time is a constituent of life. We cannot stop it or reverse it. From the creation narrative surrounding today's verse, it is clear that time is good and God-ordained. A part of this time experience is seasons. God has given punctuation … Read more
A Simpler Path
I envy the first Christians. Their faith seemed very simple and straightforward. They worshipped and studied the Scriptures each day, and made time to frequently share meals and break bread together. They weren't encumbered with almost … Read more
Seeing Is Believing … Or Is It?
The area where I work is dotted with large lots and homes. There aren't many fences, but there are a lot of dogs that all remain on their property as we walk by. Recently, I was on a walk with a lady that I support, and three dogs were … Read more
Lonely At The Top
If I thought it, I was wrong. No one ever said that leading was easy or popular. I had been chosen as the leader of a local organization. Accepting the position required moving almost three hours away. Since my wife and I felt the Lord … Read more
God's Word In Art
I have lately developed the habit of looking at the stained glass windows in the different churches that I visit. There is a great variety of them, and I am amazed at the different biblical scenes and symbols which are displayed in the … Read more
The Little Burr
Despite delays in waiting for medical procedures, my legs have recovered sufficiently that I feel strong enough to walk down The Trail again. As I write, it is the first day of fall, and absolutely gorgeous! The sights! The sounds! The … Read more
The Revelation
It was 4 a.m., and I was driving through the depth of darkness toward my place of employment. I enjoyed my job, but as I motored along, I suddenly realized how indifferent and hardened my heart was becoming in regards to those whom I … Read more
Don't Forget The Fish Story!
Do you find the biblical account of Jonah and the fish hard to swallow? If so, you're not alone. Those who are shaped by western secularism naturally find it hard to swallow. In such an environment, God's people are tempted to avoid this … Read more
The Spirit Of Prophecy
Whenever my husband and I travel upstate to visit our son, we pass by a home that has a sign on the front lawn. In bold, red letters, it says, "Psychic Readings". Then underneath, it advertises, "$10 special". The sign always brings back … Read more
Dealing With Change
I recall preaching on the above verse at the anniversary of a church that had closed years and years before. Each year, there was an anniversary service to honour the prairie pioneers who had built the church and built up the faith in the … Read more
Communication
Not too long ago, I was going through a very dry spell of not writing. I am a writer, and not being able to write is like losing my best friend in a dark, thick forest. As hard as I would try to find my friend, I just couldn't find her. I … Read more
Mighty Acts
While reading today's verse, I started wondering what mighty acts of God have happened since the Bible was written, which could be told to the upcoming generation. I can list several things: the reformation of Christianity under leaders … Read more
Sheltered In The Storm
The morning was beautiful; we had no reason to expect a storm. My brother, two children, and I had set out for an overnight camping trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT). No sooner had we reached the gap where we were planning to camp than … Read more
Growing Seeds
During this past spring and summer, I travelled in the area where we live to lead services in different Presbyterian churches. There is a lot of cultivated farm land in this area, and it seems that the majority of the crops being grown … Read more
The Nosy Parker
My horse, Frank, is a nosy parker. "Nosy parker" is an old expression for one who has to have their nose into everybody else's business. Whenever I am working in the corral or out on the property where he is grazing, his nose is not far … Read more
A New Partnership
A new pastor was settling into a new church. The toilet wouldn't work so he called the plumber. The next day he found a broken light switch so he called the electrician. On Sunday, the president of the church council said, "You know, the … Read more
God Is Greater Than The Facts!
"The facts" have an uncanny way of stalling us. Discussion shuts down. The imagination becomes closed to possibilities outside of perceived parameters. "The facts" can rivet us to dull, predictable limits. "The facts" can sink us into a … Read more
Lemonade For All
What was that old adage about turning lemons into lemonade? How easy that is to say. The problem is that when you are down, you don't want to get up! Emotions run high and low. Some people have a legitimate reason for their sorrow, it is … Read more
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