Last fall, my husband and I joined a Messianic fellowship at one of the members' homes to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkoth. In their backyard, we sat in booths which were constructed according to God's Word. … Read more

One day, I was studying Psalm 121, and as I do quite often, I checked my Dutch and German Bibles. I noticed that in those two languages, there is only one word for shade or shadow, the emphasis being on shadow. That made me think more … Read more

Advent begins tomorrow, November 29th, in this year of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2015. One of the features of Advent in many churches is an Advent wreath, with a candle lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. No thanks to … Read more

The Prime Minister of Canada has volunteered to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees into our nation before the end of February. This has raised many fears and concerns amongst the general population. Many may not know that in the last fifteen … Read more

Every year at this time, memories of family get-togethers at my sister's home flood my mind. For a period of fifteen years, we would travel north from Pasadena, to Fresno, California, USA, to spend the American Thanksgiving holiday … Read more

I once heard of a little boy who refused to say his evening prayers one night — not out of defiance, but because he couldn't think of anything that he wanted. He didn't see much point in praying when there wasn't anything to ask for. … Read more

I'm telling you ahead of time so that you can get ready to participate in Tie One On Day, on the fourth Wednesday of November. EllynAnne Geisal invites us to buy an apron and tie a baked product like bread or cookies into it. Then tuck … Read more

It's that time of year again: winter — the time when I experience the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which I wrote about in a previous devotional: Light And Darkness . This year, I am trying faithfully to use my light … Read more

As an enthusiast of art and architectural history, I have enjoyed over the years visiting many early American churches. The buildings were made of either stone or fine wood. My fascination with old houses of worship grew stronger after I … Read more

Smell is a big deal in the animal kingdom. It's a big deal in God's kingdom, too. Scent marks our authenticity as Christians. What does this mean for you and me? I got thinking of that after hearing a chinchilla rancher explain how she … Read more

During his recent visit to the United States, Pope Francis said the following in his address to Congress: The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the … Read more

A generation is defined as the length of time when children are ready to take the place of their parents, often 30 years. So in my life of 83 years, I have seen three generations in the world — three generations of memories. Each … Read more

The human body is a complex creation which comprises a head (which includes the brain, ears, eyes, mouth, and nose), neck, thorax (which includes the lungs and heart), abdomen (which includes the digestive organs), arms and hands, legs and … Read more

During the last month, we have seen a number of events of terrible carnage in various places: Ankara, Turkey, October 12th – 97 killed, 250 injured; Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, October 31st – a Russian airliner allegedly brought down by … Read more

I have always loved parties. As a child, nothing excited me more than a little piece of paper that said, Come to my birthday party. Nothing much has changed in that respect — I still love get-togethers. I have had more than my share of … Read more

While I was working as a ward clerk in the hospital surgical unit, I had an encounter concerning a patient and the hand of God which has stayed fresh in my mind. Being careful to maintain confidentiality, a doctor expressed grave concern … Read more

We watch a fair number of English mystery shows on television, and some of them start out with the warning: "This show contains coarse language and scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised." They warn us, so that we are prepared. … Read more

The temple curtain kept everyone out of the Most Holy Place except one priest once a year. When Jesus paid the price for our sin by dying on the cross, the curtain was torn in two as God's sign that we may now approach His throne without … Read more

I've always liked the story of Tabitha, or Dorcas, as she is sometimes known. I can remember as a child seeing a beautiful stained glass window in a Scottish church, which was dedicated to the ministries of church women everywhere. … Read more

Every Remembrance Day (or Veterans Day), I am deeply touched as members of our little community take turns placing wreaths of remembrance at the base of our town's cenotaph. Each wreath represents a different era: a war which has been … Read more

It seemed as though my well had run dry regarding devotional material, because I have only so many experiences to draw from. But I had an email today from a sister in Christ. After commenting on one of my devotionals, she wrote, "I pray … Read more

Dead people don't move … or do they? I've also heard that dead people don't tell tales. But maybe they do. Because of my upbringing and my profession, I've seen more than my share of dead people. As a pastor, my father performed … Read more

"It's that woman's fault!!" declared Adam. "'Tis not!" shouted Eve. "It's that serpent's fault!" "Mission accomplished," mused the serpent. You're familiar with this scenario in Genesis. Adam, to his horror, realizes that God is aware of … Read more

For many years, I lived in the Coachella Valley, located in the Sonoran Colorado Desert of southeastern California, USA. Due to the warm, year-round climate, various varieties of palm trees grow in the valley. Most of the palms grow … Read more

This verse of Scripture reminds me of my childhood and makes me look back at my life. Did God set me apart from birth and call me by His grace? Dad was a minister and all three of us children were raised as believers. It was taken for … Read more

I find it rather embarrassing these days that when I go to greet someone whom I have known for ages, suddenly her name is gone from my mind. It is especially annoying when I am in the middle of an introduction and I draw a blank. I know … Read more

Canadians went to the polls in October in a federal election, and the new government is being sworn into office today in Ottawa. Those who wanted change got their wish, and time will tell whether that was a good thing. But good thing or … Read more

Does God test us? You bet He does! How many times have you thought or heard something that seems like it is a nudge from God, and have chosen to let it go until later? Maybe you questioned whether it might have been just a thought … Read more

Sometimes, we happen upon valuable lessons. Bless the Lord that He sends them to us. A case in point: I inadvertently took something home from the store that did not belong to me: a packet of aspirins. I had fully intended to pay for it, … Read more

Either today or next Sunday, many Christians around the globe will observe the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This practice not only comforts those who are suffering, but it unites believers worldwide in taking a … Read more