Life — it's impossible without breath. "Breathe!" "Blast!" These commands came from a technician coaching me for a pulmonary function test as I sat inside an air-tight, sealed cylinder watching him through the glass. I felt like he was … Read more
Search Results for: "John 20:"
Seen But Not Heard
I am a SciFi fan. I remember watching Men in Black where "K" (Tommy Lee Jones), one of the agents in a black suit, jumps up and down waving his arms and shouting, "Eat me!" to a very large alien. The alien obliges by swallowing him, … Read more
Not Seeing, We Believe
Whoo—who-who—whoo "Terry! Wake up! I hear the owl!" I had been hearing this sound every night from inside our cabin at Camp Loma de Vida, in south Texas, USA, during the winter months this year. We had never actually pin-pointed its … Read more
Jumping To Conclusions
Recently, I entered the elevator and met a fellow resident who had been absent from meals for several days. Assuming that she had been away visiting her family, I asked if she had had a good break. Valerie responded, "If you consider … Read more
Looking For Evidence
The evidence was overwhelming. We followed something that we feared. Panthertown Valley is just outside Cashiers, North Carolina, USA. Those who are looking for a directional sign will be disappointed. But my brother and I had … Read more
Spotlight on "Doubting Thomas"
Have you ever been at a point where you felt that you couldn't go on unless God stepped directly into your life and made His presence known in no uncertain terms? Maybe you're there now. The disciple Thomas was there when he declared: … Read more
Just Keep Breathing
In high school, one of my favourite teachers was Mr. Rogers. He taught English literature and creative writing. The tidbit which came up in a lesson that most resonated with me was, "Life's a bitch and then you die." That phrase reflected … Read more
My Mind Is Made Up
During this past Easter season, there were a number of movies on television which those who make up the schedules felt were appropriate for the season — movies such as The Robe, The King of kings and Easter Parade — just to mention … Read more
The White Drape
In our church, there is a cross at the front of the sanctuary. The cross is bare for most of the year, but during Lent, it is draped in a purple cloth. Now, it is draped in white, in honour of the risen Christ. The changing colours of the … Read more
The Eighth Day
Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea. Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical … Read more
Resurrection Evidence
There are some folk who don't believe in Jesus because they don't want to, and they easily find reasons not to. There are others who would really like to believe, if only they had assurance that the gospel is believable. There are many … Read more
The Choice Is Ours
These days, a lot is said and written about the irrelevancy of our Christian faith. Some months ago, there was a report in our local paper about a minister of the gospel who had preached for many years and submitted faith-based articles … 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
The Written Word
I have kept a diary since 1962. It started out as a record of the daily progress of my pipeline construction in northern British Columbia, Canada, including the movement of people and equipment, records of meetings with owners and … Read more
Missing Something?
In preparation for a sermon during my pastorate, a particularly good idea surfaced. I thought to myself, "What a powerful message the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart!" The Scripture passage was something we all needed to hear. After I had … Read more
From The Realms of Glory
Contemplating the glorious scene at the empty tomb, I am intrigued by the positioning of the two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot of Jesus' sepulchre. Years ago, I heard an interesting illustration that has stuck with me, … Read more
What's So Special About The Bible?
The grease-stained pizza boxes were piled high in the corner of the upper room as youth group neared the half-way mark of the night. A delightful assortment of teens chatted away, filling that tiny space with a cacophony of giggles, … Read more
Breath Of God
It was in the late 1940s. My father was the pastor of a small Armenian Brethren congregation in Detroit, Michigan, USA. As my father arose from his chair to start his sermon by the reading of Scripture, he opened his Bible and in Armenian … Read more
Shaken Faith
Life events may temporarily shake my faith, but they can't destroy it. Like most people's, my life's been a journey of mountain and valley experiences. I've enjoyed numerous good things along with pleasurable occasions, but the good has … Read more
In The Garden
One day last year, while my husband and I were sitting in the lounge at the cancer centre, one of the patients started playing the piano. That day, I was a little apprehensive since we were waiting to hear the results of my husband's CT … Read more
Missing In Action
Some time ago, my husband served as the pastor of a quaint little church in our home state of Pennsylvania, USA. Often, he spent hours putting together creative sermons using a unique blend of biblical and contemporary language. Although … Read more
Peace In Our Hearts
As this is the day when we remember those fallen for peace and those involved in the search for peace in different places, we realize how elusive peace is — personal peace at times, and world peace almost always.
The word "peace" has … Read more
Strips Of Linen
Throughout the years, I have closely followed the fascinating debate among scientific experts regarding the most controversial ancient relic, the Shroud of Turin. This mysterious cloth bears the image of a crucified man whom many believe to be the risen … Read more
The Invisible Lover
Have you ever fallen in love with a person you have never seen? I had this wonderful experience with a man who was in the Navy during World War II. A friend connected us when he entered the Bible School … Read more
Rolled Away
Sometimes our situation seems impossible. I have gone through many such times. I have lost family. Jobs have been terminated. Finances have gone by the wayside. Such situations boggle the mind. They are simply unmanageable without help. In musing upon … Read more
Stop Doubting And Believe
In the Bible, it was Thomas: Today, it could be any one of us. We can read the Bible, we can feel God's presence and peace, but that little feeling of doubt is never too far away. Thomas didn't just … Read more
Jesus Turns Doubts Inside Out
Is it spring in your area yet? At the end of March, I made a visit to the north of New Brunswick here in Canada to speak at a Christian Women's Club. The washboard potholes on the road to Bathurst … Read more
Say My Name
The e-mails from my dad in the last few months have been distressing. As he described my mother's physical and mental decline, I was torn between wanting to travel to Chicago to see her and fearing what I would find: … Read more