The Bible is a library, an inspired collection of 66 books written by different people over thousands of years, in a wide range of literary styles. One of my favourite biblical literary genres is that of the simple narrative, with stories … Read more

Recently, we have had a period of eased lockdown at our church. These were socially distanced events with simple acts of worship from the front, without congregational singing, and a family-based talk. Nonetheless, it was a consolation to … Read more

In half an hour, I have an appointment at the dentist's office. The hygienist is going to clean my teeth. I immediately think to myself, My teeth feel really grungy from eating my porridge at breakfast. I'd better go and brush and floss. … Read more

We spend our lives reacting to things that occur around us and to us. Hopefully our reactions are positive and helpful to others and ourselves. Sometimes, we feel that the actions of others are unfair to us, and from childhood, we have to … Read more

Reflecting on my trip to Israel last November, I recall that one of my favourite sites was the ancient village of Magdala in Galilee. A most recent and fascinating archaeological discovery was a first-century synagogue with part of its … Read more

When I taught children of Wycliffe Bible Translator personnel in the Peruvian highlands in South America, the children would pick the raisins from their recess snack cookies and drop them into the grass saying that they didn't like … Read more

At regular intervals, I have a telephone conversation with my lifelong friend in the Netherlands. Our loyalty to each other has been solid since our high school years. Even my move to another part of the world had no bearing on it. … Read more

The world-wide, ever-increasing pace of life in general — encouraged by the onset of technical advances which allow for immediate access and interaction with others through a simple phone device — is drastically changing our lives. … Read more

I'm not sure how I came so often to sit beside my grandmother when we had family gatherings. But I remember that sometimes, she'd just quietly beckon me toward herself. Now Grandma always had handwork in her fingers as she sat in her … Read more

Last year during Lent, a friend of mine who sometimes attends church complained that the pastor's sermons contained too much about God and Jesus and sin, and not enough that's "uplifting". Actually, I think I get that — because many of … Read more

Have you ever tried your best and come up empty? I've fished many times and come up dry, but my grandmother rarely did. Had you seen her on the Santee River in her wooden boat and traditional garb, you would have assumed that she was a … Read more

I didn't want to, but God was telling me, "Take the boat." Tuesday was a beautiful, blue-sky day, again, and the kayak lay out in the courtyard, its wheels tucked up under its keel, beckoning to be used. But I had a Bible story to prepare … Read more

I wasn't excited about going, so I held onto the pool's side. That's where I made my mistake.

I was nine and couldn't swim. No one in my family could — not dad nor mom nor any of my grandparents. Since I came from a swim-less family, … Read more

There is something strange about the hibiscus plant as it sits in its pot on our balcony, beautiful and alone. Its green leaves have long since died, except for some tiny green shoots learning how to grow. All summer long, … Read more

When Ron broke a bone in his back, he couldn't manage the stairs. In fact, even the couch offered no comfort, so he spent his days on a borrowed sponge mat on our living room floor. Thankfully, surgery brought both … Read more

Did you ever have one of those days when it would have been better to have stayed in bed? Yes! Me too! In the midst of one of "my" days, I began to think about Mrs. Luke Five. Here she … Read more

My friend spent much time in prayer for her granddaughter, Sadie (not her real name). She was concerned because Sadie's parents rarely went to church or took time from their busy lifestyles to teach their daughter about God. Every day … Read more

The hand-painted sign had been leaning against the tree for months: Clean Fill Wanted! Today, in the tree above it, children lined the branches, perched several to a limb, like so many giant-sized birds. As I looked at the sign … Read more

"Go deep into the medical record," my supervisor often told me. As a collector of oncology data, it was important to go deep into a person's medical history to find the truth. A note written many years ago about … Read more

About a year ago, a friend of mine asked me to come to the addictions treatment centre where he worked, to meet a client, who was looking for a spiritual advisor. Knowing that I was a minister, my friend thought … Read more

I have always identified with Peter. I, too, tend to behave impulsively, depend too much on my own wisdom, and talk too much whether I know what I'm saying or not. And then, when given a chance to witness, I'm … Read more

Not long ago I found myself standing with a family suffering many adverse trials. The whole world seemed to be crashing in around them. The last straw came when I received a phone call and was told of the death … Read more

One of the joys of family camping is trying to fit four camping cots into a tent eleven feet square. This year I discovered that our tent with four cots is filled to capacity with little or no room to … Read more

I have been ignoring the tea service that has been in the family for some time. I neglected to say silver, because it looks more like gold. I have been ignoring it, simply because it needs cleaning, and I didn't … Read more

A Sunday School teacher was trying to talk to the fifth grade class about being called by God. The teacher really tried to make the story come alive, telling of Jesus' call to those who fished or collected taxes, the … Read more

"I've tried that and it doesn't work!" Has that ever been a reply to you when you're trying to brainstorm or just to make a helpful suggestion? There are many putdowns or cutoffs. Some people who do that are seemingly … Read more