A common theme these days seems to be focusing on forgiving. Several news stories have zeroed in on it and a couple of documentaries have featured people who have forgiven someone and how healing it has been. A woman forgave her husband; … Read more

Perhaps you've occasionally been rebuked with these words: "You just need to have more faith!" Years ago, I received that rebuke. I knew that it was meant to boost my faith effort. But instead, I felt guilty for not believing hard enough; … Read more

Years ago, I wrote a devotional for Palm Sunday entitled, "Donkey Business". I did not realize it at the time, but since then, I have had the opportunity to hear several inspired teachings that … Read more

I read in the newspaper that our emergency 9-1-1 call centre is having to deal will a ton of false calls from users of cell phones that have one-button emergency dialing. Some may also be children playing with unattended phones. I can … Read more

Now, I think of it as Big Snow Blower Day. In January this year, after three consecutive arctic blizzards, it was a delightful relief to watch our neighbour, Don, drive his tractor and snow blower into the huge snowdrifts blocking our … Read more

I was reading a little devotional by Norval Hayes entitled "How to get your prayers answered". He tells the story of a woman in the congregation challenging him about her continual prayers not being answered — prayers for her daughter of … Read more

I needed a black skirt for a concert, so I googled the word "skirt", hoping to find fashion ideas. To my surprise, I got fishing sites and discovered that a skirt is a kind of fishing lure. This is not … Read more

In mid-morning of a springtime day, when traffic is lightest, my dog and I saunter along our macadam roadway, getting our exercise. Usually, she has her nose to the ground, scenting out the latest rabbit, but occasionally, she will hear … Read more

Most of us can recall a time when we passed by a school that we attended earlier in life or a house that used to be our home, but is no longer. I have come to think of some of … Read more

There's an old hymn called "Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild", which a lot of people have bought into theologically. It depicts Christ as being a peaceful, loving guy Who wouldn't dream of disturbing anyone's life or meddling with their lifestyle … Read more

After searching at the public library for a rare book I wanted to read, I asked a library worker if it was available. She replied, "We do not have it in this library, but we are members of the Pines … Read more

Sometimes it is so hard to have patience when we are waiting for an answer to prayer. The answer may not come immediately. We must remember that our Lord works on a different time schedule than we do. We always … Read more

Statistics Canada recently came out with the results of a survey on religious affiliation, in which it reported that 16{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} of Canadians do not belong to any religion at all. When I heard this on the radio, while I was … Read more

Each time I sing the familiar words of the hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, I travel back many years to a time when I was asked to participate in a special Sunday School class. Our class appeared on a weekly radio … Read more

People engaged in any type of Christian ministry are constantly called upon to spend much time and effort in things unrelated to their real purpose and interest. One missionary said she sometimes felt as if she were "God's donkey", getting … Read more

Our dog Simon loved food. He would eat almost anything! One time he consumed a whole pound of cooked bacon — our supper. A loaf of bread, a chocolate cake that wasn't even for his birthday, plus all the candles … Read more

It is amazing how many people know the first two verses in this passage of scripture, and yet so few pay attention to verse 25. We all know we can have the faith to move a mountain. So why don't … Read more

The world measures people by so many different standards and units of measure. Some people's drivers' licenses show that they are 7 feet tall. My new-born daughter was just over 18 inches long when she was born. My wife is … Read more

"Have you ever had the awful feeling that you have forgotten something important? Did I forget to invite you to the barbecue?" I answered "Yes" to both questions posed by a friend earlier this week. My friend was so busy … Read more

A common theme for this year seems to be focusing on forgiving. Several news stories have zeroed in on it and a couple of documentaries have featured people who have forgiven someone and how healing it has been. A woman … Read more