Recently, I purchased a book with a title that included Bible verses to "know by heart". That phrase, to "know by heart" jumped out at me. I wondered what important things I actually do know by heart. I have many hidden helps in my head … Read more

One day in 1947, my dad mentioned that he had not seen his father for over a week. So, the two of us went over to see him. He was sick in bed — really sick. Dad went and got the doctor to see what was wrong with him. The doctor went … Read more

During all the years when John and I farmed, I made bread. When I first started making bread, I stuck to the recipe, but as time went on, my confidence grew in my own ability to know the amounts of the different ingredients needed to make … Read more

"God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees and in the flowers and clouds and stars." – Martin Luther I once viewed the Word of God as simply a system of laws and rules to obey. At least, that's what I absorbed … Read more

In 2001, the Church of Scotland looked around and decided that something was terribly wrong with the church in Scotland. It wasn't just numerical decline. There was something wrong about how people — both inside and outside — perceived … Read more

Have you ever experienced an epiphany, an "aha!" moment, when a captivating notion suddenly dawned? Maybe an old assumption came alive with new vitality, as if emerging through the foggy layers of your mind. Perhaps you found yourself … Read more

Last summer, many parts of North America were plagued by wildfires. One of my friends was personally affected. Although his hay was burnt, his home was spared, but at the back of his property, a neighbour's ranch with cabins for tourist … Read more

God brought the saying to my mind; I never imagined anything would come of it. Every second week, I change the saying on the sign in front of the church that I pastor. Since I tire of trying to find unique sayings — and since we didn't … 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

My Thursday evening Bible group is studying the Book of Revelation. Recently, we discussed the incredible actions of the angelic being in chapter ten. While this messenger is identified as a "mighty angel", some believe that the amazing … Read more

There's no magic in numbers, but the number 40 keeps coming back as if there were something special about it. The writer of Genesis says that Noah endured rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses twice spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount … Read more

I can see a how a grieving person could be drawn into the false comfort of turning to a medium or a spiritist. Like a moth to the flame, some might seek out such a "practitioner" to try to re-connect desperately with the dear departed. … Read more

We have a lovely Christmas tree. It usually comes down from the loft in December, and out from the various boxes come all the branches and paraphernalia that are stored away for the rest of the year. This year, my children were impatient … Read more

In North America, we have what is called Daylight Saving Time, which merely means turning our clocks ahead one hour. This action is done on the second Sunday of March. In actuality, we don't get a minute more of daylight. What we do get … Read more

"Aw, shucks, I can't have that cake" doesn't work nearly as well as "I don't want that right now." "I can't" sets us up to feel deprived, while "I don't" makes us feel like we have a choice, which we do, as in all temptations. You see, … Read more

At least thirty years ago, a group of seven of us were finishing a two-year course in becoming Bible teachers. Our assignment that week seemed overly simple: Pick out a chapter or a portion of one, and prepare to read it aloud at the next … Read more

I love worshipping God. It's good to come among a group of like-minded people and sing together our praises of God. Being with church family week after week gives me the strength, encouragement, and challenges to face whatever takes place … Read more

After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His followers on several occasions. One of those was at the Sea of Galilee, after they had caught no fish all the previous night. This story reminded me of the time when I worked in the … Read more

Our sons entered into a contract with a radio station to advertise their computer business. When they met with the salesperson to go over what they wanted in the ad, he reminded them that it was to be no longer than thirty seconds. Thirty … Read more

I have a beautiful view of Penetanguishene Bay from my front living room window. At night, I can see the tall Catholic Church building that stands like a citadel across the bay. The lit houses that surround it make it look like a giant, … Read more

We have all been invited to something at one time or another, perhaps a dinner at someone's house, or a party, a barbecue, or a potluck supper. We have been invited to birthday parties and weddings, or to come to church with someone. From … Read more

I wasn't then, but I wanted to be. I'm still not, but I no longer care.

I was an ordinary kid. Not oooed- and ahhed-over by the girls. Not the teacher's pet. Didn't make straight As or have perfect attendance. I was skinny, freckle-faced, … Read more

My identification with this account of Jesus and the disciples at the Sea of Galilee is very keen. I love everything about fishing, and I can really understand that they had been out all night and caught nothing. Although I … Read more

Fireflies showed up around here in mid-June. A friend from Texas calls them lightning bugs. The insects possess light-emitting organs. The nocturnal winged adult beetles emit a soft intermittent light from the abdomen to aid in mate selection. The larval … Read more

Many years ago, I was a leading a Bible study in Scotland in someone's home, and the house group was looking at this passage from Scripture. During the meeting, it struck us that Christ's strategy for ministry was totally encompassed … Read more

My son-in-law went fishing the other day, with an old trout rod we had bought him for Christmas one year. He was fishing for salmon on the banks of a local river, catching one big fish after another. A fisherman, … Read more

On Father's Day, my dad will have been gone for seven years. He lived a good long life; he served the Lord all his life; he was a kind dad. Each year in the spring, I reminisce about my dad … Read more

The weeks of Lent have been for me a season of reflection. It's been a journey out of darkness, and I am thankful the sunrise is coming soon. Forty days is a long time to struggle with evil, tempted to … Read more

Earlier this year, we had a power cut, and I had to make my way downstairs in the dark. Since then, I have invested in a torch. Surprise, surprise — we had another power cut just a few weeks ago. … Read more

I have learned quite a bit about the Christian walk and its challenges, just by getting together with Christians and listening as they shared their personal experiences. We were not only bonded together, but we realized temptation was a common … Read more

We live in a small city that is growing rapidly. There didn't use to be a rush hour in the morning and afternoon. It was kind of a sleepy little city. As it has grown, though, there are rush hours … Read more

My husband and I spent many fun-filled weekends at a little fishing village in the Florida panhandle on the gentle waters of the gulf. We spent many hours fishing with our poles or rods and reels. We were selective fishermen. … Read more

"What's wrong with your legs? They're full of red blotches!" My friend didn't have to add that last comment; I already knew that my legs looked appalling, and they felt worse than they looked. They had started bothering me earlier … Read more