In my recent reading of Ephesians, the phrase, "created in Christ Jesus for good works", reminded me of some good examples of what to do — and how — shown to me by staff members of the residence where I am privileged to live. Emelyn … Read more

At this time of year, some sports teams such as baseball reach the conclusion of their year, while other sports, such as basketball and hockey, start their year. A team is defined simply as persons working together. As we watch the top … Read more

One day in early August, I met a fellow resident who is very active. He had just returned from hospital treatment for a relatively serious fall when I saw him out walking. Jack is a very positive person. Rather than discussing his physical … Read more

It is very pleasant to look down from my fifth-floor balcony onto the street below, while I try to establish facts about the many pedestrians, who are from many different countries. They are close enough to see but too far away to engage … Read more

One of the many important gifts that God has given to human beings is the ability to remember. While memories are sometimes unpleasant, most often they are helpful, enjoyable, and, in some circumstances, even essential, as our society … Read more

Some time ago, I was discussing the writing of these devotionals with a member of the staff where I am privileged to live. When I mentioned that I was considering doing one about counting our blessings, Ashley, who is always so … Read more

The passage goes on to tell how Philip began with Isaiah and told the eunuch the good news of Jesus. The action verb in this passage that stands out to me is "Go". Most of us probably do not feel that we have ever been directed by an … Read more

As I pondered these interactions of Jesus with children, I wondered how I could best describe us as children. Firstly, children are dependent. From the time of conception and for years thereafter, a child depends on its mother or … Read more

Throughout life, situations often occur when one person makes an offer to another. If we want to make a deal, we usually try to encourage the person with whom we are dealing to accept the offer, because it is necessary for the deal to be … Read more

It is normal to anticipate something that may or may not happen. That happening may be something that we want or something that we dread. There is a famous quotation, attributed to Benjamin Franklin in 1789: "In this life, nothing is … Read more

Bible verses about flowers are key for reminding us of the beauty of God's creation and His provision for our needs. In contrast, while the flower eventually fades, Jesus' love for us never does. In the northern hemisphere, spring is … Read more

It is beyond my comprehension to think that God could possibly number the hairs on my head – as few as they may be — but even more so, when we consider the number of people in this world. In their book Revealed, Alex and Stephen … Read more

From the beginning of time, we have been created not to be alone. We are designed to be together. This last couple of years, the COVID-19 restrictions have significantly increased the situations where we have been forced to be apart. … Read more

Wedding ceremonies shown in movies often feature the couple exchanging romantic vows in which they pledge to love each other forever. Similarly, a visit to a cemetery will reveal gravestones for couples with the caption, "Together … Read more

God, the recipient of our prayers, is always awake. Prayer is not restricted to specific times; it is something that can be done anywhere, anytime. Recent research has established that our mind is active even while we are sleeping, thus … Read more

Given the current situation with abnormal COVID-19 times and the inability to do "normal" activities, I have been thinking about people whom I have met and the impressions that they have made on me. Over the years, I have been privileged … Read more

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the meaning of the common expression, "go the extra mile" as "do more than one is required to do." This phrase is based on the teachings of Jesus in today's text. Our world is so much better when we … Read more

Most of us think of investments in monetary terms. However, we can also make investments of time and energy by what we do and the actions that we take. The Oxford English Dictionary's first definition of the word "invest" is to "clothe a … Read more

Do you like surprises? I posed this question recently in a not-very-significant survey (I asked only three people). I received two responses in the positive and one in the negative. Even the two positive responses were later qualified … Read more

In recent months, I have started eating an apple each evening. As I thought about this delightful experience, a Google search broadened my knowledge. Though the forbidden fruit of Eden in the Book of Genesis is not identified, popular … Read more

It is now 2022 — a new year. Frequently, people make New Year's resolutions — although more are probably broken than kept! Resolutions require a decision to do — or not to do — something, and then action to make that resolution … Read more

From the time that I was a young boy, I have always enjoyed putting the decorations on a Christmas tree. Usually varied in shape and size, they always included glass balls. These glass balls that allow the lights to shine through them, in … Read more

Perhaps, like me, you periodically wonder why God Almighty takes actions like He does. At this time of the year, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, why did God decide that the best way to show His love for us was to send His Son as … Read more

Sixty years ago, I was with a major accounting firm and was responsible for the auditing of a large Canadian retail chain. Spending several months each year at their main store, I had an office there and frequently rode in one of the … Read more

In yesterday's devotional, I described my incorrect conclusion about the absence of a fellow resident. In further discussion with Valerie, we were both amazed at the rest of the story. … Read more

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

Computers! Computers! Computers! They are everywhere and an integral part of almost everyone's life. This has all happened within my lifespan, and probably within yours also. It may be that, like me, you feel less knowledgeable about … Read more

I was watching an episode of the game show, Jeopardy, when Dr. Sanjay Gupta was the guest host. One question was about the famous hymn, "Rock of Ages", written by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide … Read more

I was sitting on my balcony, watching my hands show a slight tremor, and I thought about the value of our hands. Some months ago, I was diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease, and while the medications have things well under control, I … Read more

By contrast, this afternoon, I was sitting watching a gentle breeze blow the leaves on a tree one way, then, without explanation, blow them another way, and then, unexpectedly, stop blowing them. I certainly can't explain why wind … Read more

Wikipedia describes an ambassador as a person who represents an entity and does so in a positive manner. Almost half a century ago, I was a senior financial officer of a major corporation. On my way in to a presentation in the board … Read more

My tablemate and I were discussing how unexpectedly matters seem to develop. She is the aunt of my deceased daughter-in-law, and I first met her over four decades ago. Now, with all the things that have transpired over those many years, we … Read more

I was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Approximately fifteen miles south-east of Sarnia is a smaller town called Petrolia. In 1858, a road was constructed connecting these two locations. The land was flat and the road was straight, so it … Read more