Encounter God here
Several times throughout the year, our town's ecumenical group of Christians – Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Baptists, and Catholics – gather for a joint worship service. The hosting church usually provides the liturgy and choir, and a visiting preacher or … Read more
A young woman asks if I have signed up for an upcoming 5K "Fun Run." "Oh, Karen, I'm not a racer; I just chug along for my health." "But how do you know until you try? How can you improve … Read more
Some days are very frustrating. Well, not exactly. It's not so much the day that is frustrating, as it is the development of circumstances. For example: Maybe there is a project you've been wanting to work on for some time. … Read more
Even raised the modern way, sheep seem to be an awfully messy, labour-intensive bother, and I can't imagine why anyone would choose to raise them as an occupation. Indeed, shepherds themselves are at a loss to explain their calling: Now … Read more
In her book, Raising Sheep the Modern Way, British Columbian Paula Simmons presents a nuts-and-bolts explanation of the vocation, including such topics as fences, feeds, lambing positions, parasites, hoof care, shearing, and mutton recipes. Yet even in such a secular … Read more
In his book The Shepherd Psalm, F.B. Meyer refers to "goodness and lovingkindness" as our "celestial escort". Charles Swindoll suggests that these are "God's sheepdogs", ever near His flock, nipping at our heels to keep us in line, on guard … Read more
A shepherd who comes to a new field uproots poisonous plants, searches for evidence of predators, and "prepares" it by pouring thick oil around the viper holes he finds, producing a surface too slick for the vipers to pass over. … Read more
Two things attracted people to Jesus; what he did and who he was. His teaching, healing and miraculous works amazed them beyond measure. At the same time his self-sacrificing love and compassion drew them to himself and held them as … Read more
At a critical time during World War II, Sir Winston Churchill made this urgent appeal to the people of the United States of America, "Give us the tools and we will finish the job." These famous words can be used … Read more
Many thought it was impossible. A committed and dedicated little group believed that with God nothing is impossible. So they prayed and listened. They listened and they prayed. Months went by. Ideas emerged. At last a clear word came from … Read more