Category: Devotional

Years ago, when I was a seminary student, I spent a whole semester as an assistant at a church in a deprived area. It was a very humbling experience, for it taught me how much faith people can have, even … Read more

Although it was early in the growing season, the trees in the garden were dressed in their full summer greens. Most of the flower beds were filled with a variety of interesting plants, and blossoms of vivid colours accented the … Read more

Years ago, I was appointed by the Board of World Mission of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to the Peace River country in northern British Columbia, Canada. I had to learn to preach in a hurry, but my greatest joy … Read more

"I'm a surgeon in the Gold Coast, Australia," said the voice at the other end of the phone. "Your son is just being wheeled into surgery for a major abdominal operation following a surfing accident. I think it best that … Read more

A bedtime back rub in the hospital used to offer wonderful comfort to soothe aching bones and bring on a sound, refreshing sleep. Some nurses had "the touch" that set them apart. Jesus' hands reached out to touch and heal … Read more

My brother Alan is the most caring sibling in our family. He doted on my mother and took special care of her when she was ailing. He took time to wash her hair and make her comfortable. He and his … Read more

Recently, I was looking through magazine submission guidelines, when I came across an invitation for authors to submit their work for an elite client. Supposedly, the magazine offered its readers the "ultimate guide to the good life". The editors were … Read more

It was the Easter weekend, and I was a student far from home. Anxious to see more of California, I took off along with two friends to visit San Francisco. We pitched camp on Good Friday at a resort bordering … Read more

On the night before he was to die, in despair of what he knew was to come, Jesus pleaded with his disciples. In Canada, Ontario winters often seem never-ending. I grew up in Ottawa, trudging through snow as early as … Read more

Why palms before the Lord? That was one of the first questions I wanted to answer when I started reading about the plants of the Bible. How, I wondered, did all those Passover celebrants coming to Jerusalem from near and … Read more