There are two kinds of writers. First is the novice who has a burning desire to tell a story or to announce some truth. Feeling insecure in his ability, he adopts a formal tone, uses the most impressive words he can find, adds adjectives - lots of bold, beautiful, glorious, exuberant adjectives. He leaves nothing … Continue reading Writing and witnessing
Faith and life
Our granddaughter becoms our sister
Friday evening two young ladies stood in turn before our congregation and told how God had called them, how they had felt troubled and fearful and how they had prayed and found forgiveness, happiness and freedom. A few questions were asked and the congregation found their testimonies genuine. This morning they were baptized. One of … Continue reading Our granddaughter becoms our sister
Silence like a cancer grows
Paul Simon was right. Hidden amidst the noise that permeates our daily lives - the noise of our appliances, the hum of our computers, traffic noise, telephones, sirens, music, celebrations, protests, news - there is a pernicious silence. No one dares talk of the things that are churning in their heart. It's just not done, … Continue reading Silence like a cancer grows
He gave his life for others
Last Friday a young Muslim in France, inspired by jihadist propaganda on social media, was moved to action that he thought would glorify Allah. He hijacked a car, killing one man in the process, drove to Trèbes, a town of 5,000 in the south of France and ran into a supermarket shouting Allahu Akbar (God … Continue reading He gave his life for others
Happy birthday to my wife
There was once a young lady growing up in an unstable home, who was attracted to a man somewhat older, but not much more stable. They got married and soon a daughter joined the family. Time went on, they moved hither and yon. The daughter grew up and left home to work hither and yon. … Continue reading Happy birthday to my wife
WHY?
Sunday evening, shortly before sunset, a freight train came shuddering to a stop on the tracks that run about 200 metres west of our house. At first, we didn't know the reason for the sudden stop. The trees on the west side of our yard hid the mangled pickup from our view. Slowly, slowly we … Continue reading WHY?
The scandal of divided Christianity
For years I have been reading statements that go something like this: "The greatest stumbling block to Christian missions is the confused message coming from the divisions among those who call themselves Christians." I would like to propose a radical solution. Jesus said "I will build my church." Why don't we just let Him do … Continue reading The scandal of divided Christianity
Flee temptation
Why do evangelical Christian leaders get ensnared in sex scandals? It's because they so easily forget that they are still flesh and blood and that the tendencies of the flesh are contrary to their high spiritual ideals. I wouldn't call it hypocrisy; at least not deliberate hypocrisy. It is a tragedy when a man with … Continue reading Flee temptation
Spiritual drought
About this time every year farmers here on the dry Canadian prairies can be heard worrying about whether there will be enough moisture to produce a crop. This year we a are midway through the fourth month of winter with no end in sight according to the long range forecast. There is not a lot … Continue reading Spiritual drought
Books I didn’t like
Among the thousands of books that I've read in my lifetime there have been books that were useful and informative, books that conveyed truths that have inspired me, books that were merely interesting, books that were so uninteresting that I never finished reading them and books that were well written but quite deceptive. Here are … Continue reading Books I didn’t like
Flatlander Faith 