Maybe snow isn’t so bad, after all

Where I live we suffered through a long winter and a spring that progressed at a barely discernible pace.   The weather always gives us something to talk about here in Saskatchewan, mostly in a worried or complaining tone, but summer did eventually show up, just as it always has. Now we are in those glorious … Continue reading Maybe snow isn’t so bad, after all

Further thoughts on Pentecost

I used to think that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in visible form as tongues of fire while they were gathered in the upper room.  This impression may have come from a Bible story book, a Sunday School lesson or some other illustration.  It seems a common impression. I now have serious doubts … Continue reading Further thoughts on Pentecost

Pentecost

This is Pentecost Sunday.  What is it all about?  The conception among non-Christians is that this day commemorates the day when the original disciples began making incoherent noises and blamed it on the Holy Spirit. Before we get into what really happened on that day, let’s look at the historic background.  It begins with that … Continue reading Pentecost

The second advent

In the hush of the silent midnight Shall the cry of His coming be? When the day of the Lord's appearing Shall flash over earth and sea? Shall it be at the mornings awaking, And the beams of the golden sun Grow pale and be quenched forever When his journey is just begun? We know … Continue reading The second advent

Her children arise up, and call her blessed

“I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: and I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall … Continue reading Her children arise up, and call her blessed

Too big to be of use to God

A group of ministers met with a fellow minister who had been highly respected and useful in the service of our Lord.  They had a disturbing message for him: he had lost the spiritual vitality and clarity that he once had.  They advised him to cease preaching for a time and earnestly seek a renewal … Continue reading Too big to be of use to God

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

Among the gifts bestowed upon us by the ancient Greeks there are many that are without a doubt of priceless value, such as democracy.  But there are others that were better left outside the gates, as the Trojan horse should have been. Astrology is one.  Yet the belief persists among many today that the sign … Continue reading Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

The Anabaptist Faith – What is it?

Perhaps it is time to define in simple terms what is meant by the Anabaptist faith.  So here is my definition, in point form.  I will share further thoughts on these points in future posts. 1.    Unadulterated Biblical faith, taking the Bible as a unified book of which all parts point to Jesus Christ. 2.    … Continue reading The Anabaptist Faith – What is it?

My soul is heavy

My soul is heavy with the chain That drags me down to earth; in vain I try to free me from its pain. And yet I ask not wealth or fame, I ask not power nor titled name, - Only my Saviour's love I claim. I fain would fix my wandering eye Upon my treasure … Continue reading My soul is heavy

WORDS

Every heart that throbs must know Fountains sweet and bitter; Either we may cause to flow, By the words we utter. Idle words may pierce the deep Of the gentlest spirit, - Waking sorrow from its sleep, Treading roughly near it. Words of love may lull to rest Care, or grief, or anguish, - Rousing … Continue reading WORDS