Today is the release date in France of a new novel by Michel Houllebecq entitled "Soumission" (Submission). In the book, the French presidential election of 2022 pits the candidate of a new Muslim political party against the candidate of the Front National. The Muslim candidate wins, then goes on to transform the public schools into … Continue reading France this week
The Father himself loveth you
Who do we pray to? And in whose name? I often hear people begin their prayers with "Our Father," "Dear Lord," or "Dear Jesus," and then end with "in thy name." Whose name do they mean? This practice, by the way, is not limited to members of any particular denomination. Hitherto have ye asked nothing … Continue reading The Father himself loveth you
Big load
Photo and caption come from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/saskatoon/Photos+Crystallizer+vessel+heads+Bethune+from+Saskatoon/10705706/story.html This is the second of these huge evaporators that has passed through here. This one is now stopped for the night about one mile from us as the crow flies. There are 10 axles on the trailer, and I believe there are 16 wheels on … Continue reading Big load
God and Mammon
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (The words of Jesus, quoted in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13.) Here is a stark warning that the pursuit of … Continue reading God and Mammon
Books about Haïti
I have never been to Haiti, but we were members of the St Marys, Ontario congregation for 15 years. Several families there have an ongoing connection with Haiti and made us all feel connected to the church in Haiti. I just obtained my copy of this book today and thought I would copy the Dec. … Continue reading Books about Haïti
Prayer
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). How can we know if our prayers are effectual? How can we know if they avail anything? How can we know if they are fervent enough? Daniel Whedon, in his commentary, considers that the original Greek words translated "effectual fervent prayer" denotes prayer … Continue reading Prayer
Snowy day and thoughts
Shortly after dinner today, we decided to drive to Delisle, our nearest town. It was snowing, but it didn't look too bad, so off we went. Once we got on the highway, we realized that we didn't have a realistic view of things from home. Here we are protected from east and northeast winds by … Continue reading Snowy day and thoughts
Taking stock
Things that I am learning: - It's not important to know what my abilities, talents, or gifts are. The only thing that matters is if I am following where the Master leads and doing what He asks me to do. - It's not important to know what I have accomplished for the Master, even less … Continue reading Taking stock
Too big
A minister was asked to take a break from his ministerial responsibilities. He had been known as Spirit-led man of God, an effective preacher, evangelist, counsellor. But now he was being told that he had somehow lost direction. He accepted the request, prayed earnestly to find what he had lost. He asked counsel from many … Continue reading Too big
No fault parenting versus no excuse parenting
This is a story of two young boys. The first came from a stable, two parent family; the second from a home where the father had left for parts unknown. Boy Number 1 has an advantage, don't you think? Well, let's see. Boy Number 1 takes a jackknife to school one day, the teacher sees … Continue reading No fault parenting versus no excuse parenting
Flatlander Faith 