We entered this world as helpless babies and we were totally self-centred. We had to be. We needed nourishment, we needed help when we hurt, we needed help when we were afraid, but we could not provide any of those things for ourselves. So we were vocal about our needs and our parents had to … Continue reading Self-centred or God-centred?
The Queen’s English
When Queen Elizabeth spoke, her words were not erudite (scholarly) or recondite (difficult to understand). She never used words like that, at least not in her public discourses. She did not have a university education; it has been the conviction of the British Royal Family that they do not want to learn a language that … Continue reading The Queen’s English
The lady had an anchor
Princess Elizabeth made her first public speech during World War II. She was fourteen and spoke on the Children's Hour radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. "Thousands of you in this country have had to leave your homes and be separated from your fathers and mothers. My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much … Continue reading The lady had an anchor
Without God, we don’t know who we are
If the things we see, hear, touch, taste and smell are the sum total of reality, then we are orphans cast adrift in a meaningless world. Life has no meaning, no purpose. People may try to construct their own meaning, but that leads to conflict with the meanings imagined by other people. We have been … Continue reading Without God, we don’t know who we are
Knit together in love
In Ephesians 4:16 and Colossians 2:19, the apostle Paul describes the church as a body. Christ is the head and nourishment flows through the body from one member to another so that all members are fed. The members are bound together by sinews that enable the body to function in a coordinated way according to … Continue reading Knit together in love
The still small voice
This phrase is so often repeated by Christians that we have come to think of it as the main point of the account of Elijah in the cave. Recently though, in studying 1 Kings chapter 19, it has become clear to me that this is a beginning, not a conclusion. It doesn't even appear that … Continue reading The still small voice
Be still
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. The more I see what … Continue reading Be still
Empathy vs Compassion
empathy noun. Psych. The power of identifying oneself mentally with (and fully comprehending) a person or object of contemplation. (Oxford) I was 15 when this word was first being introduced to the population of North America. It was touted as the best way to relate to the sufferings of others. I didn’t buy it then; … Continue reading Empathy vs Compassion
Is your church a theology-free zone?
I became aware of the declining interest in theology on the part of most churches shortly after my conversion and marriage. Both happened in 1970 and I mention my marriage because it was only after we were married that my wife and I began to attend church and look for spiritual fellowship. The Western Canada … Continue reading Is your church a theology-free zone?
Sweeter as the years go by
The message on the card that Chris gave me yesterday morning went like this: With the help of God's love and graceWe've built a pretty sweet life together-One blessing at a time.© Dayspring Cards I like that much better than the card I gave her, for it is only by the love and grace of … Continue reading Sweeter as the years go by
Flatlander Faith 