There were two terrifying things that I had to pass each morning on my half mile walk to school. The first was the steam locomotive sitting on the Y, the second was the wolf dog. Everything moved by train: coal to fill the coal loading dock for locomotives; coal for the bins beside each grain … Continue reading Childhood fears
The pen of the wise
I begin every day by meeting God, first in His Word, then in prayer. My French Bible is on a shelf just above the computer monitor. Most often I read and hear gentle reminders of things I know, but which are always in need of reinforcement. The strength I receive from this quiet time helps … Continue reading The pen of the wise
Christ is in all
The following question came in my email this morning and I decided to post it and give my thoughts. Feel free to join the conversation. I enjoy many of your inspiring blogs and this morning read “A matter of the heart, not the head.” You wrote: “ ...and there did not seem to be a … Continue reading Christ is in all
Qualifications of a minister of the gospel
Many words are used in the New Testament to describe spiritual leaders in the church. Bishop, or overseer (episkipos); elder (presbuteros); pastor; minister (diakonos); evangelist; prophet; teacher; apostle (one sent out). All of these, except perhaps the last, are used interchangeably and appear to be but different functions or gifts of the same office. An … Continue reading Qualifications of a minister of the gospel
Don’t get hooked
I just received a text message informing me that online access to my Scotiiabank account has been locked. The message includes a link that I should use to regain access. Sounds phishy to me. I haven't had a Scotiabank account for over 40 years, from back before the days of online banking and text messages. … Continue reading Don’t get hooked
A matter of the heart, not the head
As I walked the dusty streets of Plimoth, Massachusetts, Samuel Fuller fell into step beside me. “The church hierarchy in England says that we are not a legitimate church, because we have no ministers. A church is made up of Christian people; they don’t even have a church. Who made them ministers and bishops?” On … Continue reading A matter of the heart, not the head
Francophone Anabaptists
We may think of the Anabaptist faith as having originated among people who spoke German and Dutch. But before them most Anabaptists spoke French. Does that have any significance for us today? Most of the original explorers and settlers of New France were Protestants. The Roman Catholic Church in France soon moved to prevent further … Continue reading Francophone Anabaptists
The hoary head and wisdom
Today I am 78 years old – it’s surprising how normal that feels. I knew old people when I was a little boy, they seemed like regular people, but I couldn’t imagine myself ever getting that old. Now here I am. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is the fear … Continue reading The hoary head and wisdom
Characteristics of a rassembleur
I have chosen to use a French word in this post. The closest equivalent in English is uniter, but I see the French word being used in a larger sense. It means someone who can unite people to work together for a common cause, a common goal. The principles listed here can be applied in … Continue reading Characteristics of a rassembleur
What is a Biblical ethic of work and wealth?
There are Christians who revere voluntary poverty, seeing it as a means of escaping from the materialism of the world and of not abusing the resources of the earth. Other Christians revere work and consider the benefits that flow from it to be good stewardship and evidence of the blessing of God. Those in each … Continue reading What is a Biblical ethic of work and wealth?
Flatlander Faith 