Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Well, I have tried to keep myself pure. I read the Bible every day and hardly ever miss a church service. I have been married to the same woman for almost 47 years; it's been at least 45 years since the last time I … Continue reading Blessed are the pure in heart
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Mercy cannot be a passive virtue: kindly feelings towards someone in distress are worthless if not accompanied by action to help relieve the distress. There may be a time when we are called upon to perform some major act of mercy, but we should not waste … Continue reading Blessed are the merciful
The integrity factor
Hugh Edighoffer was a highly regarded businessman in the town of Mitchell, Ontario, the proprietor of a clothing store. His son Robert was managing the store at the time we lived near Mitchell. Mr. Edighoffer served a term on the town council and a term as mayor, then entered provincial politics as a member of … Continue reading The integrity factor
Good-bye Coke Zero, hello Dr Pepper.
I read today in the online version of Le Point, a French newsmagazine, that yet another study has established a link between diet pop and increased belly fat along with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Apparently, pop with real sugar is better for your health. I think I have discovered why I … Continue reading Good-bye Coke Zero, hello Dr Pepper.
Inside or outside?
There is a line that we cross when we give our hearts to the Lord. Many people stop once they have crossed the line, mill around with others they find there and wonder why they are not experiencing the blessings of Christian life that they were promised. After awhile, some of them step back to … Continue reading Inside or outside?
The cackle or the egg?
The cackle of a hen is a promise that she has laid an egg. But my farm boy experience taught me that sometimes the cackle was a false promise – no egg could be found. Christians put a lot of emphasis on experiences, and rightly so. Christian life is a new life that must begin with … Continue reading The cackle or the egg?
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentle People
I will let my wife's Christmas greeting be mine also.
Saved through childbearing
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety (1 Timothy 2:14-15). These are Christmas verses. Here is why. In verse 14 and the first part of verse 15, the Apostle Paul … Continue reading Saved through childbearing
A holy appetite
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled Here is something more than mere vacuity, or penitence, or tranquil readiness. It is an ardent longing — a holy appetite for all that is right and good. Filled — The Gospel can fill the largest desire for the true … Continue reading A holy appetite
Inherit the earth
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth I guess by now it is evident that I have been meditating on the Beatitudes. The Sermon on the Mount is the cornerstone of Mennonite doctrine. Things like the right understanding of prophecy and the sacraments are important to us, too, but not nearly to … Continue reading Inherit the earth
Flatlander Faith 