Have you ever observed someone who, in the heat of the moment made a harsh, cutting remark, or even exploded in anger, then felt bad about it but could not bring himself or herself to apologize? I’m sure you have, unless your whole life has been spent alone on an island. I once knew a … Continue reading Love means saying I’m sorry
humility
All things to all men
Saul of Tarsus grew up in a box; a box labelled PHARISEE. His father was a Pharisee and no doubt taught Saul the rules of the box from infancy. In his youth, he studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. Saul was intimately acquainted with every corner of the Pharisee box and believed that God only loved … Continue reading All things to all men
Thanksgiving meditations
Today is Thanksgiving Day here in Canada. Members of our congregation will be gathering at church this evening for a big Thanksgiving meal, joined by relatives of some members who have come from a distance, and some of our neighbours. There will be lots of visiting and a time for singing and testimonies after the … Continue reading Thanksgiving meditations
Christian celebrities
Can someone please tell me how it is a validation of the saving grace of Jesus Christ to extol well-known public figures who are Christians as testimonial evidence? What does it do to the public’s perception of Christianity when these people stumble? It’s not that it is impossible for people in the public eye, such … Continue reading Christian celebrities
On second thought
I posted a couple of articles this week that would have benefited from some sober second thought before sending them out into the unsuspecting world. It's not that I think I shouldn't have said what I said, but i think the articles needed to be turned inside out and upside down, with some things pruned … Continue reading On second thought
There is a famine – part two
Yesterday I wrote a little about the famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Today I want to write about another kind of famine that is spreading over our land: a famine of community among those who would follow the Lord. This kind of famine is just as deadly as the first, especially since … Continue reading There is a famine – part two
For without me ye can do nothing
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). Okay, if we don’t have it in us to conduct our lives in a way that will lead us to our ultimate destination of heaven, or even to live … Continue reading For without me ye can do nothing
Don’t strike out at the pulpit
The story is told of a Scottish reverend who went out one day to visit his parishioners. When he entered a local shop, the proprietress immediately thanked him for the wonderful sermon that he had preached a fortnight ago. Now the reverend was wary of attempts at flattery, so he questioned her about the topic … Continue reading Don’t strike out at the pulpit
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
The best Christmas gift
We had our family Christmas gathering on Boxing Day. There was grandpa, grandma, daughter, son-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters. In the afternoon the table was laden with various snacks and we were all working away at reducing the quantities. Evan, our youngest grandson, two years and one month old, picked up a big handful … Continue reading The best Christmas gift
Flatlander Faith 