The prairies and forests of North America were ecosystems that depended on periodic fires for renewal. Most of those fires started from lightning strikes. The fires were beneficial in a number of ways: the build up of dead wood and plants was removed, most invasive plant species could not survive the fire, and the fire … Continue reading Renewed by fire
prayer
Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
Geswende Bamogo was already an old man when the Christian Service International workers came to his village in 1977 to drill a well. The well was dry, but the old papa saw something in these men that became a spring of living water in his life. He visited often, learning all he could about their … Continue reading Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
Why I go to church on Sunday
It's not because the Fourth Commandment demands it. The Fourth Commandment says nothing at all about worship. It's not because the ceremonies of the church are a means of imparting the grace of God. I was a member of a liturgical church in my youth, and took part in the Eucharist every Sunday, as much … Continue reading Why I go to church on Sunday
Exegesis vs Eisegesis
I know some people will see this title and will already have a pretty good idea of what I am going to say. Others may wonder why I am using such fancy words. I hope you will all bear with me, read the post and feel free to comment. In layman's terms, exegesis is what … Continue reading Exegesis vs Eisegesis
Verla’s first prayer
Verla didn’t know what to think when a group of Mennonites came to sing for her husband. Neither did they for that matter; they did not know the people in this house. However, someone had suggested they sing for this dying man and so they did. Verla and the children stayed in another room until … Continue reading Verla’s first prayer
The couple that prays together . . .
I was looking over the latest issue of Christianisme aujourd’hui today via the internet and came across a marvellous article by Nancy Decorvet on the subject of why so many Christians divorce. Chrisitanisme aujourd’hui is published in France, the name translates to Christianity Today, but it has no affiliation with the US magazine of that … Continue reading The couple that prays together . . .
Love means saying I’m sorry
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
The inconvenient Jesus
Jesus was the enemy of formalism and legalism, the one who castigated the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy. He was the friend of the poor, the oppressed, the outcasts and the sinners. We like to believe that no matter what others may think of us, Jesus is our unconditional friend. That isn’t … Continue reading The inconvenient Jesus
Peace and joy in the subjunctive mood
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, is one of the oldest English Christmas carols, going back at least 500 years. Not many people sing it today because of scruples about “Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Those words conjure up a picture of old English gentlemen at their ease, their merriment fuelled by great flagons of wine. Except that … Continue reading Peace and joy in the subjunctive mood
Walking in the light
There is a line that is crossed when we come to the Lord. That line is the border between darkness and light, unbelief and faith, death and life. Glimmers of light and faith from the realm of life have helped us find the way to this line, but the new birth takes us across the … Continue reading Walking in the light
Flatlander Faith 