We must believe in free will — we have no choice. Isaac Bashevis Singer. Hmm. I wonder what he was getting at? Having nothing more to go on to discern a more complex meaning in Mr. Singer’s thought than this fragment, I will say that I agree. When Moses told the people “I call heaven … Continue reading Free will
purity
Winter – month five
Snow is such beautiful stuff, so sparkly bright and clean, a symbol of purity. We just got another 30 cm of it over the weekend to mark the beginning of month 5 of winter. Perhaps you can tell that my enthusiasm is somewhat less than it would have been when I was a seven year … Continue reading Winter – month five
Blessed are the pure in heart
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
Elections
All is quiet on the election front where I live – Canada had a federal election last fall and Saskatchewan had a provincial election just a moth ago. But the media that I read are full of angst and bewilderment about the upcoming presidential elections in the USA and France (this fall in the USA, … Continue reading Elections
Is the salt losing its savour?
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in … Continue reading Is the salt losing its savour?
Don’t be anxious for anything
We were going through self-examination before communion when a frail elderly brother stood and said "I want to say that I have peace with God, but it seems like I should do something to be able to claim that I have peace. I have prayed God to show me if there is anything I need … Continue reading Don’t be anxious for anything
Menno Simons: Why I do not cease teaching and writing
"For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness and the salvation thereof as as a lamp that burneth; and the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory" Isaiah 62:1; 2. Therefore for the sake of … Continue reading Menno Simons: Why I do not cease teaching and writing
The threefold purpose of the church
As I see it, there is a threefold purpose for the existence of the church of God. Each of these purposes is connected to and dependent upon the other two. Perhaps we could call this a three-legged stool and whenever one of the legs is shorter than the others it creates an unstable situation. The … Continue reading The threefold purpose of the church
Salt of the earth
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13).“Not only did the Hebrews make general use of salt in the food of both … Continue reading Salt of the earth
Flatlander Faith 