We are all made different and are all made with a purpose in mind. When we ‘plug-in’, the lights come on. Have you heard the term ‘born for this’ or ‘you are a natural’? Unbridled enthusiasm and enjoyment for a job or vocation often is an affirming guide and encouragement for any person, young or older. The lesson to learn is to ‘plug into your passion’.
Read MoreIn 1973, shortly after I discovered that Jesus was actually alive and that my sins were forgiven, I shared my joy and my elation with my immediate family and as many of my relations as I could find. The reaction was mixed – everything from, “Oh, that's nice for you,” to, “Be careful. One should never take these things too far. You don't want to become too religious, too fanatical!”
That raises a question or two. Just how far is too far? And just how far is far enough?
Read MoreNew Years is usually a time when we think about resolutions, new goals, new things coming just around the corner. What can we add to our lives to make it better. But sometimes, perhaps it’s not only a question of what new things or habits we can acquire, but also… what things and habits we should get rid of.
Read MoreI have often wondered, why younger kids seem to enjoy Christmas so much and that sense of ‘awe and wonder’ seems to fade as they get older. I think it is because even though they don’t know what they are going to get, they know it’s going to be good. That knowledge allows them to eagerly anticipate what is coming.
Read MoreAnd I said it. I announced to myself in the hearing of Beth and Emily, sitting in the back seat, “I would have made those lights if it wasn’t for this person in front of me!”
Read MoreWe grew to realise that one of the most important issues in the life of a young guy was having or not having, a functioning dad. By revelation of this issue, and by God’s grace, we acted towards them like a good father would act.
Read MoreI think we often allow the ‘what if’ into our lives. We say to ourselves that it is wisdom to listen to the ‘what if’ when in reality we are allowing fear to dictate our decision.
Read MoreWe may be unawares but God is not. He will always speak to our true condition. Whether we hear what he says and respond accordingly is entirely up to us.
Read MoreIt’s just waves of air hitting our ear drums at various different frequencies. And yet, it’s so much more.
Read MoreWith the muffled hustle and bustle outside at Solomon’s Porch, Peter looked around at the group. Twenty or so close around him, but maybe a hundred more believers who had been following them. “Shall we sing a hymn?” he said quietly.
Read MoreIn the cool of the morning, at break of day,
A woman wept where her Saviour lay.
The tomb stood empty, the stone rolled wide,
While sorrow clouded her tear-filled eyes…
Read MoreLike many English words, ‘survey’ has various meanings. To investigate opinions/experiences of others, to examine/record an area so as to construct a map, plan or description, or to look closely at or examine someone or something. I think the old hymn about the cross of Jesus Christ was most likely referring to this latter definition. But we could look at it from these other angles too.
Read MoreHe existed before He was born and lived after He died. The timelines of Earth point to Him. More than 300 ancient prophecies point to Him. Even other world religions point to Him. He is the most famous Man in history. No other man (or woman) even comes close. He, of course, is Jesus.
Read MoreBut who is the gardener? Who is the one with the fork and trowel? Digging away, scooping, scraping…
Read More…Until of course, this man came and met Jesus. And Jesus touches this man! Imagine all the people watching. NOBODY touches a leper! Did Jesus just make Himself unclean? No! The man did not pass his uncleanness onto Jesus. In a faith-induced, miracle act, Jesus passed His ‘cleanness’ onto the man instead!
Read MoreHe wrote ‘a bit of a song’ (as he describes it), five verses long and poetically telling of the explorers and pioneers that discovered the West Coast. He had written four verses, but it didn’t seem complete. He felt the Lord say to him, “Where do I come in in this song?” So Ted knew he had to write a fifth verse, but he was stumped as to how to go about it.
Read More“Peter stood”…. but the scripture says he stood up with the eleven other disciples to preach that day. I never saw that before. They stood together.
Read MorePentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming down to us! And I think this deserves just as much celebratory efforts as Christmas and Easter.
Read MoreIn a remarkable act of sportsmanship, Steve Smith walked over, bent down, and tied Shamar’s shoelaces.
Read MoreIf you’re feeling a bit hot and bothered by the dry Summer weather, these tips might be just what you need!
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