Someone asked whether I thought my work in ministry has really made any difference in people’s lives, or is it just ‘same old, same old’?  Perhaps it is a question you have considered in the ministry you are involved in as well, for we don’t seem to see much changing in the church, nor do we… Read More ›

This coming Sunday, it is Father’s Day and it does come with mixed emotions. Some of us no longer have earthly fathers. Others have wonderful fathers whom we love. Others have fathers they do not wish to know. And for others, the relationship with their earthly father is strained at the best of times. Since… Read More ›

I realize that we live in a broken, sinful, world and many relationships are broken. Unfortunately, our ‘broken’ human relationships can colour the way we think about our spiritual relationships, especially with our heavenly Father. Some have even said that they have difficulty calling God their Father because the relationship with their human father has been such… Read More ›

I am sure that you have often heard about different ‘World Views.’  I am not speaking about the latest photo we have of this world from outer space, but a fundamental understanding of who or what you think is in control of this universe if anything at all.   It’s a very important question and one that everyone… Read More ›

It has been one of those weeks.  On the international front we have seen two mass shootings in America; tensions rising with Iran and on the Korean peninsula; another Ebola breakout in Goma (DR of Congo), and there are no less then fifteen African countries involved in a war or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension.  On… Read More ›

“Waiting at tables and the rest…” This morning we have the privilege of installing a new deacon to serve the Lord on our behalf in this congregation, community and even beyond. The basic meaning behind the English translation “deacon” suggests the notion of service and servanthood (John 2:5; Romans 15:8; Matthew 20:26; Luke 10:40; Acts 11:29; 12:25), especially in regard to… Read More ›

Some years ago, while I was still at the seminary, we had a special one-off session with a man named Scott who spoke to us about proper dress and appropriate decorum as we enter into the ministry as under-shepherds of the Great Shepherd.  I am not sure why this particular class is no longer done with… Read More ›

I would hope that Pastors encourage Christians to read the Scriptures as part of their devotional life.  Trust me, it is good for the soul to read God’s word and to meditate on it, even if you would only do so for fifteen minutes a day.  By the way, don’t just read what a devotional says, although… Read More ›

Taking the Lord’s name in vain is something that has often made me bristle.  Someone is surprised and I have to hear it again, “Oh my…” or some derivative of it (Gosh or Gee).  There is hardly a TV program where it is not heard.  On occasions the OMG has been used for advertising in shop windows.   Sadly, increasingly… Read More ›

One of the great things about John the Baptist’s ministry is his continual emphasis on Christ’s worth. Time and time again, despite the fact that John’s followers were offended at the attention Jesus and his followers were receiving, John the Baptist keeps emphasizes Christ’s greatness.  Sometimes in our rush to read a passage of Scripture, we can miss… Read More ›