It’s graduation season. Soon we’ll see limousines cruising the streets, and kids dressed in suits and gowns getting their pictures taken in the park. In addition to high school ceremonies, elementary and middle schools are graduating kids into the next levels of education. I even have a grandson who “graduated” from kindergarten! Continue reading
Talking With God
“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”
– 2 Cor.6:18
I talked to three of my grandchildren on Skype last week. One in Ohio told me all about a visit to the local zoo – and included all the animal noises. Two more, in Tennessee, showed me some paper hats they decorated in VBS. I’m happy they love to talk to us, even if it’s just over the computer. They live too far away to have personal visits very often, so Skype is a blessing to us. When several of our sons and their families get together, they often Skype us to have a conversation. Continue reading
The Good Old Summertime
The days are warm, the sun feels good, and we can forget about that awful snow shovel. It’s time for vacations, barbeques, and warm summer nights. It’s also time for the devil to create all sorts of temptations and traps. The roaring lion is definitely on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). Here’s a few of them:
- Irresponsibility.We all need a break from normal responsibilities, but does that include our service to Christ? Of course not.The church still depends on your service. Heb.10:23-25.
- Skimpy clothes.For some people any excuse will do to wear as little as possible: shorts that are just too short, tops that don’t leave much to the imagination, etc.You might easily cause someone to stumble, so let’s be careful what we wear.1 Tim.2:9.
- Ignoring brethren while away.We all need fellowship, even on vacation. How interesting it is to visit another congregation, and how refreshing it is to them when brothers and sisters turn up.
- That drink looks refreshing. How many neighbours want to hand you a cold one? And all they seem to have at the company picnic is alcohol!We know better. Bring a soft drink or an Ice Cappuccino, and just tell them you don’t drink. Proverbs 20:1
- Events that tempt. Special summer events abound. While most are harmless, there are parties connected with all of them where indecent, lewd behaviour can easily be seen. Another trap? “Be on the alert.” 1 Pet.5:8
In contrast, the season affords us many opportunities for good. Why not invite neighbours over for a barbeque and show them what a godly family looks like – by your speech, care and joy? Opportunities for good abound in the summer, as well as the devil’s traps. Choose the former and beware of the latter.
– Tim Johnson
Victoria’s Day
Canada is the only country that sets aside an official day to remember Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 24th. Apparently we were doing this well before we became a country; in fact Upper Canada passed legislation about it back in 1845. I could understand that if we were living when she was alive, but our ancestors chose to keep the holiday even after she died in 1901. Why? She was the Queen at Confederation in 1867; she holds the record as the longest-reigning monarch (63 years); and she symbolizes the glories of the Victorian age. But in our northern country the holiday has come to signify the beginning of good weather, the banishment of frost (we hope!), and the weekend each year when we go camping for the first time and open up the cottage. Continue reading
Matters of the Heart
Simeon startled Mary in the temple when he suddenly declared about her baby, “This child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce even your own soul – to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35) There would be great things ahead for which Jesus’ mother could be proud, but she also would feel tremendous pain. Every mother can identify with that. Continue reading