Hope

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) I got a letter in the mail after my 64th birthday saying I was eligible to apply for my Seniors Pension. It reminded me that there was a big change coming when I turned 65! We had a good chuckle when I told my friends that I was becoming an Elder! It got me thinking about the phases of life. I thought about my grandchildren, and how my youngest granddaughter was going from Grade 1 to Grade 2. And then my […]

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) A good friend of mine from the West Coast of BC asked his 85-year old dad what was the biggest point of change he’d seen in his lifetime. After considering the question, he answered, “I remember when we sawed off the back end of our dugout canoe and nailed a board on so we could use a 5-horsepower outboard motor on it.” I thought about his answer. He was talking about a traditional way of […]

“For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:10 (NKJV) There is a favorite hymn called, “It is Well with My Soul.” Did you know that the exact words, “It is well with my soul,” are not in the Bible? (However, there is a verse in 2 Kings, KJV translation, that says, “It is well.”) The hymn is inspired by other Scriptures about the peace that only Jesus can bring. Life may not always go our way, and there may be bumps and even tragedies along the way, but there are also times of joy, […]

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:16 (NKJV) Although usually spoken of in a negative sense, “jealousy” can be a positive when it is the desire to keep one’s belongings and relationships to oneself. In the 10 Commandments, God describes Himself as a “jealous God.” Envy, however, craves what someone else has: talents, achievements, possessions, relationships, good looks, and more. Envy can lead to unhappiness, resentment, and outright hatred of the other person. With Joan, it’s her “friend” Greta’s intelligence, good looks, and outgoing personality. But the last straw is Greta winning […]

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) This was a Bible verse I read while on a wilderness trails and canoe camp for Native youth many years ago. I remember it so clearly because I was one of the leaders, so I knew ahead of time that we were going to do some white-water canoeing. I was familiar with riding in a canoe on a lake, but on fast moving water? […]

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV) Teamwork is something that I have come to appreciate. It speaks to the functions and roles that each of us as believers have been assigned to. We all have different skill sets, different strength areas, and different ways of looking at life. We all have our place in God’s Kingdom plan. It is important that we find that place of effectiveness. In my short and unremarkable hockey career, I knew that I was not a goal scorer, goalie, or play-maker, but I kind of liked the […]