Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.But he was also known … Continue reading Do I fear? No!
storms of life
Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small
John F Kennedy served as the President of American in the early 1960’s. I recently heard that he had a copy of an old Breton prayer on his desk: “O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.” How true. It’s a commentary about those times when life seems overwhelming. It’s … Continue reading Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small
Soul gription
What are your stability structures for the coming storm? I don’t mean to be alarming. However, Jesus said that before his return there would be wars, rumours of wars, increased Christian persecution, false Messiahs, more lawlessness, and less love. That’s no walk in the park. So when I ask about your ‘stability structures’ I’m referring … Continue reading Soul gription
Roots stabilize you
Our yard has a beautiful hydrangea tree. Actually, our yard used to have a beautiful hydrangea tree. It got knocked down by the wind. I took a close look. The blooms were gorgeous, especially in autumn. But the root structure was basically non-existent. I’m not sure why. For some reason, the roots weren’t spread out, … Continue reading Roots stabilize you
Which captain?
In an argument with some opponents, Jesus said, “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Jesus was teaching them about his divinity and pre-existence. When Jesus used the phrase “I am” (present tense, here and elsewhere), he was consciously using the name of God which was revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and applying it … Continue reading Which captain?
He sleeps in a storm
“…the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it… But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 14:24, 27). A farmer was looking for a farmhand. There was only one applicant. There was only one sentence on his … Continue reading He sleeps in a storm
Not some cheap substitute
I recently read that the real reason the Titanic sank wasn’t because it hit an iceberg. Well, sure, that’s the main reason, but it wasn’t the only reason. Apparently, there was a shortage of good quality bolts when it was being built. So the builders settled for cheap rivets as replacements. Rivets held the steel … Continue reading Not some cheap substitute
When you cannot direct the winds
When people go through a tough time in life, they sometimes lash out at the people they care about most. After a hard day, in a period of anxious uncertainty, or during a year of gut-wrenching decision-making, we can blame, shame or yell at the people in our own boat—after all, they’re the ones close … Continue reading When you cannot direct the winds
