The Pastor’s Pen

Christians, be assured that great trials which produce great pain captivates the attention of our great God, and it is Jesus Christ, who is God over all (Romans 9:5). There simply is NO higher authority or greater resource available to us! A brief look at Israel highlights the sovereign grace of God which not only…

Pains of the heart are often accumulative, stacking up one upon the other, waiting for the day when overload occurs. Prolonged and gradual build-up often goes unnoticed by us or others. However, a crisis may occur, be it small or large, which becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Suddenly you become aware of severe inner pain which has…

When pain lasts longer than expected, a constructive attitude is paramount. Attitude greatly determines how we apply tools to master and recover from pain. Attitude also determines our willingness to receive help and strength from others, particularly help from God and His Word.As believers, Paul tells us that, regarding sanctification, we are to be made…

Sometimes we hurt because of foolish decisions made which have painful consequences. Sometimes we hurt because of the evil that is inflicted upon us by others. Then, there are pains which occur simply because of difficult circumstances and events in life. Life’s pains range from minor irritations to devastating trauma, and not necessarily because of…

While the world rumbles along in an ever-decreasing trajectory of discontentment, ignoring God’s daily provisions, this is NOT true of God’s children. A hymn often sung in my childhood Church was “Count your blessings” composed in 1897 by Johnson Oatman. I was privileged to grow up in a small rural community, and in a family…

As I age, I sometimes think, ‘I wish I understood 40 years ago what I understand now.’ What would I have done differently? What different paths would I have walked? What different relationships would I have pursued? You see, knowledge is one thing, but understanding that knowledge and how to action it is a different…

Initially, new believers are discipled by a more mature believer. However, during Christian life the new believer introduces others to Christ. This makes them a discipler of others while still being discipled themselves. This is excellent! The wonderful thing about God’s design for discipleship is that at every stage, and at every level of spiritual…

An often-misunderstood subject is that of Christian maturity. Just as we would think something very wrong if a baby fails to grow and mature physically, so it is equally wrong if a believer in Jesus Christ fails to grow and mature spiritually. A babies growth demands routine feeding, washing, clothing, possibly medication, human interaction, and…

In the flurry of what’s proven to be a topsy turvy year, it is all too easy to get caught up in whatever the world’s media is pumping and leave Christ out of His own celebration. While gift giving and decorated celebrations are good fun, at best they are superficial and short lived. More than…

Buried deep in the centre of Christian faith is relentless and thankful worship of Yahweh. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34). Authentic worship does not speak out because it has received all the things it wants, no, worship cannot contain itself because…