Into the New Year
Over the last couple of months, much time and energy were spent focused on Christmas. In a flash it is over, and a New Year faces us. Since we reflected
December 29, 2023
Over the last couple of months, much time and energy were spent focused on Christmas. In a flash it is over, and a New Year faces us. Since we reflected
When Nathan the prophet roused King David’s anger by telling him a story, David heard the words, “You are the man.” These words enabled David to see what God saw
When Elimelech left Bethlehem (House of Bread) due to famine, he travelled with Naomi and his two sons, to Moab, in search of provision. A decade later, Naomi and her
In Moses’ day, God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. It was only the start of a greater deliverance but a generation entrenched in fear, fell short. God chose
What Troubles Us Having reflected on the story of Tamar in part one, there are things we find unsettled us. In part two, we turn our attention to what troubles
Tamar’s story lies in Genesis 38. It’s value rests in its connection to Judah the fourth of Jacob’s sons and in Matthew 1:3, a genealogy of Jesus. In Genesis 49:10,
As a Canadian living in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving for two months! After Thanksgiving, we transition to Christmas. Today I wish to express my thanks, speak to transition,
Peter has written his letter by a man named Silvanus. He identified him as a faithful brother and identifies the writing as a brief exhortation. It is also a testimony
People suffer. Christians suffer. Christ suffered for us in His body. Because He did, those who follow, walk in a new life. Peter writes, “arm yourselves with the same mind.”
The people Peter wrote to, lived in dangerous times. Rather than assuage them, he alluded to their suffering and bolstered them by his words. He wrote about the value of
After Peter wrote about the believer’s conduct in the community, he addressed following Jesus at home. He knew that the Shepherd of our souls understood the environment necessary for the
In 1 Peter 2:11-25, he describes the conduct of Christ followers living visible to the world. Their benchmark is Jesus Christ. When an example is needed for how to respond
Today we reflect on Peter’s address about being God’s special people. As a new creation, born into the family of God, old things have passed away and all things become
As believers in Jesus our lives are transformed. Begotten into a living hope, with an indestructible inheritance, we rejoice. If necessary to purify our faith there will be trials. All
In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter writes about the prophets. These men of God asked questions and searched diligently. They desired to know more about what they heard from the Spirit
Peter wrote to the pilgrims regarding their great heavenly inheritance and of their being kept by God’s power. There was much to rejoice in. However, in writing of this gracious
One day when Jesus observed the anxiety on the face of His disciples, He made them a promise. “I am going to prepare a place for you. Then I am
After Peter identifies himself, addresses the pilgrims, and bestows a blessing of grace and peace, he enters into worship. Have you ever wondered at the phrase “Bless God?” I have.
Having looked at the Epistles of John, we now turn our attention to the First Epistle of Peter. He identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. We know him
We don’t write letters the same anymore but in the apostle’s time, it provided communication over the distance. Although never adequate, it served a purpose that still ministers to us
Jesus, in the days before His death told His followers another would come, to remind them of His words and further instruct them. When Jesus returned to His disciples after
John writes about Jesus the Christ when he declares that He came both by water and by blood. The Spirit of God is the witness because He is the Spirit
I wonder how John’s readers felt about all his writing about love. Jesus had been crucified by the Romans and there was fierce opposition toward those who chose to follow
As we learn about God, we learn He is a just God. We gain an understanding of His wrath, but we also learn how Jesus gave His life to satisfy