“10 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. 11 Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. 12 This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world” (Ephesians 6:10-12 God’s Word Translation©).

Believers in Canada are fervent supporters of President Trump and contemptuous of Prime Minister Trudeau (or the reverse), slanderous of Pope Francis, blindly loyal to their own denomination, close-minded advocates of one economic system or another, and even emotional terrorists against those who defend different sectarian rules of belief…

Shake yourself and see the light. NONE of these things is eternal! None of these people or philosophies will get you into heaven, nor are they strong enough to keep you out of it.

There is only one loyalty that deserves your obedience, Jesus and the cross upon which you crucify all your personal opinions and allegiances and addictions.

When you rant for or against something that has its roots only on this earth and not in the heavenly realm can people tell you are a disciple of Jesus? Or do you just look like anybody with a chip on your shoulder or an impulsive bully? “After they found out that Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 God’s Word Translation©).

Our enemy is the great deceiver, Apollyon/Abaddon (the destroyer), not a pope, politician or partisan pugilist.

If Satan feels glee there must be dancing in the palaces of evil at how much energy is wasted on false allegiances, and how much division and hatred and anti-Christian behaviour you display. Take up your cross everyday, not your soapbox. Offer comfort to believers, not conflict over ideology. “These are the people who cause divisions. They are concerned about physical things, not spiritual things” (Jude 19 God’s Word Translation©).

James clearly describes what believers can stoop to when they are driven, not by the cross, but self because “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren’t they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you?” (James 4:1 God’s Word Translation©).

Speak boldly about who God is, not what you think!

There are people who live oblivious to the sins of the flesh and our constant need for the Saviour in our lives. Read more…

On July 28, 2012 I wrote down a thought about good and evil (it follows in italics), and today was able to finish the thought. Read more…

“ ‘You certainly won’t die!’ the snake told the woman. ‘God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.’ The woman saw that the tree had fruit that was good to eat, nice to look at, and desirable for making someone wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves” (Genesis 3:4-7 God’s Word).

Our garden in June, 2012 – herbs, raspberries, blackberries, vegetables and pear tree

And that’s how it all began.

Humans saw the fruit as sensually desirable, a beauty to pursue and a source for instant, unearned  education. So they ate.

And what happened? Suddenly lusted replaced respectful, romantic love, so they had to hide themselves from each other AND God.

So what do you lust for? God-like power? Things to appease your senses? Easy smartness or status?

These will drive you away from God.

The alternative, “Serve the Lord cheerfully” (Psalm 100:2 God’s Word), leads to eternal satisfaction.

Translation is a tricky thing. For example, the Old Testament often refers to “hardness of heart” in King James language. Read more…

All right, already. What’s with so many people mowing their lawns just after we’ve had 66mm (almost three inches) of rain? The grass is way too wet. And more importantly, I work night shift. Please be quiet!
Read more…