Eyes to See

Jesus had just left Samaria where many had put their faith in him. On his way to Cana, he met an unnamed man. The text says the man was an “official,” a member of King Herod’s court. Herod was considered by most Jews to be a poser “King of Israel” installed by the pagan Romans. This man came and asked Jesus to heal his dying son.

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Faith and Success

Instead of lacking food, Abram now had great wealth. Would Abram trust God when he didn’t ‘need’ him? (1)Yes, he would! Learning from his previous failure that God protects his promises, Abram gave Lot first choice knowing his choice would not affect God’s promises.

Faith and Patience

If today’s reading sounds like a familiar story, it’s because it is. Abram and Sarai repeat Adam and Eve’s story… and make all the same mistakes!

Faith and the Impossible

Do you sometimes find it hard to believe that anything is possible with God? Abraham did, but today we see that his lack of faith didn’t cause God to withdraw his promises. God’s response was patience. That’s good news for us!

Faith lived, Peace shared

While working with the public in retail, ministry, and political arenas, I’ve noticed something that makes me cringe. Far too often, those who complain about something trivial, refuse to tip, or demonstrate uncharitable, disrespectful attitudes to others different from themselves are those who are vocal about their Christian faith.

Standing Beside Donkeys

In my role as a political staffer, I once helped with a private symphony concert and reception, held in honour of the visiting Prince Charles and his wife.

I checked invitations and ID, and after the music began, slipped into a seat at the back, behind a host of news media holding cameras and microphones aloft.

More Dear Than the Promise

Master class stuff happened on Mount Moriah—surely the most stringent of faith and friendship lessons. This is, after all, Faithbook, not Facebook.

Abraham plods to worship. See him . . . climbing, God’s promised heir close behind? Isaac, through whom redemption’s plan must flow?

Not just do’s and don’ts

Reflections from a young leader listening to the Sermon on the Mount

. . . I had never heard any message from any Rabbi like this! This Jesus was radical. So different from what I had ever heard in any synagogue or the Temple.

Can I Step Out and Call to Jesus Too?

Reflections from a man with family members dealing with recurring pain and illness

. . . Jesus had finished his sermon, or his teachings, on the hillside. I was shocked by the simplicity, clarity and authority of it all. It was so different than anything I had ever heard. I had never heard anything like it before. It was like he was speaking right into my heart.

Stuck in a Boat

If you darkened the door of a Sunday School classroom during your childhood, you probably know this story. This well-known passage, the “calming the storm” story of Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee, is one of those stories that are not terribly flattering to the disciples. Jesus’ closest followers come across as a tiny bit panicky. On this side of the storm, we’re a little embarrassed for them by the fuss they are making.