The phone call came from a member of the family. Jean was ill again in the Hospital. In about 30 minutes I was on my way to the hospital.
When I arrived I found two daughters and Jean’s husband waiting for me. The girls indicated that their mom was a quiet lady who did not speak about her Christian faith as they were growing up. They both were concerned about whether or not their mom was ready to die.
Jean was a quiet and gentle lady, obviously in pain, yet very receptive to my prayer and talk of the Saviour. I assured her that just as she presented herself to the medical community for her physical needs, so she could present herself to the Lord for her spiritual needs.
Continue reading 'Silent believers'»
Just after sending out our last newsletter, I received several phone calls from terminally ill people requesting counsel on how to die. It was an astonishing series of incidents that came unsolicited.
One of the people is a lady who lives alone in modest circumstances. She is a widow, has buried both her children, and is the last surviving member of her family.
She is truly alone in this world.
It was a marvel to her that a perfect stranger, myself, would take the time to visit her. Several times on my first visit she made comment on how good it was of me to come to visit her.
I assured her that I was honoured to visit her. Somehow she did not understand that I felt the privilege was all mine.
Continue reading '“Whose privilege is it?”'»
It was a clear, crisp night, Sunday November 30, the end of a wonderful day.
In the morning I preached at an assembly in Hamilton, a place where that I had not been for a few years. The subject was prayer, from Matthew 6, and the Lord’s voice was heard. Susan and I came home thrilled with the way the saints responded.
The afternoon was spent in prayer and preparation for the evenings teaching on John 17, as well as writing an article for a brother who wanted to know why Jesus said that the “violent take the kingdom by force.” in Matthew 11:12. I wanted to give him the article that evening.
The Lord blessed the evenings work and I came home with a delicious feeling of exhaustion from this exciting, though strenuous, day. Arriving home about 9:00pm, I picked up the messages on my study line.
Continue reading 'Joy comes in the morning'»
What about all the noise and commotion surrounding Christmas?
Does it really take away from the true meaning and spirit of the event?
There is so much organization and activity. People are so busy running here and there.
What ultimate good is it all?
I for one like the activity that is reserved for this season of the year. Going to the shopping malls, seeing the beautiful sights and to hear the Christmas carols gently playing in the background really lifts my spirits.
You might be interested to know that the Jewish people were very fond of celebrations and parties. They had lots of festivals throughout each calendar year. Some were appointed by God and some, like Hannakuk, they created themselves.
Continue reading 'Why all the noise at Christmas?'»
Isn’t it interesting that we all have things we do that we hope everyone will notice and then some things we trust no one sees.
For example, when we do something very generous to a needy person, a little recognition for our efforts is very pleasant. All of us like a little praise and recognition now and then. I am not being critical of such actions.
I know Jesus said we are not to let our right hand know what the left is doing and I agree. But, somehow, as sinners, it is nice when people stumble across our generosity and recognize us for it.
But, I am thinking of other and darker things we sometimes do. For example, the hateful feelings we can easily feel towards someone who has embarrassed us in public. That smarts!
Continue reading '“I saw you do that!”'»
Comments (0) 
@GordonRumford