August 9, 2018 · 5:02 am

What’s Missing In Your Life?

Have you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle and come down to the final piece or two and can’t find it? Frustrating isn’t it?

Maybe you’ve bought some shelves from Ikea that require assembly. You begin to put it together and there’s an important piece missing it. Irritating, isn’t it?

Or you’ve bought the special toy that your child has been wanting. Bring it home. Open it up. Begin following the directions to assemble it. And something needed was not included? Aggravating, isn’t it? Continue reading →

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August 8, 2018 · 5:01 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Matt 18:15

A Pennsylvania preacher, Doug Henry, tells a funny story about a Maryland woman, Edith, who was a mother of eight children.

One Saturday afternoon Edith was returning home from visiting a neighbor. As she began to enter the house, she noticed 5 of her youngest children, all huddled together, looking at something that captivated their curiosity. As she quietly tip-toed over to see what was happening, she could hardly believe her eyes. In the middle of the circle were several baby skunks.

“Run, children, run,” she screamed at the top of her voice. Continue reading →

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August 7, 2018 · 4:59 am

Some Thoughts on Small, But Not Struggling Churches

When we first arrived in Ontario, Mike Stephens, the Wellandport preacher for over 20 years, and I were discussing my schedule for the summer. This discussion turned to the topic of small, struggling churches. He commented regarding one of the congregations, “Oh, they’re struggling to reach 200, but they are not struggling spiritually.”

In reflecting on the summer and my association with several, but not all, of the Ontario churches, I echo this sentiment. Often in the States, we equate strength with numbers. But careful observation and scriptural consideration reveal this is not necessarily so. Continue reading →

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August 6, 2018 · 5:35 am

Farewell My Canadian Brethren

Yesterday I preached my final sermon and taught my last class for the summer at Wellandport, as we said goodbye to our Canadian friends and brethren. Today we will be crossing the border back into the United States.

The past 2 months have been a real joy and a tremendous blessing as Norma Jean and I transition into a new phase in our lives. We determined some time ago to “retire” from what we call located work with one congregation, but not retire from preaching.

The Wellandport brethren have been wonderful. They have graciously received us and welcomed us to make our temporary home with them as we traveled throughout Ontario and shared the Word. Continue reading →

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August 3, 2018 · 5:03 am

Heartfelt Religion

John Eldridge tells a story in one of his books about a businessman who called his daughter and asked her to join him for dinner. She was surprised but delighted. For years she had longed for a closer relationship with her father, for his interest in her.

She met him at the appointed restaurant, and almost immediately after they were seated, he pulled out his Day-Timer and began to review the goals that he had set for her that year. “I wanted to burst into tears and run out of the restaurant,” she later related. Continue reading →

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August 2, 2018 · 5:01 am

Mocking Creationism in Canada

This summer I have been teaching a class on Sunday evenings at Wellandport on “Evidences for our Faith.” We are demonstrating that there is solid, sound evidence for rational thinking people to be Creationists, to believe in the Bible as the Word of God and to accept the Deity of Jesus.

Through the course, we have cited many scientists who reject The General Theory of Evolution and believe in Intelligent Design. Following a recent study, one of the members suggested I check out a speech by Canada’s recently appointed Governor General, Julie Payette. Given last fall to scientists at an Ottawa convention, Ms. Payette mocked Creationists and religion in general. It was reported by those who heard that speech that her “delivery was theatrical, her tone incredulous.” Continue reading →

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August 1, 2018 · 4:59 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Matthew 13:44

 

The website Baseball History Daily relates an incredible story about a game played in Rhyolite, Nevada, one of the great boom towns of the early 20th Century.

It was June of 1905 and the local team was playing the team from nearby Beatty. Rhyolite’s William Griffith was playing first base when a ground ball was hit to him. Instead of an easy out, the ball struck a small stone and bounced away. While waiting for the ball to be returned by a spectator, Griffith picked up the stone to toss it off the field but noticed it had gold in it. So, he put it in his pocket. Continue reading →

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July 31, 2018 · 5:19 am

The Great Invitation

An American author and minister, Marshall Hayden, wrote an article several years ago with the intriguing title, “Would Every Non-Hurter Please Stand Up?”

Hayden observed that people come to church services and seem fine. They put on their best smile. Wear their best clothes. And look happy. Yet, he pointed out that we need to look beyond the facade and below the surface to realize that our pews are full of hurting people. Continue reading →

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July 30, 2018 · 5:01 am

Word of the Week: Selfless

Martin and Diedre Bobgan in their book, How To Counsel From Scripture, tell of a fascinating study dealing with the principle of the Golden Rule. It was conducted by Bernard Rimland, director of the Institute for Child Behavior Research.

“The happiest people,” Rimland concluded “are those who help others.” Continue reading →

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July 27, 2018 · 6:11 am

A 100 Year Anniversary

This morning I am reflecting on an event that occurred 100 years ago tomorrow, July 28, 1918, an event that impacted my life. Literally. My father Roy Chester Weliever was born in Montgomery County, Indiana.

Dad was a part of the what Tom Brokaw dubbed as “The Greatest Generation” who “gave so much and asked so little.” He grew up working on a farm just outside of New Ross, Indiana. Living through the Great Depression, times were tough. But his values were formed and forged by his parents Fred and Flora Weliever that would serve him well throughout his life. Continue reading →

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