Tag: god

April 23, 2026

Today is the morning after the birth of my 3rd great grandson Francis Peter and the day when in 90 more mornings I will attend the age of 85. A milestone for my family, although my dad’s oldest sister lived into her high nineties.

This morning arrived bright and sunny and my usual aches and pains as I wake and placed my feet on the floor, made me wonder if I would make it through the day.

The song of the little wren that spends the summer in my backyard could be heard and a number of birds were already at the feeder. The thunderstorm and the heavy rainfall of a few hours before that had awakened me left their drops on the just sprouting out of daffodils and tulips now growing cheerfully in the garden. The grass had turned from its wintery somberness to bright lush green waiting for its first grooming. The ‘world is turning as it should’ someone once said. Thank God!

I dressed and proceeded with a couple of exercises, I had discovered on the net, to ease the pain in my right hip. It works for me. I changed the calendar to the 23rd of April, started the water for the morning tea and sat down to contemplate the day. A bike ride maybe, along the Brantford Trail with my friend. Sometimes I would read from Scripture, usually from the book of Psalms, but this morning I scoured through the news feeds on my ipad.

Lately the events of the day and past weeks had left me with discouraging thoughts in my mind. Never before is there so much (uncertainty) irritation and disrespect in the world as there is today. In the past few years even during the Covid pandemic we have seen the death of thousands of people and with the new administration south of us making war, either with words or weapons or weaponing words it usually turns into an everyday (wild) mush of issues. Seems we are back in that fearful time a 100 years ago, nothing has changed.

I remember as a teenager in the 50s the scary notion that we could face nuclear annihilation as part of the cold war between Russia and the West. It was not nice, always in the background of our thoughts and drilled into us by statements and innuendos. So what has changed today? More threats and economic struggles as to who is the ‘best in the schoolyards’ of the world. Every ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’ (maybe that should be ‘Donald, Heather and Eliana’) now has a soap box podcast to sound forth their expertise as to who is right or wrong or who can tell the future events better then all the others. Ridicules, put downs, trollings, ghosting, memes, sacrilege (mainly Christian) jokes are no longer part of the evening after 11, TV show but are now the media broadcasts of major figures (read ‘political’) in the world. Take the announcements on social media for threatening and trolling nations and leaders not unlike the ‘circus has come to town’ events. Imagine in 1940 announcements made via media newpaper ads about the ‘Final Solution’ crisis, the death of Communism in the 1990s or the experienced Ukrainian 2022/Gaza October 2023 events and all their terrible humanitarian consequences. Where can we find solid reasoning and firm ground?

Belligerent leaders are a dime a dozen and avoiding truth (yes, no) answers are the chosen replies of the political and the elite sexual deviants. Me too? no kidding!

Economic word wars have reached inside the pocket books of many families with the silly rhetoric about ‘wines and spirits’ together with common economic doubts, inflation and splits disagreements reaching deep into our neighbour’s homes and families, putting us all on edge. What about the ‘save our children’ campaigns and educational AI empires. Can we trust what we see and instinctively have known for ages? Were our grandparents mistaking about who they were and what they thought was right for their time?

In our church organization, we too have found unease, questions are being raised about how narrow we should interpret the instruction and encouragements found in Scripture. Some say you need to use the long view mixed with cultural reality; others prefer the precise factual instruction that says: ‘You shall not’. Perhaps it would be better for each go their own way and so then we have another split, number #391 in the Christian church. Can we still sing the song ‘They will know we are Christians by our love’ ? Does the Bible truth still discipline us or are we disciplining the truth. God’s word of grace and providence forever, no matter what? Where has the lesson about the greatest commandment gone?

By now you can see this has become a rant, a vent!

The recent pictures sent by the astronauts on the ‘Artimus’ (safe, sound) flight around the moon sure shows us that we are an unique life form in the universe and very special. Just the sight of the earth as photographed now and back in 1969, shows how precious we are in the scheme of the planets we know. Most are dull and appear lifeless and yet the earth shows up as a precious blue marble full of possibilities and assurance that there must be a God who is the giver of all good things. After all the bombings, the disasters, the fires and destructions, it shines out like a precious bright-blue jewel hanging in its orbit where winter and summer in seasons designated by sun and moon continues with life and renewal each and everyday. The evidence of God’s provisional care since time began. The antidote to the thought expressed in the book of Psalms #14 ‘the fool says in his heart there is no God’.

The Heidelberg Catechism also in Lord’s Day #10 asks the vital question of the day and gives us the answer: Question: What do you understand by the providence of God? Answer: God’s providence is His almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come not by chance but by His fatherly hand.

Question: What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by His providence?Answer: We can be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from His love; for all creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they cannot so much as move.

So how then shall we live the day? Someone once said ‘carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, but the Christian will say: ‘Carpe diem, quam maximus credula postero’ and never forget ‘mementos mori’.

A Song that spreads the hope of life: if you but trust in God to guide you

God’s Peace be with you!

JS                                                                                    April 23, 2026

Featured Picture: Earthset Image Credit: NASA 1  Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II

Suddenly….

Christmas 2025: to the shepherds first.

The ‘Sirocco’ hot winds swooping in from the Southeast the day before yesterday, had waned and died down, and to the day following, gave rise to a brilliant sun. Its beams filtering through the remaining sand dust that still hung in the air. It had been hot and the walls of the houses in the little town of Bethlehem baked warm to the touch. As evening came and twilight fell, a soft breeze from the coast seemed like a breath of fresh air for man and beast alike.

The evening shadows saw people coming out of their homes and with busyness in the receding light attend to the tasks that they had put-off because of the heat. Look, a group of shepherds were making their way to the fields of Ephrata coming to take the night shift guarding the sheep. Their lunch packs strapped to their belts along with the staff and rod. Just another night of watching the sheep and making sure they were fed and bedded down for comfort and safety from prowling beasts of the night.

After securing their flocks, the shepherds gathered to discuss their day and the big events of their time. Many travellers had come to Bethlehem in the last week or so because the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, had issued a decree to conduct a census for determining the taxing of each citizen, after all somebody had to pay for the well-being of the magnificent Roman Empire and the protection it granted to all who lived within their conquered borders. Bethlehem too was part of this vast Empire and it must do its share.

So sitting together, they grumbled about the heavy hand of their new masters and the loss of independence. Where was the pride of Judea? The lion of the Kingdom of David? Had God forgotten his promises? Did He forget about his word conveyed to them through the prophet, that they will inherit the land? Forever? and enjoy each their own possession in peace and with justice? Oh, how long ago was it spoken with Godly pride by their local hero, the prophet Micah from Moresheth in Judea, a commoner among his people, these words: “God shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; and they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid. But look at you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”

As they were so seated and talked together, suddenly, an angel appeared through the filtering darkness, bright glorious light, right before them, shocking! They were afraid. But the angel said clearly: “Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. Today, in the city of David, a Liberator has been born for you! He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! You will know you have found Him when you see a baby, wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough.”  At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined by thousands of other messengers—a vast heavenly choir. They praised God in song, a mighty chorus: “To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God! And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!”

Then…………….all disappeared, but the shepherds looked at each other, speaking all at once: buzzing with conversation.

Did you see that! Wow! Let’s rush down to Bethlehem right now! Let’s see what’s happening! Let’s experience what the angel has told us about! Come on!

 So without a further thought, they ran into town, and after much seeking eventually found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the feeding trough.

Now having found this lowly place after being turned away by the local inn, Mary and Joseph noticed the shepherds stepping through the doorway, welcomed them and showed their little baby boy wrapped in a blanket of swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This… is… Jesus, they said.

The shepherds came closer and saw the baby, told what they had seen and heard, a joy filled their hearts. “Peace on earth, the angel had said to all who God is pleased with.” A special heavenly message. Mary looking at Joseph, took note and pondered all that was happening, treasuring the memory of each moment deep in her heart. Is this not, what the angel had told her: “Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him ‘Savior,’ Jesus.  He will become the greatest among men and will be known as the Son of the Highest God. God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over the covenant family of Jacob forever.”

Then the shepherds left and returned to their flocks, praising God for what they had seen and heard, telling all who would listen to the wonderful events, how it all had unfolded just as the heavenly messenger had predicted. A glorious experience with promise, not soon to be forgotten.

As the prophet Isaiah had said: “Hope of all hopes, dream of our dreams, a child is born, sweet-breathed; a son is given to us: a living gift. And even now, with tiny features and dewy hair, He is great. The power of leadership, and the weight of authority, will rest on His shoulders. His name? His name we’ll know in many ways— He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Dear Father everlasting, ever-present never-failing, Master of Wholeness, Prince of Peace.”

Remember all these events occurred SUDDENLY………. and His return will again happen suddenly!

May this Prince of Peace be your champion and Saviour, also this Christmas 2025.

Sing the Hymn:

Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story, Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Shepherds, in the fields abiding, Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant light:

Though an infant now we view him, He shall fill his Father's throne,
Gather all the nations to him; Every knee shall then bow down:

All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising, To th'eternal Three in One:

Refrain: 2x - Come and worship, Come and worship
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Note: Bible texts taken from the translation: ‘The Voice’ – The hymn: ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’, taken from an old French hymn, was composed by James Montgomery 1816-1819.

  • Featured image generated by AI

JS December 1, 2025

The King was angry*

It seems that today there are still leaders and others who act as if we are still in the ‘absolute right’ of Kings historic era. You know the ones that I am referring to. Looking back into history we see that the ‘heart of man’ (Prophesy of Jeremiah chapter 17 verse 9) for worldly greatness has not changed one bit!

Take for instance the one described years ago in Biblical Scriptural history by the prophet Jeremiah and Daniel about king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, a giant empire. He considered himself almost a god.

First: In the book of prophecies by Jeremiah (chapter 51) the prophet describes his concerns about Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. After the fall of Jerusalem, the captivity of Israel, now in Babylon by king Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah says: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured us, (‘squeezed the life out of us’ – Tr. the Voice -) he has thrown us into confusion, he has made us an empty jar. Like a serpent he has swallowed us and filled his stomach with our delicacies, and then has spewed (‘he belched’ – Tr. the Message) us out.” (NIV)

Second: Remember the story of that large gigantic idol of gold, – huge, sixty cubits high (90 feet) and six cubits wide – , that the King had built on the plain of Dura and everyone in his kingdom was instructed to bow down to the idol and on refusal to comply would be subject to punishment of death. The ego of the King was large and over the top, as we would say. And even after he had that dream of that other idol, where he was the head that suffered a crushing defeat by the stone rolled from no human hand. He should have known better. But when he spotted some persons (his own officials) who had not bowed before the statue, his anger, through his pride, got the best of him and he ordered them to be thrown into the hot fiery furnace he had build anticipating someone might even dare to defy his command to bow down. Read the book of Daniel and see how that turned out.

Yet the angry king, later became a conflicted ally. (book of Daniel chapter 3 and especially the ending of chapter 4)

Funny how many of the events described by early historic events (stories) continue to go back to and spring from the same motives and wind up with the same results. The vainness in the hearts of all of us. Remember the story of the King without his clothes? And the many stories of empires and kings coming and going.

What about today? We know that empires and kings do fall, disappear and are conquered by others who also want to be great. Have we learned anything? As the song ‘Where have all the flowers gone’ tells: ‘when will we ever learn………’

Just a thought……………..

Be humble…………..

  • see RCI-CBC news October 24, 2025 – ‘Anti-tariff ad that angered Trump…..’ 
  • featured picture AI generated based on content of story

JS November 22, 2025

The Larks still bravely singing fly…….

Although it snowed the day before, we attended the Remembrance service yesterday near our house with friends, walked on the snowy sidewalk and joined others who gathered and watched as the usual 11 o’clock events took place; the presenting of the flags by the veterans from the local Legion and the sounding of the trumpet for the 2 minutes of silence.

A fair crowd of assorted neighbours had already gathered, a flag delegation of veterans; (colour party) there were even school children who would take part in the proceedings.

At precisely 11 o’clock, we heard the first call, the sounding of the “Last Post” by the trumpeter which signals the last duty of enlisted soldiers at the end of day. During this call the Canadian flag was lowered and a time of complete silence followed for the 2 minutes. A time for all those in attendance to reflect on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country and for freedom.

I find it always hard to reflect, because none of my family served or were lost in a conflict event defending truth and peace in a time of war. That said however, I do remember the events surrounding our liberation from German occupation during World WarII in April 1945. Although I was only just shy of 4 years old, the events of that weekend are very vivid in my thoughts. The Canadian Army had advanced far enough into Northern part of the Netherlands to take on the Germans in the city of Groningen where I lived with my family. We were hiding in the neighbour’s cellar space under the stairs and during a lull in the fighting were allowed upstairs into the living room and crossing the hall we noticed a young soldier propped up on a chair. His posture indicated he had been wounded. My mother remarked on it later and said that he would probably die. This is often the tone of the reflections I recall. For a young boy this was just news but now that I am older this scene packs a lot of things that are repeated time and time again during a time of war.

How did he become involved with the army? Did he have his parents’ blessings in volunteering during a time of hostilities? Was he excited to join others to go overseas? Who were is buddies? What events had he witnessed already in the last few months? Did he write letters to his loved ones? What did he tell them? Will he make it through and be OK? How old was he? If he returned home did he talk about his tour of duty and the happenings he experienced? Questions we are now slowly hearing through writings in books and articles. For some of them recalling these memories are just too hard.

I also think about those who resisted the enemy and fought silently and under cover in their local communities, harassing the occupying enemy and protecting the ones that were fingered for expulsion or removal. Like the story my mother told me about the young ‘underground’ fighter (‘onderduiker’) who was to lodge at our house that night in 1944 but said that he felt safe enough to go to his parents’ home. When he arrived, they were waiting for him and it cost him his life.

What sorrows and despairs are, even today, experienced by those living with war and conflict. Since the two World Wars there have been many global international events, Korea, Egypt, Rwanda, Iraq and Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Sudan, Ukraine, Middle East not to speak of local misdeeds and violence in our own Canadian communities. When will the clash among humans ever end?

Who cannot shed a tear during that emotional scene in the movie: “Saving Private Ryan” where a mother is washing dishes in her kitchen, sees a gray car coming up the drive  and when she fully realizes the (bad) news it brings, how when the Sergeant and the Pastor step from the car, she knows, yes, she knows and collapses on the porch of her home, for this was what she dreaded. The news will be bad. That captures what it is like for those who lose a loved one(s) in wartime.

Our National Silver Cross (first authorized on December 1, 1919) mother for this year’s event in Ottawa was Mrs. Nancy Payne from Lansdowne, ON, who lost her son Corporal Randy Payne (age 33) in Afghanistan in April 2006. She too received that phone call in the middle of the night. A ringing phone in the night usually frightens us all and the one we all hope to never have to answer.

Soon as the two minutes are up, the bugler’s “Rouse”, the wake-up call, sounds and we are caught back to the reality of the day and our presence at the event.

We then sing the Royal anthem: ‘God save our Gracious King’ and instead of one stanza we also sing the 2nd which I did not know by heart but sounds like this: ‘Thy choicest gifts in store, On him be pleased to pour; Long may he reign. May he defend our laws, And ever give us cause, To sing with heart and voice, God save the King!’ A prayer really.

We will hear the now familiar words from the poem, “For the Fallen”, the 4th verse: ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them’. (by Laurence Binyon, an English poet and first printed in ‘The Times’ on 21 September 1914.)

A prayer is then offered by a Chaplain of a local Christian church. For us that meant the priest of the local Catholic Church, Father Thomas, prayed for the military service personnel and their families with the earnest request of God to cease all wars and to invite God’s spirit to enter our hearts to seek for peaceful solutions to our never-ending issues. The prayer was concluded with ‘in Jesus name’ as, may this prayer be heard for our thanks and petitions to the King of Kings in the heavenly realms.

After comes the introduction of the local government and special community representatives and the laying of the wreaths by those representatives and local organizations including children from two local Christian Schools. This I found interesting that the schools are educating the children to remember and not forget the bravery of these sacrifices for our peace and freedom in our beautiful Canada. The true north, strong and free.

It also made me think that we immigrants from a foreign land, the Netherlands, are not always actively and visibly present at ceremonies like these although some of us older ones still have the memories of a land wasted and harassed by an enemy for five years were liberated by young Canadians who in the words of one we know now buried at Holten War Cemetery said: ‘I want to serve so that I can participate in the liberation of my grand-parents.’ May he and others rest in peace.

There had been a large crowd this year and partly I think because of the political situation in the world largely driven by the past year’s events and in the face of new concerns, for some in Canada, by our powerful neighbour to the South. This has brought us renewed caution and at times reactions of distrust and deep hurts of friendships gone wrong. There is a sense that past values and alliances are being undermined and discarded.

May we ever be on guard (call out, resist all tyranny) and be wise enough to know where our loyalties, our duty and sense of love for our neighbours must be placed.

Jesus words to one of his disciples on drawing his sword, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 26 verse 52 still ring true today: “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Tr NIV

JS November 12, 2025

PEACE be with You!

  • feature picture: Monument at Vimy Ridge, France – depicts the figure as “Canada Mourning Her Fallen Sons” or “Canada Bereft” dedicated July 26, 1936 – it took 11 years to built designed by: Walter Allward and Frederick Chapman Clemesha.
  • Title of this blog is taken from John McCrea’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ …that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below…..
  • The sword was drawn by a disciple to protect Jesus from those who came to capture him, in the garden of ‘Gethsemane’ the night before he was condemned and crucified.

Note: I know the circumstances and actions resulting from committed community crime is not to be compared with bravely going to war to defend the decency of moral and lawful peaceful people and nations but nevertheless the victims and families who suffer the loss of a loved ones because of these evil actions of those who practice their criminal life style in the midst of our citizens without regard of conscience is just as devastating. Just think of that recent event in downtown Hamilton (July 11, 2025 -Story by CBC/Radio-Canada) where an innocent by-stander was killed at a bus-stop, as a scooter rider fired discriminately into a group of targeted gang members. Or what about the recent killing of a father in a house invasion event (Nov12, 2025 – Vaughan, ON)

Ora et Labora

Today is Labour Day (September 1, 2025) and as I sat down to read the news this morning I was reminded of the Sermon pastor John preached yesterday where he highlighted the phrase ‘Ora et Labora’ – ‘Pray and Work’. He was preaching on the book of Nehemiah and the effort in the rebuilding of the city Jerusalem and its Temple. The Jews after having been captured (B.C. 587) into bondage under Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon received their permission grant from Cyrus the Great, King of Persia (Persia had defeated Babylon in BC 539) to return to the land of Palestine (B.C.538) if they so wished. On top of that he also returned to them all the vessels and other objects Nebuchadnezzar had taken away. Anyway the sermon was about everyone from the important to the common, working together as a dedicated crew rebuilding the city. Nehemiah stated that this was the Lord’s work and his blessing would follow. There was also opposition but the work was eventual after some struggles, successful.

‘Ora et Labora’ was the call echo mentioned in the writings of John Calvin but it was also an endorsement and motivator of the early days of church and school building by the early Dutch immigrants of the late 40s and early 50s, when many immigrated to Canada and fulfilled hopes and dreams of community building and prosperity. A vision of Reformed singleness perhaps still alive but waning.

In fact the first ‘icon’ or branding for Hamilton District Christian Highschool (Grade 11 & 12 – 1960 a Grade 11 & 12 class project) incorporated the phrase ‘Ora et Labora’. Since then much has been accomplished. It was always a community togetherness effort supported by what we then called the strength of our ‘Home – School – Church’ vision in a symbol reflected by the Christian Reformed emblem of a triangle with the Christian Cross in the middle. Not seen much anymore and that could be another story……..

Still today is Labour day and this caught my attention. It was a reflection of an article by the past CRC Banner Magazine editor Shiao Chong (written when he was a Campus Minister) republished by Peter Schuurman in his Blog ‘Sensus Divinidatis’ about Campus ministry where Chong argued ‘Campus Ministry’ by a Reformed Christian Missionary needs to be open in presenting the central theme of Scripture and the universal truth of ‘God on the throne’ as a clear message that God is present in ‘All Things’ (also a Reformed student group at McMaster University headed by Dr. Michael Fallon in Hamilton). Just not only dwelling on the Jesus personal relationship commitment but that a ‘360 degree world-view’ (not of the world but in the world) is important in following Jesus, spreading the Good News (Gospel) and being part of God’s community, participating in all creation’s possibilities.

That is why there was so much discussion about Christian political and labour action in the early days of the 50s and 60s. (see CLAC) Labour relations efforts by Christians were fraught with misunderstanding and conflict by the religious, social and legal community of Canada as to what and how, even with the Reformed fellowship.

Today many see the importance again of Union activity as honouring and valuing the labour efforts of the common man in the offices, factories and places of employment in Canada. An article in the New York Times this morning mentions the present USA administration ridding many Federal workers jobs through DOGE actions by cancelling their positions (citing $$ and rules ‘efficiencies’), impacting the rise in unemployment rates but also robbing people of their jobs and jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of family and the community.

Where is the concern for the worker, the NY Times reporter is asking? No one seems to be speaking up (where is the voice of Union leaders?) for these changes and the affected individuals whose jobs are not in keeping with the goals and visions of the new US political administration efforts to make ‘America great again’. This will also affect world order and Canadian jobs. Recently employees of the Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario are loosing their jobs to the USA. There are others. Uncertain treacherous times are ahead.

Pray for wisdom in negotiating through dealing with new strong and (in)different players for a new world order, also in labour and economic decisions.

‘Ora et Labora’ always! but for sure most of all the ‘Ora’!

JS – September 1, 2025

The good News for today!

A devotional reading for our Senior Group (OASIS)*

So now and then a song will pop up into my head and I will have no idea where it comes from. It is just there; and it usually sticks around for a while. A lot of them are psalms or hymns especially ones I learned long ago or sung in school or church. Some are a surprise: Wow where did that come from?  

So the other morning I got up and immediately Psalm 49 popped into my head. Yes, Psalm 49 is not even a familiar or preached about many times Psalm. If it had been Psalm 42, ‘As the Hart about to falter’ or Psalm 23 ‘the Lord is my Shephard I shall not want’ or even Psalm 139 ‘Search me and know my heart O Lord’ or even more popular majestically sung with gusto Psalm 68 ‘God shall arise and by his might put all his enemies to flight’ or one of the more most popular like Psalms 116 ‘I love the Lord the fount of life and grace’ or maybe even the lovely Psalm 84 ‘O Lord of hosts, O God of grace how lovely is thy holy place’ that all would have been a usually perfect uplifting strong start setting for the day ahead. No, it had to be Psalm 49 in verse-form as composed by Lowell Mason (who wrote over 1600 hymns) and this one set to a sad melody, although in some versions enlivened somewhat by whole and half notes like a little dance tune.  

The words came to me quickly: ‘Dust to dust the mortal dies, both the foolish and the wise, none forever can remain, each much leave his hoarded gain. Yet within their hearts they say, that their houses are for aye, that their dwelling places grand; shall for generations stand.’

Where did this come from? What or who planted this in my brain that morning. Did it reflect the news I heard on TV just before bedtime last night? Maybe I should stop doing that. Or is it the Lord’s way of giving me a grounding as to where my life is at. After all, I am over 80. Or was it the news of a son in our near family circle again being out of the house and into whatever. Perhaps it was the last book I read that recounted a highschool friend’s family immigration trials and her life journeys of growing up. Perhaps!

My brother-in-law when he was in the hospital said: Please bring me a Psalter Hymnal instead of a Bible, I get more out of the Hymns and Psalms, as they speak more to my cancerous condition, for if I can sing about my faith anchors, even though some will remind me of bad times, my soul will be at rest. He loved singing.

Tim Keller was a New York pastor wrote a lot of books. One of those was ‘a year’s devotional journey through the Psalms’ entitled: The Songs of Jesus. Yes, I am sure Jesus sang the Psalms as we read him quoting them quite often in the Gospels. Even Psalm 49! Reflected in Jesus’ story of the rich fool! And you know, even though the words are dreary and it has a strong Lamenting subject theme. It is actually quite uptodate knowing the problems we face today in our church, our people and country and even in the world at large. Amid all this, there pops out a gem of an encouraging line in this Psalm one for all the saints who confess that great answer to Question 1;

And that little gem is at line 15 where the Psalmist says: ‘But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.’ 

And that makes this Psalm worth knowing and singing.

Praise God for his amazing Word. Listen:

Psalm 49   For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

Listen up, everyone!
    All you who reside in this world, give an ear!
2 Everyone—rich and poor,
young and old, wise and foolish, humble and mighty—
3 My mouth will overflow with wisdom; the reflections of my heart will guide you to understand the nature of life.
4 I will tune my ear to the words of a proverb; to the sounds of a harp, I will reveal my riddle.

5 Why should I be afraid when dark evils swirl about me, when I am walking among the sin of evildoers—
6 Those who depend on their own fortunes, who boast about their earthly riches?
7 One person can’t grant salvation to another or make a payment to the True God for another.
8 Redeeming a life is costly; no premium is enough, ever enough,
9 That one’s body might live on forever and never fear the grave’s decay.

10 Everyone knows that even the wisest ones die, perishing together with the foolish and the stupid.
For all die—beggars and kings, fools and wise men.
    Their wealth remains behind for others.
11 Although they wish to dwell in fine houses forever, their graves are their real resting places.
    Their homes are for all future generations, yet for a while they have named lands after themselves.
12 [No one, regardless of how rich or important, can live forever;
    he is just like the animals that perish and decay.

13 This is the destiny of those foolish souls who have faith only in themselves;
    this will be the end of those happy to follow in their ways.

            [pause]       

14 The fate of fools is the grave, and just like sheep, death will feast on them.
The righteous will rule over them at dawn,
    their bodies, their outward forms, rotting in the grave
    far away from their great mansions.
15 But God will reach into the grave and save my life from its power. He will fetch me and take me into His eternal house.

             [pause]

16 Do not be afraid of the rich and powerful as their prestige and honor grow,
17 For they cannot take anything with them when they die.
    Their fame and glory will not follow them into the grave.
18 During their lives, they seek every blessing and advantage because others praise you when you’ve done well.
19 But they will soon join their ancestors, for all of time, among the tombs of the faithless—a place of no light.
20 Anyone who is rich or important without understanding is just like the animals that perish and decay.

Translation used for the above Psalm: Biblegateway.com/Psalm49 – Tr. the Voice

Prayer: O Lord; you in your great mercy told us that you will never leave or forsake those who walk with you in sincerity of heart. For from You flows the fountain of our lives.

Bless us now; for we too are sometimes burdened by the cares of the day and jealous of worldly possessions.

Cleanse our hearts. And may your Word be a lamp to our feet and a light on our path.

AMEN

*OASIS = Older Adults Sharing In Service

Featured picture: a view of rural Iowa (2015)

JS June 16, 2025


Easter MMXXV

‘The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!”’ they yelled at him. – Gospel of Mark Chapter 15 verse 29 – Tr. NLT

‘Look around, you who pass by and go about your business. Is there any sorrow as great as mine? Any pain as great as that which has been forced on me?’ Book of Lamentation Chapter 1 verse 12 – Tr. The Voice

What a difference Easter time brings to the community market for the awareness of the celebration of Easter. What a difference between the commercialization of the Christmas story (baby in the manger & angels, Christmas Carols) compared to the almost no whisper in dead silence of the Easter story in the public square. Instead we get the Easter bunny with his coloured eggs.

For some time now we have seen the statistics of Christian religious beliefs declining in a steady and rapid manner. Just over 50% of Canadians identify themselves as Christians and one third of Canadian have no religious identification at all. Immigration has led to the increase of other non-Christian religions and some statistics quote those amount to 16% of Ontarians. (of which 6% are Muslim and 4% Hindus) It also states that there are now about 100 religious beliefs in Canada.

Are we losing the foundations of our Christian culture, is there anything left to salvage from the decline and decay of this heritage? Are we ‘the Christians’ the cause for this/our decline in that we are doubting the truth of the Christian Gospel message? Are our now daily practices still rooted in the essentials of the Gospel Message?

A recent book ‘Blessed are the Undone’ tells the story of Christians who are frustrated, have doubted or moved on from their faith roots because of disappointments, neglects and betrayals in the Christian community, organizations and leaderships. We have seen the rapid rise of other voices (through social media) and public celebrations (non-Christian) in our communities where we live, and those together with a mass of other cultural tunings and ideas that for a long time were considered strange, immoral and even illegal. Add to that the prominence of individual privilege as opposed to community well-being, cohesion and personal life style indulgences. All these, have led to the disintegration of many cultural truths and practices away from the strict modes of historic accepted morals and rules. The technological and economical possibilities both in medical, structural and knowledge accesses have opened up new ways of looking and doing what is personally important. Past history is condemned as shifted and bad even though out of some of the historic ashes we do find gold and saved preciousness. But yes to be woke is in, on all things past.

Christianity has become ‘past expiry date’ and old fashioned. The gospel message (Jesus saves) is ignored and shunned by main stream at our own peril. Look at the destruction, disputes, economic decay, elitism, cruel malicious wars and fake news and media, we are experiencing and when people (human-destitution) concern is raised or considered or mentioned we are called out of step because right politics is now King. Leaders with largess supporters and the ‘right’ personalities are leading the governing pack. Wealthy individuals are setting the pace. Others, including governments who took a ‘let George do it’ attitudes are now realizing a ‘home coming’ to heavier complex considerations (catch-ups) of neglected responsibilities. Whose side are/were you on? Do we know how even, as a country, to stand on our own?

There are however occasional bright spots of people coming to their senses (as in the story of the ‘Prodigal Son’ – Gospel of Luke chapter 15). The author Tom Holland in his book ‘Dominion’ (how the Christian revolution remade the world) speaks about the foundational heritage of the Christian faith that changed the Roman culture of ‘the strong wins every-time’ to a servant oriented society crystalized by Bishop Martin of Tours (331) when he divides and shares his cloak with a homeless person on entering the city gate of Amiens, France. Also among others, emphasizing again the standard in Christian life and practices was Francis of Assisi (1181) and the late Mother Teresa who were motivated by ‘serving the least of us’, a Gospel message that is still practiced in many cities and places today. (think City Missions, foodbanks, hospitality, medical clinics, meals for the hungry, clothing centers etc)

William Kurelek, the Canadian Ukrainian painter whose art work hangs in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and various other galleries, depicted the public neglect of the Christian message by painting a picture of Jesus standing on the front steps of the old Toronto city hall calling out to the masses traveling by on the sidewalk and the roads (Queen Street) of Toronto. They are in a hurry, not looking up or giving any attention to Jesus’ calls or even each other. And what do you think is His message: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For I am gentle and humble in heart. Take off those heavy ‘backpacks’ of care and use mine. For my ‘backpack’ is easy and its burden is light! and I will give you rest.’ Gospel of Matthew chapter 11.

So this Easter remember the costly price He paid and the miracle of His submission to the plans of the Father gave new and resurrected life and eternal promises to all as we put our trust in Him. His death is for the forgiveness of all our sins and missteps. Take his words and live them. ‘Take this bread‘ and remember that His body was broken and His blood was shed for all who believe His message. Peace be with you!

Song: Via Dolorosa

JS April 9, 2025

Feature photo: Royal Botanical Gardens

Morning Devotions – April 2025

When I was a young boy, now over 75 years ago, my mother decided it was time for me to sleep in the bedroom on the third floor, near the attic, directly under the roof of the house. The room had a iron bed, a chair and a dark walk-in cupboard like structure covered by a large curtain. I was sure there were monsters in that cupboard and also under my bed, who on some mornings would just love to grab me. Although I was perfectly safe in bed, I knew that once I try to get up in the morning, they would pounce on me. It would be a horrible slaughter!

So I figured out if I could surprise them while they were still waking from sleep, they would be unable to catch me. So waking some mornings, I would lie quietly with the blankets safely pulled over my head and then suddenly leap up, jump out of bed, open the door and fly 4 steps at a time down the 3 stairways to the safety of the kitchen where my mother was preparing breakfast. I would be safe! I can now say, it worked every time.

But the monsters under the bed have come back. What about yours?

Do you not feel at this time in Canada, we all have monsters under our beds?

The big – T – word – that cruelly rhymes with gifts – is everywhere; in the papers, on TV, in the media and on the lips of those who are – or soon hope to be – commanding the beautiful ship “Canada”. There are rough seas ahead they say, we need to stay focused on a new course with full sails, everyone for Canada, all the way! Let’s get busy to protect our lives, our jobs and our incomes. It’s now Canada’s time to mature and seek its own way in the world, for our neighbours have gone roque, saying: ‘We had enough of giving hand-outs, it is pay-back time. And they say it is not just us, it is so for the whole world, in big and small ways. We’re done!’

Folks, this may bring us tough times, let’s hope when it starts, there will not be many job losses and economic pain. We pray, it will not be so severe, as we worship, work, shop and carry on our daily lives.

You may wonder, just one man able to cause these upsets? …….and where then is God?

Years ago, I heard a speech given by Dr. John N. Gladstone at a Canadian Charity (CCCC) convention shortly after the fall and demise of the Iron Curtain. He said: the people of Bulgaria, having now gained their independence are asking each other as they look forward to form a new government: ‘Where is God? Have you seen God lately?’

Some years ago, pastor Dr. Stephen Tong, a Chinese Indonesian Reformed pastor (some call him the Billy Graham of the East) from Jakarta, Indonesia, while speaking in New York said: ‘When in history we see many world shaking events, we need to be awake and pay attention, for God is moving! He is causing these events to rouse us awake, to show us who is in control’. My Dutch friend called the other week and told me again: ‘Jon, God is moving us closer to His goal, things are centralizing, like the winding up of a clock, maybe next year we will be dancing in heaven!’

Are you afraid of the monsters under your bed?

Say with me: God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good!

JS March 31, 2025

NOTE: April 2, 2025 in the White House Rose Garden, we are holding our breath &/or exhaling!

Eristically Belligerent #2

Since the beginning of 2025 the USA has become a danger to Canada and others.

Yah……. and that is why the heading for this post says: Eristically Belligerent #2. Eristically describes the notion of someone being a quarrelsome, controversial, contentious, a denier with aggressive notions of hostility and warmongering. Is this not what we notice from today’s leadership?

Just follow the news headlines: I want Greenland and I want Canada (the border is just a pencil line someone drew on a map!) and I’ll get it whatever way. Get the Panama canal back, Ukrainian is ungrateful and we want the minerals or else we will withdraw our support and let Russia win, and Gaza, the ‘hell-hole, we will transform it into a luxury resort. Oh yes, Tariffs (what a beautiful word) is now a favourite press-release news-word economic war/threat (look and see what I can do – beautiful!) and Canadians among others are scrambling to re-examen in their souls as to where and who they belong to; and where their loyalty really lies; what and who really counts especially in the lives of Canadian families. Are we the True North strong and free? Are our neighbours still friendly, trustworthy, are we living next door to lawless, unbounded ‘so called’ friends? Have you suddenly found yourself feeling the slippery slope and on the thin edge of a precarious almost last foothold, before an economic and sucking down dark abyss? Scratched up by a USA partner in a humiliating kick in the pants? Chaos! Betrayal!

What a roller coaster of events we have seen (and will yet see) and have heard since the last week of January 2025! Is this the rise of the dictators? The Tech Oligarchs’ motto ‘burn, ‘destroy’ and ‘destruct’ and ‘defunct’ everything leaders!? Where is the American principle embedded in “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Where is the magnanimity and grandeur of friendship and Spirit once so honored. Where is fair play? Where is the religious evangelical faith and goodwill (Golden-rule) that so dominated the vast lands of the American home free home! GONE, I tell you in a stroke of a pen!

We Canadians (yes, even the peace-loving world) must resist. May fairness win the day!

On January 20, 1961 President J. F. Kennedy’s in his inaugural address said we must fight “tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.” and we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, (Canada is that friend) oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.”

Statue of Liberty – New York

Abraham Kuyper (1837 -1920) the Dutch theologian, former Prime Minster and preacher wrote these words: “When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith.”

Canadians feel degraded, belittled and taken for granted. How can you prepare for the unknown aggression of your friend turned into an adversary? Long ago the Psalmist king David faced the same situations, best expressed in the Book of Psalms 36, 37, 38 and others:

PRAYER of DAVID

You have seen what’s happening, Eternal One; don’t remain silent!
    Lord, do not stay far away from me!
23 Wake up; come to my defense!
    Fight for me, my Lord and my God!
24 Pass Your judgment, Eternal One, my True God;
    do it by the standards of Your righteousness.
    Do not allow my enemies to boast over me.
25 Do not allow them to gloat over me,
    “Aha, we have won! We got what we wanted!”
Do not allow them to brag,
    “We chewed him up and spit him out.”

26 Shame and confuse those who celebrate my suffering;
    may those who exalt themselves above me be covered with shame—
    wrapped in a cloak of dishonor!

Book of Psalms #35 verses 22 – 26 – Tr. the Voice! @biblegateway.com

JS March 11, 2025

  • Heading picture from Global News – Story by Kevin Nielsen