Sunday, February 16, 2020

Valentine Special in Daily Bread - couldn't say it better myself! My prayer for the remainder of my days!

Today's Devotional

Divided in Love

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

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Today's Scripture & Insight:
When public debate erupted over a controversial Singapore law, it divided believers with differing views. Some called others “narrow-minded” or accused them of compromising their faith.
Controversies can cause sharp divisions among God’s family, bringing much hurt and discouraging people. I’ve been made to feel small over personal convictions on how I apply the Bible’s teachings to my life. And I’m sure I’ve been equally guilty of criticizing others I disagree with.
I wonder if the problem lies not in what or even in how we express our views, but in the attitudes of our hearts when we do so. Are we just disagreeing with views or seeking to tear down the people behind them?
Yet there are times when we need to address false teaching or explain our stand. Ephesians 4:2–6 reminds us to do so with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. And, above all else, to make every effort “to keep the unity of the Spirit” (v. 3).
Some controversies will remain unresolved. God’s Word, however, reminds us that our goal should always be to build up people’s faith, not tear them down (v. 29). Are we putting others down to win an argument? Or are we allowing God to help us understand His truths in His time and His way, remembering that we share one faith in one Lord? (vv. 4–6).
By:  Leslie Koh

Reflect & Pray

How can you explain your stand on sensitive issues humbly, gently, and lovingly? What will you pray for those who seem to disagree?
God, guide me as I speak the truth so that I do so out of love and seek only to

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Fruitful to the End!




Sorry for my absence - may this devotional truth and example energize you for this beautiful season!  My New Zealand daughter blessed me today with this devotional.  Ann

Fruitful to the End

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Today's Scripture & Insight:

Although Lenore Dunlop was ninety-four years young, her mind was sharp, her smile was bright, and her contagious love for Jesus was felt by many. It wasn’t uncommon to find her in the company of the youth of our church; her presence and participation were sources of joy and encouragement. Lenore’s life was so vibrant that her death caught us off guard. Like a powerful runner, she sprinted across life’s finish line. Her energy and zeal were such that, just days before her death, she completed a sixteen-week course that focused on taking the message of Jesus to the peoples of the world.
The fruitful, God-honoring life of Lenore illustrates what’s seen in Psalm 92:12–15. This psalm describes the budding, blossoming, and fruit-bearing of those whose lives are rooted in a right relationship with God (vv. 12–13). The two trees pictured were valued for their fruit and wood, respectively; with these the psalmist captures a sense of vitality, prosperity, and usefulness. When we see in our lives the budding and blossoming fruit of loving, sharing, helping, and leading others to Christ, we should rejoice.
Even for those who may be labeled “senior” or “seasoned,” it’s never too late to take root and bear fruit. Lenore’s life was deeply rooted in God through Jesus and testifies to this and to God’s goodness (v. 15). Ours can too.

Father, give me the strength to bear fruit that clearly demonstrates that my life is rooted in the life of Jesus, Your Son.
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Sunday, October 27, 2019

Seeds of Grace

Sunday, October 27, 2019.
Google yesterday's devotional in Daily Bread, Seeds of Grace! It's insightful. The writer points out that God's creation works in ways we cannot comprehend or control - seeds travel to fertile ground by wind, birds,animals and rivers. Jesus adds that the same principle applies to the kingdom of God - Mark 4:26-27: "A man scatters seed on the ground . . . the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.".
The writer goes on to say, "God brings life and healing into the world as pure gifts, without our manipulation. We do whatever God asks of us, and then we watch life emerge. We know that everything flows from His grace!"  Thank you Father for your perfect justice and powerful mercy, for the lessons learned from nature - man is truly "without excuse" (Romans 1:20).


Saturday, October 19, 2019

Prepare for the Polls!

October 19, 2019.
Biblical wisdom says: "Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver . . . Then you will understand what is right, just and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy," (Proverbs 2:2-10 NLT).

Do you know what your world view is? Or the world view of your local political candidates? I encourage you to search seriously. For example, politicians have declared that we have a climate crises without providing any supporting scientific evidence. For a wise and thoughtful look at the facts of this issue, google this week's Lethbridge Herald article, "A fact-check on promises: Political parties' emissions pledges aren't realistic."  The writer, Cosmos Voutsinos, is a Lethbridge based professional engineer whose career included work ranging from system designs in the Canadian nuclear industry to the construction management of U.S. power plants in Taiwan. He states, "Politicians in Government have the power to change the policies and the laws of our country but they cannot change the laws of physics."    

Vote according to your world view and exercise your freedom of thought, speech, religion and conscience. Please don't be cowed by political correctness. The well being of the people must be paramount in the mind of the government.



Monday, October 14, 2019

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Welcome back to Norford's Ramblings on Monday, October 14, 2019 - Thanksgiving Day!
The luscious Thanksgiving meal I have just enjoyed at my new address: Pemmican Lodge, 102 - 5 Ave. S., Lethbridge, Ab. T1J 0S9, flooded my mind with harvest songs that have been sung in God-fearing communities for centuries. For the Beauty of the Earth, Now Thank we all our God, and the children's hymn of praise: All Things Bright and Beautiful are some old favorites that come to mind.  An Irish lass, Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-95) wrote many hymns, but this latter children's hymn has stood the test of time, and today the words fit in with ecological concerns of both adults and children. Mrs. Alexander had a strong social conscience and worked tirelessly for the relief of the poor. Many of her hymns, inspired by what she saw around her, provide a glimpse of life in Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century.
This Thanksgiving I am delighted to be back on-line and in touch with you all. I am specifically grateful to God, and my 'techy' daughter Alexandra-Joy for re-connecting me to blogger sphere this weekend! Also to my local daughter Karen and New Zealand daughter Heather for their continued encouragement. A real bonus for me is that Bryan's fans can now access his old blogs! And I was always his No.1 fan!  I am trusting God for a weekly blog and that I will continue his legacy and love of religion and politics!
Praying your Thanksgiving has been full to the brim of blessings from above.
Ann-Marie

Saturday, November 21, 2015

REFUGEES: SECURITY OR COMPASSION?


The recent terrorist attacks in France have resulted in two polarizing positions regarding North America’s desire to welcome several thousand refugees from the war torn middle-east.

Many US governors have decided against receiving refugees due to the probability terrorists would infiltrate this migration into the United States and plan attacks similar to those in Paris.

A similar outcry reverberates through Canada’s media against the new government’s unrealistic attempt to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees by this year’s end. In addition to the logistical challenges it faces, the foremost concern is lack of time to ensure adequate security checks.

Justin Trudeau’s promise shows the other extreme: the primary need of a humanitarian response to the suffering of those displaced by war that outweighs other concerns. Few would deny the need for some level of compassionate response.

So on which side of this balance should we err: enforcing thorough security checks that would slow down the process to a trickle, or letting large numbers in quickly that would present a potential danger to Canadians?

Here are some thoughts I have considered to think through and determine my own response. Perhaps they may be helpful to you.

First, no level of security will ensure zero attacks. Apart from those infiltrating into this country, we have enough youth ripe for radicalization within Canada. We are all aware of planned attacks thwarted by our own security, while others, unhappily, have caused death and grief.

Second, Ann and I had the privilege of mixing with a group of Muslims from Iran during our time living at the coast. They, like ourselves, and probably ninety percent or more of those desiring to enter Canada, all seek the same: a place of relative peace, security, and opportunity, in which to raise a family away from the dangers of war.

Third, I consider my personal ability to live in a free democratic society as an accident of geography. Born in England and able to travel freely, Ann and I immigrated to Canada in 1965. So I find it hard to deny others the same free life simply because they were born in a place of conflict.

Fourth, I have to ask myself what cost am I prepared to bear to allow others that same privilege? Yes, there is risk in letting in thousands of refugees. Some entering this country may also seek my destruction. That in turn begs the question: what price was paid to allow me to live in peace and security for eternity with God?

I might pay the ultimate cost, but the chances of that happening are far less than dying in my car. Certainly, security tests are necessary to provide sufficient protection for Canadian citizens. But should the fear of a remote chance of being a victim deter me from aiding those in need?

I cannot speak for others whose lives may be at risk; they must speak for themselves. But my faith cals me to follow my convictions and listen to the voice of Jesus:

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Tired of Being “Ordinary”?




It’s no news that we live in a culture of individualism. That in itself is hard on community, but it also gives rise to the personality cult. No longer are we satisfied with good leaders; they must be charismatic individuals that we adore and keep us entranced by their charm.

There’s nothing wrong with attractiveness unless it replaces honesty and integrity. It’s too easy to fall for some pleasant affability at the expense of genuine compassion that must undergird any appealing facade. Leadership without concern for others leads to the superficiality that plagues our current culture.

Just as damaging, it leads to an undervaluing of lesser mortals, namely, most of us, who are easily clumped into the “ordinary” peasantry, and whose influence is considered negligible, let alone worthy of leadership.

So, am I an “ordinary” mother or father? Do I hold down an “ordinary” job, or lead an “ordinary” life?
The answer is a resounding “NO.”

I’ve placed the word “ordinary” in quotes because that person, including you and me, does not exist. We are all extraordinary, (extra-ordinary, if that’s not an oxymoron), if only because God created each one of us unique.

We do not attain lasting influence by our outgoing character, striking looks, well informed intellect, achievements, or fame. It is by being compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, faithful, forgiving and just; expressing eternal values that reflect the image of God given to all of us.

I frequently note an older, seeming insignificant person, or worker holding down a menial task, and realize they have those simple qualities that make them the greatest in the kingdom of God. Their influence, however small, will last a lifetime and beyond, immeasurably longer than any alluring charm.

Recognizing this, I am constantly encouraged, and I pray you are too, by the fact that we can be heroes of the faith, simply by fulfilling whatever God has called us to, however trivial, mundane, or basic it may seem. Does this mean we can join with Abraham, Moses, Calvin, or Billy Graham in the Great Hall of Faith?

This answer is a ringing “YES,” for “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4.