Spreading the Gospel is God's way of sweetening the world. Paul describes Christian witnessing as a fragrance pleasing to God and attractive to others.

A short reflection on 2 Corinthians 2:14.

The PC(USA) is holding its General Assembly this week and I'm worried about the cultural decisions it may make. Why do we think that 21st century Christianity is any better than 1st century Christianity?

A reflection on

2 Thessalonians 2: 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

We all have told lies in the past and have to live with the consequences. Thankfully, God never tells lies, so when we read the Bible, we can confidently believe it to be the Eternal Truth.

A story from Scotland and a short reflection on

Hebrews 6:18              God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.

My daughter Lauren is on a three month mission trip in Tanzania, Africa. Just north of her, are the Massai people, who have their own Christian creed.

A reflection on

1 Corinthians 1:27     But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

We all want to change the world and make a difference in the lives of others. Last year, I came across a charitable website that enables donors to do this.

A short devotion on Psalm 112 v 9.

Just when I thought I was going to have a painfully miserable day, the Spirit surprised me through the kindness of a stranger and fellow pilgrim.

Romans 8:26      In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

An attitude of gratitude, especially towards God, paves the way for us to be more confident about what we do, and can lead us to success.

A look at Hezekiah’s attitude transformation.

2 Chronicles32:25      But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.

Paul urges us to lead a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands. It's a Christian pipe dream, because the world always invades our space. In China, a Christian businessman has been arrested for national security reasons because he was letting other Christians worship there. the crime is punishable by death.

A reflection on

1 Thessalonians 4:11             Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.

My grandfather was a fireman in World War 2 in Britain. After working in a bombed out area, and seeing all of the devastation, he realized that his family meant everything to him.

A short reflection based upon 1 Thessalonians 3:12        May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

In these harsh economic times, how can we maintain our faith and excel in giving to the church? A story from 19th century France shows us the way. A reflection on 2 Corinthians 8 v7.

Christ's parable of the woman putting yeast in the dough reminds me of my mother baking steak pies when I was a boy.

God has fully prepared our salvation. Are we ready to take that opportunity?

Matthew 13:33           He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."