Living Stones Church, Red Deer, Alberta

Life is filled with trouble, as I pointed out last week in our opening message on the letter of James. We learned that we could choose our attitude and learn the value that trials bring into our lives as a source of spiritual growth and development. One of those values is spiritual growth that comes through the trial if we persevere. James even expresses a beatitude or a blessing to thos...

It is amazing to me how many of God’s people have been imprisoned. The apostle Paul was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and left for years awaiting trial. Joseph was trapped in a prison while falsely accused, with no appeal, and forgotten by the one person who might be able to help him. We are reminded that Jesus was falsely accused, imprisoned, and crucified. John the Baptist was impris...

When we think of someone generous, we often think only about what they give financially, but true generosity is an attitude reflected in how a person treats others. Giving money is only one aspect of true generosity. Generosity is the giving of oneself for the good of others, which includes our time, our concern for others, our expertise, and above all, our prayers. 

The issue in our liv...

When life comes crashing in on us with trauma and tragedy, we as believers can question our faith. Why is God allowing this to happen? What are God’s purposes in this moment in our lives? We would all agree that life is not just an enjoyable trip with only amazing adventures. God works at shaping our inner lives to conform us into His image. Sometimes, the spiritual journey with twists a...

We live in a time of great uncertainty, turmoil, and unrest. The clash of values has intensified polarization, both politically and relationally. Families are divided, and nations that once were allies are becoming adversarial. Our world seems fragile. Jesus warned that times like these would mark the end of the age. The question raised by the early disciples was, ‘What will be the sign ...

The history of human existence is a longing for peace and a struggle for freedom. To think that we can attain peace and freedom apart from God by attaining self-autonomy will not produce the goal of peace or freedom. In ‘Cost of Discipleship,’ Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The demand for absolute liberty brings men to the depths of slavery.” The cry and activity that demand absolute liberty...

God is light, and we are called to walk in His light. But sin thrives in darkness, keeping us trapped. 1 John 1:5-10 reminds us that following Jesus isn’t just about knowing the truth—it’s about living it. If we claim to walk in the light but refuse to confront our sin, we deceive ourselves, burden our souls, and risk becoming hypocrites to the world.

The darkness within us does not come...

Jeremiah 48

One of the most difficult aspects for some people to accept within God’s character is that he will judge sin. Judgment is a part of justice, an expression of Divine love. Wait, are you saying that judgment is an expression of love? Absolutely; how can a loving God ultimately leave wickedness and injustice to continue without retribution or punishment? How can God allow people...

Last week, we began a two-part message entitled ‘How to Find Peace in an Anxiety-Filled World.’ Today, we are going to continue looking at Psalm 23. While the analogy of a Shepherd with his sheep was explored last week, let me just hit some of the highlights and then move to the second point of the message, where there is a change in imagery.

Psalm 23 was written by King David, who, in...

There are many reasons for people to feel anxious in our ever-changing world. The uncertainties that come from decisions that affect all our lives, times of dramatic change, and the ordinary pressures of life create levels of anxiety. For some, it is raising a family in a world of ungodly values. Those attending school wonder if they will be accepted or if attending college will become a...

When we deal with our past in a decisive manner by repenting and turning fully to God, it will create a new and healthy path forward. What is true for individuals is also true for nations. But what happens when we do not address our past in an effective manner? What happens when we are in denial or, worse, we become mockers and scoffers, deriding the whole idea that God exists and that o...

In 1951, Eberhard Bethge published ‘Letters and Papers from Prison,’ the correspondence Bonhoeffer wrote to the world outside of prison, where he was imprisoned for his part in the attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler. One of the texts of Scripture that Bonhoeffer found solace and challenge came from Jeremiah 45. The struggle of Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah, his anguish and complain...