–by Allan PoleServing others is challenging and rewarding, frustrating and fulfilling. We sacrifice time, energy and money to reach out and help. Why do we do it? I find the answer in Psalm 126:5-6: “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will
–by Allan Pole The God of heaven and earth invites us into His family! The Apostle John describes who we are and what we will become in 1 John 3:1-3. Please take a few moments to read these verses. The relationship between Jesus and His people grows because of who we are and
–by Allan Pole Many Jews expected the Messiah to arise in great glory and lead them in a mighty military victory over their oppressors. When would this king and His kingdom appear? How would God establish and expand His influence on the earth? While the people talked about a glorious, conquering king, Jesus
–by Allan Pole When the American space program chose its first seven astronauts, an essential part of the screening process involved their answers to the simple statement, “I am ...” They asked each candidate to complete this sentence 50 different ways. After using the common responses “I am a man, I am a
–by Allan Pole The Son of God could have stayed safely and comfortably in heaven, enjoying unbroken communion with the Father, the Holy Spirit, the angels and the saints who have gone before us. Instead, He put the needs and desires of others before His own to become a baby in a dirty,
–by Allan Pole Mary, the mother of Jesus, has received much attention. She is admired by many for her willingness to cooperate with God’s plan. Consider the qualities of the Messiah’s mother that prompted the angel Gabriel to greet her with, “You who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” Please take
–by Allan Pole Having a clear vision is essential for progress—especially through difficult times. Imagine how difficult it would be to walk if your eyesight was poor, if it was dark in the room, or if you had your head down. It’s not difficult to imagine, because I have stubbed my toe in
–by Allan Pole A self-made millionaire, Eugene Lang greatly changed the lives of a sixth-grade class in East Harlem, New York. Mr. Lang had been asked to speak to a class of 59 sixth graders. What could he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of school? He wondered
–by Allan Pole I am encouraged as I reflect on how far my relationship with the Lord has grown. I have come a long way from when I went to church meetings, Sunday School, kids’ club and camp as a boy. All this from small beginnings! The Lord’s influence in my life certainly
–by Allan Pole“I did all that for him, and he didn’t even say thank you!” I know people who raise children, serve in the church, volunteer in the community and serve others with little or no recognition. These are heroes amongst us who have discovered the joy of serving. How often have we complained about
Lifeway research summarizes 7 Encouraging Trends of Global Christianity in 2022 as follows: 1. Religious faith is growing faster than the irreligious. 2. Christianity continues to grow. 3. Growth is fastest in the global South (especially Africa and Asia). 4. Christianity continues to spread out. 5. The percentage of non-Christians who know
I enjoy travelling. I have discovered, however, that it is good to go away, and it is good to come home. Restaurant food can be good, but it can all taste the same after a while. I have recognized that there is no bed quite like my own. Yes, travelling is fun, but
It is always interesting to observe people’s reactions when they learn that I am a pastor. While these responses might be more exaggerated because I am a “man of the cloth,” every disciple of Christ tends to elicit different reactions when we reveal our relationship with Jesus to others. How do we deal
Here is the link to: How to Build Bridges There was a time of great stress and change for Israel more than 1,000 years before Christ. King Saul had died, and David ruled over the tribe of Judah from Hebron for seven and a half years. Then the other tribes decided to reunite
A man bought a new hunting dog. Eager to see how it would perform, he took it out one day hoping to track down big game. No sooner had they gone into the woods when the animal picked up the trail of a bear, with the hunter following close behind. Suddenly, the dog stopped, sniffed
Are you facing overwhelming adversity? How can you tap into God’s strength amid such challenges? Let’s turn back the pages of time to more than 1,000 years before Christ. King Saul of Israel was on the brink of disaster. He had chased the young warrior, David (whom he felt threatened by), out of
Most Christians today probably can’t imagine Christmas on any other day than December 25th, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, for the first three centuries of Christianity’s existence, Jesus Christ’s birth wasn’t celebrated at all. The first official mention of December 25th, as a holiday honouring Jesus’ birthday, appears in an
What are the vital ingredients in a strong, loving relationship? What makes strong homes, friendships, churches and communities? The Apostle Paul provides the answer in Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.” –NIV A strong community is marked by devotion. One study of 3,000 strong
In a world filled with frustration and division, it helps to step back and think about the God of the universe and His generous gifts. Thanks be to God for what He has given. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 of how the Lord has given us His indescribable gift.
At one time or another, many of us have dreamed of a glorious and glamorous life as an athlete, actor or actress, entertainer, businessperson or politician. Okay, maybe not a politician. Jesus points to a different road leading to glory in John 13:1-17. Would you please take a few minutes to read this
