GOD ORDAINED FRIENDSHIPS Syb Brodie Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back …
The Friendship Bench by Lorraine Payette One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 As I sit at the computer keyboard to start this Scuttlebutt, I am watching perhaps millions of snowflakes swirling and going sideways …
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21 My first thoughts for January’s article was to write about the dangers of choosing to go from church to church in order to find that special one that gives you what you want …
When the Psalmist asked God to search him to see if there was any offensive way in him (Psalm 139:23-24), I’m reasonably sure it wasn’t a new year prayer – but it could have been. The new year seems to provide us with a unique opportunity to examine our lives …
Only You In a humble stable lay As a babe in a manger on a bed of hay. Hark! The Angels rejoice and sing Holy Holy to our Lord and King. Only You Did an angel shining so bright Tell the Shepherds . . . In Bethlehem is born this …
David Foster wrote a popular Christmas song in which he outlined what was on his “grown-up Christmas list.” It was not a list for himself but represented his adult desires for a world in need. His list included… “No more lives torn apart; That wars would never start; That time …
BEAUTIFUL WORDS > Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a “steering wheel” that directs the right path throughout. > A Car’s WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important …
SHARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Excerpted from Jesus Light of the World: 10 Christmas Reflections on the Life and Light of Christ by Our Daily Bread We live in a dark world. Sometimes our circumstances seem hopeless. Often the darkness is within us, the pitch-black void of our own sin. …
APHORISM: A Short, Pointed Sentence That Expresses A Wise or Clever Observation or A General Truth. 1) The nicest thing about the future is … that it always starts tomorrow. 2) Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail. 3) Seat belts are …
I seem to talk, think and write a lot about time. Maybe because at my age I’m fast running out of it. Or it could be because the world around me is fast spinning out of control. Whatever the reason, it’s my earthly time I’m thinking about here that is …
God’s love is not some fuzzy thing That lets us do what we think best; It guides and warns, and shows the way, And always puts us to the test. – D. De Haan In previous years, I have taken part in many Bible studies and courses. A very memorable …
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 Have you ever taken part in a Vacation Bible Camp week? I have had the blessing many times over the years, and what a joy filled week it can be. …
JOANNA March 18, 1936 – August 18, 2022 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of …
Every one of us has a day coming. When God created man he put within him an eternal soul. (Genesis 2:7) The Bible says, “He who wins souls (not bodies) is wise.” (Prov. 11:30) That soul part of you is the real part of you that will take on a …
Purify my heart, let me be as gold and precious silver, Purify my heart,let me be as gold, pure gold. Refiner’s fire: My heart’s one desire, is to be holy, set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy set apart for You, my Master; Ready to do your …
I may be dating myself here, but have you ever heard the old saying “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear?” The meaning is somewhat self explanatory but let me explain what I am getting at with this analysis. A sow or pig’s ear is all …
I have always had a hard time understanding how one went about introducing people to my faith and beliefs in such a way that there might be an acceptance, or at least the hope of not meeting with outright rejection. There have been some notable disasters which this amateur evangelist …
As the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal noted, we have a God-shaped void in our lives that can only be filled by God. When Neil’s brother Frank died, his wife Germaine sent some of his belongings to my husband. There was quite an age gap between these brothers, as …
It’s vitally important how we view life. Some feel they’re just an accident and as a result they drift through life with little purpose. Others really haven’t thought about it and so they get caught up in a mindless cycle of daily living. Others however truly believe that God created …
O’ What a day, what a day that will be, When Jesus, my Saviour sets me free. When I finally look upon His face Somewhere between time and space O’ what a day, what a day shall enfold When laughter surrounds me on streets of gold Voices sing loudly in …
HEAVEN is a place of complete victory and glorious triumph. This is the battlefield; there is the triumphal procession. This is the land of the sword and the spear; that is the land of the wreath and the crown. This is the land of the garment rolled in blood and …
But our Citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20 I wrote this many years ago when I applied for my United States citizenship at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. It was a weird day filled with errors and …
I want to start by asking you a question that has been on my heart for some time. When the world around us seems to be crumbling in chaos, how does God want His children to respond? Let’s spend some time in the scriptures discovering answers to this question starting …
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3 Maybe you can relate to this confession of mine for it may be yours too in one form or another. I am a Social Media junkie! …
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but …
YEARS END The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions O LOVE BEYOND COMPARE, You are good when you give, when you take away, when the sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me. You have loved me before the foundation of the world, and in …
What Love… A little babe in manger lay mother beside Him — with love did gaze upon her babe in swaddling clothes The Son of God — an angel disclosed. What love What faith What gift divine Sent from Heaven for all mankind. What love This willing Savior gave so …
JESUS BIRTH PROPHESIED in ISAIAH 9: 2, 6-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on …
As I sit here typing, the weather outside is cold and it’s suppose to snow but it isn’t here yet, but winter has arrived! For those who live here, it is beginning to ‘Feel a lot like Christmas’. Not like a Bethlehem Christmas weather wise, but Jesus is the ‘Reason …
Snowflakes & Prayers – Scuttlebutt from the Pulpit I sat in the predawn darkness praying and watching the uncountable swirling snowflakes in the halo of the street light. Many thoughts about them came into mind as I prayed. It never ceases to amaze me that something so fragile, so feather …
1) I’m at a place in my life where errands start to count as going out. 2) I don’t always go the extra mile, but when I do it’s because I missed my exit. 3) I loved approaching 80, I learned something new every day and then forgot five other …
Helen Steiner Rice – A Collection of Encouragement God gives us a power we so seldom employ, For we’re so unaware it is filled with such joy. The gift that God gives us is anticipation, Which we can fulfill with sincere expectation, For there’s power in belief when we think …
The Bible warns of a time when “…men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and …
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are …
Karen’s Sculpture, “The Spirit Within” Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Steadfast – Immovable, firm in purpose, belief, faith, firmly established, unwavering, loyal. When God took my husband Neil home almost eleven years ago, I would say that grief …
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Most of us have read the poem ‘If Jesus came to your House,’ but what if Jesus …
I recall a summer like this circa 1985 or so. High temperatures everyday. No rain, no summer breeze. Just hot, sticky. Back then I was one of the owners of Odd’s Bodkin, a Jean store and video rental outlet. Everyday after work, we could hardly wait to lock up for …
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 Lately I was reading Luke 16:19:31 about the rich man (his name is never given) and the beggar Lazarus where the Scripture begins with … “There was a rich man who was …
MY HOPE! My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand; Edward Mote 1797-1874 William …
I am amazed at how many people forty and younger are unfamiliar with the adages with which I was raised. These words of wisdom are as true today as they were in the last century and century before and century before….. I recall a colouring book I had as a …
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 These are the last words recorded that Jesus spoke before His death on the Cross. It begs the question, ‘What did He finish?’ The words themselves imply …
WHAT SATAN CANNOT DO! Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:1-2 Satan is a name for the Devil as well as Lucifer which means ‘shining one’. The supremely Evil Spirit who is the enemy of …
Back when I was young in Christian maturity, my thinking about the meaning of the words ‘Disciple and Apostle’ were that they pretty well meant one and the same thing. Not so I learned from my Bible dictionary which stated that ‘Disciple’ means ‘follower or learner’. Someone who follows another …
Happy New Year my dear readers! With this long siege we are living with Corona Virus, I feel it is time for some light-hearted humor. Hopefully you will all get a chuckle or two to brighten your day. I wrote this articles quite a few years ago and some of …
SHED BLOOD Thank You Lord Jesus for victory in the shedding of Your blood on Calvary. My sin upon Your shoulders my debt paid in full, Dear suffering Servant. Heaven’s entry guaranteed, unworthy soul that I am washed white from Crimson Red. Empty tomb of sacrificial grace leads me to …
GOD IS . . . If we as Christians believe God’s word to be true, why do we feel the happenings in this world are not under His control? Why do we feel hopeless when we hear of ‘Wars and rumors of wars’. Why do we fear? Have we forgotten …
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 What is courage? The dictionary’s definition is . . . “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a …
What does it mean to be a liberated woman? In the sixties this became a hot topic for women wanting equality with men in jobs and pay which continues to this day but has morphed as I see it, into a militant negativity towards women as well as men. In …
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor.4:17-18 Years ago a …
Dredging the bottom looking for the mirror Bible in hand, is anything clearer? The twists and turns someone will say What is the start, where is the end, why must we pray? I am but new to the divine path Dodging and weaving am I escaping wrath? Some things seem …
Covid-19 Relief Jokes 1) 2019: Stay away from negative people. 2020: Stay away from positive people. 2) The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors! 3) Day 7 at home and the dog is …
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6 Once upon a time in a land not so far away, there was a young girl who lived for one year with her family of six in a …
From Mere Christianity Compiled in A Year with C.S. Lewis I find I must borrow yet another parable from George MacDonald. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right …
SOMETIMES A LIGHT SURPRISES William Cowper (words) Craig Courtney (music) Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain. In …
Palm Sunday began for me as any other Sunday except that I was not getting ready to pick up Linda and Lillian before making my way to church. I thought, “Okay I will see what is on TV to fill me with thoughts of what Jesus was doing on this …
For years the world has enjoyed the success of advancements in many areas. In countless ways we are much better off than our forefathers. Even I can remember horse-drawn milk delivery wagons, ice boxes to keep food from spoiling and scrub boards to wash clothes. But – has all our …
We always seem to get a lot of snowstorms in March right around the Spring Equinox. It’s that wet, heavy sticky snow great for building snowmen but back breaking to shovel. The last storm no one was out building snowmen and the streets were very quiet on my morning walk …
Jesus invitation was and is today, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 This month I’m writing about a time when the church I was attending was in a period of unrest. A time when Satan had planted …
When I was at Pinegrove Baptist Church in Bracebridge I was editor of their yearly newsletter which somehow morphed into three to four times . . . a yearly newsletter. I renamed it Pinegrove Action News or PANews for short. In it I would get many in the congregation to …
The Lord is a Warrior – Jehovah is His Name! From sinking sand He lifted me, With tender hand He lifted me, From shades of night to plains of light, O praise His name, He lifted me! Gabriel As most of you know, I have been sidetracked from my writing …
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Revelation 3:15 After years of disobedient living the above words from the Lord jumped out at me. The ‘Good Life’ which in reality is not good at all, but …
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23 In any organization, one does not see or hear about all the workers that are laboring behind the scenes to keep things flowing smoothly. Some do it out of love for their job, for …
I find I must borrow yet another parable from George MacDonald. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: …
Be Strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong, How hard the battle goes, the day how long: Faint not – fight on! Tomorrow comes the song. Babcock At eleven years of age my girlfriend Ann Taylor encouraged me to attend a church service at the Salvation Army. This may …
I’m flying home soon from half way up the Mountain, and will be in the hills of Huntsville sometime in the beginning of March. Now we have been having some winter storms here as they do in most mountains, with the snow two to four inches, with more expected in …
The one who lives righteously and speaks rightly, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears from listening to murderous plots and shuts his eyes to avoid endorsing evil– he will dwell on the heights; his refuge will be the rocky fortresses, his …
HALF WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN – Syb Brodie Hello my EncouraGem friends and followers. I am basking in blessings here in California, and having an uplifting time with my sons and their families. I am staying at one sons home half way up the San Bernardino mountain which is very …
C. S. Lewis to Mary Willis Shelburne, June 17, 1963: On how to rehearse for death and how to diminish fear. Pain is terrible, but surely you need not have fear as well? Can you not see death as the friend and deliverer? It means stripping off that body which …
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE WORDS 1) The meaning of opaque is unclear. 2) I wasn’t going to get a brain transplant but then I changed my mind. 3) Have you ever tried to eat a clock? It’s very time consuming. 4) A man tried to assault me with milk, cream …
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 When in a store lineup waiting to check out and someone comes up behind me with just a few items, I will often tell them to go ahead. Jokingly …
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your powers among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14 It seems anyone’s thought on miracles surrounds grand happenings or gestures which have profound effects in life. From water to wine, from invalid to health, from death to life this is often where we go …
I love this Prayer from John G. Whittier, that became a hymn when set to music by Frederick C. Maker in the mid 1800’s. Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our feverish ways! Re-clothe us in our rightful mind; In purer lives Thy service find, In deeper reverence, praise. …
A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of the term, still with the cast under his shirt, he found himself assigned to …
* That when your in love, it shows. * That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. * That being kind is more important than being right. * That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, …
