Hope Reformed Church (URC) in Brampton, ON, installed Rev. John A. Bouwers on December 1, 2017. Rev. Harry Bout, minister emeritus of Immanual URC in Jordan, exhorted from 2 Timothy 4:1-8, on “Preach the Word!” Rev. Joel Dykstra, Wellandport URC, gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Matthew Van Dyken, Eternal Life Mission in … Continue reading Hope for Brampton
HOPE in 2018
One of the best things about Facebook is reconnecting with old friends, and I recently had an interesting exchange with a few far-flung friends from my school days. We talked about the word God is leading us to choose for 2018. We may all view this word a little differently, but essentially it captures an … Continue reading HOPE in 2018
Slaying the Discouragement Dragon
Discouragement can seem as overwhelming as a fire-breathing dragon. It singes your body, saps your energy, and steals your very breath. Like Smaug in The Hobbit, its speech invades your mind and twists your thinking. How can you defend yourself against such an insuperable enemy? Several recent events have discouraged me in my work. In … Continue reading Slaying the Discouragement Dragon
Steadfast love, Psalm 33
The English Standard Version (ESV) uses a term that I cherish: steadfast love. The King James (KJV) and New King James (NKJV) translate the same phrase as "goodness," while the American Standard Version (ASV) translates it as "lovingkindness" and the New International Version (NIV84) uses "unfailing love." Based on what I've heard from those who know … Continue reading Steadfast love, Psalm 33
Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
Do you ever feel as if God has forgotten you? Does it feel as if he's hidden his face from you forever? You're not alone! Many believers have often felt isolated and alienated, including that psalm master, David. No psalmist conveys the range of human emotions better than David. In his short Psalm 13, he cries from … Continue reading Bountiful dealings, Psalm 13
Glenda Faye Mathes 