Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR No Disconnect July 16, 2023 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord ~ Psalms 139:4 NLT ~ "I'm supposed to bring a plate to the hockey banquet next week," my young son announced. "Bring a plate? What do you mean, Stephen?" I asked him, perplexed. "That's what the coach ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Lilac Garden July 14, 2023 In Your presence is fullness of joy... ~ Psalms 16:11b NASB ~ There is an attraction in Niagara Falls Canada whose huge parking area is completely empty 11 months of the year. However, this attraction bursts to life in mid spring every year, and for a few short weeks, that same parking area is full to overflowing: The Centennial Lilac Garden. ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR A Million Buttercups July 12, 2023 See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ~  Matthew 6:28-29 NIV ~ "See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dre ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Ability July 10, 2023 ...so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ~  2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV ~ "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort w ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Cabin in the Woods July 9, 2023 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ~ Mark 13:37 NIV ~ Sixty-seven years ago, I spent my last summer at Bible camp, always with the same counsellor, Christine, who wore jeans and old plaid shirts at a time when no other woman in my life did that. I trusted her enough to speak up during evening devotionals, though I was normally too shy ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Denominational Burial July 7, 2023 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28 NIV ~ Classic Illustrator "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent m ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Obstacles Everywhere July 5, 2023 My grace is sufficient for you... ~ 2 Cor. 12:9a ESV ~ "But he said to me, , for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV) "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Hair July 3, 2023 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered... ~ Matthew 10:30 NIV ~ "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)/ / ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR In the Rain July 2, 2023 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ~ James 1:2 NLT ~ "Dear brothers and sisters,a when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Persecuted... June 30, 2023 ...the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ~ James 1:3 NIV ~ Do we really even know what it is like to be persecuted? Some of you might respond with "yes". You feel like the pastor persecutes you for always approaching you to read scripture or pray at church. Or maybe someone purposefully ta ...Continue Reading