Archive for March, 2006

There are a number of products flooding our markets that carry the ‘right’ brand but are really just cheap imitations. How can you tell the difference? The poorer quality imitations often have spelling mistakes on the label. The better quality counterfeits often look the part.

The real test of genuineness is their usability. Does the imitation really wear as well, last as long or work at the same quality level?

The genuine gospel is the same. Some people can disguise the imitation so well that it appears genuine. However, the power of the good news about Jesus to transform lives over the long term is the real test.

Stephen Semenchuk

I heard a story about a bus bumping along a beach road in the country of Alabama USA.

In one seat a weather-beaten old man sat holding a bunch of fresh flowers. Across the aisle was a young girl whose eyes came back again and again to the man’s flowers. The time came for the old man to get off. Impulsively he thrust the flowers into the girl’s lap. “I can see you love the flowers”, he explained, “and I think my wife would like for you to have them”.

The girl accepted the flowers, then watched the old man get off the bus and walk through the gate of a small cemetery.

Random acts of generosity enrich our lives and demonstrate the essence of grace (unmerited love).
Let’s be a church known far and wide for its generosity and love.

Stephen Semenchuk