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Someone ought to write a book called 'In The Name Of Science - Fraudsters Within' because quite a few pronouncements made in the name of science have been accepted as true, but soon after have been found to be deliberate fabrications. Not that the bulk of scientists do not try to be honest and unbiased in their work, but some have no scruples, and will say anything to 'prove' what they want people to believe.

Take the German zoology professor Ernst Haekel (1834-1919). He was so keen on the theory of evolution that he drew a series of embryos in such a way as to make them all look similar. He believed that all life had a common origin, so all embryos ought to go through an 'evolution' from fertilized seed, to embryo, to newborn which reflects that evolution. Haekel ignored actual embryos and drew what he wanted to see. His fictions were published and accepted into scientific textbooks, and even today many people are unaware that they have accepted blatant lies in the name of science.

Another scientist (H.B.Kettlewell) fraudulently used peppered moths to support his case. He claimed that certain moths in England demonstrated evolution because as the tree trunks the moths were supposed to rest on gradually became darker due to industrial soot, the moths evolved into a darker-winged variety. Since then some of the world's leading journals, for example 'Nature' 396, admit that the moth 'proof' is . . .

Read more: Fraudsters Within

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It seemed fitting that the sky hung heavy and low. It seemed right that the wind was bitter, howling with the fierce shriek of winter around a tiny country cemetery. There was a very small hole in the ground and a very tiny casket to be put into it. It seemed appropriate that we all stood numbed by the cold of that day.

A friend of mine once wrote a poem about Adam, Eve and God in the Garden of Eden. It was a good poem, well constructed with a strong rhythm and powerful images. One of those images often comes to mind when bad things happen to good people. It's an image of God curled into a fetal position, and the wailing sound of His weeping.

Sometimes we ask hard questions. Why did that baby have to die, God? Why is my friend suffering with a painful cancer? Why are those people in Africa starving? We don't usually get a good answer to those questions. They leave us numb and they leave us wondering if God is there.

But then there is that image and that sound. In my friend's poem God mourned the first disobedience, the first break in His relationship with the creatures He put on the earth.

The picture my friend painted with his words was of a God who cares, a God who feels our pain, a God who . . .

Read more: Hard Questions

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We’ve been talking about heaven over the last weeks and I’d like to continue that today as we take a moment to look at some difficult verses of Scripture in 2 Peter 3. What we are about to read describes a common struggle for many people, likely the majority of the population of Canada struggles with this misconception in one way or another. Let’s read verses 3 and 4 to see this concern:  “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”  

The phrase, ‘the promise of His coming’ points to our subject of heaven and the struggle for many is that the evidence of ‘no change’ is stronger than the Scripture’s declarations about heaven. ‘Nothing has changed’, they say, ‘societies and cities still exist, people still work and play, wars and taxes and death… they are all still here. Not only that, but there are so many other worthwhile interests to occupy our attention rather than to try to understand something so mystical as heaven. In fact because you show such interest in this you must be a dreamer, you must not be very realistic, for to believe in . . .

Read more: Setting Your Mind on the Things Above III

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This week has been a wake up call for me, being a grandmother of five, two of which are staying with us for the week. They are two rambunctious, free-willed, spirited young boys, ages 10 and 12.  They love one another; yet, they will do anything in their power to keep a row going between them or to get one of them in trouble - just to holler, 'he did it!'

I didn't realize that I'm actually getting 'old'. Can you identify? I don't mean I look old or even feel my age, just that I am not as young as I once was. I just can't stand a lot of bickering, even when I know they aren't going to kill one another with words, although, sometimes, they say it aloud!  Once you have gotten the ability to live a quiet, sedated life, and then noise to the 10th degree comes in, you are ready to pull out your hair! Actually, I can't wait until Friday afternoon - two more days to go!  Oh, don't get me wrong. I love my grandsons! They are two of the most loving boys, hugging you all the time, kissing on you, wanting to set on your lap, very polite - yet, they get on my last nerve, when they begin to holler and chase one another, or get to wrestling in my house. 

I just have to remember that these two boys have a life ahead of them in which they will either be hone and refined by the Grace of God. Or, they will be two of the biggest hardheads in the world. :)  Right now, I'm leaning toward . . .

Read more: Honed And Refined

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It happened on Easter Sunday morning--the one morning when as a pastor you want everything to go "just right." Praise filled the large sanctuary, the pastor welcomed with delight the many guests, and began his "made-for-Easter" Resurrection sermon.

Now you must understand that we have an incredible pastor who can handle anything with grace--sound system breakdowns, service emergencies, whatever--he's just good!

And so--when a mom had to quickly exit with a very disturbed little boy yelling "Daddee--Daddee" all the way down the long aisle to the exit, he stopped the sermon, enjoyed the moment with everyone, worked it into his sermon theme, and went on to a wonderful conclusion. Many people came to Christ at an Easter altar. Sunday night we learned the "rest of the story."

What brought one specific man to Christ during that altar call?
Pastor related to us, "This is amazing -- it was NOT my sermon that DID it!" When the chuckles died down, he explained, "In the service was a man who never knew his dad, was put into an . . .

Read more: "DADDEE...DADDEE!"

  1. A Trace of Irish Brogue And the Genetic Code
  2. Setting your Mind on the Things Above? II
  3. Changing Scientific Position
  4. It's All About Repentance

Subcategories

The Spur Article Count:  92

Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada.  Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others.  To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com

Wonders of Creation Article Count:  37

Written By Richard Gunther.

Harris Dvores Article Count:  1

Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.

Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count:  49

Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.

Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count:  2

Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.

Diane Davis Article Count:  1

Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police.  Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren.  She is also Pastor Tim's mom.

Melva's Devotions Article Count:  48

Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.

Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.

Barb's Mantle Article Count:  59

Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site.  Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Sandra Boyte Article Count:  10

Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion.  No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls.  Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.

Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count:  98

Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Peggie's Den Article Count:  77

"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"

Misc Article Count:  77

Miscellaneous archived items.

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