Ministry > DanielParker
Presence in the Seasons
Read: Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil (v.1)
The book Ulysses by James Joyce is often hailed as a masterpiece of modern fiction, but to some it’s a strange if not wholly incomprehensible book. Joyce himself was considered odd as well. His preferred writing position was to lie down…
The Road Less Travelled
Read: Romans 14:1-23
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (v.19 niv).
Brian Jackson lives for adventure. For years he’s led expeditions into some of the most extreme environments on the planet. Having trekked thousands of miles across many continents, he loves nothing more than setting foot where no known human has ever…
The Spirit's Wind
Read: Acts 2:1-12
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting (v.2).
It was October, a month in my part of the world when temperatures begin to dip and the leaves of many types of trees turn brilliant colours. The trees dazzled me with their autumn glory.…
Led by the Spirit
Read: Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil (v.1)
The book Ulysses by James Joyce is often hailed as a masterpiece of modern fiction, but to some it’s a strange if not wholly incomprehensible book. Joyce himself was considered odd as well. His preferred writing position was to lie down…
God is Near
I n our fast-paced and ever-changing world, finding guidance and purpose can sometimes be difficult. Amidst confusions, our faith in Christ gives us hope because as believers, we are called to be led by the Spirit in every aspect of our lives. The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit, sent by God, is our guide, counselor, and comforter. Through the indwelling…
Evidence of Kindness
God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness (v.7). (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Several children and their parents filed into a room in which a neo-natal nurse sat. The kids were carrying pictures of themselves as premature infants—years ago, they had been cared for by the nurse. Before the group…
The Reward Of Kindness
What’s the name of the other man who didn’t want to marry Ruth?” Another student shouted, “my friend!” (v. 1). (Ruth 4:1, 7–10)
After recounting the story of Ruth in the Bible, the teacher asked his Sunday school class, “What’s the name of the man who married Ruth?” Six-year-old Tommy confidently shouted, “Boaz!” The teacher then followed up with…
The Beauty of Kindness
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (vv.31-32) (Ephesians 4:17-32)
While sitting in the waiting room at my mechanic’s garage, I watched a segment on the waiting- room’s television about a “Secret Santa”. Each year he gives away…
The Power of Kindness
If you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly (v.8). (Romans 12:1-8 )
One Saturday last year, my family rode our bikes to a city market. Each weekend the market takes over a car park and presents a diverse group of vendors’ booths. The place overflows with organic produce, baked goods and every imaginable artisan craft creation…
Legacy of Kindness
All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Acts 9:39
Martha served as an assistant teacher at an elementary school for over thirty years. Every year, she saved money to buy new coats, scarves, and gloves for students in need. After she lost…
Kindness and Hospitality
If you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly (v.8). (Romans 12:7-9)
Recently three of my son’s football teammates spent the weekend with us. On Saturday the boys decided to ride their cycles to the home of some friends of mine. Though they weren’t expecting guests, the Andersons showered the boys with hospitality when they arrived…
Acts of Kindness
[Tabitha] was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36
“Estera, you got a present from our friend Helen!” my mom told me when she got home from work. Growing up we didn’t have much, so receiving a present in the mail was like a second Christmas. I felt loved, remembered, and valued by God through this wonderful woman.
The…
Constant Kindness
Be kind and compassionate to one another. Ephesians 4:32
When I was a child I was an ardent reader of L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz books. I recently came across Rinkitink in Oz with all the original artwork. I laughed again at the antics of Baum’s irrepressible, good-hearted King Rinkitink with his down-to-earth goodness. Young Prince Inga described him…
Anonymous Kindness
When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3
When I first graduated from college, I found myself needing to adopt a strict grocery budget—twenty-five dollars a week (which is roughly INR 2000), to be exact. One day, while entering the checkout line, I suspected the groceries I’d…
Unexpected Kindness
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10
My friend was waiting to pay for her groceries when the man in front of her turned around and handed her a voucher for £10 ($14) (which is roughly INR 820) off her bill. Short on sleep, she burst into tears because of his kind act;…
