Spiritual Growth

[344 words] Parents are rightly concerned about the physical development of their children. They will keep a close check on the height and weight of growing children. They will encourage them to eat food that will be healthy and will help them to grow stronger. Christians of all ages need to be concerned about our…

God Isn’t Finished With You Yet

[418 words] For the conscientious Christian, weaknesses and failures can be particularly vexing. To put it bluntly and personally, I hate it when I fail to live up to God’s standard. It irritates me. I know that when it comes to sinners, the apostle Paul staked a claim to the moniker, “chief” (1 Tim. 1:15).…

When Band-Aids Are Not Enough

[231 words] Every medicine cabinet should have a supply of Band-Aids of various sizes. They are excellent for keeping small cuts and scrapes clean and making “boo-boo’s” feel better. However, Band-Aids are inadequate treatments for cancerous tumors, broken femurs, or blocked arteries. This insight is true in our personal lives as well. A smile and…

Healthy Living

[279 words] It seems increasingly difficult to know what is and what is not good for us. When blood cholesterol levels were first identified, we were told that butter was bad for us. Now we are told that butter is better for us than margarine (trans-fatty acids, you see). Eggs were bad, now they are…

Sobriety Tests

[600 words] The Bible says Christians are to be sober. We must “be sober” if we are to face our adversary the devil (1 Pet. 5:8). Young and old and men and women alike must “live soberly” in this sinful world (Titus 2:1-12). Like many other virtues we read in the New Testament, this word…

Hard Does Not Mean Impossible!

[195 words] I have often used the expression, “it is hard to rise above your raising.” Those who are raised in an abusive home often abuse others. Many who abuse drugs learned that way of living at home. Unfaithful parents raise unfaithful children. Such children grow up believing that immorality, hatefulness, and abuse is normal.…

Symbolism in a Clean Office

[251 words] Cleaning my office was quite a chore. But, oh, did it make a difference. Our secretary walked in and said, “Look at this! It looks so clean and organized!” My wife complemented the new look as well. A few others have popped in and made remarks about how it looks so much cleaner.…

How to Live for Christ

[155 words] Do good to all people no matter what they do to you (Galatians 6:10). Christ is our example of doing good (Acts 10:38). We must follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). * Bless and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Christ was hated, mocked, spat upon, beaten…yet He prayed, “Father, forgive them”…

Ninja Warriors

[172 words] I’m enjoying watching Ninja Warriors on TV. Both men and women of all ages compete on a very difficult obstacle course that requires strength, agility and determination. The show gets you so involved that you begin to move and squirm in your chair trying to help the contestant succeed. And the TV…

Leaving Your Bible?

[507 words] My father and mother used to carry a Bible to church with them every Sunday. My brothers and sisters and I, when we were old enough to read, were given a Bible so we could do the same. We didn’t leave the house without our Bible because my father would surely tell…

Goals with No Nets

[386 words] Back in the day, friends would invite me to meet them somewhere to play a pick-up game of basketball, and few things are more disappointing than showing up to play a game of basketball and seeing a goal with no net. While I might have verbalized my disappointment, it didn’t prevent me from…

Measuring Growth

We measure the growth of children with a yardstick. We measure the growth of knowledge by testing students in school. But how do you measure spiritual growth? Second Peter gives us the measuring stick. We must “add to our faith” (2 Pet. 1:5-8). Our children grow to be six feet tall, but they do it…