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A Nation Wounded

A Nation Wounded

[259 words] It seems our nation is wounded, and respect for the views of others and the Constitution has left us uncertain and in chaos. We do not know what might happen in days to come. We have no regard for mob behavior and despise violence. Uncontained violence has reared its ugly head for a year.…
A Masterpiece Takes Time

A Masterpiece Takes Time

[300 words] The stereotypical view of artistry is of the chaotic genius giving birth to great works of art and music in fits of creative energy. One moment a blank canvas, the next a masterpiece; one instant an empty score, the next a symphony. However, an investigation into the facts does not support this view.  Beethoven, one of the world’s most famous composers, rose at daybreak and worked continuously until two or three o’clock, working on multiple ideas at once.…
Accomplishing Your New Year’s Resolutions

Accomplishing Your New Year’s Resolutions

[408 words] What New Year’s resolutions have you made? Most will have made ones that were designed to make their lives or the lives around them better. Such resolutions may include: losing weight, stopping a bad habit, exercising more, becoming more organized, or having a better attitude. Now, I’m not going to be sarcastic like the man who made the New Year’s toast, “May your troubles be as short lived as your resolutions!”…
When Hate Dominates Your Thinking

When Hate Dominates Your Thinking

[188 words] This week, we witnessed first-hand what happens when negative emotions are allowed to dominate our thinking. We watched as folks – most of which had good intentions – stormed our capitol building in Washington, D.C. Property was damaged. Individuals were injured. People lost their lives. And now, their very cause has earned disrespect. I am not going to get into the politics of the event but only point out that when negative emotions are allowed to dominate our thinking, similar chaos and rioting is often the result.…
Amen to What is Right

Amen to What is Right

[211 words] Of all the goofy, depressing, and astounding things that happened recently (take your pick), my jaw literally dropped at the choice of a veteran congressman and denominational minister to finish his congressional prayer with “amen and a-woman” (not to mention the blasphemous content of his prayer). Did you know the word “amen” is the favorite word of Jesus in the book of John?…
What’s On Your Mind?

What’s On Your Mind?

[160 words] What are you thinking about these days? I am guessing if you are like a lot of people and have a steady diet of listening to the media, then you might not be thinking on the best of things. In fact, listening to the media can be depressing. One counselor made the comment that the four leading causes of depression in America was CNN, ABC, NBC, and Fox, because of all the bad news that is shared.…
To The End

To The End

[471 words] I was looking at a display in a Civil War Museum when I noticed an old letter. A Confederate soldier wrote the letter to his wife in August 1864. He mentioned some interesting things about the war and the times, but what really impressed me was how he closed the letter. I expected to see “Affectionately yours” or “With love” just before his signature.…
The End of the Matter

The End of the Matter

[290 words] Stephen Covey famously suggested that one of the habits of highly effective people is that they “begin with the end in mind.” I was thinking of that phrase recently while studying the book of Ecclesiastes at the very time that we have started a brand new year.  Seeing that this is January of 2021, it seems appropriate to begin this year with the “end of the matter” in mind. …
Craving Perspective in the Valley

Craving Perspective in the Valley

[439 words] People in the valley often have little perspective on how big the mountains really are, how long the range is, or what is waiting on the other side. Isn’t it wonderful to know that whatever valleys life tries to shove us into, God has provided perspective we badly need, yes, even crave? What really gets you down?…
Hope is Not in the Kingdoms of Men

Hope is Not in the Kingdoms of Men

[524 words] One of my favorite Bible prophets is Jeremiah. He was faithful to God in a time that being so meant persecution and punishment. It was not only foreign kings hating Jeremiah, but, so did his own people. He was imprisoned in a mucky, miry pit for being true to his true King. It is Jeremiah who pens an entire lament over the condition of God’s people. …
Inconceivable!

Inconceivable!

[284 words] In James 1:14-15, James explained the process that leads to the birth of sin. “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.” It’s interesting to note that temptation isn’t something that enters into people; rather, people enter into temptation.…
2021: Do You Have Room for Jesus?

2021: Do You Have Room for Jesus?

[176 words] Even though we have moved into the digital age, I continue to use a paper planner. I like being able to write thoughts, ideas, and make plans while turning pages. Each little block on a calendar represents 24 hours. As we write and plan on each block, do we make room for Jesus? We see in Luke 2:7 there was no room for Jesus in the inn.…
God Can, But Should He?

God Can, But Should He?

[508 words] We marvel at the scene of the tomb of Lazarus. Rightly so. How often is divine power on such spectacular display? The impact of Jesus raising dead Lazarus is evidenced by the thinking of Jewish leaders to kill Lazarus. His being alive was bringing so many people to faith in Jesus that these men felt threatened (John 12:11-12).…
Jesus Never Quit!

Jesus Never Quit!

[364 words] Jesus did not quit meeting with His disciples because Judas was a thief, nor because Peter was fickle at times. He didn’t quit preaching and living right because some of His brethren were unforgiving and unkind. He did not quit His post of leadership because He had in His presence the adulterous woman, a gang of Pharisees, or narrow-minded demon-worshipers.…
The Preacher’s Wife

The Preacher’s Wife

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[140 words] She heard all his stories andlaughed at all his jokes. She listened to every sermonWhich he ever spoke. She took care of their children All alone in the pew.As she listened to her husband Proclaim the good news. She saw him in tears as on his knees he did pray,For those that were lost and traveling the broad way. …
The Pursuit of Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness

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[92 words] When I lay my head at the end of the dayHaving pursued self and selfish playMy mind is restless and preoccupiedAnd my heart’s uneasy and ungratified. When I rest my head at the end of the dayHaving helped another push burdens awayMy mind is content and satisfiedAnd my heart is happy and fortified. So as we go about our busy dayInteracting with others along the wayIt may seem strange, but take note of this gemTrue happiness stems on what we do for them Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY… This content is for Premium and Extended Members only!…
Details

Details

[439 words] I am a “detail” oriented person. As a music director, I spent much time paying attention to the smallest of details. At least, that is what most of my students thought. They always questioned the need to repeat a section of music, or the need to do a marching formation “one more time.” Even when it comes to painting a room or a house, some would suggest just slapping paint on a wall and be done.…
A New Car! (Just Kidding)

A New Car! (Just Kidding)

[202 words] A few years ago some friends and I attended the Fort Worth Stock Show. There a local radio station was having a drawing to win a truck. A girl from our group decided to fill out as many entry forms as she could. Turns out it worked!  The next week she gets a call from the station telling her she is their grand prize winner!…
Be Strong!

Be Strong!

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[86 words] Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift: We have hard work to do and loads to lift; Shun not the struggle: face it ‘tis God’s gift. Be strong! Say not the days are evil who’s to blame? And fold the hands and acquiesce O shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s Name, Be strong!…
Our Country Needs Changes Toward Service

Our Country Needs Changes Toward Service

[177 words] The United States of America needs to make some serious changes toward serving God. We need to begin today to speak only kind, loving and respectful words. The faithful Christian speaks kind, loving words of appreciation to others. “Let your speech be alway with grace” (Colossians 4:6). The speech of a Christian must be holy, wise, gracious and intelligent.…
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

[69 words] “Behold I lay in Zion a chief __, elect, precious, and he who __ on Him will by no means be put to shame.”“The stone which the builders __ has become the chief __.”Peter says Christians are a __ generation and a royal __.True or False: Christians are God’s own special people.“…who once were not a __ but now are the people of God, who had not obtained __ but now have obtained __.…
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:11-17

[63 words] “Beloved, I beg you as __ and __, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”What type conduct should Christians display among the Gentiles?“…that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your __ __ which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”“Therefore submit yourselves to __ __ of man for the Lord’s sake…”“__ all people.…
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:18-25

[68 words] True or False: Servants were to be submissive to their masters, whether they were good and gentle or whether they were harsh.“For what __ is it if, when you are beaten for your __, you take it __?”“For to this you were called, because __ also __ for us…”True or False: Christ committed sin.“For…
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 3:1-6

[67 words] “__, be submissive to your own __,”Is it possible for someone to won to Christ by observing Christian behavior?“Do not let your adornment be merely __ — arranging the __, wearing __, or putting on fine __ —“The true adornment of a Christian woman should be the hidden person of the __, with the __ beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.What…
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 3:7-12

[68 words] “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with __, giving __ to the wife…”“Finally, all of you be of one __, having __ for one another…”Name three qualities Peter uses in verse 8 to describe the kind of actions Christians should have toward one another.“…not returning __ for __ or __ for __, but on the contrary __…”“He who would love __ and see good __, let him refrain his __ from evil, and his __ from speaking deceit.”…
On the Lighter Side (January 2021)

On the Lighter Side (January 2021)

Governmental Talent Curtis and Leroy saw an ad in the newspaper and bought a mule for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day. The next morning the farmer drove up and said, “Sorry, fellows, I have some bad news, the mule died last night.” Curtis and Leroy replied, “Well, then just give us our money back.”…
Expensive Junk and Free Treasure

Expensive Junk and Free Treasure

[376 words] The zeal with which people will pursue the toy that their kid wants most for Christmas is astounding. Every year seems to have a new fad—a new massively hard-to-purchase toy. A few years ago it was “Shopkins” (tiny collectable rubber toys). When stores sold out parents flocked to eBay and spent thousands of dollars to get them.…
A Gift for God

A Gift for God

[203 words] This is a gift-giving season. We have been given more gifts from God than we could possibly count. So, what are you giving God this season? In Ephesians 4:30, we are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Given that warning, what can we “give” to God this season?  • Read your Bible daily (2 Timothy 2:15)• Pray for the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:25)• Attend all the services of the church (Hebrews 10:25)• Abstain from the very appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)• Love one another (John 133:34)• Rejoice (Matthew 5:12; Philippians 4:4)• Be faithful whatever the cost… This content is for Premium and Extended Members only!…
Oh Be Careful What You Sing

Oh Be Careful What You Sing

[241 words] How can we sing… …that we are “Standing on the Promise” when we are rarely even sitting on the premises (Hebrew 10:23-25)? …that we have “Victory in Jesus” when we are AWOL from his army (2 Timothy 2:4)? …“When We All Get To Heaven” when we can’t even get to church (Hebrew 10:38-39)? …“I Want To Be a Worker” when we refuse to volunteer for anything (Titus 3:14)?…
Pray for Others Without Ceasing

Pray for Others Without Ceasing

[288 words] Paul’s famously inspired words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing” really come to light when observing all of his two letters to the church in Thessalonica. As documented in Acts 17, Paul, Silas, and Timothy establish the Lord’s church there after spending three Sabbaths reasoning with them from the Scriptures (v. 2). Ultimately, angry Jews chase them out of town, leaving the newly found congregation to be on its own, but of course, not without having been taught and solidified with the Truth.…
Comfort for Holiday Loneliness

Comfort for Holiday Loneliness

[362 words] Although each person is different in how they respond, there are many common reasons why people may experience loneliness. Each of us will face events in our lives that may lead us to feel alone, rejected, or out of place. The Bible records many of these events in people’s lives: Lack of friends (Psalm 142:4) Old age (Psalm 71:9)Loss of family (Luke 7:12) Sin (Isaiah 59:2)Disease (Luke 17:12) Discontent (Ecclesiastes 4:8)Insomnia (Psalm102:7)Depression (1 Kings 19:4)Poverty (Proverbs 19:4,7)Loss of identity (Job 1:13-19)Disability (Acts 3:2).…
‘Twas the Night Jesus Came

‘Twas the Night Jesus Came

[318 words] ‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house,not a person was praying, not me or my spouse.The Bible was left on the shelf without care,for no one had thought the Lord would come there.The children were dressing to crawl into bed,not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.And Mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap,was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.When…
What Does Christmas Mean to You?

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

[440 words] Soon it will be Christmas day. To children, it seems that day will never come. They dream about their time off from school, the presents they hope to receive, and seeing family they may seldom see during the rest of the year. These are things that make Christmas special for children, but what about those of us who are older?…
If the Doors Are Blocked

If the Doors Are Blocked

[318 words] Mark chapter 2 (as well as Mathew 9 and Luke 5) records the time that Jesus Christ healed a paralyzed man—one who had to be carried by his friends. The report begins by telling us Jesus was wildly popular at this particular time: “And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door…they could not get near Him because of the crowd” (Mark 2:2,4).…
Why We Need Each Other

Why We Need Each Other

[323 words] The sole business of the church is souls. The church is souls in love with God and one another. The church is souls weeping and rejoicing together, laughing and praying together, eating and singing together. The church is souls looking upward, in praise, inward in penitence, outward in practice, and forward in promise. The church is hearts knit together whose spirits share together.…
Joseph’s Integrity Needed by All

Joseph’s Integrity Needed by All

[214 words] Marriage and fatherhood are not just quaint human traditions. They didn’t evolve out of ancient needs or convenience. The humanists and feminists all assume this and that is where they are very wrong. Fathers are important. Not just to physically produce children. But to raise them and produce a Godly home. Marriage and the traditional family are God’s way.…
They Gave Till They Heard ‘Stop Giving’

They Gave Till They Heard ‘Stop Giving’

[421 words] It was a plethora! In fact, the two lead craftsmen of the tabernacle said that they had, “more than enough for doing the work of the Lord” (Ex. 36:5). What a statement to be made about God’s people. There was work to be done, there was a godly plan to be executed, and the people were right there with what was, “sufficient to do all the work, and more” (Ex.…
Who Sees You?

Who Sees You?

[467 words] Michael was a sculptor. At age 33, he was just starting to make his mark in the art world, working on a piece for the biggest art patron in the world. So when that patron asked him to switch projects from the one he had his heart set on and paint a fresco instead, he balked.…
Talk to Someone Today

Talk to Someone Today

[370 words] In John 4, Jesus makes the decision to go from Judea to Galilee (v.3). Samaria lay between the two. John 4:4 states, “But He needed to go through Samaria” (v.4). Most of us well know that the Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies. In fact, many Jews making the same trek Jesus was about to make would take a longer circuitous route just to avoid Samaritan soil.…
Signs of Grace

Signs of Grace

[370 words] Paul began his second letter to the Thessalonian church with these encouraging words, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure” (2 Thess.…
An Important Question

An Important Question

[295 words] The question asked in Psalm 116:12, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”, could only come from the lips of humans. Humans alone are endowed with the ability to be concerned about gratitude and its obligations.  Two thoughts might be considered in regard to that question. They are telling when we relate them to ourselves.…
Can You Say, “Jesus Christ, My Lord”?

Can You Say, “Jesus Christ, My Lord”?

[394 words] In Rom. 5:21, Paul states that eternal life is through “Jesus Christ our Lord.” That threefold name of our Savior is an interesting progression that we must go through to truly have salvation in Him. Jesus. Jesus was His given name. Although it means “Savior” we have to remember that it was a very common name in first century Palestine.…
Paper Dolls

Paper Dolls

[345 words] Paper dolls, paper people that came with paper clothes and could be cut out and played with. They never were a very durable toy, but they could be printed on the back of a cereal box cheaply and kids could get a free toy to play with. What happened when two kids wanted to play with the doll?…
Reminders

Reminders

[210 words] We all need reminders. If not for our digital calendars and alarms, our post-it notes, and our spouses, most of us would be lost and would fail to meet most deadlines. The Lord let Peter know that he had a responsibility to remind his fellow Christians about what was truly important (2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1-2).…
The Empty Swing

The Empty Swing

[268 words] Last Sunday afternoon, I walked for about forty minutes at home. It was a nice, brisk fall after-noon. I finished up walking as the darkness was moving in on our part of the world. As the wind blew, I could see out of the corner of my eye a swing in a tree we put up for Ellie swinging in the wind, empty.…
Psalm 27: A Message in Life

Psalm 27: A Message in Life

[342 words] Life is in need of Courage. Some men prepare themselves for the battle ahead mustering up courage to engage. For some, try as they might, it does not come easy. The battle is engaged, they learn they had more within than they realized. Some Christians wonder about themselves when they face the enemy. Commitment to the Lord means they are better prepared than they realize. …
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 1:13-16

[36 words] “Therefore __ up the loins of your __…”What does Peter say Christians should rest their hope upon?What type of children should Christians be?“not conforming yourself to the former __, as in your __;”“Be __, for I am __.” Solution: gird, mind; the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ; obedient; lusts, ignorance; holy, holy BulletinDigest.com……
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 1:17-21

[57 words] True or False: God judges everyone’s work without partiality.“conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in __;”True or False: Christians were redeemed with corruptible things.“With the precious __ of Christ, as of a __ without blemish and without spot.”“He indeed was __ before the __ of the world, but was __ in these lasts times for you…” Solution: true; fear; false; blood, lamb; foreordained, foundation, manifest BulletinDigest.com……
Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 2:6-10

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 1:22-25

[49 words] “Since you have __ your souls in obeying the __…”How should Christians love one another, according to verse 22?Of what type of seed have Christians been born again?What does the incorruptible seed refer to?“The grass withers, and its flowers fade away, but the __ of the __ endures forever.” Solution: purified, truth; fervently, with a pure heart; incorruptible; the word of God; word, Lord BulletinDigest.com……