Unapproachable Light

[207 words] The sun, as you know, is pretty hot. In 2018 NASA aimed straight for it, launching the Parker Solar Probe. It is now the first spacecraft to have flown into the low solar corona, the sun’s lower “atmosphere.” as it were. The probe is fitted with a four-inch-thick carbon-carbon material, the most sophisticated…

The Instruction of a Father

[582 words] Fathers are important to the development of children. We are thankful for those men who take seriously the command of Ephesians 6:4 by lovingly bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord rather than provoking them to anger. In their interactions with their children, fathers must avoid relating to…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 3:5-7

[64 words] “For this they willfully __: that by the word of God the __ were of old…””…and the __ standing out of water and in the water,”True or False: The world that existed perished by fire.True or False: The heavens and the earth are preserved by the word of God.True or False: On the…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 3:8-13

[62 words] “But, beloved, do not __ this one thing, that with the Lord one __ is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one __.”True or False: God desires for all men to come to repentance.The day of the Lord will come as a __ in the night.“…both the __ and the…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 3:14-18

[74 words] “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be __ to be __ by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…”True or False: The long-suffering of our Lord is salvation.True or False: People never twisted Paul’s writings.“…beware lest you also __ from your own steadfastness, being led away with the __ of the wicked;”“but…

Quotes and Sayings (June 2021)

[285 words] “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” — John Lubbock “Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the…

On the Lighter Side (June 2021)

Summer Riddles Q: What do cats like to eat in the summer?A: Mice Cream Cones! Q: What do you call a tiger that drinks lemonade?A: A sour puss! Q: What do frogs eat in the summer?A: Hopsicles!  Q: Why can’t you play hide and seek with mountains?A: Because their always peeking Q: Where do sheep…

If Not for Godly Mothers

[300 words] There are a lot of things in life that we might be able to do without, but the benefits of godly mothers are not one of them! Can anyone imagine what this world would be like if it were not for them? We would miss: The Teaching of Eunice. Timothy’s mother, along with…

Scars Tell a Story

[372 words] A few years ago, on a hot summer day in Florida, a young boy decided to go for a swim in the small pond behind his house. It was hot outside so the thought of a cool swim called to the lad. The boy ran and dove into the water – not realizing…

I Miss You Mom

[66 words] I thought of you with love today,but that is nothing new.I thought about you yesterday,and days before that too.I think of you in silence,I often speak your name.All I have are memories,and your picture in a frame.Your memory is my keepsake,with which I’ll never part.God has you in his keeping,I have you in…

Washington’s Mother

[110 words] A French officer once asked George Washington’s mother how she managed to rear such a splendid son. She simply replied, “I taught him to obey.” Obedience is something that must be taught. In the perilous times, there will be those who are “disobedient to parents” (2 Timothy 3:2). The whole idea of rebellion…

Right Thinking

[200 words] Our thoughts control our life. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). The God of peace…

Seems Right, or Actually Right?

[181 words] There are a lot of things I could tell you that you’d probably believe. How about: I went to the gym yesterday for about two hours. Just as you are about to compliment my efforts my wife walks by and says “No, he didn’t! He sat around like a bum and watched TV…

The Worst Part Was the Political Implications

[256 words] Alfred Packer was a man made infamous by his peculiar crime; cannibalism. The fact Packer had murdered and eaten five hunting companions during a Colorado blizzard in 1873 was horrifying. Hardly anyone could think of a worse crime, well except for one person. The judge at the trial M. B. Gerry was quoted…

Sign Me Up!

[358 words] Have you ever received an offer that seemed too good to refuse? Perhaps at a department store the clerk entices with 25 percent off your purchase if you sign up for a credit card. Or, you watch a demonstration of a fantastic new product but the catch is you must buy it right…

What’s Good About Guilt?

[440 words] Guilt is defined as “a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc.” What is good about this? When sin is committed and guilt follows, it could lead someone to repentance. It is good guilt that burdens the soul to the point that the need of a change is seen.…

Ten Percent

[278 words] In Malachi 1:8, the Lord is very put off about the sacrifices offered to Him. He calls out the people because what they offer to Him, they would not offer to a political leader. It is this way today, I am afraid. We offer to the Lord something, but if a prominent leader…

Who Is Jesus?

[474 words] Divine names are extremely significant and packed full of meaning Men like Abraham, Jacob, Moses and David received a progressive revelation of the character of God by means of those names. B.F. Westcott once wrote, “Each name authoritatively given to God is, so to speak, a fresh and lasting revelation of his nature.…

Seven Negative Effects of Missing Worship Services

[58 words] 1. Worship becomes less edifying for everyone. 2. Church leaders become discouraged. 3. You lose touch with congregational life. 4. The church is robbed of the resources it needs. 5. Another learning and growth opportunity is wasted. 6. Your conscience becomes more calloused with each missed service. 7. You teach by your example…

The Lessons of Loss

[336 words] “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die,…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4). I have not met anyone that really likes going…

Tomorrow

[273 words] I have a riddle for you! What is it that a man does not have, but that he often uses to rob himself of happiness here and heaven hereafter? You looked at the title, didn’t you? The answer is, “Tomorrow.” “Tomorrow” is one of the most dangerous words in our language. It robs…

At What Price?

[271 words] Let’s say a man show up at your home, knocks on the door and says, “I saw your car in the drive, I always wanted one just like it, can I buy it from you?”, what do you do? Well, I guess it depends on how much you like your car. If it…

Jesus Wants to Be Your Friend

[449 words] Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying, “The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.” We all like to have friends, but having close friends is a great blessing. The reason for this is that in close friendships, we have companionship, sympathy, encouragement, support, acceptance, love, trust—the positive list goes on and…

Taking the Correct Trail

[156 words] “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). When hiking, it can be dangerous to follow the wrong trail. In fact, wandering off trail is the number one reason that adult hikers require rescue. This is what happened to Sue Clements, a…

Is Your ‘Wish List’ Also Your ‘Work List?’

[235 words] There many out there who have wish lists. On this list are all the things they desire. The list proves that the individual is able to dream big. Those who look at the list often smile. The things on it are things that others dream of as well. However, the things on the…

Where Can We Find Peace?

[363 words] It seems this day and age there are not very many who are at peace. Nations are in dispute, families are in disarray, and people are dissatisfied. We rush about trying to bring peace and order to our lives, but to no avail. When we find a moment of peace, it seems to…

It’s a Small World After All

[393 words] While at Disney recently, our kids so enjoyed the “It’s a Small World” ride. If you have never had the “joy” of this, it is a boat trip through various animatronic cultures all singing the same song in different languages. Part of the song goes, “there’s so much that we share that it’s…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 2:1-3

[80 words] True or False: Peter says there will not be false teachers like there were in the past.False teachers bring in destructive __, even __ the Lord who bought them.“Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this __, to stir you up by __ you…”True or False: The Lord…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 2:4-11

[82 words] “For if God did not spare the __ who __, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment…”“…and did not spare the ancient __, but saved __, one of eight people…”What two cities does Peter mention as being examples of God’s judgment upon…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 2:12-17

[85 words] “But these, like natural brute __ made to be caught and __, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption…”“and will receive the wages of __, as those who count it pleasure to __ in the daytime.”What kind of children did Peter call those…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 2:18-22

[125 words] “For when they speak great swelling words of __, they allure through the __ of the flesh, through __, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.”These false teachers promised __, but were themselves __ of corruption.“For if, after they have escaped the __ of the world through the…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 3:1-4

[82 words] True or False: Peter said this was his third epistle to them.He said his purpose in writing was that they may be “mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy __, and of the commandment of us, the __ of the Lord and Savior…”True or False: Peter said that scoffers…

Quotes and Sayings (May 2021)

“If there is a hypocrite between you and the church, then he is closer to God than you are.” “Horse sense comes from a stable mind.” “You’ll never get ahead of the person you try to get even with.” “If love is as sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of…

On the Lighter Side (May 2021)

Employment OpportunitiesI told my boss three companies were after me and I needed a raise to stay at my job. We haggled for a few minutes and he gave me a five percent raise.Leaving his office, he stopped and asked me, “By the way, which companies are after you?” I responded, “The gas, electric and…

Coincidentally At Fault

[285 words] Robert Todd Lincoln was at the White House when he heard what had happened to his father at Ford Theater. He immediately rushed to be by his side and stayed there till his death. After the death of his father, he would go on to be a very successful lawyer and an important…

The Fading Beauty of the Flower

[364 words] “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:12). I have always liked spring. The flowers of spring are beautiful and amazing in their detail and intricate design. Spring is a time of bright color and fragrance as…

The Good Ol’ Days?

[175 words] Let’s talk about the good ‘ole days. I’m sure you’ve heard about them. Perhaps from a sentence starting with “back in my day…” And that’s followed by all kinds of things. Back in my day kids respected their parents. Back in my day you didn’t have to spend your whole paycheck on gasoline.…

Growing in Faith

[513 words] Have you wondered why we have Bible Classes each Sunday and Wednesday even- ing? Or why preaching of the Word of God is so essential to our Sunday worship? Or why the Lord encourages us to read and study the Bible daily (Psa. 1:2)? It is because Bible study is a faith growing…

Mistakes

[343 words] The dictionary defines the word “mistake” this way: “a misunderstanding of the the meaning or implication of something; a wrong action or statement proceeding from faulty judgment or inadequate knowledge.” Most of us would admit that we know plenty about mistakes, without having to consult a dictionary, because of personal experience. We know…

When This Last Barrier to Vice is Broken Down

[356 words] While recently reading from Moses Lard’s Commentary on Paul’s Letter to Romans, my attention was captured by a sentence from Lard on the following text: “There is no fear of God before their eyes” ( Romans  3:18). Among Lard’s comments on the preceding verse is this statement: “Where God is not feared, nothing…

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

[361 words] The story is told of a missionary who once visited a very primitive tribe of people. These people had very little contact with the outside world, and they were totally unfamiliar with many things we take for granted. One of the things they had never before seen was a mirror. The only way…

The Schemes of Man

[213 words] Solomon said, “Truly this only have I found: that God made man upright but they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). And “All the schemes of the schemer are evil; he devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words…” (Isaiah 32:7). Jezebel schemed to steal Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:5-16).…

It’s Just Not Fair

[582 words] A question that has troubled mankind for thousands of years is this: Why is life so unfair? From start to finish the books of the Bible talk about it. Saints and sinners alike feel they have been wronged for no reason but want to know why, and both of them point their finger…

Museum Bibles

[170 words] The Bible is not a museum piece to be admired at a distance and dusted now and again. It is a treasure to be polished. It is a tool to be used. It is a light to be shined. It is a mirror to be viewed. It is a sword to be sharpened.…

Take Care of Yourself!

[362 words] My grandpa once told me that, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” What I took as a joke as a young kid, I now value in adulthood. People sometimes replace a goodbye with the phrase, “Take care of yourself.” Even though…

The Arrogant Claim to Know More than God

[183 words] It’s hard for us to conceive of someone standing face-to-face with God and saying, “Lord, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m smarter than you.” And yet, in reality, people do that all the time, even many who claim to be Christians.  I once was studying the Bible with a man who…

True Peace

[148 words] We live in a troubled world. Many have chosen to forget God in order to have the fleeting pleasures of this life. My brethren, there is no spiritual peace in living as the world! The inspired apostle Paul penned, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing…

No Higher Calling

[297 words] James is one of my favorite books of the Bible. In the introduction, we learn a great lesson.  James tells us that he is a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have already learned something vastly significant. James lived to serve God and Christ. There is no greater vocation…

Nothing Can Stop Jesus

[56 words] • History could not forget Him.• Temptation could not distract Him.• Circumstances could not deter Him.• His enemies could not prevent Him.• Death could not contain Him.• Satan could not defeat Him.• Modern thinking cannot cancel Him.• And when it comes time for Jesus to come again, nothing will be able to stop…

A Year of Learning

[235 words] Twelve months ago, our nation and community literally came to a screeching halt due the Coronavirus worldwide pandemic. I think we would all agree, the past twelve months has been a learning experience! When I analyze a situation, I always ask three questions: First, where have we been? Second, where are we? Third,…

The Most Often Repeated Command

[517 words] Of all the commands in the Bible, which one is repeated the greatest number of times? I think you may be surprised! Love is the greatest command, but it’s not the one most often repeated. Writers often speak of pride as being at the root of human failures, but warnings against pride or…

Commit to Commitment

[176 words] Paul gave young Timothy some great advice concerning commitment to the Lord. It is great advice for us, as well: Commit to Faithfulness. “This charge I commit to you…that …you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience” (1 Tim. 1:18). Commit to Defending the Truth. “Guard what was committed…

I Don’t Care What the Bible Says

[472 words] I really do try to avoid watching the news on a regular basis. It seems to me more and more that each day is a repeat of the day before, and very little “good” news is reported. I also limit the “news” I see on social media, because it does very little in…

Our Holy God

[139 words] “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy” (Psalms 99:5). What does the word “holy” mean? It means to be set aside away from everything that is bad or wrong. Our God is perfect. He doesn’t commit sin. To say that God is holy means there is no…

An Unchanging God in a Constantly Changing World

[521 words] None of us foresaw the changes that 2020 would bring when we welcomed in the new year. None of us would have ever thought that churches would close their doors for a time, that neighborhood stores and restaurants would go out of business, that professional sports would be cancelled, or that laws would…

Freedom Will Answer

[386 words] The prophet Amos preached to a people hard of heart. As he spoke the words of the Lord, the Lord said through him, that He (the Lord) was the reason for their suffering. Though they suffered the people refused to give any attention to the instructive teaching experiences that came from the Lord.…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 1:1-4

[63 words] True or False: Peter wrote this letter to fellow Christians.“__ and __ be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord…”“…as His __ __ has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness…”Through the knowledge of Him who called us, we have exceedingly great and precious…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 1:5-11

[88 words] “But also for this very reason, giving all __, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…”How many things did Peter list that Christians should add to their faith?True or False: We need a growing faith in order to be fruitful as Christians.“For he who lacks these things is __, even to __,…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 1:12-15

[80 words] “For this reason I will not be __ to remind you always of these things, though you know and are __ in the present truth.”True or False: Peter says he kept reminding Christians of the same truths over and over.Peter refers to the physical body as a __.True or False: The Lord told…

Bible Quiz: 2 Peter 1:16-21

[89 words] “For we did not follow cunningly devised __ when we made known to you the __ and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”From Whom did Jesus receive honor and glory?True or False: Peter says he did not hear the voice of God.“And so we have the…

Quotes and Sayings (April 2021)

“The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” — C.S. Lewis “I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil…

On the Lighter Side (April 2021)

From Adam’s RibDuring a Sunday school lesson, a child learned about how God created human beings. The child became especially focused when the teacher explained how Eve was created from Adam’s ribs. Later in the week, the boy’s mother saw him lying down on the floor, so she asked him what was wrong. His reply…

Are You Tuned to the Right Station?

[191 words] George Washington Carver was a man who lived very close to God’s creation. As a youngster he was very interested in plants and experimented with natural pesticides, fungicides, and soil conditioners, earning the nickname “the plant doctor” for his ability to improve gardens, fields, and orchards. Later as an agricultural scientist and inventor,…

Being A Difference-Maker

[240 words] Most of us are pretty good at making excuses and rationalizing as to why we are not more vocal in sharing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus with others.  “I don’t know enough!” “I wasn’t trained for this!” “That is someone else’s job!”  The list goes on but you get the idea. …

The Best You

[291 words] The Koreans have a term to describe a person who’s better at everything than you are, Umchina. If you translate it literally it’s “mom’s friend’s son.” Things are not that different here. Everyone can find that person who we always fall short of (If you can’t ask your Mom). The standard of others…

Share the Cup!

[413 words] In a land far away (as in it only exists in my own mind) a certain villager was given a cup. He was told by the old, bearded man who gave it to him that anyone who drinks from this cup would be made well from whatever afflicted them. Right after saying this…

The Other Person That Heard the Sermon

[350 words] In Acts 24 we read of a sermon that was delivered to Felix: “But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix…

Drifting

[420 words] “…And remember, brethren, we are drifting.” With that ominous catchphrase, J.D. Tant closed the many articles he wrote in the early twentieth century for the Firm Foundation and for the Gospel Advocate. He also often used this warning to close sermons in gospel meetings. Tant was applying to his day the warning of…

Psalm 103

[311 words] Psalm 103, attributed to David, is a wonderful psalm of thanksgiving. It would help us greatly if we read it frequently and remembered its lessons constantly. We immediately notice that expression “Bless the Lord,” repeated five times within the twenty-two verses. We are not really surprised to see these words come from David,…

A Little Birdie Told Me

[378 words] “Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known” (Ecclesiastes 10:20 NASU). “A birdie told me” Mom said, when I asked her how…

Who is Your Twin?

[376 words] A young girl of 14 gave birth to twins in a small town in Ohio. Afterwards, she disappeared — never to heard from again. The twin babies were adopted by two families in separate towns in Ohio. Jim Springer and Jim Lewis grew up not knowing each other although they had heard that…

Staying Faithful in Daily Living

[221 words] The great challenge for Christians is to stay faithful to God in daily living. In Revelation 2:10 we read, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful…

The Truth

[122 words] It seems so hard to trust people these days. Who can be counted on to tell us the truth?  Here is what we know: Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).  Additionally, we know: It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).  Therefore, we absolutely must spend more…

Looking Unto Jesus

[230 words] If you have ever watched a choral group or orchestra, you will note one thing each member always does – they look at the conductor from time to time. This is to insure that they are in harmony and performing in accordance with the conductor’s directive. As members of the church, we make…

Is Homework Important?

[205 words] How many of us have asked this question? The answer to that question is incalculable! Depending on when we have been asked this question will depend on how we answer the question. When I was younger, I would probably say, “Homework is important, but can we reduce the amount?” The older I have…

A Lesson For Timothy

[346 words] “These are the things you are to teach and insist on” (1 Timothy 6:2). Paul makes this statement to Timothy in his letter making it clear that Timothy is to pass on to others what he has been taught. This is a message that needs to be passed on to us as well.…

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

[169 words] Before Jesus Christ came into the world, the name Jesus (the Greek form of name Joshua) was an extremely common name. And yet, Jesus took an ordinary name of his day, and made it something unique and special—a name by which all can be saved (Acts 4:12). Then, during His ministry, Jesus took…

The Awesome Word

[309 words] We have reduced the church to a counseling center helping people cope! God made the church a salvation center teaching people how to live. We do not merely need therapy—we need the WORD! We don’t just need Bible scholars—we need Bible lovers! If you honor the Word, God will bless you! You must…

Snow and the Bible

[323 words] I do not usually think of snow when I think of the events recorded in the Bible. Most of the time I think of the things that I read about taking place in an arid hot climate, but that is not the case at all. The climate around Jerusalem is surprisingly similar to…

Works Salvation

[165 words] Do you know what it is? If you listen to people in the denominational world, many of them (if not all) will tell you that if you obey any of God’s commands to be saved, then you are trying to be saved by works. Not only is this a flat lie, but it…

A Heart like Paul’s

[452 words] “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to…

Who is the Greatest?

[437 words] “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,  and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.…

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 4:12-19

[80 words] “Beloved, do not think it __ concerning the __ trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;True or False: Peter says Christians should rejoice to partake in Christ’s sufferings.“If you are __ for the name of Christ, __ are you, for the Spirit of glory and of…

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 5:1-4

[85 words] “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow __ and a __ of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:Peter said the elders of the church were to __ the flock of God, serving as __.“not by __ but willingly,…

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 5:5-9

[61 words] “Likewise you __ people, submit yourselves to your __.”“Therefore __ yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may __ you in due time,”Where does Peter say we should cast all our care?“Be __, be __; because your __ the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”True…

Bible Quiz: 1 Peter 5:10-14

[72 words] By Whom did God call us to His eternal glory?Peter was hopeful that the God of all grace, after they had suffered a while, would “__, __, __, and __” them.“By __, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly,”Besides the church at Peter’s location, who else specifically…

Quotes and Sayings (March 2021)

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” — Henry David Thoreau “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if…

On the Lighter Side (March 2021)

Planned AbsenteeismA college faculty member received this e-mail from a prospective student prior to the start of the semester: “Dear Professor, I won’t be able to come to any of your classes or meet for any of the tests. Is this a problem?” Knock Knock.Who’s there?Control Freak.Con…OK, now you say, “Control Freak who?” Q: Why…

No Value in Profanity

[310 words] Horace Porter, a lieutenant colonel and personal secretary to General Ulysses Grant during the American Civil War, wrote about a conversation he had with the famous general one evening while they were sitting by a campfire. Porter commented, “General, it seems singular that you should have gone through all the rough and tumble…

Unshakeable Faith in the Immoveable Kingdom

[489 words] In the heat of the Civil War, Moses Lard penned this “Note to the Brotherhood” to encourage Christians: “More now than ever before in this country; do even Christians need to be placed completely under the influence of Christianity. In mind and heart they are deeply and painfully agitated. Christianity alone can tranquillize…

A Worthy Woman

[210 words] “A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.” (Pro 31:10-11). A worthy woman, similar to a worthy man, is not one with an outward appearance that is so attractive a man says,…

Talk with Your Spouse

[206 words] Over the years, I have been approached by several couples who were having marital problems. Here are two people who have promised to honor and sacrifice for each other for the rest of their lives. And now, their marriage is on the rocks. Often, the major complaint that comes from the wife is,…

Carry the Weight

[238 words] It might seem Paul contradicts himself in just a few verses. In Galatians 6:2 He tells us to “Bear ye one another’s burdens”, then just three verses later he tells us to “every man shall bear his own burden” What gives? Well, a bit of understanding of the original text is in order.…

In Times of Trouble

[404 words] The days seem filled with trouble. Job said, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). We have seen COVID-19 take the lives and good health away from loved ones and friends. Many homes and much property were destroyed by wildfires. We have seen…

Christians And Earthly Governments

[321 words] Sometimes, it seems that during my daily Bible reading, scriptures come along that speaks to the moment. Politically, the United States has had a volatile year. We have been exposed to political unrest through TV and social media in vivid and sometimes, overwhelming detail. We now have a change through the election of…

The Best is Yet to Come!

[259 words] We know we need some good news. In fact, we need as much good news as we can get! With 2020 behind us, we are desperate now to be told that something good, something better and brighter is on the way. Well…it is! “But the path of the righteous is like the light…

Influence

[370 words] Influence is the force by which we have an effect upon the life of another person. We each have influence. The power of your influence is staggering. You want to be a good influence for Christ! Attempts are made to minimize the power of individual influence. We hear statements like, “I don’t have…

What Great Things God’s People Can Do!

[275 words] The Baseball Hall of Fame is in Cooperstown, New York. A player must be voted for by 75 percent of the voters for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. If you go to Titus, Alabama where my wife Janice grew up, you will see a sign that reads, “Welcome to Titus,…

Words Of Truth

[306 words] The people of God desire and strive to honor Him above all else. We wake each morning with the call to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We understand the need to “love…

‘Do Right’ or ‘Waste Good’

[580 words] Former Arkansas Razorbacks coach Lou Holtz was a strong proponent of the “do right” rule for athletes and inspired his athletes to follow the rule as they interacted with others on and off the athletic field. I agree with Coach Holtz’s “do right” concept as regards Christianity. We can look to God’s word…