Blog - Page 2 of 44 - Bulletin Digest

My Soul for a Potato

[265 words] There was a man named Naboth who had a vineyard that was located next to King Ahab’s palace. (1 Kings 21) The king decided it would make a good vegetable garden for himself and proceeded to make offers to Naboth for the property. Because the vineyard had been in his family for generations,…

Hope For the Next Generation?

[456 words] “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). We must teach the Word of God to saints and sinners. Generations come and go, but the truth is the same and that message needs…

Why So Gloomy?

[152 words] Our world is full of sadness and sorrow. Death comes and takes our loved ones. Financial troubles wreck our future plans. Sickness robs us of the idyllic scene we had envisioned for our lives. If we are not disciplined, we let these rob us of a happy life. Jesus knew life would be…

You Could Have Done That

[393 words] Carol Bartz was the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Yahoo. In an interview while at a forum at Georgia State University she was asked what the best advice was she had been given. She said it came from her grandmother, who raised her, on a farm in Minnesota. “I was in the machine…

I Will Sing With Understanding

[302 words] Some of the songs we sing may be difficult for us to understand if we are unfamiliar with the “poetic license” employed by the authors. The Friendly Visitor bulletin from a church of Christ in Oklahoma City gives the following information about songs which might help you better understand some difficult wording. EBON…

The Tomato

[135 words] Have you ever bought a tomato in January? I have. They are okay, better than nothing. For years, I have planted a few tomato plants in spring. The tomatoes get ripe in July. They taste so much better than those greenhouse tomatoes. Have you ever thought, “Why?” It is because man cannot improve…

The Truth

[33 words] Know It (John 8:32)Love It (2 Thess. 2:10) Believe It (2 Thess. 2:12) Obey It (1 Pet. 1:22) Tell It (Eph. 4:15)Help It (3 John 8)… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email…

Live For Today

[91 words] I’ll never see this day again, The seconds or the hours,Now’s the time to take the time To stop and smell the flowers. Today’s the day to give that smileAnd happiness awayThat you were saving for a friend Some rainy, gloomy day. This day is golden, priceless, God made this day for you, …

Heed the Creed

[48 words] The only creed we need, the only one indeed,is the one Christ decreed. So let us never impede,precede, or exceed where it does lead. And let us feed on the seedfor which Christ did bleed.Let us read, heed, and proceed knowing we will succeed. Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY… We are sorry,…

Does Your Life Spell Christian?

[9 words] Consecrated Honest ResponsibleInfluential Serving ThoughtfulIntegrity Allegiant Neighborly… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have not received your payment yet (if paying by check). Register Already a…

Did You Know This About Genesis?

[99 words] The Bible records 4,100 years of history. Over half of it—2,286 years—is found in Genesis alone! More than the other 65 books combined! Genesis is the first book of the Bible, and it contains 50 chapters, 1,533 verses, and 38,267 words. The word “genesis” is from the Greek word for “beginning.” The original…

Did You Know This About Exodus?

[140 words] One of the most amazing parts of Exodus is when the Israelites were commanded by God to paint their door frames with the blood of the lambs that were sacrificially killed at the institution of the Passover (Ex. 12:21-23). God’s people were in slavery to Egypt at the time, and God was about…

Did You Know This About Leviticus?

[128 words] Leviticus contains 27 chapters, 859 verses, and 24,546 words, and a whole bunch of laws! It is a guidebook for the Israelites, showing them how to worship, serve, and obey God. The concept of holiness before God is mentioned at least 87 times in this book. Honestly, Leviticus is not high on the…

Did You Know This About Numbers?

[119 words] Numbers is the record of Israel’s journey through the wilderness after God led them out Egyptian slavery. Due to their unbelief, what should have been an 11-day trip to the promised land turned into 40 years of wandering. While in the wilderness, God told Moses to make a brass serpent and put it…

Did You Know This About Deuteronomy?

[172 words] Moses was about to die. The book of Deuteronomy recounts a one-month period of time when the Israelites were camped in the plains of Moab, and is considered to be a series of farewell addresses from Moses shortly before his passing. The Israelites were about to go into the promised land, and as…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 11:1-10

[98 words] How many disciples did Jesus send out to teach and preach? John the baptizer sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the __ One, or do we look for __?” “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the __ walk; the lepers…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 11:11-19

[66 words] True or False: Jesus said John the baptist was greater than anyone in the kingdom of heaven. “And from the days of John the __ until now the kingdom of __ suffers violence…” Jesus said that John was the “__ who is to come.” True or False: Jesus liked that generation to be…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 11:20-24

[78 words] In which three cities were most of Jesus’ works done in? True or False: Jesus rebuked the cities because they did not repent. “For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in __ and __.” True or False:…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 11:25-30

[67 words] “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the __ and __ and have revealed them to babes.” “Even so, __, for so it seemed __ in Your sight.” How many things have been delivered to Jesus by the Father? “Come to Me, all you…

Quotes and Sayings (December 2024)

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” – Richelle E. Goodrich “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.” – Washington Irving “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg…

On the Lighter Side (December 2024)

Christmas Dad Jokes Q: What do elves do after school? A: Gnome-work. Q: What does Santa Claus keep on his mantle? A: Nick-nacks. Q: Where does Christmas come before Thanksgiving? A: In the dictionary. Q: Why is Santa such a good shopper? A: Because he makes a list, then checks it twice. Q: How do elves know how to…

How One Person Made a Difference at Thanksgiving

[357 words] With Thanksgiving getting closer, I am reminded about the amazing story of how God used a Native American (Indian) named Squanto to bless the Pilgrims who settled in America. Historical accounts of Squanto’s life vary, but around 1608 a group of European traders sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting…

Give Thanks

[409 words] With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us once again, it is good to be reminded to count our blessings—even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The Apostle Paul—who had encountered and endured every form of suffering imaginable (2 Cor. 11:22-29; 12:7-10)—instructed us to be thankful at all times: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give…

The Empty Pew

[273 words] Preachers have a distinctive view of the congregation as he stands before them and delivers the message from God’s word. As he teaches the lesson, he subconsciously assesses the audience, and immediately knows if the attendance for that day is good or is lacking. As human nature would have it, members have the…

Who Is In Charge Now?

[234 words] It seems every election we go through is billed “as the most important ever” and “will change the future of the world as we know it.” But if you look throughout history you will see leaders come and go powers rise and fall, and what we think of as important, stable, and unchangeable…

We Must Be Ready

[331 words] Recently I read an article with this title: “10 of the Fanciest Entries from the World Beard and Mustache Championships.” As I continued to read I found that about three hundred men, from nine different countries, spent the entire year trying to win the title: World’s Greatest Beard. This made me think about…

Calamity Cain

[415 words] In 1852, Martha Jane Cannary, a.k.a., Calamity Jane, was born. When she was 14 years of age her mother died, and then just one year later her father passed away. Following his death, Calamity Jane found work as a scout at Fort Russell. She was well known for being a good shot and…

Send Us Some Men

[258 words] The first English settlement in America was at Jamestown. Barely a year old, the settlement found itself in serious trouble. A primary part of the problem was that the colony was made up of “gentleman adventurers.” Captain John Smith, the leader of the settlement, understood the problem and sent an urgent message back…

Forget Not All His Benefits

[213 words] David the prophet proclaimed: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:2). The Apostle Paul encourages us with these words: “Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to Him through God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).…

The Ripple Effect

[370 words] A relay was tripped at the Sir Adam Beck Power Station on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The stage had been set when the relay was inadvertently set too low a few days before; it tripped at 5:16 p.m. on November 9, 1965. It was this incident that inspired the 1968 film,…

Freedom is Not Free

[320 words] Inscribed on the Korean War Memorial are the words, “Freedom Is Not Free.” Every time I think of these words I think of two aspects of my freedom. First, I think of my rights as an American citizen. It is a great blessing to live in a country where I have so many…

Are You Living Up to Your Name?

[313 words] Nestled in the little New Testament book of Philemon is a wonderful jewel of example and instruction. First, let’s look at a little background. A Christian in Colossae by the name of Philemon owned a slave that had run away from him. Ending up in Rome, the slave, Onesimus, had become converted to…

More Important Than Myself

[540 words] If I can learn to truly regard others “as more important” than myself (Philippians 2:3), then I will have taken a giant step toward living day by day as a faithful child of God. I struggle with this concept in some aspects and don’t struggle with it in others. How can I view…

God’s Great Love

[210 words] One of the most vivid characteristics of our Lord is that he is “a God of love.” The Old Testament Prophet David stated that God was “full of faithful love.” David wrote: (Psalms 103:8), “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who…

Three Good Fellows

[517 words] We need other Christians. We depend on them to help us. Even Paul needed brothers and sisters to help him do his work and bear his burdens. In the little book of Philemon, Paul named some of these good “fellows.” Philemon the fellow laborer (v. 1). This brother worked with Paul in the…

What’s So Great about Following Jesus?

[236 words] The word Christian means “a follower of the Christ” (Acts 11:26). Some view the Christian life as one that is unduly restricted, without any real freedom, and with no joy or pleasure. Agrippa, for instance, admitted that he was almost persuaded to become a Christian but declined (Acts 26:28). Such a notion is…

Some Things to Remember After the Election is Over

[401 words] The election will soon be over, and, boy oh boy, will I be glad. I simply detest all of the political rhetoric, spinning of the issues, and the constant, incessant, irritating ads! Regardless of whether our favorite candidate wins or not, and regardless of whether we think the country is headed the right…

Consider These Things About Jesus

[81 words] • He who was the bread of life began His ministry hungry. • He who was the water of life ended His ministry thirsty. • He who was often weary is our rest. • He who paid taxes is the king of the universe. • He who was called a devil cast out…

The Whole Duty of Man

[97 words] Consider what Solomon revealed about man’s life on earth. All that mankind might accomplish in this world is truly vain (useless) unless he becomes spiritually reconciled to God and lives in fellowship with Him. Solomon said, “And I applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done…

Interpreting the Bible

[62 words] When someone says, “I may be taking this passage a little out of context,” he should repent and stop. No one has the right to twist scripture—not even a little (2 Timothy 2:15). When someone says, “I could be wrong,” appreciate his humility and know that he could be correct (Proverbs 16:2, 21:2).…

Bad News, Good News, and a Promise

[145 words] THE BAD NEWS: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). THE GOOD NEWS:…

Why Doubt God’s Word?

[46 words] It is strange we trust each other, And only doubt our Lord; We take the word of mortals, And yet distrust His word; But oh, what light and glory Would shine o’er all our days, If we always would remember God means just what He says. A.B. Simpson……

All One In Christ

[94 words] In Christ there is no east nor west, In him no south nor north, But one great fellowship of love Throughout the whole wide earth. In him shall true hearts everywhere Their high communion find His service is the golden cord Close-binding all mankind. Join hands, then, brothers of…

My Prayer

[32 words] Lord Jesus, make Thyself to meA living, bright reality;More present to faith’s vision keenThan any outward object seen;More dear, more intimately nighThen ‘en the sweetest earthly tie.” Anonymous… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm…

God’s Promises

[51 words] As the deep blue of heaven brightens into stars,So God’s great love shines forth in promises.Which, falling softly through our prison bars,Daze not our eyes, but with their sweet light bless.Ladders of light, God sets against the skies,Upon whose golden rungs we step by step arise. Anonymous… We are sorry, but this content…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 10:1-15

[88 words] Jesus gave the twelve disciples power over “__ spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of __ and all kinds of __.” How many disciples named Simon were among the twelve, according to Matthew? Jesus told them not to go to the __ or the Samaritans, but only to “the…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 10:16-26

[97 words] “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of __. Therefore be wise as __ and harmless as doves.” True or False: Jesus said the twelve would never be delivered up to councils or be scourged in synagogues. “For it will be given to you in that hour what you should…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 10:27-33

[66 words] “Whatever I tell you in the __, speak in the light; and what you hear in the __, preach on the housetops.” True or False: Jesus said to fear those that can kill the body. How many sparrows are sold for a copper coin? “But the very __ of your __ are all…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 10:34-42

[87 words] Jesus said He did not come to bring peace on earth, but a __. “He who loves __ or __ more than Me is not worthy of Me.” “He who finds his __ will __ it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” True or False: Jesus said…

Quotes and Sayings (November 2024)

“Some people are molded by their admirations, others by their hostilities.” — Elizabeth Bowen “A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.” — Napoleon Bonaparte “Great men undertake great things because they are great; fools, because they think them easy.” — Vauvenargues “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts, perhaps the fear…

On the Lighter Side (November 2024)

Two buddies decided to go duck hunting. Neither one of them had ever been duck hunting before, but they bought an expensive retriever dog from a local kennel. The trainer promised the dog was highly skilled and would get ducks. After several hours in the blind they still hadn’t bagged any. One hunter turned to…

Feeling the Tension?

[440 words] It was the year 54 A.D. Rome, the most powerful nation on earth, coronated its new leader Nero, the adopted son of the previous ruler Claudius. The church was just over twenty years old. The movement that was small at first had spread throughout the Empire. These early Christians could not have imagined…

Good Citizens

[277 words] Immigration and citizenship are a hot topic in our country today. Why do many people want to come here and become a citizen of the United States? Is it for freedom, political asylum, or the opportunity for a better life? Currently, Christians have a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the earth while…

A Nation Without God

[249 words] George Washington, just after he took office, wrote, “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor…” Abraham Lincoln once said, “It is the duty of nations, as well as…

Choosing My Altar

[275 words] We usually get pretty indignant when we realize that someone has “used us,” don’t we? Read the following verse two or three times and spend some time thinking about what Paul is saying to the Christians at Philippi. “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice…

Are You Afraid

[304 words] Are you afraid of anything? As a child, I was scared of a monster under my bed. One afternoon my family was working outside, it was cold and I was wearing a winter coat and boots. As it was getting dark outside my parents told me to go inside and get ready for…

Our Team Name

[286 words] Well football season is in full swing! If you were granted a new team to join the National Football League, what team name would you choose? Have you ever noticed that when teams choose an animal for a team name it is usually a ferocious one? For example, in the NFL, we have…

I Need A Crutch

[276 words] “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners’” (Mark 2:17). Karl Marx is credited with the statement that “Religion is the opiate of the masses.” Freud’s view of religion is well known:…

Gaslighting by Satan

[354 words] We often hear the term “gaslight” referring to someone’s political speech, moral matters, theological ideas, or point of view. To gaslight is means to induce someone to question their sanity and grasp of reality by manipulating his or her perceptions. Those who “gaslight” use propaganda, logical fallacies, and half truths to convince those…

You Will Never Walk Alone

[236 words] The prophet Elijah is at the low point. His victory at Mount Carmel turned into his being on the run for his life. He is despondent, depressed, and ready to give up. When God asks him what he is doing, his response is telling. “I tried,” he exclaims, “but no one is listening,…

Beware of YouTube Prophets

[426 words] I have noticed on YouTube several people claiming the Holy Spirit has revealed to them what is going to happen in the near future. They fancy themselves as inspired, revealing modern day revelations and prophecies. I am reminded of the false prophets of Jeremiah’s day. Jeremiah 23:16-40 is a good example of people…

To Be Noble and Just

[459 words] Do you know how many thoughts you think in a day? One scientific study conducted in 2023 determined that the average human thinks about 6,200 separate thoughts each day! That is like 2,263,000 thoughts a year! That is a lot of thinking! But sadly those same scientists also determined that about 80 percent…

There’s Something Fishy About Jesus!

[208 words] No, I have not renounced my belief concerning Jesus. I believe He is what the Bible has revealed about Him. He is God (John 10:30) who came to the earth in the flesh (Rom. 8:23). As God He is eternal (Heb. 13:8) and yet, made Himself subject to temporal limitations and temptations, and…

His Glory Is Everywhere

[224 words] Those who followed God in the Old Testament often thought that God was contained within the walls of the Temple. However, the prophet Isaiah taught us otherwise. In chapter six of the book of Isaiah, the prophet tells us of a vision God gave him. In that vision, he saw God sitting on…

The Autumn Years

[303 words] Time passes so quickly. This afternoon, I stood and looked out the back door, watching the yellow leaves from the elm tree float to the ground. The persimmon tree is full of its orange fruit and the possums will begin their nightly feast of the bitter plums. It is Fall once again. There…

Trembling Before God

[266 words] The most profound reverence characterized the ancient copyists of the Scriptures. When they came to a name for deity, they put new pens in their writing instruments, took a bath, and changed raiment. It is amazing how frail humans today approach God and His Word with such contempt and barefaced irreverence. We chuckle…

Exhortations to Husbands

[191 words] Read Matthew 19:4–8. Leave father and mother. By going to a home of his own. By accepting the responsibility as head of his home. Like a New Testament congregation, a home is an autonomous institution. Cleave to his wife. In true devotion. As a part of his very self. Through all the trials…

It Was Right There All the Time

[216 words] An old Eastern parable titled “The Wealth Is Nearer to You Than You Think,” relates the story of a rich merchant who took a journey to a distant land. As the businessman traveled, he met a stranger who wanted to travel with him. Although the merchant was glad to have a companion, he…

How Closely Am I Following Jesus?

[70 words] Jesus shines to keep me from being lost. Jesus shines to keep me from falling. Jesus shines so I’ll see where to walk. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of…

Ways to Ensure Your Chances for a Long Life

[99 words] 1. Do not ride in an automobile or get in the way of one: they cause 20% of all fatal accidents. 2. Do not stay at home: 17% of all accidents happen in the home. 3. Do not walk around the street: 14% of all accidents happen to pedestrians. 4. Do not travel…

The God Man

[120 words] Jesus was God in human flesh—not half God and half man, not all God and no man, not all man and no God; but the God-man, the man-God. The One who created every seed, every shrub, every tree, and every limb was hanged on a tree, on a cross (Acts 5:30). The One…

What Is So Special about Heaven?

[79 words] Heaven is where God is (John 14:2–3). Heaven is where we will have perfect understanding (1 Corinthians 13:12). Heaven is where our life’s records are kept (Revelation 20:12). Heaven is a place of perfect rest (Revelation 14:13). Heaven is where we will receive our new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:44). Heaven is where we…

A Father’s Prayer

[69 words] Last night my little boy confessed to me some childish wrong,And kneeling at my knee he prayed with tears“Dear God, make me a man,like Daddy—wise and strong—I know you can.” Then while he slept, I knelt beside his bed.Confessed my sins and prayed with low-bowed head.“O God, make me a child, like my…

Concerning Trees…And Us

[36 words] Have deep roots,branch out,be flexible,keep growing on the inside,bloom often,show your colors,point your trunk upward,raise your limbs to heaven,and bring forth good fruit, as long as you live…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm…

Fit for a King

[144 words] A crown of thorns is around His brow, as ifHe were a king. And truly He was a king, and Henever was more kingly than in that hour. He was kingly in His bearing.He made no plea in His own defense. He was kingly, too, in His love.There had not been a shade…

Pass It On

[116 words] Have you had a kindness shown?Pass it on;’Twas not given for thee alone,Pass it on;Let it travel down the years,Let it wipe another’s tears,Till in heaven the deed appears—Pass it on. Did you hear a loving word?Pass it on;Like the singing of a bird?Pass it on;Let its music live and grow,Let it cheer…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 9:14-17

[53 words] Disciples of __ came to ask Jesus about __. “Why do we and the __ fast often, but Your __ do not fast?” “Can the friends of the __ mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” “No one puts a piece of __ cloth on an old __…” “But they put…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 9:18-26

[64 words] A __ came and worshiped Jesus. The man was confident Jesus could raise his __ from the dead. “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of __ for twelve years came from behind and touched the __ of His garment.” “Be of good __, daughter; your __ has made you well.” “But…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 9:27-31

[71 words] How many blind men were following Jesus? The blind men said, “Son of __, have __ on us!” “And when He had come into the __, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you __ that I am able to do this?’” “Then He __ their eyes, saying,…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 9:32-38

[60 words] “As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, __ and __-possessed.” “And when the demon was __ out, the mute __.” Jesus was preaching the gospel of the __, and healing every __ and every disease among the people. Jesus had compassion on the people because they were “weary and…

Quotes and Sayings (October 2024)

“Get as much experience as you can, so that you’re ready when luck works. That’s the luck.” — Henry Fonda “Luck is the residue of design.” — Branch Rickey “Chance usually favors the prudent man.” — Joseph Joubert “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” — Samuel Johnson “If you would have…

On the Lighter Side (October 2024)

Two neighbors were talking over the back fence. “I went to a wedding this weekend,” one said, ”but I don’t think it’s going to last.” “Why not,” asked the other. “Well, when the groom said ‘I do,’ the bride said, ‘Don’t use that tone of voice with me!”’ — My wife still hasn’t spoken to…

I Know It’s Not Dead

[350 words] One of the marks of New Testament Christianity is that on the first day of the week, we give of our means, (our money) to help with the work of the church. Several passages of scripture teach us this (Acts 2:45, 1 Cor. 16:2). We are also taught the attitude in which we are…

That Is Not Helping

[186 words] In July of 1993 an offshore oil rig northeast of Aberdeen, Scotland had a catastrophic failure. The entire rig caught fire and eventually exploded. The cause was attributed to a safety valve that had been removed and not replaced. Why would anyone do that? It was part of a safety inspection to see…

Jumping to Conclusions

[140 words] An irate woman burst into the baker’s shop and said, “I sent my son in for two pounds of cookies this morning, but when I weighed them there was only one pound. I want a refund, and I suggest that you check your scales!” The baker looked at her calmly for a moment…

Danger of Drowsiness

[280 words] Being sleepy at the wrong time and in the wrong place can be very dangerous. Drowsy driving can slow down thinking and reaction times—affecting our judgment and vision. Not to mention we could outright fall asleep and wreck, injuring ourselves and/or others. An estimated 1 in 25 drivers report having fallen asleep while…

The Real Influencers

[320 words] You know what people who are really popular on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok are called? Influencers. I guess because so many people follow them and are influenced by them. Well, let me tell you who the real influencers are supposed to be: Christians – you and me – and we don’t need to…

Five Questions about Inner Space

[474 words] You may have heard of a couple of astronauts who are stuck in outer space and can’t return to earth until someone picks them up in February. That is a long time to wait for a ride home! Man has always been interested in the place we call “outer space,” but for all…

Don’t Blow It

[351 words] In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul reminded Timothy (and through inference, us) that he was a worker for the Lord. But also in that verse are great bits of advice of how we are to perform our work. If you’ll forgive my cheesy rhyming to help with remembering the points, allow me to make…

Can We Really Be Like Jesus?

[274 words] When thinking about the earthy life of Jesus Christ, it is nothing short of extraordinary. From His humble birth in a manger, to His ministry to the multitudes, we are fascinated by His composure, compassion and character. He reached out to the rich and the poor, the popular and unpopular, without partiality. Having…

I Think You Can

[338 words] Robert Rosenthal came to teachers with a new test called the Harvard Test of Inflected Acquisition. This test, he informed the instructors, could accurately predict kids that would excel in the coming year. The test was administered and the teachers were given the names of potentially high-achieving students. Rosenthal expressed to them that…

Cheers to the Devil

[472 words] Drinking is becoming more accepted in society and in the church. This week within a 24-hour period a deacon in one state and a preacher in another shared their experiences with me. The deacon said they are having trouble reaching young people. Why? His answer: “They want to party.” The preacher related a…

Successful Visitation

[177 words] When we go to visit someone, there’s always a reason. Maybe we’ve been invited or those we’re visiting need our help. Perhaps a visit is just to give someone a little company for a while. Whatever the case may be, Christian folks should visit others, especially the sick and needy (James 1:27; Matthew…

The Best Possible Exercise

[406 words] We live in an age of health-conscious people. Many people are concerned about their health. Many of you are either on a diet or exercise program. I want to share with you the best exercise program. It’s not a new program. People have used it for thousands of years. What is this exercise…

Gracious Faithfulness

[377 words] “Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear; but certainly God has heard; He has given…

He Shall Be Like a Tree

[181 words] Man is said to be several things in the Bible: builders, sheep, branches, salt, light, withering grass, and fading flowers. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of a righteous man being like a tree “planted by the rivers of water.” Christians have also been “planted” (Romans 6:3-5). Here are some other ways Christians are like trees.…

Surviving the Shock

[252 words] Last year, a Summersville, West Virginia, school principal got quite a surprise as he prepared to begin the new day. It was 7 a.m. and teachers and staff were getting ready for the students to arrive. The Zela Elementary School custodian had a problem. He couldn’t get the lid to unlock on the…

A Traveler’s Guide to Heaven

[228 words] ACCOMMODATIONS: Arrangements for accommodation must be made in advance (John 14:2). PASSPORTS: Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority (Revelation 21:27). DEPARTURE TIME: The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travelers are advised to be…

There Must Be Conversion

[143 words] If we are to become like Jesus, there must be conversion. We must preach the gospel and people must obey our Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. “And Jesus said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. He who believes and is baptized will…

The Lesson of The Ants

[155 words] Several missionaries were having tea one afternoon when an ant appeared on the white tablecloth, made its way to a tea cake, walked around it, and finding nothing to eat, made straight for the sugar bowl. After eating several bits, it walked off with a small piece. They watched it disappear underneath the…

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