Bible Quiz: James 4:11-12

[59 words] “Do not speak __ of one another, brethren.” In this passage, a person who speaks evil of a brother and judges a brother also speaks evil of and judges the __. “But if you __ the law, you are not a doer of the law but a __.” How many Lawgivers does James…

Bible Quiz: James 4:13-17

[62 words] True or False: Christians are promised tomorrow. “For what is your __? It is even a __ that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord __, we shall live and do this or that.’” True or False: Boasting about the future is arrogance.…

Bible Quiz: James 5:1-6

[64 words] Who will weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon them?“Your __ and __ are corroded, and their corrosion will be a __ against you and eat your flesh like fire.”James says the rich kept back the __ of the laborers.“…the __ of the reapers have reached the ears of the…

Bible Quiz: James 5:7-12

[50 words] “Therefore be __, brethren, until the __ of the Lord.”What does the farmer wait for?“Do not __ against one another, brethren, lest you be __.”Who did James say was an example of suffering and patience?“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by __ or by __ or with any other __.”…

Quotes and Sayings (October 2020)

“Nature gives to every time and season unique beauty; from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it’s just a succession of changes so soft and comfortable that we hardly notice the progress.” — Charles Dickens “There is a harmony in autumn, and a lustre in its sky, which through the summer…

On The Lighter Side (October 2020)

A Punny Fall Q: Why did the lions move at the end of summer?A: Because the pride goeth before the fall! Did you hear about the tree who deserted the forest at the end of fall?He was absent without leaves! Q: Why do trees hate going back to school in the fall?A: Because they’re easily…

Word Search: A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)

A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5) A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5) solution… 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…

September 2020 Articles are Ready

Here it is September already! Since time gets away from us so quickly, we thought you’d like to know this month’s package of articles is ready and waiting for you on your membership page! This month we have a few articles that directly address social unrest in our country, along with a well-rounded set of…

Awaiting Justice

[211 words] Current events cause us to consider the idea of justice, and why some people seem to “get away” with hurting other people. This is not a new question, of course. David wrote about such things many times in the scriptures.  In Psalm 10, David voices the temptation to feel that God is “afar…

Fighting in Our Streets and God

[414 words] Nations reap what they sow just as individuals do. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psa. 9:17). This happens partly because rebellion against God is by nature self-destructive and partly because God providentially intervenes to chastise evil societies. In terms of the latter, one of…

Are You a Hero of Patience?

[150 words] Everyone loves a hero! We marvel at the mighty deeds of brave folks around us, and we wonder what it would take to be just like them. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “A man is a hero, not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes…

Our Spiritual Beauty

[144 words] A city dweller was being driven by a rancher over a blistering and almost barren stretch of desert when a large brightly-colored bird scurried across the road in front of them. The visitor asked what it was. “That’s a bird of paradise,” said the rancher. “Pretty long way from home, isn’t he!” remarked…

Lessons for Life

[338 words] “Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life” (Proverbs 4:13). I won’t forget that day on the mountain. It was our first time for snow skiing, so lessons were suggested. Not me, I had been on water skis many times. I could do this. We…

Annie’s Death

[323 words] Charles and his wife were devastated. Their little girl, Annie, had died. Charles blamed himself and his wife because they were first cousins. While such inbreeding can cause birth defects, this was not the cause of Annie’s death. She, most likely, died of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In other words, Annie…

The Christian Tree

[185 words] If a Christian were a tree, what should it look like? It would have roots that grow downward. Roots help with strength and stability. Roots also bring nutrients to the tree. Deeply rooted in the Scriptures the Christian can stand strong. It would be healthy inward. A tree must be healthy from the…

l Will Fear No Evil

[322 words] “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4). We live in a fearful age: Covid-19, quarantines, economic uncertainty, riots, and Chinese communist belligerence. Many are incapacitated with uncertainty and fear. But Paul declares: “God has not given us a spirit of fear,…

The Ballad of Fort McHenry

[318 words] On the evening of September 13, 1814 an American diplomat found himself stuck on a British vessel watching a fierce bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. The state of affairs looked grim. As he spent the night detained by the enemy, Francis Scott Key looked out across the waters towards the American fort. But…

Why Has All This Happened to Us?

[366 words] The history of Gideon is fascinating. There is a reason why his story is so commonly shared with young people at Vacation Bible School, etc. But before he was smashing jars and blowing trumpets (Judges 7:19-21), he was wrestling with difficult questions.  And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, if the LORD is…

The Providence of God

[472 words] We often rehearse what God has done for us in centuries now past, and such is proper. God created the world, made man, provided our salvation though Christ, and established the church. We are thankful for these mighty works of the past. Yet, we must not ignore the fact that God is still…

Bulimic Christians

[433 words] A couple of weeks ago I shared some observations from the book Point Man by Steve Farrar. The specific observation was dealing with Christians who are starving (anorexic) due to a lack of time spent in reading God’s Word and in prayer. Mr. Farrar also observes that there are Christians battling spiritual bulimia.…

Trees and Grace

[309 words] I have given a lot of thought on how to describe God’s grace, and I have come up with the following: Grace is like a tree. Now, stay with me on this: Only God can make a tree. As we know from the famous poem, only God can make a tree and only…

Lost in the Woods

[377 words] Everyone who has ever spent any time hiking or hunting in the forests of our land, knows of the possibility of getting lost. Some time ago, a teenager hunting in the Rocky Mountains with his father, discovered firsthand what it means to be lost. The young man did not see game in his…

She Hath Done What She Could

[470 words] These words spoken by Jesus memorialize the actions of a woman who anointed his head with a very valuable ointment. Several denounced the apparent waste of this expensive item, saying that it should have been sold to help the poor. Jesus defended her with the words used in the title above, found in…

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…

The Six Most-Needed Things in the Church

[283 words] Conversion of the Members. The new birth consists of more than baptism. One has to be born of the Spirit and of the water. Those of us who have been baptized must have been led to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the Lord of life. Conversion is in reality…

Providence Does Not Interfere With Nature

[236 words] Providence is one of the hardest concepts to understand in the Bible, yet it is taught, without any doubt. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they did not have anything in mind other than ridding themselves of a “nuisance” and making a little extra money. Though Joseph handled the situation very well,…

Spiritual Myopathy

[335 words] Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen” (2 Cor. 4:18). Poor eyesight has plagued me for the most part of my life. After more than ten surgeries, I still have poor eyesight.…

Heart Changes

[129 words] If people are to become like Jesus there must be heart changes. The result of these changes of heart will be changes in our behavior. The heart change is what gives room for God to work in our life. Realizing certain truths helps us to change our heart. We must learn from our…

Bible Quiz: James 3:6-12

[43 words] “And the __ is a fire, a world of __.”True or False: James says the tongue defiles the whole body.“But no man can __ the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly __.”What does “similitude” mean?“Thus no spring yields both __ __ and __.” Solution: tongue, iniquity; true; tame, poison; likeness;…

Bible Quiz: James 3:13-18

[56 words] If you are wise and understanding, you will show it by __ __.“But if you have __ __ and __ in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.”True or False: Self-seeking is demonic wisdom.Name some characteristics of wisdom that is from above.“Now the fruit of __ is sown in __…

Bible Quiz: James 4:1-6

[45 words] James says wars and fights among Christians come from __ for __.“Yet you do not __ because you do not __.”Some were asking amiss because they wanted to spend it on their __.“Do you not know that __ with the world is __ with God?”Who does God resist? Solution: desires, pleasure; have, ask;…

Bible Quiz: James 4:7-10

[50 words] “Therefore submit to __. Resist the __ and he will flee from you.”What should you do if you want God to draw near to you?“Cleanse your __, you sinners;”“Let your __ be turned to __ and your joy to gloom.”“__ yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will __ you up.”…

Quotes and Sayings (September 2020)

[266 words] “A man is a hero, not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” — Vincent Van Gogh “I would…

On the Lighter Side (September 2020)

Things Are Tough All OverMy wife and I went out for a leisurely drive to see the autumn leaves, when we noticed that one of the tires seemed to be getting low… She was a bit taken aback when I asked her for some change and asked, “Why in the world did they start charging…

‘My Membership’ Link Added to Menu

In an effort to cut down on some of the third-party software we use to run BulletinDigest.com, we have made some changes to the site you need to be aware of.  Previously after log in, members could click on the Bulletin Digest logo at the top and be returned to the Member Homepage. In place…

Henry Ford and Idle Words

[271 words] Ever say something you wish you hadn’t? Henry Ford did. In a 1916 interview with the Chicago Tribune, the American motor vehicle pioneer said, “What do we care about what they did 500 or 1,000 years ago? I don’t know whether Napoleon did or did not try to get across and I don’t…

The Danger of Desensitization

[117 words] It’s a real danger for Christians to become so desensitized by the entertainment we consume or the causes we support that we revert back to talking as if we never were born again. Maybe some rationalize their crude language, saying, “I only say these words when I’m really upset;” “But the cause is…

Age and Emotion

[225 words] Growing older brings emotions closer to the surface, for some of us anyway. Using a sentimental illustration in a sermon or singing a song that touches our hearts becomes difficult. While I do not fear death, I dread the prolonged pain or loss of mental faculties that often precede death. A frequent prayer…

The Haste of the Hermandads

[438 words] In the 1100s, in an effort to protect travelers going from northern Spain over the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (Dogs of God, Reston, 50), a military force known as the hermandads (“the brotherhood”) was organized. Soon, these vigilantes spread across Spain and offered themselves as protectors of roads and merchants.…

Being a Good Neighbor in Difficult Times

[371 words] In recent days I have seen some concerning trends. With the increase in mask wearing and the need for social distancing, people are becoming more isolated than ever before in our society. People are not talking to each other in public places like they once did. We have real challenges when it comes…

Cutting Each Other Off

[419 words] Talk about going to extremes! A man in Maine took a Sawzall and cut his neighbor’s garage in half. Since part of the structure was on his property, Gabriel Brawn had a legal right to do it. The overlapping garage hadn’t been a problem for years, as his relationship with the previous neighbor…

How To Destroy A Country

[362 words] “One university after another is bowing before the violent demands of a small minority of radicals who intend to overthrow the existing government…The radicals fully intend to overthrow the national government and replace it according to their own fuzzy, undefined lines which they cannot explain. They have decided to seek as many confrontations…

Moving Past It

[229 words] Do you have one experience in life that you can’t shake from your memory? Try as you might to put it behind you, it won’t go! Perhaps you have more than one. In the long ago, there was a man name Esau who thought so little of his “birthright” that for an occasion…

Into His Marvelous Light

[444 words] “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). I was reading this passage the other day, and a word struck me that I had…

Singular or Plural?

[96 words] We often sing about “the golden streets” in heaven, but the Bible only mentions one street, “The street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass” (Rev. 21:21). The last book of the Bible is not “Revelations.” There is one “Revelation,” “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1). The Bible says, “But…

It’s Not All Summer

[145 words] At the time of the hottest, most humid part of the summer months, the ancient Greeks and Romans saw the appearance of the “Dog Star” Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Thus, they called them the “Dog Days of Summer” and knew that summer’s time was limited and…

What to Do with Evil

[52 words] • Hate evil (Rom. 12:9) • Pray that evil not overtake you (Matt. 6:13) • Keep your heart from evil (Heb. 3:12) • Resist evil (1 Thess. 5:22) • Do not walk in the way of evil (Pro . 4:14) • Depart from evil (Psa. 34:14) • Overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21)…

Getting to Know Jesus Through Preparation

[280 words] A few months ago, I began working with a cousin of mine in the area of genealogy. I have always enjoyed studying history, but I have never spent a lot of time documenting my family’s history. My cousin’s grandfather was a brother to my grandfather. As we began our journey last spring, we…

God, Time, and Promises

[136 words] God dwells in eternity and time means nothing to Him (2 Peter 3:8). However, His word and His promises mean everything to Him. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to…

Read It, Believe It!

[286 words] How often do you read the Bible? A survey by the American Bible Association found that 57 percent of the people read their Bible four times or less per year. Another survey found that only 19 percent of the people read the Bible on a daily basis. The ABA survey also showed that…

Condescend to Men of Low Estate

[322 words] In chapter seven of his book Balance: A Tried and Tested Formula for Church Growth, Ira North points us to the importance of helping the poor, the downtrodden, and the “lowly.” Brother North quotes Romans 12:16 (KJV) which says, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things but condescend…

Building a Better World

[553 words] Building a better world begins with me. I must be willing to give my time, talents, money and energies to make the world in which I live a better place. I truly believe that the only real way to make this world better is for me to be a faithful and dedicated child…

Stewards of God

[209 words] According to Webster’s dictionary a steward is “one who manages another’s property, finances, or other affairs.” Many parables of Jesus relate to stewardship (Luke 12:42-46; 16:1-13; 19:12-27; etc.). The idea of stewardship carries with it the idea of accountability. If I am your steward you will expect me to handle your affairs, your…

Everybody Needs a Barnabas

[330 words] Saul, later known as Paul, and John Mark were well-known in the early church. But they might not have achieved their positions of leadership if it had not been for the unique ministry of a lesser known personality, Barnabas. Almost every time Barnabas is mentioned in the Bible he is encouraging someone. This…

Joy to the World Because the Lord Has Come

[220 words] What was it the angel said when he announced the birth of our Lord? “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). So why is it that so many Christians—including some preachers—live and worship as if they were baptized in jalapeno juice? Have we forgotten the words of the Apostle Paul?…

Does God Hear Prayers?

[253 words] Most of us have prayed and asked God for help with some burden or problem, but it seemed there was no answer. Have you ever wondered if God really hears your prayers? Does an unanswered prayer mean that God doesn’t listen to us? God’s word assures us that He does hear the prayers…

Thinking About a New Way of Thinking

[427 words] The past two months have drastically changed our thinking. If you don’t think so, go into a public place and start coughing and see the reactions (on second thought, don’t do that). There will always be a “BC” (before COVID) means of thinking, and there will now be an “AD” (after distancing) thinking.…

The Bus Ride

[402 words] Growing up I rode the bus to school. I can only remember one bus driver. Our school district must have been very desperate for drivers because there was a stop sign near the school which she ran over on a regular basis. One morning while I was on the bus, she turned a…

I’ll Just Worship At Home

[468 words] Faithful Christians have a strong desire to attend worship services. To worship God is a commandment, but it is also a high, exalted privilege. Wonderful things happen during worship. God’s people teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16). We reflect on the death of our Lord (Luke 22:19). God is praised and adored…

Roots in the Bible (and in Our Lives)

[213 words] Roots are a very important part of plants – they bring up nutrients from the soil and help to support the plant. In the Bible we can see human lives compared to roots (both bad and good). Some are… …Dried up roots because of wickedness and evil deeds (Hosea 9:13-17). …Rotten roots because…

We Preach Christ

[256 words] Many years ago, at a congregation I previously served, some visitors attended our worship services. They had been brought by a couple of new Christians. They wanted to share their faith with their friends. We had an amazing service. The songs were joyous celebrations of our Lord. The prayers were deep and heartfelt.…

Be a Light

[260 words] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it  under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine  before others, so that…

Hold The Mayo

[245 words] “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). Have you ever noticed the clever slogans at fast food chains? The concept each restaurant seeks to portray is that the customer is in complete and total control. For example, Burger King invites customers…

It’s All Up to Me

[38 words] I cannot change othersBut I can change meI must learn to focusBeing the best I can be When I change my outlookAnd improve through and throughAmazingly I findThat others get better too Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either…

Stirring Waters

[372 words] Many times in my life the calm waters have been stirred. Stirring waters are signs of change. When the water stirs the course of time may be altered. One might be called upon to make some remarkable changes in their life. There was once a man who could do nothing to change his…

The Purpose of Life

[148 words] I recently found an interesting quote from Robert Byrne. It is this: “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Many people live their lives without purpose and most of them are quite frustrated and dissatisfied. But for those who find a life purpose that is fueled by their passion, great things…

What I Have Learned from the Covid-19 Pandemic

[494 words] Covid-19 is like sin. Covid-19 has quickly spread around the globe, and although not everyone gets this virus dies, it has caused many deaths and has disrupted many lives. It reminds me a lot of sin, yet sin is far more dangerous. Rom. 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of…

When Christ is Your Life

[455 words] God has made great promises to those who live for Christ. Consider what Paul wrote about living for Christ: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.…

The Christian’s Advantage

[257 words] There is not a person in the world who can live totally above sin. Paul told us in Romans 3:23 that “All have sinned” and in John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Everyone makes mistakes and fails a…

Good Medicine

[296 words] Do you want good medicine during this time when we are hearing negative things – especially about the coronavirus and its spread throughout the U.S.? Right now, many people are having trouble – not with the disease – but with the effect it is having on our nation. Jobs are being lost, retirement…

A Real God Can Defend Himself

[469 words] A man named Gideon demolished an altar to Baal. As you can imagine Baal worshipers were not a huge fan of that action. People tend to take slights to their god very personally. Re-member what happen when the Ephesians accused Paul of making life difficult for their idol? They shouted for two hours…

Money, Who Needs It!

[363 words] Money plays a big part in our world, and I’m not naive enough to think we can do without it in today’s modern economy. The Bible has quite a lot to say about our relationship with money and the dangers of being greedy. It’s good for us to take time to examine ourselves…

We Need Older People!

[333 words] Like you, I was taught to “respect my elders.” Of course, my parents were talking about respecting and showing value to those who were older than me. The older I get, the more value I have for those who are older than me. Those who are older than me have an education learned…

Problem With Demons

[402 words] In Matthew 8:28-34 Jesus deals with legions of demons. They come running to Him: “And behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with You, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29).  We immediately see that they fully recognized Jesus as God’s Son. They knew His…

Bible Quiz: James 2:10-13

[49 words] “For whoever shall keep the __ law, and yet stumble in one point, he is __ of all.”“For He who said, ‘Do not commit __,’ also said, ‘Do not __.”By what law will we be judged?Will you be shown mercy if you do not show mercy yourself?“__ triumphs over judgment.” Solution: whole, guilty;…

Bible Quiz: James 2:14-19

[54 words] Is there any profit in saying you have faith if you don’t show it by works?Is failing to provide a fellow Christian with things they need an indicator of faith?“Thus also __ by itself, if it does not have __, is __.”Is it possible to show your faith without works?“Even the __ believe—and…

Bible Quiz: James 2:20-26

[61 words] Faith without works is __.“Was not __ our father justified by works when he offered __ his son on the altar?”“Do you see that faith was working __ with his works, and by works faith was made __?”James says a man is justified by __ and not by faith only.“For as the __…

Bible Quiz: James 3:1-5

[50 words] “My brethren, let not many of you become __, knowing that we shall receive a stricter __.”True or False: James says we all speak perfectly.“Indeed, we put __ in horses’ mouths that they may __ us…”James says entire ships are turned by small __.”See how great a forest a little __ kindles!” Solution:…

Bible Quiz: James 1:21-25

[43 words] What does James say we should lay aside?What does James say we should receive instead?“But be __ of the word, and not __ only, deceiving yourselves.”What illustration does James use in verses 23-24?James calls the gospel the __ law of liberty. Solution: filthiness and overflow of wickedness; the implanted word; doers, hearers; man…

Bible Quiz: James 1:26-27

[49 words] What does James say we should bridle?If you can’t hold your tongue, your religion may be __.Is it possible to think you have pure religion, but be wrong?What two things does James say are indicators of pure religion?Is separation from the deeds of the world important? Solution: tongue; useless; yes; visiting widows and…

Bible Quiz: James 2:1-4

[79 words] Who is James speaking to in verse 1, as indicated by his use of the word “brethren?”Is it a sin to practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality?“For if there should come into your __ a man with __ rings and __ apparel…”Using James 2:1-4 as a guide, would it…

Bible Quiz: James 2:5-9

[66 words] “Has not God chosen the __ of this world to be __ in faith and __ of the kingdom…”True or False: God has promised the kingdom to those who love Him.Those who oppress Christians blaspheme that “__ name by which you are called.”What does James call the principle, “You shall love your neighbor…

Quotes and Sayings (August 2020)

[184 words] “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” ― John Muir “Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that.” ― Benjamin Franklin “It’s not the…

Quotes and Sayings (July 2020)

[227 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 “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels…

On the Lighter Side (August 2020)

[116 words] Back to SchoolMy teachers told me I’d never amount to much because I procrastinate so much.I told them, “Just you wait!” What is the difference between a school teacher and a train?The teacher says spit your gum out and the train says “chew chew chew.” Math Teacher: “If I have 5 bottles in…

On the Lighter Side (July 2020)

[86 words] The LegalistA guy goes into a lawyer’s office and asks the lawyer, “Excuse me, how much do you charge?”The lawyer responds: “I charge $1,000 to answer three questions.”“That’s a bit expensive isn’t it?”“Yes. Now what’s your third question?” My boss just texted me: “Send me one of your funny jokes!”I texted him back:…

How High Can You Count?

[336 words] When 156,000 American, British, and Canadian soldiers landed at Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. More than 4,000 Allied soldiers died during that World War II battle. What a high price, and an enormous sacrifice! Most people agree that although the cost was high, the…

Is Racism A Sin?

[330 words] Before answering the question, it is imperative that the terms, racism, and sin be defined. First, the term racism is defined as “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.” As important as defining the term is understanding what racism…

One Thing

[219 words] There are many voices competing for our attention. There are many destinations pleading for our arrival. There are many products and companies begging for our money. Yet only one voice matters. Only one destination is of any consequence. Only one being can inform us as what to do with / how to look…

A Home Ruled by God

[191 words] A home ruled by God is a place where we develop a heart that will help the poor, weak, and unfortunate people around you. God expects us to reach out to the weak. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1)…

The Bad Samaritan

[533 words] “Which one?” That’s what a typical Jew in Jesus’ time would have asked about this title. To many Jewish people, all Samaritans were bad. There was no such thing as a good Samaritan. The truth, of course, is that Samaritans were like other people. Some were good and some were bad. Although the…

Bite the Wax Tadpole

[170 words] When Coca-Cola began marketing their product in China in 1928, they ran into a problem translating their name into Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is a language of symbols rather than sound. Retailers tried to translate the title of the new drink using symbols representing the sound rather than what the words the symbols meant.…

Breaking Down The Barriers To Biblical Fellowship

[206 words] There is no greater relationship on earth than the relationship that exists as a result of being in Christ. Fellowship with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all who are in Christ, is limited by culture, by color, or by country. Unfortunately, the barriers to fellowship that were torn down by the cross…

The GIFT of a Great Relationship

[388 words] We just love getting gifts, don’t we? How wonderful it is having someone think of us and spend time and resources to get us something special. It lets us know that we are loved. And, of course, we should be most thankful for the love and gift God has given us in Christ…

Adaptability, Attitude, and Always Abounding

[354 words] For some people, when they encounter changes to their environment or routines, it is unsettling, unnerving, and can be a very traumatic experience. For others, when they encounter change, it can be exciting, thrilling, and a roller-coaster ride of new experiences (either good and bad). For all of us, whether we have positive…

Seek First to Understand, Then Be Understood

[354 words] Stephen Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker. His most famous book is entitled, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This book highlights seven ways one can be more effective in life, work, or their profession as they seek to hone their craft. Habit #5 is: Seek first to…

When God Leads A Nation, Mercy Triumphs

[229 words] “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth” (Psalms 67:4). Today, many people throughout the world are seeking justice. Many more cry out for mercy. In the United States, right now, minority groups are asking for racial justice.…

As We Listen

[381 words] In Luke 8:18 Jesus warned, “Therefore take heed how you hear.” He had said earlier, “And hearing they may not understand” (vs. 10). The words “hear” and “heard” are also found in vs. 12, 13, 14, and 15. Later, Jesus would add, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word…

He’s Still Around

[516 words] As I write this article, two days have passed since a tragedy occurred in our community. At a spot just one-half mile from where I sit in my office, a little four-year-old boy was visiting his uncle. While the family was taking group pictures in the house, the little boy sneaked out the…

The Parable of the Sower

[452 words] Jesus explained to the disciples that He spoke in parables, “…because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). Parables were stories teaching practical lessons to those who wanted to hear and understand and to hide His message from those who were…
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