Thank God for the Aaron’s and the Hur’s of the Church!

[121 words] As Moses found out, the hands of a leader can get heavy (Exodus 17:8-13). Amalek had declared war on Israel and Israel was assured victory as long as Moses could hold up the staff of God, but the battle outlasted Moses’ arms and he was in need of help. Enter Aaron and Hur.…

Divine Abundance

[45 words] The grasses are clothedAnd the ravens are fedFrom His store;But you, who are lovedAnd guarded and led,How much moreWill He clothe and feed you and give you His care?Then leave it with Him; He has everywhereAmple store. Anonymous… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either…

Eternal Goodness

[67 words] I know not what the future hathOf marvel or surprise,Assured alone that life and death,His mercy underlies: And so beside the Silent SeaI wait the muffled oar;No harm from Him can come to meOn ocean or on shore. I know not where His islands liftTheir fronded palms in air;I only know I cannot…

More Than We Ask

[107 words] I asked for just a crumb of bread.Within His banquet-hall he spreadA bounteous feast on every side-My hungry soul was satisfied. I asked for just a ray of lightTo guide me through the gloomy night,And lo, there shone along my wayThe noon-tide glory of the day. I asked for just a little aid,As…

Broken Toys

[75 words] As children bring their broken toysWith tears for us to mend,I brought my broken dreams to God,Because He was my friend.But then instead of leaving HimIn peace to work alone,I hung around and tried to help,With ways that were my own.At last I snatched them back and cried,“How can you be so slow?””My…

Showing Compassion

[104 words] In Luke 10:30, Jesus teaches the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is interesting to note that the man half dead made no call for help. In verse 33, it says, “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion.” Maybe…

Dumb Animals?

[81 words] Birds build their nests and rear their young, and so far as is known no bird ever tried to build more nests than its neighbor; no fox ever fretted because he had only one den; no squirrel ever died of anxiety because he had not laid up enough nuts for two or three…

Thankfulness to God

[51 words] I often wonder how God feels at His creation’s ingratitude. How many have felt God’s sunshine, breathed God’s air, been blessed with God’s rain, and yet never stopped to think of—or thank—the Creator of all such? We should be always thankful, always grateful, always appreciative, to our great God. John M. Brown… We…

Encouragement

[53 words] It’s easy to complain. Anyone can do it! It takes a special person to encourage. Complaining focuses on self. Encouragement focuses on others. The world needs encouragement from people who know how to overcome discouragement. God expects you to do that! If you’re a child of God, actively seek to encourage others daily….…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 6:8-15

[51 words] True or False: God knows the things you need before you ask Him. “Our Father in __, __ be Your name.” “Give us this day our daily __.” Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray to be delivered from the __ one. “But if you do not forgive men their __, neither will your…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 6:16-21

[56 words] “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the __, with a __ countenance.” True or False: Jesus said when you fast, try to appear as if you are not. “…and your Father who sees in __ will reward you __.” Jesus said to lay up for yourselves __ in heaven. “For where…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 6:22-27

[91 words] “The __ of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of __.” “If therefore the light that is in you is __, how great is that darkness!” “No one can serve two __; for either he will hate the one and love the…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 6:28-34

[73 words] What flower did Jesus point to in speaking of God’s provision for His people? “…and yet I say to you that even __ in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” True or False: Jesus said the Gentiles focused on physical needs. “But seek first the __ of God and…

Quotes and Sayings (June 2024)

“The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They’re not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion—to care about people and about your children.” — Denzel Washington “Lately all my friends are worried they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried I’m not.” — Dan Zevin “Daddies don’t just love their children…

On the Lighter Side (June 2024)

Unwanted Visitor A man, down on his luck, went into a church which catered to the “uppity.” Spotting the man’s dirty clothes a deacon, worried about the church image, went to the man and asked him if he needed help. The man said, “I was praying and the Lord told me to come to this…

The Three Bears

[396 words] Once upon a time, there were three bears… No, no, no—that’s the wrong three bears. Far from a fairy tale, the three “bears” listed in Galatians 6 are vital to living a fulfilling Christian life. Of course, you may have already figured out that these are not the furry animals, but the concept…

Sermon Outline: Increase Our Faith!

In Luke 17, the Lord asked His disciples to do something that is evidently so challenging and daunting that they cry out, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). What did He ask them to do? What did He require of them that was so difficult? There are several ideas to consider: Don’t be a stumbling block.•…

Ten Commandments of Jesus

[260 words] FIRST and greatest commandment – “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). SECOND command is like It – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these”…

Honoring our Mothers

[218 words] This Sunday is “Mother’s Day.” It is a day when gratitude is expressed to our mothers. Mother’s Day in America began a century ago when Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother and the ladies in her church. Anna was so intent on calling on Americans to honor all mothers, she petitioned Congress…

What is a Grandparent?

[164 words] These answers to that question were taken from papers written by a class of eight-year-olds. • Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people’s kids. • Grandparents don’t have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They…

The Blind Girl

[150 words] There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, “If I could only see the world, I will marry you.” One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages…

Do You Want to Prosper?

[246 words] There’s an interesting verse about Isaac and his success in life in Genesis 26. It is verse 13, and it says of him: “The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous” (NKJV). What was he doing at that particular time to be so very prosperous? It all begins…

A Hall of Fame for Mommas

[280 words] While preparing for this week’s traditional Mother’s Day message, I couldn’t help but to think of the old Glen Campbell song “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.” Out of all the poems, odes, and lyrics you could present on this day, this song seems to capture the essence of a “good momma.” I…

A Little Place

[91 words] “Father, where shall I work today?”And my love flowed warm and free.Then He pointed me out a tiny spotAnd said, “Tend that for Me.”I answered quickly, “Oh no, not there,Why, no one would ever seeNo matter how well my work was done.Not a little place for me!”And the word He spoke, it was…

The Word of God

[44 words] For feelings come and go,And feelings are deceiving;My warrant is the Word of GodNaught else is worth believing.I’ll trust in God’s unchanging WordTill soul and body sever;For, though all things shall pass away,His Word shall stand forever…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are…

What is the Church?

[93 words] A practice field for patience and compassion.A fellowship against loneliness.A resting place.A garden where God comes looking for us.A bathing for washing guilt away.A reflecting pool.An internship for minister-members.A kneeling bench.A rescue mission where God finds us.A laboratory of life.A school instructing those who would fear God.A hospital for healing souls.A cafeteria where…

A Question

[42 words] If I really, really trust Him,Shall I ever fret?If I really do expect Him,Can I e’er forget?If by faith I really see Him,Shall I doubt His aid?If I really, really love Him,Can I be afraid?… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet…

Six Stewardship Principles

[68 words] 1. You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). 2. The attitude of the giver is more important than the gift itself (2 Corinthians 9:7). 3. The time to give/commit is now (2 Corinthians 9:5). 4. We must give ourselves to God first (2 Corinthians 8:5). 5. “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew…

If Our Children…

[58 words] …never see us go to Bible study, why should they? …never hear us pray, they will never learn how themselves. …hear bickering or cursing at home, they will do the same when they are grown. …never see us read the Bible, they won’t appreciate its contents either. …hear us complain about the preacher,…

The Source of My Joy

[47 words] In the midst of everything that may be wrong with the world: I am a Christian, my sins are forgiven, and I am on my way home to heaven (Heb. 11:13-16)! It’s the source of my joy (Phil. 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16)!… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and…

Sentence Sermons

[64 words] Gaining Experience: “The best way to move mountains is to begin with molehills and work your way up.” Complaining and Acting: “Too many of us complain that our days are few while acting as if they will never end.” On Trials: “God promises safe landing, not a calm passage.” Acting on Ideas: “An…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:27-32

[92 words] True or False: “You shall not commit adultery” is among the Ten Commandments. “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to __ for her has already committed __ with her in his heart.” Jesus said it is better to pluck your __ out if it causes you to sin…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:33-42

[89 words] It was said to those of old, “You shall not __ falsely, but shall perform your __ to the Lord.” But Jesus said not to swear at all, neither by __, __, Jerusalem, or your own __. “But let your ‘__’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘__,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:43-48

[76 words] Jesus sad some thought, “You shall love your __ and hate your __.” Instead, Jesus said to __ your enemies, __ those who curse you, do __ to those who hate you, and __ for those who use and persecute you. Doing these things will allow you to be __ of your __…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 6:1-7

[102 words] Jesus said if you do __ deeds to be seen by men, you have no __ from God. The __ in Jesus’ day sounded a __ in the synagogue and in the streets when they did a charitable deed so they would be recognized. “But when you do a charitable deed, do not…

Quotes and Sayings (May 2024)

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness, and children sleep soundly in them.” ― Victor Hugo “Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved.” ― Erich Fromm “Being a mother is like being a gardener of souls. You tend your children, make sure the light always touches them.” ― Karen…

On the Lighter Side (May 2024)

Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish. — Working for God doesn’t pay much. But His retirement plan is out of this world! — Job Description Personnel Director: “What previous experience have you had…

Discouraged: We’ve All Been There

[507 words] I am reminded of the story of the man that approached a little league baseball game one hot, sunny afternoon. He asked a boy in the dugout what the score was. The boy kept his gaze on the field and responded, “Eighteen to nothing—we’re behind.” “Woah,” said the man, “I’ll bet you’re discouraged.”…

A Time That Will Not Change

[180 words] I love Spring! But one thing I’ve never liked is Daylight Savings Time. It has been shown that the changing our bodies’ rhythms back and forth isn’t healthy. But our government still insists on doing it. For one thing, it is good for business, they say. Up north, the sun sets earlier and…

Homefront Crumbling

[498 words] Douglas MacArthur II (the general’s nephew) worked for the government. The Secretary of State once called his home and asked to speak with him. His wife replied, “He’s not here. He’s where he always is—weekends, nights, Saturdays, Sundays—at the office. You can reach him there.” She had not recognized the Secretary of State’s…

Confession vs. Hypocrisy

[133 words] After hearing a sermon on confession, a man approached his preacher with a heavy conscience. He explained that he worked for a boat builder and stole expensive brass nails. The man could not tell the boat builder, he said, “Because he would lose his job and his boss would think him a hypocrite…

No Time to Complain

[176 words] Never once did our Lord have a path free from trouble. When He went into the wilderness, He was tempted of the devil. When He tried to rest, the multitudes followed Him. When He taught in the synagogue, the hearers became angry and sought to throw him off the brow of the hill.…

He Gave Thanks

[121 words] Ten times in the gospels, Jesus is recorded as giving thanks mainly at the Lord’s Supper and some other meals. The Lord gave thanks before He fed 4,000 (Mark 8:6). He gave thanks to the Father for hearing Him (John 11:41). We also should give thanks when we eat (Rom. 14:6). Thankfulness is…

Big Bang Theory

[142 words] I have to come clean and confess that I believe in the Big Bang. Now wait! Don’t stop reading here. Let me explain. The Bible, itself, teaches a “Big Bang.” Read it for yourself: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens…

Like is Like a Clock

[69 words] Life is like a clock. The hands of time go only forward, never backward. Life is not like a movie. It can never be rerun for a second showing. Life is not like an automobile. It has no reverse gear. Life is not like a pencil. You cannot erase your mistakes. Today is…

Tragic Nature of Bible Ignorance

[97 words] Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno frequently did man-on-the street interviews. Once he stopped some young people to ask them questions about the Bible. “Name one of the Ten Commandments” he asked two college-age women. One replied, “Freedom of speech?” He said to the other, “Complete this sentence: Let he who is without…

New Testament Writers

[200 words] • The Gospel of Matthew was written by the Apostle Matthew about (circa) A.D. 55–62. • The Gospel of Mark was written by John Mark c. A.D. 55–62. • The Gospel of Luke was written by the physician Luke c. A.D. 55–62. • The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John…

Ask for the Old Paths

[114 words] Christianity is not some newfangled way gotten up in modern times by men more zealous than well-informed. The whole of Christianity is in the New Testament. Anything in religion which is not as old as the New Testament is no part of Christianity. The “Old Paths” for us are the ways traveled by…

No Worries

[173 words] I’ve no time to worry about what I’ve not.I’m too busy praising Him for what I’ve got…Like the sunshine around me; the honey bees;The shade of an oak tree; an afternoon breeze;The birds when they’re singing; the fish when they bite;The rest that’s so welcome when day turns to night. I’ve no time…

His Presence Came Like Sunrise

[126 words] I met God in the morning,When my day was at its best,?And His presence came like sunrise,Like a glory in my breast. All day long the presence lingered;All day long He stayed with me;And we sailed in perfect calmnessO’er a very troubled sea. Other ships were blown and battered,Other ships were sore distressed,But…

A Cry For Light

[82 words] There comes a wail of anguishAcross the ocean wave-It pleads for help, O Christians,Poor dying souls to save. Those far-off heathen natives,Who sit in darkest night,Now stretch their hands imploring,And cry to us for light. We have the blessed gospel;We know its priceless worth;We read the grand old storyOf Christ the Saviour’s birth.…

In Earthern Vessels

[44 words] The dear Lord’s best interpretersAre humble human souls;The gospel of a life like HisIs more than books or scrolls. From scheme and creed the light goes out,The saintly fact survives;The blessed Master none can doubt,Revealed in holy lives. John Greenleaf Whittier… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:1-12

[57 words] True or False: Jesus was seated when He gave the “sermon on the mount.” The poor in spirit are blessed because the __ of __ is theirs. Who will inherit the earth? “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall __ __.” “Rejoice and be __ glad, for great is your reward in heaven,…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:13-16

[62 words] Jesus said His disciples are __ and __. “…but if the salt loses its __, how shall it be __?” “You are the light of the __. A city that is set on a hill cannot be __.” Jesus said no one lights a lamp and puts it under a __. “Let your…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:17-20

[97 words] Jesus came to __ the Law and the Prophets, not to __. “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass __, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the __ till all is fulfilled.” “Whoever therefore __ one of the least of these commandments, and __…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 5:21-26

[75 words] Jesus said anyone who is __ with his brother without a __ is in danger of the judgment. “But whoever says, ‘You __!’ shall be in danger of __ fire.” “First be __ to your __, and then come and offer your gift.” “Agree with your __ quickly, while you are on the…

Quotes and Sayings (April 2024)

“Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” — Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. “Nostalgia in reverse, the longing for yet another strange land, grew especially strong in spring.” — Vladimir Nabokov “Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” — Lewis…

On the Lighter Side (April 2024)

A religious ‘awakening’ occurs at church when the preacher has finished his sermon. — A Sunday school teacher asked the class to draw a picture illustrating a Bible story. Little Johnny drew a picture of a big car. An old man was driving, whiskers flying in the breeze. A man and a woman was seated…

‘ASLSP’

[410 words] Let me start off by saying that 20th century classical music is, by and large, “weird.” John Cage, a late 20th century composer, wrote an 8-page organ piece called “Organ2/ASLSP.” The “ASLSP” means “play it as slow as possible.” Usually this organ piece takes more than an hour to complete. Yet, in 2009,…

Keep Moving Forward

[200 words] The nation of Israel had escaped slavery from Egypt. But now they found themselves being pursued by their former captors. At the shore of the Red Sea they felt that they were trapped. Many of them thought about going back to Egypt into slavery. Others were bemoaning their current dilemma. The LORD then…

Are We Like Christ?

[249 words] Some years ago, Brother G. F. Raines wrote about a young Buddhist who had made a very careful study of the life of our Lord said to a Christian: “Your Christ is wonderful, oh, so wonderful; but you Christians, you are not like him.” Could it be that the Christian was left speechless…

To Catch a Thief

[232 words] Marge Wilson had had enough! For the fourth morning in a row, she had gone to the chicken pen only to find feathers strewn about and one of her good laying hens gone. She knew one thing for sure, the chicken-stealing varmint was consistent and it would surely be back for more. But…

Five Wonderful Words

[210 words] The 23rd psalm has been a favorite of God’s people for thousands of years. It is steeped in the Israelite culture of husbandry. But all through the years it has appealed to people who realize that God is watching over them. Just the first five words alone in the English versions reveal so…

Greetings

[271 words] Some 21 times in Romans 16, Paul uses the word “greet” in sending kind regards to many brethren that he knows in Rome. Consider some of the people he greets: Those who risked their lives for Paul. Prisca & Aquila (Rom. 16:3).  Various workers in the Lord. Mary (Rom. 16:6), Urbanus (Rom. 16:9),…

Stephen and Cancel Culture

[381 words] Stephen was a man of tremendous courage who preached God’s Word with great boldness. On the occasion of Acts chapter 7, Stephen preached that he saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). In the audience that day were unbelieving Jews who rejected Christ. When they…

The Time Jesus Got Sick?

[224 words] There is no record of Jesus getting sick on earth. Perhaps He had child- hood colds, the occasional stomach ache, or the flu. We don’t know; the Bible doesn’t say. The only time Scripture records Jesus being sick is after He returned to heaven. It is found in Revelation 3. Revelation 3:16 pictures…

Forgiving Those Who Sin Against Us

[198 words] There are those who are going to hurt us. But as Christians we are not to hold grudges, for these become heavy weights to pull us down and away from God. In the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to ask God for forgiveness as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew…

How Capable Are You?

[565 words] All of my life, I have heard it said, “You are only as strong as your weakest link!” My humble understanding of this quote means, every “link” on your chain (metaphorically speaking) is important, needs to be proficient in the mission of the organization, and makes a positive contribution if success is to…

Sin Destroys the Heart

[395 words] Sin begins in the heart and works out through our lives. It comes out in our thoughts, actions, words, and character. David wrote: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit…

Two and Only Two

[265 words] An elder in my home congregation once told me that back when he sold ice cream he would tell his customers, “We have two flavors: plain and vanilla.” Years ago when you went to have your teeth cleaned, there were no flavor options. Now the dental hygienist asks if I prefer mint, cinnamon,…

You Cannot Out-Give God

[222 words] Our attitude will improve toward giving when we realize you cannot out-give God (Mark 10:28-30). Here Christ is talking about an investment that yields a return of 10,000%. We give and God blesses (Prov. 11:25). We need to understand that God owns it all (Hag. 2:8; Deut. 8:18; Psa. 50:10; 1 Cor. 6:19-20;…

Do Not Tell Your Kids About Abstinence?

[121 words] “Do not tell your kids about abstinence, because if you do they will be curious about it and will go out and have sex.” Ridiculous! We don’t use this irrational logic in reference to other things. For example, we don’t avoid warning our kids about murdering and stealing, thinking they will be curious…

Putting God Before You

[426 words] “I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (Psalms 16:8). A powerful lesson we learn from this text is if we put God before us we will not be moved or shaken. If God is first in our decisions, thoughts, and…

What Kind of Church Should We Be?

[446 words] Play a word game with me. What comes to your mind when you see or hear the word church? Do you picture a steepled building, dark wooden pews, crosses, offering plates? Do you hear hearty singing? Or does church trigger childhood memories of wiggling through sermons, playing tag on the parking lot, and…

Sharing Our Faith

[381 words] Why are we afraid to share our faith? Why do we not share with others what God is doing in our lives, and about what Jesus means to us? Rejection is probably the number one reason we hold back. When we invite someone into conversation about Jesus Christ and they resist, it isn’t…

The Ermine’s Example

[465 words] There is a unique little animal found in the forests of northern Europe and Asia. It is called the ermine. In the wintertime, the ermine’s fur turns snow-white. It instinctively protects its coat against anything that would soil it, going to great lengths to keep its fur spotless. Fur hunters deviously take advantage…

Who Will You Worship Sunday?

[75 words] The god of Ease? “Had a hard week, gotta get some rest.” The god of Mammon? “Gotta get another dollar.” The god of Popularity? “Company came; gotta stay home with them.” The god of Pleasure? “Only day I have to hunt, fish, golf, swim, ski.” The god of Self-Pride? “They do not treat…

Words That Hurt

[61 words] There are many warnings in the Bible about the consequences of our words. The most powerful is expressed by Jesus. He said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matt. 12:16). Please don’t let your words hurt…

Minders of the Tongue

[28 words] God has given us two ears and one tongue. Also keep in mind that He has set a double fence before the tongue: the teeth and the lips…. 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…

A Real Man Builds

[30 words] A real man builds, whether it’s tables and walls, or the church. He knows that anyone can heap mockery and derision on another’s efforts; he will lend a helping hand…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet…

What Will I Be at Fifty?

[73 words] Some day most of us will meet an old person. He may be grumpy, ill-tempered, and hard to get along with. Or he may be gracious, wise, and helpful. But the good news is that I can choose this person that I must live with, because that person will be me. You and…

A Lovely Light

[80 words] A candle’s but a simple thing…It starts with a just a bit of string,Yet dipped with patient hand,It gathers wax upon the strandUntil, complete and snowy white,It gives a lovely light. Life seems so like that bit of string…Each deed we do, a simple thing,Yet day by day if on life’s standWe work…

Too Busy

[94 words] Too busy to read the Bible,Too busy to wait and pray;Too busy to speak out kindlyTo someone along the way. Too busy with cares and strugglesTo think of the life to come,Too busy building mansionsTo plan for the heavenly home. Too busy to help a brother,Who faces the winter’s blast,Too busy to share…

Gossip

[114 words] First, someone told it,Then the room could not hold it,So busy tongues rolled itTill they got it outside. Then the crowd came across it,They stretched it and tossed it,And never once lost it,Till it grew long and wide. This lie brought forth others,Evil sisters and brothers,And fathers and mothers,A terrible crew. As headlong…

According to You

[106 words] The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few. But the one most read and commented on is the Gospel according to you. You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day,By the things that you do and the words that you say. Men read what you…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 3:13-17

[83 words] Jesus came from __ to John at the __ to be baptized. “And John tried to __ Him, saying, ‘I need to be __ by You, and are You coming to me?’” Jesus said His baptism was to fulfill all __. “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the __;…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 4:1-11

[71 words] “Then __ was led up by the __ into the wilderness to be tempted by the __.” Jesus fasted __ days and nights. “Now when the __ came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become __.’” “Jesus said to him, ‘It is __ again,…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 4:12-17

[57 words] “Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in __, He departed to __.” After Jesus left Nazareth, He dwelt in __. Capernaum is in the regions of __ and __. __ is the prophet who prophesied that the Gentiles would see a great light. “From that time Jesus began to preach…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 4:18-25

[78 words] “And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, __ called __, and __ his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.” Jesus told them to follow Him, and He would make them __ of __. When Jesus called James and John, they __ left the __…

Quotes and Sayings (March 2024)

“The man who doesn’t read his Bible has no advantage over the man who has no Bible.” — Albert M. Wells, Jr. “He fights with spirit as well as with the sword.” — Latin proverb “It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” — General Douglas MacArthur “Morale is the…

On the Lighter Side (March 2024)

Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. “Fine,” said the pleased mother. “If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you.” “Oh, I didn’t ask Him to help…

Love Demonstrated

[248 words] “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God did not just tell us He loved us and then left it there. As the preceding verse states, God demonstrated, revealed, and validated His love for mankind by allowing Jesus to…

Something is Missing

[503 words] On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig uttered some words that would go on to be some of the most iconic in history. After being diagnosed with a debilitating disease, standing only about two years from his death, the man who had played more consecutive baseball games than anyone else ever had gave this…

The Last Verse

[274 words] In 1814 Francis Scott Key had been negotiating the release of an American from the British Fleet. Key was successful and was only allowed to return to his ship, yet not allowed to leave the fleet because he had become familiar with the strength and position of the British units and their intention…

Your Worst Sin

[442 words] In no way would I ever claim to be a prophet, psychic, or prognosticator. But I can tell you what your worst sin is. Now, I know you’re wondering how I know. Has someone told me that they saw you doing it? No. Have I been looking in your windows at night or…

My Social Media Pledge

[427 words] • I keep a low profile on social media, but I am present there. Below is the pledge I have taken to govern my use of it. I invite you to take it, too. • I will post, comment, and otherwise utilize social media with complete awareness that the all-seeing eye of God…

What’s in a Name?

[236 words] There was a time when the meaning of names was thought to be important. My name, for example means “laurel-crowned” meaning “a champion or a noted warrior.” Or as someone observed, it means “the guy with weeds in his hair.” Not quite so flattering! A name is important and cannot be shed like…

Looking Unto Jesus

[224 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. 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 up a group that is…

Our Outlook on Life

[288 words] A few years ago, a lady committed suicide, leaving behind this note. “I decided that unless life was worth living, I would just quit living.” How do you feel about your life? Is it worthwhile? Or let’s change the question. What would it take for you to feel that your life is worthwhile?…

God is So Good

[566 words] You might notice over your heading of Psalm 107 that it begins “Book Five.” You also do not see David’s name over this psalm. There may be clues pointing to this being one of the later psalms, even after Babylonian Captivity (1-3). Many believe this was a song sung by Jewish pilgrims who…
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