Have a Plan

[419 words] Sometimes it is fun to just “pick up and go.” It can be exciting to “play things by ear” and to “fly by the seat of our pants” when it comes to things like down- time and recreation. But overall you and I recognize the value and necessity of having a plan when…

When ‘Magor-Missabib’s’ Disguise Themselves as ‘Pashur’s’

[172 words] In Jeremiah 19, God’s prophet was instructed to warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem that, because of their unrestrained sin and stubbornness, a harsh, but just, judgment was coming. Despite the clarity of the message which spelled doom for the unrepentant people there were leaders who promised peace, and who also treated…

If You Had Died for the Sins of the World How would You Feel?

[152 words] When men took your name in vain? When men damaged their bodies dabbling in sin instead of glorifying you as their savior in their bodies? When men fussed and got angry among themselves in the church which you had established and thus brought reproach upon you? When men chose to go somewhere else…

I Need You and You Need Me

[293 words] Have you ever felt alone? If so, you understand how this one emotion can create a roller coaster of negative thoughts and feelings in one’s life. We hate being alone. Sure, there are times we probably prefer to be alone; after all, sometimes you just need to get away. However, at its very…

Classify Yourself

[202 words] Dead Members: Their activities for the Lord have ceased. They no longer attend services, do not worship the Lord together with the saints, do not partake of the Lord ‘s Supper. Stopped studying the word of God. Do not give to further the Lord’s cause. They are in danger of being overcome again…

Which Came First?

[192 words] A young skeptic said to an elderly lady, “I once believed in God, but since studying science I am convinced that God is but an empty word.” The lady replied, “Well, I have not studied science, but since you have, maybe you can tell me from whence came the egg.” “Why, of course,…

I Know What Love Is…

[371 words] You may have seen the recent commercial by the Ad Council that tells us love has no limits. It shows people behind an x-ray screen embracing only showing their skeletal outlines. The people emerge from the behind to reveal they are a same sex couple, to a cheering crowd. The scene is redone…

Broken Toilets and Broken Souls

[254 words] It’s not an extremely rare occasion for a passenger jet to have to return to the airport due to a mechanical issue. However, when a Norwegian jet bound for Germany reversed course in late January of this year due to malfunctioning toilets, it was a backtrack filled with irony. The plane, you see,…

Why Are You Afraid?

[130 words] When Jesus and the disciples were caught in a storm on Galilee, they woke Him up, and He calmed the storm. He then said to them; “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The word for fear here is “deilos” – dread; timid; fearful, or cowardice…

Faith Check

[387 words] It is always good for a person to do regular checkups on themselves and their lives. We know the importance of this physically, mentally, and even financially. But too often we neglect to do this spiritually – and this is the most important area of all. In Micah’s day, there were questions of…

Your Next Home

[298 words] Financial experts tell us our homes are our largest asset. An average house in 1973 was 1,660 sq. ft., while in 2015 an average house was 2,687 sq. ft. Numerically, families continue to decrease in size compared to previous decades. Our homes are very important due to values, not needs. We are blessed…

During the Valleys of Your Faith

[291 words] The Christian life is all about peaks and valleys. When we are feeling good about our relationship with God and Jesus and something happens to re-enforce those spiritual feelings, we call that time “peak times” or “mountain top experiences.” When things don’t go right and we wonder if God is really listening to…

Enabling Bad Behavior is as Sinful as the Behavior

[324 words] You’ve probably watched a few programs on TV. or heard of them where families make interventions for a loved one who has an addiction problem. Years of coddling a child, friend, or loved one who has an addiction, only adds to the problem. It seems that the sooner a person hits rock‐bottom the…

Second Fiddle

[257 words] It’s been said that the hardest instrument to learn to play is second fiddle! It is a difficult role. John the baptizer seemed to play it well. He denied the references to him being the Christ by saying he was not worthy to even untie Christ’s sandals (John 1:27). Instead of claiming to…

Creation and the Bible Declare His Greatness and Love

[338 words] Read Psalm 19. Perhaps at some time in your life you stopped to admire a sunset – all the wonderful colors glossing into a farewell for the day; Venus begins shining brightly in the evening sky, almost calling to the other lesser lights. Or perhaps there was a time when you stood at…

Go Into All the World and Live a Good, Moral Life?

[293 words] Why is it that some Christians seem to believe that their only responsibility in reaching the lost is to live a pure lifestyle before them? Will alien sinners become Christians by simply observing that Christians refrain from things like profanity, fornication, and drugs? Will simply being kind to others convert the lost? Certainly,…

God Wants to Tell You Something

[284 words] Saul arrived in the prophet’s city hoping to get information from Samuel. What he got was something he did not expect. Saul’s father had sent him to find some missing donkeys. The future king of Israel and his servant looked but could not find the animals. Saul’s servant thought they should go to…

What the World Needs

[73 words] A little more kindnessand a little less greed;A little more givingand a little less need;A little more smileand a little less frown;A little less kickinga man when he’s down;A little more “we”and a little less “I”;A little more laughsand a little less cry;A little more flowerson the pathway of life;And fewer on gravesat…

Where Did God Go?

[122 words] Take a look around where you’re sitting and find five things that have blue in them. (Go ahead and do it). With a “blue” mindset, you’ll find that blue jumps out at you: a blue book on the table, a blue pillow on the couch, blue in the painting on the wall, and…

Let Me Tell You About My Friend

[341 words] I have a good friend. He doesn’t drink alcohol, thus has never been involved in any alcohol-related crimes or embarrassments. He doesn’t destroy his mind through the use of illicit drugs. I’ve never once heard my friend gossip or tell a single lie. He never wastes his time in night clubs, casinos, or…

Ten Thoughts to Start the Day from Psalms 116 and 118

[158 words] 1. This is the day the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.2. I will praise thee; for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.3. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me?4. The Lord is my strength and…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (February 2018)

[194 words] Dream ValentineOne morning Emma woke up with a start. Her husband Jim asked what was the matter, she told him, “I just had a dream that you gave me a pearl necklace for Valentine’s day. What do you think it means?”“You’ll know tonight,” Jim said.That evening, Jim home with a small package and…

Looking Back, Pressing Forward

[333 words] As a new year approaches, many of us are reflecting upon the past year, and looking toward the hope and promise of what lies ahead. One passage we often turn to when thinking about hope for the future is Phil. 3:13-14. Paul talks about putting to rest things of the past, and pressing…

Good Fruit

[261 words] “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). My brother has worked over 35 years in a produce department. He knows fresh fruit when he sees it and he easily recognizes fraudulent freshness, too. Daily, he’ll…

New Year’s Resolutions

[340 words] Yes, it’s that time again. It is the time of year when we usually commit ourselves to several worthy goals. We do this because we want to make our lives and faith better. We want to improve and that is a worthy goal. I have noticed that most of our resolutions revolve around…

Do You Believe?

[478 words] A brand new calendar year is upon us! As such it is a great time to evaluate where we stand in a number of different areas. Experts tell us that nine out of every ten “New Year’s Resolutions” will fail…and most of these failures occur by February. This means that for the average…

Mother of Hope

[309 words] Recently, I wrote an article that was centered around a newborn baby named Hope Holets. Hope was born addicted to drugs and was adopted by the Albuquerque police officer who found her mother in the act of shooting up heroin. Since her adoption, Hope has gone through the agonizing, month-long process of drug…

A New Year with The Lord

[133 words] A new year is about to unfold,With new opportunities to explore.Doors will open for new experiences,New adventures with the Lord.Remember not the former things,The things of this past year.The Lord will do new things in us,Much more than we are aware.For He will make a way for us,As we put our trust in…

The Two Greatest Dangers in the Church Today

[394 words] In my opinion, the two greatest dangers in the Lord’s church today are that of ignorance and inactivity. Proper knowledge and actions are absolutely essential for a congregation to please the Lord. Consider that… …if a church does not have any biblical knowledge or any activity, then it is dead (or near-dead, anyway).…

How to Make 2018 Better Than 2017

[455 words] The time for resolutions is here. If you are among those who like to refocus with the dawning of a new year, here are some ideas. Assess the Past Year. Self-examination is important and helpful. “Examine yourselves” is the admonition of 2 Corinthians 13:5. In the spirit of that passage, set aside some…

Is God Pleased With You?

[226 words] “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way…” (Colossians 1:10). We love because the Lord first loved us, though we were enemies to Him and separated from Him, and sent Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.…

Do You Believe the Bible is True?

[210 words] “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Jesus, the Word made flesh Himself, claims in His Word, that the Word of God is truth. Well, many worldly skeptics would argue that just because the Bible claims to be truth doesn’t make it so (even though they would accept that…

Do You Follow God’s Son?

[175 words] “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry…” (Luke 3:22-23). After many convincing proofs from His birth and childhood about who Jesus was, Luke, writing from his investigations and…

Who Do You Understand Jesus to Be?

[214 words] “Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:20-21). For centuries, God’s chosen people had been expecting a Savior,…

National Clean Your Desk Day

[442 words] Cathy brought to my attention Monday morning that Jan. 8 was National “Clean Your Desk” Day. And just for those who have been terribly concerned about my desk “clutter”, here is a picture of my hard work Monday morning. Now just for clarification, I did not clean the desk because of a “National…

True Food

[157 words] I’ve been told that there’s a health-food restaurant in the northeast with a billboard that says. “Eat here and live a long life!” Not wanting to be outdone, the barbecue place next door put up a sign that reads: “Eat here and die happy! Food is essential to each of us, without it…

Our Creator

[112 words] With various shapes and colorsOf flowers, trees, and birds,To say there is no GodIs really quite absurd. Try to count the stars,The number quickly mounts;God, however, does it,The many stars He counts.(Psalm 147:4) The hair that’s on your head,How many strands are there?Your God is one who knows,He can count every hair.(Matthew 10:30)…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (January 2018)

[227 words] All in How You View ItAn optimist stays up to see the New Year in. A pessimist waits to make sure the old one leaves. Perfect TimingThe last time we changed from daylight saving time, a preacher friend posted, “For those who habitually show up 15 minutes late to church, allow me to…

In Giving, You Lose Nothing

[274 words] The Christian faith has always placed a great emphasis on giving. This is due in part because we serve a giving God. He is a God of abundance (John 10:10; James 1:5; Psalm 103:8; Isaiah 55:1-7; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 5:20), and He loves to give. He sacrificed willingly on the cross and…

Judgment Day Excuses That Won’t Work

[287 words] We can imagine that on “the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6), there will be many excuses. Let’s consider some. “But, Lord, what about all of the good that I have done?” This sounds like Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord have we not…done many wonderful…

Proclaiming His Death

[236 words] “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The word “proclaim” means to preach. Let us preach the Lord’s death. The proclamation of the death of Jesus is one reason for taking the Lord’s Supper. Not only should…

Promises, Promises

[147 words] The world is full of promises, some broken, some kept. God keeps His. The greatest promise of the Bible is salvation. It’s the greatest promise because it can remove the greatest curse, sin. Jesus came to take away sin: “he was manifested to take away our sins” (1 John 3:5). Through obedience to…

Your Speech

[204 words] It was said of Peter, “Your speech betrays you.” James said, “No one can tame the tongue.” And Jesus said, “Out of the heart the mouth speaks.” We talk about the things that are dearest to us. A UK fan will not keep quiet! His speech will surely tell whose side he is…

Can’t Stop Now

[165 words] The famous engineer and inventor, Robert Fulton, returned to America from Paris in 1805 to test his invention of the steamship. In 1807, he was ready to take the steamship Claremont on a trial run up the Hudson River between New YorkCity and Albany. In the excited crowd watching the proceedings, there was…

A Lesson on How to Treat People

[142 words] During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the…

5 Reasons You Must Preach the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:1 – 4:4

[109 words] Because of Perilous Times (Periods) (3:1) ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…” Because of Godly Christian Examples (3:14) “…continue in the things which you have learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them…” Because of the Power of the Scriptures (3:15) “…the…

In Christ

[102 words] The “in Christ ” expression says it all. The truth is, all spiritual blessing are found “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3); every last one of them. These tremendous spiritual blessings are found no where else: Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10; Acts 4:12); no condemnation (Rom. 8:1); forgiveness (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14); becoming a new creature…

Power Outage

[260 words] One of the worst things about winter weather is the power outages that come along with ice storms. Power outages put us in a difficult position these days because so much depends on that electricity. There are so many things we cannot accomplish without it. Although the plant that generates the electricity for…

Somebody Else

[112 words] There’s a clever young guy named Somebody Else, There’s nothing this guy can’t do. He is busy from morning till way late at night, Just substituting for you. You’re asked to do this or you’re asked to do that, And what is your ready reply? “Get Somebody Else to do that job, He’ll…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (April 2015)

A minister selected a fifty-cent item in a discount store, but he suddenly realized he had no money with him. He said to the clerk, “I could invite you to come hear me preach, but I don’t have any fifty-cent sermons.” The clerk said, “Maybe I could come hear you twice.” — “Now how many…

New Feature: Mark Articles as ‘Used’

In our continuing effort to make the Bulletin Digest website even more useful for our members, we have added the ability to mark articles as “used” so that you will not reuse them in your church bulletin in the future. To use this feature, simply locate the button at the bottom of each article. It…

How Do We Answer?

[49 words] God said in Isaiah 65: 1- “Here I am. Here I am.” Moses made excuses (Exodus 3 and 4). Gideon said, “Prove it” (Judges 6). Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10). Many Jewish rulers believed but loved human praise more (John 12:42-43). Which brings up the question we began…

When You’re Not at Church

[351 words] When you’re not at church, you are missed. You are missed by those you sit with during our assemblies. You are missed by those by our appointed shepherds. People are concerned about you when you are not present for our family’s time of worship. When you’re not at church, lots of people miss…

The Benefits of Serious Meditation

[261 words] Unfortunately, when one speaks of “meditation,” what often comes to mind is the transcendental meditation taught by the new age movement. However, when we discuss the topic from a biblical sense, it neither involves chanting cross-legged with one’s eyes closed, or the “getting in touch with your inner self.” No, we are discussing…

Brief Rules for Bible Study

1. Read it through (get something definite). 2. Write it down (mark your Bible). 3. Work it out (in daily life). 4. Pass it on (tell others). via Findlay church of Christ Sparta, TN… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register),…

It’s Hard to Give it to God

[364 words] Sometimes when we go through tough stretches (often made by our own hands!), we procrastinate about turning to God. We think that because we make dumb decisions that we must always figure out a way on our own. God would help us if we would tum to Him. At least if we turned…

Attitude

[347 words] Attitude has so much to do with living the Christian life. A negative attitude will cause one to be overly critical and to see only the dark side of life. Such a perspective can be very depressing. When we see only the bad, we cease to experience the joys of being a Christian.…

Fight, Finish, Fulfill

[268 words] Second Timothy 4:7 has often been referred to as Paul’s valedictory: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” It has also been observed that this statement had something for every group of people in the first century. The idea of fighting the fight appealed…

Too Much Pressure?

[243 words] The USS Thresher was a nuclear submarine that was designed to go to great depths due to its great strength. The steel bulkheads were built to withstand great pressure from tons of sea water. But, on April 9, 1963, it went too deep during routine deep-diving tests,  and was subsequently crushed into little…

Country Music Theology

[122 words] Many people, it seems, follow a “Country Music” Theology, rather than the Bible. “The Red Dirt Road,” for example, said, “I learned the path to Heaven is full of sinners and believers.” Really? Psalm 1:5 says “sinners” are not “in the congregation of the righteous;” Jesus said He “did not come to call…

Titles

[211 words] We sure like titles don’t we? Regional Manager, District Supervisor, Vice President, Executive Director, Chairman of the Board, President. You never see a letterhead or an ID badge with “Flunky” on it! Even the low man on the to totem pole will be called “Management Trainee.” We want everyone to know we are…

The Offensiveness of the Gospel

[168 words] For millennia the gospel of a crucified savior has offended people, and it continues to do so to this very day. Some are offended at the suggestion that a crucified savior was the actual Messiah of the Jewish people. Some are offended at the suggestion that a crucified savior was the prophesied and…

Losing Our Senses

[179 words] When unusual behavior is observed in another, someone may say, “They have lost their senses.” It seems proper, based on certain observations, to say that many people today seem to have lost their senses! Some have lost their: Sense of God. More and more a practical atheism is getting around (Titus 1:16). People…

Unique Expressions

[483 words] “And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before” (Gen. 31:2). Jacob could tell by the look on Laban’s face that he was not happy with him. The expression on our face may say more than we realize. God made us social creatures who communicate not…

Unconditional Love

[230 words] “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). God’s love for His children stands unmatched by anything this world has to offer. Only the love of God can: Calm the restlessness of your soul. Heal any hatred you have…

The Coming Disaster

[389 words] The internet buzzes with sensational predictions of looming disaster. Titles read, “Collapse of the Dollar,” “Food Shortages Ahead,” “Polar Icecaps Melting,” Hyperinflation on the Horizon,” “Terrorism on the Rise” and so on. YouTube especially has numerous videos telling how to prepare for the imminent and abrupt end to life as we know it…

Dealing with a ‘Short Fuse’

[295 words] The apostle Paul reminds us that “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13). That certainly applies to the danger of expressing wrath and anger! Anger in itself is not sinful (Eph. 4:26), but how we express it can be! Even Jesus was angry (Mark 3:5),…

Blessings We Always Have

[291 words] As my youngest daughter (who is 4 years old) prays, she inevitably expresses thanks to God for the blessings that He provides. However, when she states it, there is a truth that she adds in which many of us adults forget. She prays, “Thank you for the blessings that we always have.” It…

Fruitful Disciples: 2 Peter 1:5-9

[199 words] Because Christians have these resources (the power and the promises) Peter urges the importance (make every effort) of the goal (growth to be more like Jesus) and spells out the steps towards it: love, brotherly kindness, godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith. Faith must express itself in action (goodness) and this experience…

Protection and Destruction in the Same Phrase

[274 words] Nahum prophesied against Nineveh over 100 years after Jonah. In the midst of words of destruction and the downfall of the superpower of that time, the prophet cannot but speak of God’s goodness as well. “The Lord is good–indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek…

Is Your Bible ‘Red’?

[172 words] A preacher once observed in a sermon that every Christian should own a “red” Bible. At least that was what people heard He actually said, “Every Christian should own a ‘read’ Bible.” Regardless of the color, it should be well-worn by the constant study of its owner. It is amazing how little people…

Caught Talking to God

[168 words] Two boys were put in I.S.S. (in school suspension). The one boy asked, “Whatcha in for?” “I got caught talking to Bill. You?” “I got caught talking to God.” Strange how talking to God can get one into trouble, especially when you consider all the benefits it affords. Martin Luther once said, “The…

Dying Wedding Vows

[373 words] Remember when “honor and obey” was a standard part of wedding vows? Then, the feminist movement said, “No way will I vow to obey my husband!” Today, you rarely hear a couple using this worthy vow to recognize and accept the roles and relationships God established in marriage (Genesis 2:22-24; 3:16; Ephesians 5:22-24;…

What an Invention!

[188 words] I once heard of a mother who was very frustrated one day as she was hunting all over the house for her cordless phone. After several minutes of searching, her little ten-year-old son said, “You know Mom, I’ve got an idea. We should invent a phone that stays connected to its base so…

The Snowball Effect

[398 words] Much of the news this week concerned the snow storm affecting the northeastern section of the USA. Though it was responsible for approximately two feet of snow in some areas, it did not reach the extreme levels that were predicted and anticipated. I am thankful that it did not result in widespread harm…

Good News: Hope!

[273 words] The apostle Paul said it this way: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise” (Romans 1:14). Recall that he had been brought up in, and participated in the strictest Jewish tradition. As a Jew, it would have been unthinkable for Saul…

The Untold Story: John 3:1-15

[338 words] What do we know about Nicodemus? This man Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews (v. 1), in a group that we know as the Sanhedrin. They potentially consisted of 70-72 men who made judgments concerning disputes, law-breaking, and questions. We also know, for better or for worse, that Nicodemus came to Jesus…

1000 Miles Per Hour

[230 words] The earth rotates on its axis at approximately 1,000 miles per hour. If that had been 100 miles per hour, our days and nights would be 10 times longer, and our planet would alternately bum and freeze. Under such circumstances vegetation could not live. If the earth were as small as the moon,…

Worship from the Heart

[309 words] A little boy asked his father what was the highest number he had ever counted. Replying that he didn’t know, the father asked his son his highest number. It was 973. “Why did you stop there?” wondered the father. “Because church was over.” I suspect that you have probably sat through worship services…

Help Wanted

[154 words] “I lift up my eyes to tne hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). If this week you are driving along and see some hills, or you find yourself longing for some help, then remember the words of Psalm 121.…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (March 2015)

“We had a power outage at our house this morning and my PC, laptop, TV, DVD , iPad, and my new surround sound music system were all shut down. “Then I discovered my phone battery was flat and, to top it all off, it was raining outside so I couldn’t play golf. “I went to…

89 Inspiring Ways to Know Christ…or So I Thought

[484 words] There it was in the magazine rack amongst all the juicy titles: “9 Practices for Better…,” “12 Ways to Know your Man is…,” “The Scandal Comes to Light, Interview with …” This particular title stood in stark contrast to those around it. Printed above a picture of a large towering cross against a…

Receptivity

[386 words] Receptivity is the desire to hear and the willingness to accept God’s Word! The Master exhorted, “Therefore take heed how you hear” (Luke 8:18). This admonition concluded His teaching about the different soils (hearts) on which the seed (God’s Word) falls. Some hearts are hard. Some hearts are shallow. Some hearts are distracted.…

‘Ole Rock’ the Mule

[367 words] Rock was one mean mule. He would chase the rest of the stock around the barn yard biting them. He especially liked to bite cows on the top of their rumps because it hurt and they would bellow. He had the best pasture in which to graze but chose the road ditch instead.…

The Wednesday Night Crowd

[312 words] As a gospel preacher I have noticed the various names that we give to our Wednesday night assembly. We have called it “Prayer Meeting Night,” “Mid-Week Bible Study,” “Wednesday Night Classes,” etc. By whatever name we choose, it is a very important time for spiritual development. It is a spiritual shot in the…

Jesus’ Deity

[163 words] Many books have been written by men concerning the deity of Jesus but there is no need to read any of them. Just read the Bible and you will be convinced that Jesus is God. Here is a simple verse that sets forth the deity of Jesus: “‘Behold! The virgin will conceive in…
Clock

Clock Watchers

[189 words] Shortly after he opened his first plant, Thomas Edison noticed that his employees had gotten into the bad habit of watching the factory clock, which was the only clock in the plant. To the indefatigable inventor who never thought about the time a task took, this was incomprehensible. He did not express his…

Do These Verses Apply?

[554 words] People find ways to get around verses that condemn them. Two groups with different agendas use the same maneuvers to reject passages that are against them. One is the homosexual movement and the other is the feminist movement. Here are some of their arguments . “I’ll Take Jesus Over Paul.” President Barack Obama…

Out of the Mouths of Babes

[108 words] A family is riding in the family car and an ad for a current movie comes on the radio. At the end of the advertisement comes the disclaimer, “Opens Friday in a theater near you! This film contains intense thematic material, graphic violence, nudity, strong sexual situations, drug content and coarse language. May…

Make Today Great!

[337 words] The second stanza of Charles Kingsley’s poem, “The Noble Life,” goes like this: “Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever; Do noble things, not dream them all day long; As so make life, and death, and that For Ever One grand sweet song.” Such is a good reminder that today…

How You Live

[203 words] I grew up with ESPN’s Sportscenter as a part of my morning routine. I always wanted to see what Michael Jordan, Tom Glavine, Cal Ripken, the Tennessee Vol football team, etc. had accomplished the night before. Stuart Scott made ESPN fun for me. At the July 16, 2014 ESPY awards, Scott remarked on…

Washed or Wet?

[73 words] Intentions make a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Matthew 3:7-9). Purpose makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Acts 19:1-5). The origin of the act makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Matthew 28:18-19). The result makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Acts 2:38).…

Resisting the Devil

[352 words] “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). The United States has not won the wars we have fought…

Take a Bullet for Jesus!

[247 words] Years ago when Warren Sapp was describing his love and devotion for his coach, Tony Dungy, he said, “I would take a bullet for him–if it wouldn’t kill me.” The Bible teaches us to be so devoted to Jesus and His cause that we’d be willing to die for Him. Perhaps you’re familiar…

Anything for a Buck

[82 words] A bald man told a hair stylist that he had gone for a transplant, but he couldn’t stand the pain. He said, “I’ll give you $5,000 to make my hair look like yours.” The stylist said, ”No problem,” and she quickly shaved her head! We have to be careful that we don’t have…

My Need, His Supply

[424 words] “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of…

Awake 36 Hours Straight to Satisfy a Craving

[238 words] Some people, if you let them, will play video games to the point of exhaustion. Others practice some addiction or compulsion to their great injury . “And the people stayed up all that day, all that night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail. The one who gathered the least gathered…

Kiss Someone Before You Go

[323 words] The subway train sways back and forth, its wheels screeching more fiendishly than ever against the tracks. Outside the window the freezing cold of winter rules and the dreary bay looks like a yawning abyss as the train rumbles across it. The carriage is filled with frozen self- centered, bored passengers. Good morning!…

Blessings of Being Punctual

[206 words] Growing up I was in “that family.” You know the one. The one by which you could measure yourself. My family was the “late family.” If you pulled in the church parking lot and saw the brown 1978 Toyota Celica or silver Cavalier station wagon you knew you were late. I think now…

Be Zealous for Good Works

[104 words] After bringing home their first baby from the hospital, a new mother thought her husband should try his hand at changing diapers. “I’m busy, I’ll do the next one,” he said, never looking up from the TV. The next time the baby was wet, the mother said, “Are you ready to change a…
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