August 2026

A Time to Hate

[401 words] One of the problems in the church today is that Christians have stopped hating. We have preached about love, and that is good. But there is a need for hate. God is a God of compassion, but He is also a God of hate. He hates a proud look, a lying tongue and…
old weathered tombstone in serene cemetery

The Last Enemy

[362 words] The Scriptures teach that we have enemies. One of our enemies is the devil. In the Lord’s Parable of the Tares, Jesus identified the devil as an enemy: “The enemy that sowed them is the devil” (Matthew 13:39). Also, Peter warned that the devil is our “adversary” (1 Peter 5:8). Of course, people…
man thinking

Why Worship?

[226 words] Benjamin Franklin once said, ”If the world is so bad with religion, what would it be without it?” Abraham Lincoln said, “Take all the Bible you can on reason and the rest on faith and you will live and die a better man.” Theodore Roosevelt gives this testimony: “I need my church to…

Just Use Me

[131 words] I am the Bible! I am God’s wonderful Library! I am always and above all, the truth! To the weary pilgrim, I am a good strong staff. To the one who sits in black gloom I am glorious Light! To those who stoop beneath heavy burdens, I am sweet rest. To him who…

Motivations for Maintaining Our Fellowship

[469 words] The first chapter of 1 John is full of exceptional teachings. John confirms that Christ truly came in the flesh, and as intended, his words should make our joy full (vs. 1-4). Second, he establishes the fact that in God there is no darkness, and as Christians there is no place for darkness…

Stick with It!

[406 words] “Footprints in the sands of time are never made by sitting down” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Perseverance, endurance, and plain old stubborn tenacity are needed to hold on to our hope in the midst of difficulty. If our life’s work will leave behind footprints in the sands of tine, it will be because we…

Judging the Judgers

[523 words] The biblical subject of judging is one that is often misunderstood and abused. When a Christian speaks out against sin, those who are guilty of that sin often begin to rant about being judgmental. They say, “You religious people are sinning by judging others,” or they might say, “Jesus said it is wrong…

Testimony from Old Cities

[403 words] One of the greatest proofs of the inspiration of the Bible is found in the prophecies concerning the downfall of nations and cities many years before their fulfillment. The science of Archaeology has made a great contribution to our understanding of many Biblical Truths, and in turn our faith has been greatly strengthened.…

Grave Keepers

[387 words] The tradition of “grave keeping” is practiced in almost every culture in the world. Grave keeping involves regular visits, cleaning and maintaining the final resting place of loved ones or dignitaries. The customs observed in grave keeping are wide and varied between cultures. Many consider grave keeping a show of love and respect…

Observations About Self-Righteousness

[417 words] The word “self-righteous” does not appear in scripture. The dictionary defines the word as “filled with a conviction of being morally superior to others; smugly virtuous.” That attitude is certainly found and discussed in scripture. Jesus told a parable “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with…

Idolatrous Promises

[206 words] Bombadier Theodore Halleck was not a praying man, but when he got in a tight spot over the target he would whisper to himself, “God, ya gotta. Ya gotta get me back. God, listen, ya gotta.” Lots of men promised the Almighty that if they got through they’d swear off liquor and women.…

At Your Convenience

[149 words] A little more than 150 years ago, General Robert E. Lee was camped approximately ten miles from General Stonewall Jackson. Lee sent a message to Jackson, saying that he wanted to meet with him at his convenience. The next morning, while Lee was eating breakfast, Jackson appeared at his tent. Lee asked Jackson,…

An Amazing God Made the Amazing Earth

[226 words] I went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens recently and had a wonderful time. I probably saw several dozen species of animals and plants. I stood in amazement at the variety and the uniqueness of each. This got me to thinking, and so I did a quick Google search. According to Science.org…
Church wrapped in American flag with text Faith and Freedom, God Bless America

Church of Christ ‘Most American’ Religious Movements, Historian Says

[247 words] Speaking on a podcast called Christian History Almanac, historian Dr. Dan van Voorhis said he considers the churches of Christ to be “the most American of religious movements.” Dr. van Voorhis called the church of Christ “the group that most embodies the America spirit, more than any other…” He said the revolutionary…

Dangerous “Nations” Among Us

[413 words] In the history of the world, many nations have posed great danger to people who lived around them. In ancient times, Egypt, Assyria, Chaldea, Rome, and others were dangerous. In recent history, Germany, Japan, Russia, and China have been seen as dangerous. However, the most dangerous “nations” are not earthly powers. They are…

Back-to-School Routine…For Everyone!

[470 words] For families with children, summer is the highlight of the year—at least for the kids! If summer could last for 12 months, there would be great celebrations in some households! Nevertheless, as happens every year, summer comes to an end and it’s time to go back to school. One of the challenges of…

Moderate Pot Smoking?

[440 words] The use of marijuana is on the rise in America. According to a study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, marijuana topped the list of substances that were used on a daily basis in 2025. Overall, the most popular drug is still alcohol. Almost 130 million people drank alcohol in…

Stay With the Word of God

[397 words] “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Many people have put forth ideals that they call religious teaching. Some give a verse from the Bible, to make their claim sound like it is true. Others claim to have received a…

Praise Him for Who He Is!

[175 words] “God…has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had…

Safe Passage

[429 words] “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for …

Are You Ready for School?

[285 words] Being ready for school requires more than finding your backpack. It means preparing ahead, arriving on time, bringing materials, and entering the classroom ready to learn. Students who prepare are less distracted by forgotten assignments and better able to receive the instruction their teachers have planned. Scripture connects preparation with dependence on God:…

If You Sleep with Dogs, You’re Gonna Get Fleas

[390 words] When we think of the word “compromise,” we may be reminded of two people with opposing views coming together to reach middle ground. Merriam-Webster defines the verb tense of compromise as “coming to an agreement by mutual concession” but also as “making a shameful or disreputable concession.” As one considers the biblical view…

What Jesus Offers

[105 words] On January 6, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress about the state of the war in Europe. As he closed, he said that he looked forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms: Freedom of speech Freedom of worship Freedom from want Freedom from fear. Upon consideration, is not this what Jesus…

Desired Destination Determines Direction

[336 words] In Philippians 1:21, Paul says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He follows that by discussing that in his present circumstances (being in prison) he could die, and he really doesn’t know whether he would choose life or death if it was his decision. Because if he…

‘Strait’ or ‘Straight’?

[313 words] Recent events in the Middle East have focused our attention on the Strait of Hormuz. A strait is “a narrow, naturally formed waterway that connect two larger bodies of water” (National Geographic Society). The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The “straight and…

A Covenant with the Eyes

[78 words] Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” (Job 31:1). Long before the internet and smartphones, Job understood that purity begins with what we choose to look at. Sin often enters through the eyes before it settles in the heart. Guarding our…

Self-Control for an Eternal Prize

[75 words] “Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things…we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Athletes willingly discipline themselves for trophies that eventually fade. Christians pursue something far greater—an eternal reward. Spiritual growth requires self-control, perseverance, and daily commitment. Every temptation resisted and every act of obedience strengthens our walk…

The Source of Truth

[74 words] Jesus declared, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). Jesus did not preach human opinions or popular ideas. He faithfully delivered the Father’s message. His followers should do the same today. Rather than asking what people prefer, we should ask, “What does God say?” The authority of Scripture…

Greater Is He

[83 words] “You are of God, little children… because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NKJV). Christians face temptation, false teaching, and discouragement, but we are not left defenseless. God strengthens those who faithfully walk with Him through His revealed truth. The devil is…

Seeing the Father

[83 words] Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus replied, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9, NKJV). Christ perfectly revealed the Father’s character, compassion, holiness, and truth. If we want to know what God is like, we need only look at Jesus. His words, miracles, sacrifice, and love…
Grandfather and grandson reading an illustrated book together on a garden bench

Come What May

[130 words] “Grandfather,” a curious boy asked, as along a path they strode,“What lies down the ever winding of life’s uncertain road?” “We do not know,” said the wise old sage, “It could be sunny or grim.”“But I know who knows, and I knowthat I will always walk with Him.” “Who is it?” the boy…
Woman kneeling in prayer while holding rosary beads beside a candlelit table

A Quiet Place to Pray

[99 words] When burdens press upon my soul,And storms arise beyond control,I find a quiet place to kneel,Where my anxious heart seeks to heal. No grand display, no lofty speech,God is never out of reach.He hears my whispered, trembling pleaAs surely as the strongest decree. In prayer I leave my fears behind,In meditation peace I…
Wooden cross silhouetted against sunrise over misty rolling countryside

More Than Enough

[126 words] I often ask for greater things,For open doors and answered dreams.Yet all along my Father givesFar more than first my spirit sees. A peaceful heart when fears arise.A faithful friend with gentle eyes.A page of Scripture, fresh and true,A morning filled with mercy new. The cross reminds me every dayHow great His love,…
Muddy country path winding through trees and fields at sunset

Stronger Than the Storm

[110 words] There are days when skies grow dark with care,When burdens seem too great to bear.The road is rough, the climb is steep,And silent tears replace our sleep. Yet faith is never built in ease;It grows beneath life’s fiercest breeze.The oak stands firm because it stayedThrough every storm that winter made. Our Lord has…
Winding path through a wildflower meadow toward a countryside cottage

The Father’s Canvas

[119 words] Morning arrives without a trumpet’s call,Yet every sunrise preaches to us all.The robin sings before the world awakes,The dew still glistens on the quiet lakes.The mountains stand as monuments of grace,Each star a signature in boundless space. The God who fashioned every leaf and flowerStill watches over us from hour to hour.If He…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 28:16-20

[81 words] “Then the __ disciples went away into __, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.” “When they saw Him, they __ Him; but some __.” “All __ has been given to Me in heaven and on __.” “Go therefore and make __ of all the nations, baptizing them in the name…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 28:11-15

[86 words] “Now while they were going, behold, some of the __ came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had __.” “When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of __ to the __.” “Say, ‘His disciples came at __ and…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 28:1-10

[74 words] “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to __, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the __.” “For an __ of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and __ back the stone from the door.” “He is not __; for He is __, as…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 27:62-66

[67 words] “On the next day, which followed the Day of __, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to __.” “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that __ said, ‘After __ days I will rise.’” “Therefore command that the tomb be made __ until the __ day.” True or False: Pilate…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 27:57-61

[68 words] “Now when __ had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named __, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.” Joseph went to __ and asked for the __ of Jesus. Pilate commanded the __ to be given to him. True or False: Joseph laid Jesus’ body in a new…

Quotes & Sayings (August 2026)

Editor’s Note: Inclusion of quotes does not constitute an endorsement of everything the quote author teaches or believes.  “This is true faith, a living confidence in the goodness of God.” — Martin Luther  “The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend.” — A.W. Tozer  “To be grateful…

On the Lighter Side (August 2026)

Wife: “Doctor, my husband talks in his sleep.” Doctor: “Try giving him the opportunity to talk during the day!” — If anyone has lost a roll of $100 bills that was secured by a wide blue rubber band, I have found your rubber band.  — Did you hear about the broken guitar for sale?  It…