June 2023, Vol. 42, No. 6

Expectations of a King

[414 words] On May 6, 2023, the United Kingdom had their first coronation ceremony for a monarch in 70 years. By all accounts, this was an elaborate and fascinating ordeal. Whether you consider yourself to be an Anglophile or not, there is much here to ponder in this special event. • It was estimated that…

My Daddy is Here

[169 words] David Elkind, the famous child psychologist and author of the best-selling The Hurried Child, tells this true story about his role as a parent: “I remember visiting my middle son’s nursery school class, at the request of his teacher, so that I could observe a “problem child” in the class. It so happened…

The Influence of a Father

[340 words] As we go through life, we have different perspectives about our Dads. Here’s how one person summed it up: When I was… 4 years old, my Daddy could do anything. 7 years old, my Dad knew a lot, a whole lot. 8 years old, my father didn’t quite know everything. 12 years old,…

Honoring Dad

[257 words] If you’re a father, today you might get another “interesting” tie or a wild t-shirt. Or your kids might do something for you to help you feel like something special. Soak it all in, because you deserve it and it’s good for your children to honor you.  But as you’re celebrating, don’t forget…

In Honor of Godly Fathers

[632 words] Father’s Day is a day to recognize the role fathers play in society. It is believed to have been first celebrated as a compliment to Mother’s Day on July 5, 1908, but it wasn’t made a federal holiday until 1966. Interestingly enough, where Mother’s Day was met with enthusiasm, Father’s Day was met…

Finding Joy in a Joyless World

[324 words] Media outlets bombard us 24 hours a day with graphic accounts of depravity in our neighborhoods, cities, and schools. Thousands of ads per day tell us we must buy stuff in order to achieve self-worth, happiness, and fulfillment. And pharmaceutical companies will gladly treat whatever ails us, for a price that many cannot…

What I Want for My Children

[648 words] Although we do not celebrate Father’s Day religiously, it is a day set aside for our nation to honor our fathers. Fathers have a special responsibility as leaders of the home. Since this responsibility is God-given, it should never be taken lightly. Every father would do well to seriously consider God’s instructions regarding…

Paul’s Importance to the Early Church

[215 words] It is almost impossible to grasp just how much Paul meant to the early years of the church. We can, however, get a glimpse of this great man of faith through the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi. Look a little closer into the man as he mentions his past, present,…

Regret for Our Past Decisions

[263 words] In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Lot, the nephew of Abraham. God commanded Abraham to take his family and move away from his home country to a new land. Abraham and his family and all their flocks made the migration to a land that was over-flowing with physical blessings.…

Five Things the Gospel Cannot Do

[540 words] The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Man’s true hope of going to heaven through Jesus is revealed in the gospel. Yet there are some things the gospel cannot do. The gospel cannot save a person who is determined to live in rebellion against God. The gospel has the power to…

When You Are in Over Your Head

[348 words] Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My…

Trees Teach

[320 words] The trees are a part of God’s great creation and can teach us many great things about living a life for God. Here are some lessons we can learn from them. Have a solid foundation. Just as trees spread out a root system for support, so we should have a solid foundation in…

Seven Signs

[438 words] The book of John focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, and a careful study of each provides us with principles of encouragement. Disappointments? Remember when Jesus addressed an embarrassing moment by turning water into wine? (John 2:1–11). He is still the one to turn to when life turns on us. “At my first…

Pay Attention to the Adjectives

[267 words] It’s been a long time since I have been in English class. I sure do wish I had paid better attention then – I honestly believe that it would have greatly improved my Bible reading and study today. One aspect of grammar I do not remember studying much is the adjective (I must…

Hear God Speak About Faithfulness

[333 words] The faithful are preserved by God. “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer” (Psalms 31:23). The faithful are blessed. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” (Proverbs 28:20).…

16 Tips to Live Happily

[194 words] 1. Learn to laugh with others, and at yourself (Proverbs 17:22). 2. Spend time with older people; learn from their wisdom (Proverbs 19:20). 3. Enjoy the innocence and purity of children (Matthew 18:1–6). 4. Work with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). 5. Live life like you will live forever, because you will (Ecclesiastes…

Bounce Back

[209 words] What is the difference between people who thrive and people who decline over a long period of time? It is not that they do not get knocked down; it is that they bounce back up. Every successful person I can think of has had to come back from discouraging circumstances. That is true…

Is This the Place?

[109 words] If this is not a place where tears are understood—Where do I go to cry?If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing—Where do I go to fly?If this is not a place where my questions can be asked—Where do I go to seek?If this is not a place where…

Little Children

[67 words] Little ears are listening;Little minds run wild;Trying to be like Mom or Dad,Comes natural for a child.They want to do the things you do,And say the things you say;They’re watching and they’re listening,Even while they play!So Mom and Dad, be very sure,You’re always watching too;To say and do the things that youWould have…

Wanted: Great Hearts

[40 words] The Word is solemn; therefore, do not trifle.The task is difficult; therefore, do not relax.The opportunity is brief; therefore, do not delay.The path is narrow; therefore, do not wander.The prize is glorious; therefore; do not faint. North Macon Daily MessengerHarry Goff, editor… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime…

How to Settle It

[74 words] When people disagree about how many ounces or pounds something weighs, they can settle the matter by using a scale, the standard of authority. When people disagree about the length of a piece of lumber, they can resolve the disagreement by using a measuring tape, the standard of authority. When people disagree about…

When Will We Have Revival?

[86 words] If all the sleeping folk will wake up, and all the lukewarm folk will fire up, and all the dishonest folk will confess up, and all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up, and all the discouraged folk will cheer up, and all the de- pressed folk will look up, and all the estranged…

What It Means to be a Christian

[93 words] • As members of the body one carries out the will of Christ the head (Colossians 1:18). • As lights in the world one shines forth for Christ the light of the world (John 8:12; Philippians 2:15). • As a soldier one endures hardness for Christ the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10;…

Strong Faith, Young Hearts

[121 words] In New Albany, Mississippi, a young man who starred on the baseball team had a conflict when a game was scheduled on Wednesday night during Bible class. He told his coach, who said, “Play or turn your suit in.” He went to church and the next day took his uniform to turn it…

He Has Not Left That Open to Us

[133 words] “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice.…

Bible Quiz: Titus 2:1-8

[90 words] Titus was told to speak the things which are proper for sound __. He was to teach the older men to be __, reverent, __, sound in __, in love, and in patience. The older women were to be reverent, not __, not given to much __, teachers of __ things. “that they…

Bible Quiz: Titus 2:9-15

[56 words] True or False: Servants were authorized by Paul to flee from their masters. “…that they may __ the doctrine of God our __ in all things.” “For the __ of God that brings __ has appeared to __ men…” “…we should live __, __, and godly in the present age…” The people of…

Bible Quiz: Titus 3:1-7

[79 words] Christians are to be __ to rulers and authorities, to __, and to be __ for every good work. “For we ourselves were also once __, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and __ one another.” True or False: We are not saved by works of…

Bible Quiz: Titus 3:8-15

[77 words] “This is a __ saying, and these things I want you to __ constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to __ good works. Paul told Titus to avoid __ disputes. “Reject a __ man after the first and second __, knowing that such a person is warped and…

Quotes and Sayings (June 2023)

“I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” — Liza Minnelli “No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.” — Abraham Lincoln “A father is neither an anchor to hold…

On the Lighter Side (June 2023)

Signs of the Times • Plumber “We repair what your husband fixed.”• Pizza shop slogan “7 days without pizza makes one weak.”• At a tire shop in Milwaukee: “Invite us to your next blowout.”• Door of a plastic surgeons office: “Hello, can we pick your nose?”• Sign at the psychic’s hotline “Don’t call us, we’ll…