May 2023, Vol. 42, No. 5

Bible Quiz: Titus 1:10-16

[73 words] Paul said the idle talkers and deceivers were found especially among the __. “…who subvert whole __, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest __.” Paul said some should be rebuked __, that they may be sound in the faith. “To the pure all things are __, but to…

God is in Control!

[396 words] When the Israelites were escaping from slavery with the Egyptians in hot pursuit, they stopped at the Red Sea. It seemed they were now between a rock and a hard place. But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will…

I Want to Know Real Bad

[217 words] A young man came to Socrates and said, “Mr. Socrates, I want knowledge. Show me how I can have knowledge.” “Son, how badly do you want knowledge?” asked the philosopher. “Oh, Mr. Socrates, I want knowledge more than anything else in the world,” he said. “I repeat,” Socrates said, “How much do you…

Sin and the Solution

[306 words] The New Testament warns of “the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Its “deceitfulness” is one thing that makes sin so dangerous. While there is a certain measure of pleasure in sin (Heb. 11:25), it is actually unprofitable (Prov. 22:8). And, “the way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15). Sin is progressive. For King…

Mothers in the Bible

[223 words] The role that mothers played in the biblical story is undeniable. From the beginning pages of Genesis to the latter letters of Timothy, the influence of mothers (both good and bad) is seen time and time again. The impact that the mother has on the child can and will have everlasting consequences (2…

Honor Mom

[168 words] Today 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 and…

Please Unsubscribe!

[496 words] “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). “I’d rather…

Running Marathons

[201 words] Have you even ran a marathon? If you have I admire you because just thinking about the great strength, stamina, and length of a marathon wears me out. The amount of training and time involved really just makes you become devoted to the cause of finishing your race. I do not know anyone…

A Mother’s Prayer

[177 words] If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a…

What is the One Spirit in Ephesians 4:4?

[398 words] The “One Spirit” is the Holy Spirit. He is a person, not an it. He is known by several different names throughout the Bible: Spirit of God (Matthew 3:16), Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:18), Spirit of Truth (John 16:14), and Comforter (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are one and…

Bringing Reproach Upon the Church

[325 words] This is an expression that was commonly used in years past, but is seldom heard today. It refers to someone sinning in such a way and in such a public place or under such circumstances that everyone in the community is aware of it and of the sinner’s membership in the church of…

Crowned with Knowledge

[398 words] The first step to being crowned with knowledge is understanding that “the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). This means we must be directed down the proper path. Jeremiah understood this and desired to know the proper way,…

A Father’s Advice

[166 words] Did you have a father who gave you advice? Maybe he gave you advice on relationships, how to take care of your money, car, or a hundred other things. I guess fathers have been giving advice as long as there have been fathers. Take for example Solomon who said, in Proverbs 5:7, “And…

No One Came

[348 words] Suppose you planned a community party. You invited all of your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun. On the week of the party, you began to prepare by cleaning the house and the yard. You rented tables and chairs, even a big portable awning so your…

Don’t Let Go of What’s Most Important

[509 words] There will always be a pull on Christians to compromise the truth of the gospel for what may be more pleasing to me (or men), for what may seem to be “wise,” or for what may be easy. Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do…

I’m Loving It

[312 words] Let’s be honest, there is somebody you can’t stand. You may not even have a goat but somehow, they got it. Just the way they walk and breathe irks you. Even when they are being nice, you want to punch them in the face. There’s just something about them that is like fingernails…

The B-I-B-L-E, Yes, That’s the Book for Me!

[440 words] The Bible is the most amazing document known to mankind. Consider that it is a compilation of 66 different books written by 40 different individuals over the course of 1,600 years, and yet it is perfect in harmony, history, accuracy, and advice. Notice what 2 Timothy 3:16-17 has to say about the Bible:…

When Times Are Tough

[263 words] I once read a story about an affluent man who lost his job. This led to him losing his life savings. Then, he lost his house and car. Last of all, the wife, who promised to love him “for richer, for poorer … until death parted them,” divorced him and took up with…

God in Our Families

[35 words] Happy moments: praise God (James 5:13).Difficult moments: seek God (Psalm 63:1).Quiet moments: worship God (Psalm 4:4).Painful moments: trust God (Psalm 7:1).Every moment: thank God (Psalm 100:4).…

What’s In It for You?

[92 words] Among the wonderful blessings that result from salvation are these: God remembers forgiven sins no more (ACTS 2:38; HEBREWS 10:17).Rest and peace of mind (MATTHEW 11:28–30; JOHN 16:33).Reconciliation with God (2 CORINTHIANS 5:18–19).The privilege of worshipping God (JOHN 4:24; ACTS 2:42; 20:7; EPHESIANS 5:19).All spiritual blessings (EPHESIANS 1:3).Help in trials and afflictions (ACTS…

What Jesus Offers

[104 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…

Train The Children To Have:

[52 words] • Feet that follow.• Legs standing for truth.• Knees that pray.• Hands that serve.• Arms that comfort.• Shoulders that bear.• A head that is sober.• Ears that listen.• Eyes that see needs.• A mind that unites.• A heart that forgives.• A mouth that thirsts for righteousness.• And a voice that praises the Lord.…

How Good is the God We Adore

[56 words] How good is the God we adore!Our faithful, unchangeable friend;his love is as great as his pow’rand knows neither measure nor end. For Christ is the first and the last;his Spirit will guide us safe home;we’ll praise him for all that is pastand trust him for all that’s to come. Joseph Hart…

My Mother

[274 words] Who fed me from her gentle breast,And hush’d me in her arms to rest,And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?My Mother. When sleep forsook my open eye,Who was it sung sweet hushaby,And rock’d me that I should not cry?My Mother. Who sat and watched my infant head,When sleeping in my cradle bed,And tears…

Special Times

[72 words] There are times when we let favors go unmentioned.When we leave a warm and loving word unsaid,There are times when we forget our kind intentions,When we’re wrapped up in our private world instead– But though we often fail to show our feelings,We hope the ones we love will somehow know–And that’s why there…

Wonderful Mother

[54 words] God made a wonderful mother,A mother who never grows old;He made her smile of the sunshine,And He molded her heart of pure gold;In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,In her cheeks fair roses you see;God made a wonderful mother,And He gave that dear mother to me. Pat O’Reilly…

Bible Quiz: Philemon 1–7

[54 words] Who wrote this letter? To whom is the letter addressed? Paul said he alway made __ of them in his __. “…hearing of your __ and __ which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the __…” “For we have great __ and consolation in your love, because the hearts of…

Bible Quiz: Philemon 8–16

[98 words] True or False: Paul could have commanded Philemon to free Onesimus. “I appeal to you for my __ Onesimus, whom I have __ while in my chains…” Paul says Onesimus, though once unprofitable, was now __ to both himself and Philemon. “I am sending him back. You therefore __ him, that is, my…

Bible Quiz: Philemon 17–25

[65 words] True or False: Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus just as he would Paul himself. “But if he has wronged you or __ anything, put that on my __.” Paul said it would __ his heart in the Lord if Philemon obeyed. “Having confidence in your __, I write to you, knowing that…

Bible Quiz: Titus 1:1-9

[78 words] “Paul, a __ of God and an __ of Jesus Christ…” Paul says God cannot __. “For this reason I left you in __, that you should set in order the things that are __, and appoint __ in every city as I commanded you…” “For a __ must be __, as a…

Quotes and Sayings (May 2023)

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” ― Zig Ziglar “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” ― Arthur C. Clarke “Don’t fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime.…

On the Lighter Side (May 2023)

You Know You’re a Mom When… You know you’re a mom when you’re up each night until 10 PM vacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, loading, unloading, shopping, cooking, driving, flushing, ironing, sweeping, picking up, changing sheets, changing diapers, bathing, helping with homework, paying bills, budgeting, clipping coupons, folding clothes, putting to bed, dragging out of…