November 2018, Vol. 37, No. 11

On Being Thankful

[348 words] Thankfulness is an attitude of heart and mind that expresses itself in speech and action. Most of us have experienced ingratitude from another at some time in our lives, and such an experience is less than satisfying. Have you ever done something for someone, only to be received with little or no…

Your Thanksgiving List

[118 words] The apostle Paul was a thankful man. He was thankful to Jesus for putting him into the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12), for the faith of his fellow Christians (Col. 1:3-4), for those who risked themselves for his ministry (Rom. 16:4), for salvation (1 Cor. 15:57), and indeed for all things (Eph. 5:20).…

The Perfect Creator

[81 words] “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). Only God can start with nothing, and make something amazing! Beginning with a blank canvas, God created the spectacular world that…

The Christian (As Seen in Philemon)

[277 words] The letter to Philemon is much more than a personal letter from Paul to his friend about the runaway named Onesimus. It is a message from God to each one of us. It is a message about what God expects to see in the lives of those who claim to be followers…

A Total Loss

[329 words] A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter was hit from behind by another driver. No one was hurt, and the damage to the rear bumper appeared minimal. The insurance company instructed me to take the car in for a closer inspection and repair estimate. During that inspection, they discovered that the damage…

Sinkholes

[354 words] A giant sinkhole opened up in Schmalkalden, Germany about 98 feet across and about 65 feet deep that swallowed a car, part of a garage and house. Yet, it was small compared to the sinkhole that opened up in Guatemala City in 2007. Reportedly, residents heard rumblings for weeks but no one…

Cruise Ships and Aircraft Carriers

[484 words] I’ve not been on a cruise yet, but I hope to one day. From what I hear, cruise ships are all about having fun. The entire crew, from the captain to the dishwasher, is there just to serve the passengers and help them have the time of their lives. The food, the…

The Church Exists to:

[63 words] • Exalt God (Eph. 3:21). • Evangelize the world (Acts 14:25-28). • Endorse the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). • Edify the believers (Eph. 4:16). • Educate the uninformed (2 Tim. 2:2). • Equip the saints (Eph. 4:12). • Ease the burdens of the needy (2 Cor. 9:13). Are you doing your part…

Prejudice

[393 words] The world teaches hate. Turn on the news or any social media and you will be flooded with stories and opinions that drive fear, distrust, and anger. If you are honest with yourself, you know we have all seen prejudice. We are all guilty of prejudice at one time or another, it…

What Defines You?

[306 words] Are you known for your knowledge of the great outdoors, your keen political awareness, the expertise in your profession or your ability to understand what it takes to build a superb athletic team? I enjoy hearing good hunting stories, listening to whether or not we are on the right track in our…

I’m So Depressed!

[215 words] “Depression” is a word often used and misused by modern Americans. True clinical depression (also known as “Major Depressive Disorder” or MDD) comes from biological root causes such as brain chemistry or hormone imbalance, bipolarism, etc. This type of depression needs treatment by a medical practitioner. Often, what is called “depression” by…

Why Love?

[369 words] “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). Have you ever wondered why it is that love is the greatest? I mean, faith and hope are two powerful elements of our Christian lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb.…

Looking in the Wrong Place for Jesus

[331 words] Periodically, we read or hear of “sightings” that unbelievers have a field day with. I refer to “Jesus sightings,” people are claiming in such things as clouds, Cheetos, dental X-rays, cooking utensils, windows, walls, and trees. Wikipedia even has an entry for it (“Perceptions of religious imagery in natural phenomena”). People vehemently…

Words

[134 words] Dr. Willard Funk, the well-known dictionary publisher, was asked to select the ten most expressive words in the English language. The following is his list: The bitterest word: alone The most tragic word: death The most revered word: mother The most beautiful word: love The cruelest word: revenge The most peaceful word:…

What is the Standard for Our Morality?

[376 words] “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21). It seems since the beginning of…

No Stone Unturned

[303 words] In Mark 13:1-2 we read, “As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be…

Biblical Meditation: The Cure for What Ails You

[392 words] “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and…

On the Lighter Side (November 2018)

[97 words] A Sudden Fall “Congratulations Mr. Smith,” said the Psychiatrist. “I think we have finally and completely cured you of your delusion.” “Thanks, I guess,” answered Mr. Smith grimly. “But what’s wrong?” asked the psychiatrist. “Why do you sound so depressed?” “Wouldn’t you be down if one day you’re the President and the…