15 Reasons to Read the Bible Daily

To be rid of anxiety and have peace (Psalm 119:165). To set things right when life is out of control (Psalm 19:7-8). To have direction and know God’s will (Psalm 119:105). To experience healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). To grow in the Lord (1 Peter 2:2). To have strength, comfort, and hope (Psalm 119:28.50,114). To…

The Hottest Spice

The hottest spice is believed to be the Red Savina Habanero pepper developed by GNS Spices of Walnut, California. A single grain will produce detectable heat in 1,272 pounds of bland sauce. Is your good influence detectable in a crowd? Jesus spoke of influence in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye are the salt of…

Written in Sand and Stone

Two friends were walking through the desert and got into an argument. One friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “Today my best friend slapped me in the face.” They kept walking until they found an oasis. Thirsty, they…

When You Fail

Failure! What a haunting word. No one deliberately sets out to experience it. As Bulwer-Lytton has said, “In the lexicon of youth, which Fate reserves for a bright manhood, There is no such word As—fail!” But somewhere between youth and old age we discover not only the word, but its full meaning. “How are the…

Your Bible: On Top of TV Guide, or Under It?

A young child watched her mother reading from the Bible for a few minutes each morning. Finally one day she asked, “Aren’t you ever going to get finished reading that book?” The mother replied, “No honey, we never get finished with this Book. It always has something that helps encourage, challenge, and make me into…

What is the Difference?

Between the atheist who would not dream of financially supporting the church and the Christian who will not financially support the Lord’s Church? Between the skeptic who does not believe the Bible and the negligent Christian who never reads it? Between those who do not believe in Bible classes and those who choose never to…

The Conductor

My wife and I recently attended a concert by the Morehead University Symphony Orchestra of which our grandson is a member. Before the concert got underway, the players began “warming up,” each individually testing his/her horn or instrument. No two were on the same key and the “noise” was almost deafening. When the conductor came…

Does Jesus Live At Your House?

The continued knock brought the mother to the door. A child stood there with a Bible in his hand. Without a word of introduction he asked, “Does Jesus live here?” The woman, although a member of the church, was so taken aback by the unexpected question that she did not answer. She didn’t even remember…

Is God Showing Through Your Life?

A little girl, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, the preacher’s sermon this morning confused me.” The mother said, “Oh! Why is that?” The girl replied, “Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?” “Yes, that’s true,” the mother replied. “He also said…

The Vase

There was once a rather rough, uncultured man who for some reason fell in love with a beautiful vase he found in an antique shop. He purchased the vase and put it on the mantel in his living room. The piece became a kind of judgment on his surroundings. The curtains looked dingy beside it.…

16 Things That Cannot be Done

It is helpful to know our boundaries, so that we do not spend our efforts in attempting things that cannot be accomplished. 1. God’s eternal purpose cannot be overthrown (Acts 5:39). 2. One cannot bear good fruit without Christ (John 15:5). 3. No person can keep his sins hidden forever (1 Timothy 5:24). 4. No…

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hand trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky  hands and failing eyesight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When…

Compromise: Some Things Aren’t Negotiable

A hunter raised his rifle and took careful aim at a large bear. When the man was about to pull the trigger, the bear spoke in a soothing voice, “Isn’t it better to talk than to shoot? What do you want? Let’s negotiate the matter.” Lowering his rifle, the hunter replied, “I want a fur…

Can We Really Live For Jesus?

There are those who teach that it is not possible for human beings to live up to the standard of godliness that Christianity demands. The devil would like for us to accept that heresy so as to discourage us from even trying to live for God. Do we have certain propensities within us that prohibit…

Your Choice

In the Canadian Rockies is a stream called Divide Creek. At a point in its course the creek divides around a large boulder. Waters which flow to the left of the boulder rush on into Kicking Horse River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. Waters which travel to the right flow into the Bow River…

The Tree

[Jesus] bore our sins in His own body on the tree… (1 Peter 2:24). The corkscrew willow tree stood vigil over our backyard for more than 20 years. It shaded all four of our children as they played in the yard, and it provided shelter for the neighborhood squirrels. But when springtime came and the…

There’s a Purpose. Have You Looked for It?

Jesus said we’d have problems (John 16:33). Nobody gets a free pass. Solve one problem and another’s waiting to take its place. They’re not all big, but they’re all necessary to your spiritual growth. How do you measure the strength of anything? By testing it! Listen: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful…

10 Rules for Happy Living

1. Give something away (no strings attached). 2. Do a kindness (and forget it). 3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is priceless guidance). 4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and marvel). 5. Laugh often (it’s life’s lubricant). 6. Give thanks (a thousand time a day is not enough).…

Satan’s Plan

A story is told of how Satan asked his demons to design a plan to keep people from becoming Christians. One demon said, “I’ll tell people that there is no God!” Satan replied, “No! Only fools deny God’s existence.” Another demon spoke up, saying, “I’ll go and tell the world that religion is a farce!”…

Needs of a Newcomer

What Are the Needs of a Newcomer? In the early church, we see that Christians were concerned with supplying each other’s needs (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-35). Paul reminded the church at Rome of their obligation to care for “the needs of the saints” (Rom. 12:13). Elsewhere, we are reminded of specific needs like monetary support (2…

Sight or Vision?

There’s a church in our area that enjoys putting thought-provoking sayings on their sign, and they have some pretty good ones, too. They are located on a busy comer where lots of people will notice what they say. Not long ago, as I drove by, I read on their sign: To some God gives sight;…

What About Your Faith?

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). No one had ever seen such a flood as the one that would come–one that would…

Softer Stances on Doctrine

Recently, I was contacted by a retiring minister. He said he had become an elder with the congregation and was given the job of seeking his replacement. We spoke for nearly an hour and things seemed fine until he asked me about certain doctrines. He was specific about a few and I quoted the scripture…

God Is With You

Joshua was taking over the leadership of the people of God, and knew that Moses “left some big shoes to fill.” But, God gave him the assurance he needed to lead the people into the promised land. He told him to “be strong…do not be afraid…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you…

Right in the Middle of Forgiveness

What is right in the middle of the word “forgiveness?” You have “for” and you have “ness,” but right in the middle of“forgiveness” is the word “give.” To “give” is to provide someone with something. To “forgive” is to provide someone with pardon. “Forgiving” is one of the greatest ways of “giving.” The New Testament…

10 Reasons Not To Take A Bath

If the same excuses that people use for not going to church are applied to other important areas of life, it’s easy to see how inconsistent our logic can be. For example, 10 reasons not to take a bath: 1. I was forced to bathe as a child. 2. People who make soap are only…

Just Suppose

Just suppose the Lord should begin tomorrow to make people as sick as they say they are on Sunday. Just suppose the Lord should take away the children whom parents use as an excuse for staying away from church. Just suppose the Lord should make some people as poor as they say they are when…

When the Church Works Together

When the church works together… – There will be less bickering and more forgiveness (Philippians 4:2). – There will be less criticism and more encouragement (Hebrews 10:24). – There will be less excuses and more evangelism (Acts 2:46, 47). – There will be less selfishness and more selflessness (Philippians 2:3,4). – There will be less…

A Good Word

Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on one good compliment.” We all know what he meant by that. It lifts your spirits to have someone say something genuinely nice to you or about you. Solomon noted this human truth: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good…

Running Out of Time

  [345 words] The clock is ticking. The calendar is winding down. I’m running out of time. I made myself some promises about some important things in my life that I would accomplish by the end of this year. It’s going to require me to buckle down, be incredibly disciplined, and live like every day…

Doing Good

The New Testament tells us that Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Jesus spent His life in service to others and helping others. Have you ever heard of a “complainer” doing good for others with his complaining? Have you ever heard of a “gossip” who helped others with his/her gossip? How much good has…

The Flyer and the Catcher

Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with the admonition to “be still, be patient, and wait on the Lord. ” We are given a beautiful picture of patient trust in our Lord during our seasons of trials and searching for direction. There is a very special relationship between the trapeze artists known as…

You Finish The Story…

Once there was a congregation in which every member was just like you. Each one cooperated and supported every program just like you have been doing. Everyone worked as hard and attended the same services and gospel meetings that you did. The elders, deacons, and preacher were all interested in the church to the same…

How Are You?

“I’m better than I was yesterday because I am one day closer to being with my Lord. ” Too often, the pain, grief, loss and disappointments of this world fill our heart with the wrong things. To prevent this we need to follow the biblical examples of Godly responses to worldly afflictions. David was devastated…

10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Was 21

1. That being a Christian is really, really important. 2. That my life’s career would be what it is now. 3. That my health in my later years will depend to a great degree on what I ate before I was 21. 4. That I am really a manager of my money and my possessions.…

The Day The Sun Didn’t Rise

There is an old story told of the day when the sun did not rise. Six o’clock came and there was no sign of dawn. Seven o’clock there was still no ray of light. At noon it was black as midnight. No birds sang, and only the hoot of the owl broke the silence. Then…

The Devil’s Favorite Tool

It was advertised that the Devil was going to put some of his tools up for sale. After all, he had a huge assortment, with various models of each, and he figured others might get some use out of them. On the date of the sale, the tools were placed for public inspection, each being…

Never Give Up!

Sometimes in this old world, we may begin to sense that we are being overwhelmed and that  we are helpless in our attempt to call men back  to God and to his etemal will. Let me encourage all of us to remember some basic truths that  should motivate us: God is still God! He has…

Twenty-Five Years Later

One day as a wife and her husband quarreled, harsh words were spoken. Each was too proud to ask the other’s forgiveness and the bitter feelings finally led to divorce. Neither found a new mate during the intervening years. And now 25 years later, with one son already dead and the whereabouts of the other…

Out of Sight

A rich fisherman with tons of expensive fishing gear was not catching any trout. A little boy nearby with primitive equipment filled a stringer.  In desperation the rich fellow asked the little boy, “How do you do it?” The boy answered, “I just stay out of sight better than you do.” “Staying out of sight”…

God is STILL Love

A man traveling through the country noticed that the weather vane on the roof of a farm building bore the phrase, “God Is Love.” He was troubled about it and asked the farmer, “Do you think God’s love is as changeable as that weather vane?” “You miss the point, sir,” replied the farmer. “It is…

Where is Your Joy?

I recently witnessed a discussion on Facebook regarding when it is appropriate to put up Christmas decorations. Personally I love Christmas. My mother one year began listening to Christmas music in October. That was torture. Why? Because by the time Christmas actually rolled around I was so sick of hearing those same songs over and…

Quote on Love and Obedience

“Love compels humble obedience to God, and service to fellowman. Without love, our good works are empty and vain. Let love be the greatest motivation in your Christian life!” Darwin Hunter Shreveport, LA… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register),…

Quote on Teaching in the Church

“The strength of any local church depends upon the effectiveness of its teaching (Acts 20:32). When faithful, effective teaching is not present, a congregation can never be strong.” Terry Broome Scottsboro, AL… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have…

Quote on Loyalty to Jesus

“From baptism by John to death on a cross, Jesus didn’t balk at anything God asked and/or directed Him to do. How about you? Just how expensive is your loyalty to Jesus? Have you followed Him in baptism and the new life that follows it (Romans 6:1-4)?” Dan Gulley Smithville, TN… We are sorry, but…

Quote on Living for God

“One who only lives for God in certain places or in front of certain people is not living for God at all.” Darrell Powell Greenville, AL… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address…

God’s All-Seeing Eye

During World War II, Germany had devised a plan to force the British fighter force to be spread thin in “standing patrols,” which would require planes in the air flying ready at all times. This process would have caused the hard-pressed British to waste precious high-octane fuel. But the Brits had a secret that monitored…

Inconsistent Attendance is a Sign of Heart Trouble

Some members of the church willfully absent themselves from the assembly of the local church. Many reason within their own minds, the Sunday evening or midweek services are simply not important. Furthermore, they excuse themselves from Bible class because they feel it too is simply not important. However, church attendance is a good indication of…

Don’t Have Anything to Do in the Church?

If you feel this way, then… l. Mail a card to the sick members. 2. Read and study your Bible diligently every day. 3.Visit all the aged, ill and shut-ins, and bereaved of the congregation. 4. Tell your neighbors about Christ and invite them to church services. 5. Visit new members and newcomers and welcome…

Poverty or Riches

Linda was on vacation playing the slot machines. It was her first time in a casino and she wasn’t sure how the machines operated. “Excuse me,” she said to a casino employee. “How does this work?” The worker showed her how to insert a bill, hit the spin button, and operate the release handle. “And…

Two Ways to Grow

God expects us to grow: to become more like Jesus, to increase in faith, to develop the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and the Christian graces (2 Peter l:5-11), etc. How can this be accomplished? The New Testament mentions at least two factors that are essential to spiritual growth. One is Bible study. “…like…

Boat Potatoes

“So Peter got out of the boat, and started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.” (Matt. 14:29) Wow, what a walk! What courage it must have taken to get out of the boat? Peter chose to get out of the boat. He did not ask for a promise from the Lord to keep…

I’ve learned…

“…that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.”… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have not received your payment yet (if paying by check). Register Already…

The Old Farmer’s Wisdom

A newspaper reporter was interviewing an old farmer and asked him to what he would attribute his success as a farmer. With a twinkle in his eye the man replied, “It’s been about 50 percent weather, 50 percent good luck, and the rest is brains.”… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual,…

Sin By Any Other Name…Still Stinks!

“We need to call sin by its right name and expose it before the world for what it is…We might label a bottle of strychnine some soft drink but doing so would not change its nature…We can’t sugar-coat sin, Underneath the surface it is still sin and that is all one can make of it.…

Everybody Gets a Mulligan

For those of you who are not golfing fans, you may not understand fully the title of this article. A mulligan is a do-over. It is an opportunity to take another shot because the first one was no good. I have used many mulligans in my time, especially in the early years. Mulligans also work…

To Read or Not To Read

Author Louis L’Amour once wrote a short story about a man caught stealing a book from a library. The attendant noticed that the man was acting strangely while looking at the books. He would take books from the shelf and run his hands over them before putting them back. When he took down a copy…

10 Ways to Find Time to Read the Bible

1. Wake up ten minutes earlier each morning to read the bible. 2. Put a Bible portion under your pillow to read each night before sleep. 3. Talk less and you will have a few more minutes to read. 4. Keep a copy on hand in the kitchen or at the telephone to read while…

Five Things To Forget

What are some of the things we need to forget in order to make a success of the Christian life? “Forgetting those things which are behind…I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:13-14). Our Setbacks. We are too prone to brood over our losses–especially…

Consecration for a Crossing (Joshua 3:1-17)

“When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way, While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.” So begins one of the most loved and theologically sound songs ever penned. In beautiful imagery…

Bible Class Can Be Destructive

As shocking as this statement is, we must admit its truthfulness. Consider the following: Bible classes can destroy ignorance. If this does not occur, we ourselves are in danger of being destroyed as were the people of old (Hosea 4:6) Studying together can eliminate this malady. Bible classes can destroy loneliness. Some of the strongest…

Attachment to “Stuff”

I must make a confession: I enjoy watching American Pickers on the History Channel. The adventures of Mike Wolf and Frank Fritz have captured my attention numerous times in the past three or four years. Even though I turn away from most “reality shows,” and even though I know some of the show’s elements are…

God Values People–All of Them

What do we do with something that is broken, battered or bruised? Normally, we throw it away. The thing has become flawed or cracked, so why bother? It’s not worth it. It’s useless. Sadly, we do the same with people. Jesus was different. He saw the value of people–all people. A few examples: — A…

This Makes Me Sick

When you have to be separated from your loved ones for an extended period of time, you begin to miss their presence. Being together is an essential part of building meaningful and deep relationships. Because of this, the Hebrew law required soldiers who marry to stay home with their new wives for a year after…

If the Shoe Fits…

Are you a person who wears LOAFERS? Do you want to get by with doing as little as possible? Consider the rebuke to the one talent man of Matthew 25:26. Perhaps the SLIPPER is your choice of shoe. This fits the person who slips in and out of service. He hopes he can slip by…

What I Could Do If I Wanted To

If I wanted to, I could help make the church the most wide awake and working church in all the world. If I wanted to, I could visit members who are sick or home-bound and find other ways of helping them. If I wanted to, I could attend Bible classes regularly and encourage others to…

The Importance of the Bible Class Teacher

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Bible class teacher. There are those who can teach and impart certain skills, trades and knowledge. There are those who run large corporations, and those who rule countries. Yet, if a list were somehow composed of all positions of the world being arranged in order of…

5 First Steps to Success

GIVE GOD: 1 — the FIRST HOUR of the day. 2 — the FIRST DAY of the week. 3 — the FIRST PORTION of your pay. 4 — the FIRST CONSIDERATION in every decision. 5 — the FIRST PLACE in your heart. via Church of Christ Benton, KY… We are sorry, but this content is…

Mastering Our Moods

There are some things which no one can do for us–things which we must, with God’s help, do for ourselves. Mastering our moods is one of them. Each one must work at this. Perhaps a moment or two in which one ceases his routine and talks to God will be helpful. I heard of a…

Life Is What You Make It!

— A blacksmith makes five dollars worth of iron into horseshoes and gets ten dollars for them. — A cutler makes the same iron into knives and gets two hundred dollars. — A machinist makes the same iron into sixty-eight hundred dollars’ worth of needles. — A watchmaker makes it into two hundred thousand dollar’s…

If It Weren’t For Baptism…

Not one sinner could be saved (Mark 16:16). There would be no remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Our sins could not be washed away (AcTS 22:16). It would be impossible to enter into Christ (Rom. 6:3). No one could be born again (John 3:5). We could not put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). We could not…

Cheap Religion

Flea markets are increasing in number by the week. Sales at the mall attract thousands who would not shop without them. Negotiating before buying is smart shopping. “The cheaper the better” is the philosophy by which many live daily. But cheap is not always the best, whether it be furniture, cars, or medical care. Very…

Abhoring Evil

One sure lesson history teaches us: the more association we have with evil the less evil it appears. The commonness of vice makes it seem harmless and respectable. But neither ugliness gets pretty nor wrong gets right by association, we just get more accustomed to it. We change, not the evil influencing us. Thus, through…

The Value of Being a Christian

Since the founding of our nation, people from all over the world have looked longingly to America, the land of freedom and opportunity. They realize the value of being an American. While there are some who now dispute this, by and large, we are still overwhelmed with the numbers of immigrants who come to these…

A Mishmash Theology

Have you noticed that there is tremendous apathy and lack of knowledge concerning the Bible and theology? Many have what I call a “mishmash” of convoluted, contrived, circuitous convictions of what the Bible says. It is a combination of the Ten Commandments, a few Psalms, a handful of Parables, several of the Beatitudes of Jesus…

A Busybody Dog

A man was driving along a road when he overtook a farmer with his dog walking beside him. The man offered them a ride. The farmer got into the front seat and put the dog in the back. After glancing at the dog, who seemed too tired to even wag his tail, the driver remarked,…

Caring for People: A Most Important Job!

“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” Good proverb and good practice! We are often long on knowledge and short on compassion; correct on doctrine, offensive in nature! We would do well to remember Jesus did not die for buses, budgets, and buildings; not for carpets, cooling, and…

A Solid Foundation

Earthquakes capture the interest of the world. The tragedy is indescribable. Homes, office buildings, and highways were built and people were assured they were safe. Yet the buildings and roadways have proven to be extremely unsafe. Great damage was done and lives were lost as a result. Almost 2,000 years ago Jesus said we are…

My Dad Knows God!

  [282 words] A small boy was playing with his buddies in the back yard. The father overheard them talking. The conversation was, amusingly, one of those “My Dad can whip your Dad” routines. One boy proudly says, “My Dad knows the mayor of our town.” Another said, “That’s nothing, my Dad knows the governor…

“Our Father in Heaven”

  [448 words] In giving the “model” prayer Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). God is called Father by Jesus no fewer than one-hundred and sixty times. The expression “Our Father in Heaven” is one of the greatest Bible statements. Jehovah is truly our…

Take Care of Your Treasure

A young Arizona college student left his backpack in a public place and walked off. A homeless man found the backpack and rummaged through it, finding a laptop and an envelope. The envelope contained $3,300 in cash! The homeless man, to his credit, turned the backpack in to the police who located the rightful owner.…

The Purpose of Prayer in the Christian Life

God tells us to pray (Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:22; 1Thess. 5:17), and Jesus makes a promise, “Ask and it shall he given you…” He promises that He will hear, and answer, the prayers of His people (Matt. 7:7; James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12). All genuine believers believe in the power of prayer, but prayer will…

Be Ye Doers

Many members of the church feel that they are pressed for time. Their lives are filled with so many things, such as their jobs, school activities, sports, plays, and television. It seems that there is just not enough time to do all the things we want to do. We don’t have time for meditation. Everything…

Live It and Tell It!

Evangelism begins with the way we live. The message of Christ which brings salvation should be evident in the lives of the ones doing the “telling” (Tit. 2:11; Phil. 1:27). Set up a Bible study and help save a soul!… We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You…

You Cannot Out-€Give God

Our attitude will improve toward giving when we realize you cannot out-give God (Mark 10:28-30). Here Christ is talking about an investment that yields a return of 10,000%. We give and God blesses (Prov. 11:25). We need to understand that God owns it all (Hag. 2:8; Deut. 8:18; Psa. 50:10; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Eze. 18:4)…

“Will Your Children Go to Heaven?”

Church leaders all over the nation are concerned about the drop-out rate of young people. And well they should be. It is a tragic thing to see these precious boys and girls, who are so thrilled with Bible study as little people, grow cold and uninterested in the Lord’s work as they grow older. Lately,…

Do Not Tell Your Kids About Abstinence

Do not tell your kids about abstinence, because if you do they will be curious about it and will go out and have sex. Ridiculous! We don’t use this irrational logic in reference to other things. For example, we don’t tell our kids about not murdering or not stealing, because if we do, they will…

Narrow Minded?

Often the Christian may be accused of being narrow-minded because he insists that we MUST completely obey Christ. Yet, all of life is narrow. There is no room for broad-mindedness in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Deviation is forbidden. There is no room for broad-mindedness in…

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

When a person looks down at the ocean, they see the wild waves of the sea. These waves are pushed around by the winds with no self-control. Paul compares this kind of wandering to a person who is not mature in the word of God. Ephesians 4:14 says, “We will no longer be infants, tossed…

Pleasing God

Our highest aim in life should be that of “pleasing God.” How do we do this? The answer is by FAITH. Read carefully Hebrews 11:6, “And without FAITH it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must BELIEVE that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Faith…

Ground Breaking: “Spadework”

Daddy was a gravedigger so my brothers and I knew a lot about ‘ground breaking’. When we were big enough, we became daddy’s back hoe! Early on we learned that a hole begins with the first shovel full of dirt. I’ll never forget the first ground breaking ceremony I witnessed. When a new business is…

A Church is Almost Certain to Grow…

– When each member has a deep concern for the lost. – When each member enters into worship with enthusiasm. – When each member is interested in aggressive Bible School. – When each teacher is interested in improving his teaching ability. – When each elder and deacon is dedicated to the work. – When the…

Jesus Said a Lot in Few Words

In John 19, Jesus was brought before Pilate and Pilate asked the Lord, “Whence art thou?” Jesus was silent which prompted Pilate to say, “Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I hove power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” Jesus then broke his silence and said.”Thou couldest have no…

The Missing Sword

Henry VIII is the most well-known of the British kings. When he died on January 28, 1547, his nine-year-old son Edward took the throne. At Edward’s coronation, three swords were presented to him as symbols of the three kingdoms that he would rule over. Upon their presentation, the boy king cried out, “There is a…

How Things Have Changed!

Thinking on the blessings of our freedom in America has brought to mind that many things are not the same in our fair land anymore. We need to be reminded often of Psalm 33:12 and Proverbs 14:34. The first says: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath…

Self Destruction

Once there was an eagle soaring high in the sky and as it flew, almost out of sight, it became unsteady and finally began to fall. It plunged to the earth in a pasture near two men. When the men went to the eagle, they found him shaking and trembling. In its claw was a…

Twenty Dollar Bill

A well known speaker started his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple up the…

Butterflies

I have noticed a lot of butterflies lately. I saw one soaring high in the sky. I saw another sitting almost motionless on a flower. Another was struggling on the asphalt after an encounter with a car. It is an amazing thing about butterflies. They spend the beginning of their days crawling upon the earth…

How Are You?

“I’m better than I was yesterday because I am one day closer to being with my Lord.” Too often, the pain, grief, loss and disappointments of this world fill our heart with the wrong things. To prevent this we need to follow the biblical examples of Godly responses to worldly afflictions. David was devastated by…

These Enemies of Mine

It’s easier than you think to be an enemy of Christ. We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have not received your payment yet (if paying by check).…