100-199 words

Bad News, Good News, and a Promise

[145 words] THE BAD NEWS: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). THE GOOD NEWS:…

Exhortations to Husbands

[191 words] Read Matthew 19:4–8. Leave father and mother. By going to a home of his own. By accepting the responsibility as head of his home. Like a New Testament congregation, a home is an autonomous institution. Cleave to his wife. In true devotion. As a part of his very self. Through all the trials…

The God Man

[120 words] Jesus was God in human flesh—not half God and half man, not all God and no man, not all man and no God; but the God-man, the man-God. The One who created every seed, every shrub, every tree, and every limb was hanged on a tree, on a cross (Acts 5:30). The One…

Fit for a King

[144 words] A crown of thorns is around His brow, as ifHe were a king. And truly He was a king, and Henever was more kingly than in that hour. He was kingly in His bearing.He made no plea in His own defense. He was kingly, too, in His love.There had not been a shade…

Pass It On

[116 words] Have you had a kindness shown?Pass it on;’Twas not given for thee alone,Pass it on;Let it travel down the years,Let it wipe another’s tears,Till in heaven the deed appears—Pass it on. Did you hear a loving word?Pass it on;Like the singing of a bird?Pass it on;Let its music live and grow,Let it cheer…

That Is Not Helping

[186 words] In July of 1993 an offshore oil rig northeast of Aberdeen, Scotland had a catastrophic failure. The entire rig caught fire and eventually exploded. The cause was attributed to a safety valve that had been removed and not replaced.  Why would anyone do that? It was part of a safety inspection to see…
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jumping to Conclusions

[140 words] An irate woman burst into the baker’s shop and said, “I sent my son in for two pounds of cookies this morning, but when I weighed them there was only one pound. I want a refund, and I suggest that you check your scales!” The baker looked at her calmly for a moment…
Holding Hands while visiting

Successful Visitation

[177 words] When we go to visit someone, there’s always a reason. Maybe we’ve been invited or those we’re visiting need our help. Perhaps a visit is just to give someone a little company for a while. Whatever the case may be, Christian folks should visit others, especially the sick and needy (James 1:27; Matthew…

He Shall Be Like a Tree

[181 words] Man is said to be several things in the Bible: builders, sheep, branches, salt, light, withering grass, and fading flowers. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of a righteous man being like a tree “planted by the rivers of water.” Christians have also been “planted” (Romans 6:3-5). Here are some other ways Christians are like trees.…

There Must Be Conversion

[143 words] If we are to become like Jesus, there must be conversion. We must preach the gospel and people must obey our Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. “And Jesus said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. He who believes and is baptized will…

The Lesson of The Ants

[155 words] Several missionaries were having tea one afternoon when an ant appeared on the white tablecloth, made its way to a tea cake, walked around it, and finding nothing to eat, made straight for the sugar bowl. After eating several bits, it walked off with a small piece. They watched it disappear underneath the…

Old Age

[131 words] A little boy asked his grandpa, “Grandad, were you in the ark?” “No, I wasn’t Billy.” The perplexed little boy replied, “Then, why weren’t you drowned?” Regardless of modern views, old age is not a disease! In fact, the Bible represents old age as an asset, in many respects. The faithful aged person…

The Love of the Father

[105 words] It comes to me more and more,Each day as I pass along,The love of the Father eternalIs over us tender and strong. ’Tis not alone in the sunshineOur lives grow pure and true;There is growth as well in the shadow,And pain has a work to do. A message comes in the heartache,A whisper…

Service

[109 words] O Master, let me walk with theeIn lowly paths of service free;Tell me thy secret; help me bearThe strain of toil, the fret of care. Help me the slow of heart to moveBy some clear, winning word of love;Teach me the wayward feet to stay,And guide them in the homeward way. Teach me…

Back to School: Hammer or Nail?

[183 words] Yes, it’s that time again! Our young people, teachers, and administrative workers are heading back to the old school “grind.” That routine includes daily interactions with a wide variety of people from all backgrounds. What a fertile ground for showing people the light of Christ! An old football coach used to say that…

The Great Gift

[165 words] Everything we have, and everything we are is a gift of God’s grace (2 Peter 1:3-9). The fullest expression of grace is this: “We, who were once dead in trespasses and sin, but we have been made alive through faith in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). Here is God’s grace in action. “And being…

Leaving Something Behind

[192 words] Before officials at the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco started using electronic tolling, drivers had to pay cash to cross the bridge. Sometimes, people found themselves at the toll booth without the money necessary to make the crossing. The drivers couldn’t turn around because of the intense traffic. So, the toll booth…

Prodigals Do Come Home

[161 words] Prodigal sons or daughters need forgiveness. The good news is some do come home. While caring for pigs the prodigal in the parable recorded in Luke 15:11-32 came to himself and decided to return to his father. The story of the Prodigal Son is not glorious. He spent his father’s money to enjoy…

Can I Really Know?

[168 words] One of the greatest weapons Satan has is the powerful weapon of doubt. Doubt in the Savior, doubt in the brethren, and doubt in ourselves. Doubt is the world’s most powerful weapon. Satan discourages Christians with these thoughts: “Are you sure you are a Christian? Do you really think you can stay faithful?…

God’s Side Of The Story

[134 words] Adam and Eve already knew God’s side of the story. God had warned them that if they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would surely die. But the devil said, “You will not surely die. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes…

What Matters is Faith

[168 words] Two of the most prominent individuals in the Old Testament are David and Moses. One began to serve the Lord when he was a very young man. The other began to serve the Lord when he was much older. Whether young or old it didn’t matter. What mattered was their faith. One faced…

Mistakes of ‘Successful’ Men

[197 words] We have put “successful” in quotation marks, because these men were successful only from the world’s point of view. The rich young ruler was rich, religious, and young (Matt. 19:16-22). However, he loved material wealth more than the Lord, (1 Tim. 6:9-10).  The rich man in the story with Lazarus would have been…

You Tell on Yourself

[139 words] You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,By the very manner in which you speak,By the way you employ your leisure time,By the use you make of the dollar and dime. You tell on yourself by the things you wear,By the spirit in which your burden bear,By the kind of things that…

You Tell Me I Am Getting Old

[170 words] You tell me I am getting old;I tell you that’s not so!The “house” I live in is worn out,And that, of course, I know.It’s been in use a long, long while;The color’s changing on the roof;The windows are getting dim,The walls a bit transparentAnd looking rather thin.The foundation’s not so steadyAs once it…

What’s In A Nickname?

[193 words] Abraham Lincoln once served as a character witness, although it is doubtful he did much good. When asked about the word of a man named Peter Lukins, Lincoln responded honestly, “Well, he is called Lyin’ Pete Lukins.” In the Scriptures, we get some insight into the nature of some biblical characters by the…

Ready for Worship! 

[193 words] At worship, I am given the opportunity to… …revere my Maker. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” (Psalm 89:7) …rejoice in my salvation. “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in…

Whose Battle Is It?

[160 words] In Joshua chapter 10, we read how God fought on Israel’s side to defeat their enemies (the Amorites). In verse 11, we find this verse: “As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from…

Thank God for the Aaron’s and the Hur’s of the Church!

[121 words] As Moses found out, the hands of a leader can get heavy (Exodus 17:8-13). Amalek had declared war on Israel and Israel was assured victory as long as Moses could hold up the staff of God, but the battle outlasted Moses’ arms and he was in need of help. Enter Aaron and Hur.…

More Than We Ask

[107 words] I asked for just a crumb of bread.Within His banquet-hall he spreadA bounteous feast on every side-My hungry soul was satisfied. I asked for just a ray of lightTo guide me through the gloomy night,And lo, there shone along my wayThe noon-tide glory of the day. I asked for just a little aid,As…

What is a Grandparent?

[164 words] These answers to that question were taken from papers written by a class of eight-year-olds. • Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people’s kids. • Grandparents don’t have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They…

The Blind Girl

[150 words] There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, “If I could only see the world, I will marry you.” One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages…

A Time That Will Not Change

[180 words] I love Spring! But one thing I’ve never liked is Daylight Savings Time. It has been shown that the changing our bodies’ rhythms back and forth isn’t healthy. But our government still insists on doing it. For one thing, it is good for business, they say. Up north, the sun sets earlier and…

Confession vs. Hypocrisy

[133 words] After hearing a sermon on confession, a man approached his preacher with a heavy conscience. He explained that he worked for a boat builder and stole expensive brass nails. The man could not tell the boat builder, he said, “Because he would lose his job and his boss would think him a hypocrite…

No Time to Complain

[176 words] Never once did our Lord have a path free from trouble. When He went into the wilderness, He was tempted of the devil. When He tried to rest, the multitudes followed Him. When He taught in the synagogue, the hearers became angry and sought to throw him off the brow of the hill.…

He Gave Thanks

[121 words] Ten times in the gospels, Jesus is recorded as giving thanks mainly at the Lord’s Supper and some other meals. The Lord gave thanks before He fed 4,000 (Mark 8:6). He gave thanks to the Father for hearing Him (John 11:41). We also should give thanks when we eat (Rom. 14:6). Thankfulness is…

Big Bang Theory

[142 words] I have to come clean and confess that I believe in the Big Bang. Now wait! Don’t stop reading here. Let me explain. The Bible, itself, teaches a “Big Bang.” Read it for yourself: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens…

Ask for the Old Paths

[114 words] Christianity is not some newfangled way gotten up in modern times by men more zealous than well-informed. The whole of Christianity is in the New Testament. Anything in religion which is not as old as the New Testament is no part of Christianity. The “Old Paths” for us are the ways traveled by…

No Worries

[173 words] I’ve no time to worry about what I’ve not.I’m too busy praising Him for what I’ve got…Like the sunshine around me; the honey bees;The shade of an oak tree; an afternoon breeze;The birds when they’re singing; the fish when they bite;The rest that’s so welcome when day turns to night. I’ve no time…

His Presence Came Like Sunrise

[126 words] I met God in the morning,When my day was at its best,?And His presence came like sunrise,Like a glory in my breast. All day long the presence lingered;All day long He stayed with me;And we sailed in perfect calmnessO’er a very troubled sea. Other ships were blown and battered,Other ships were sore distressed,But…

Forgiving Those Who Sin Against Us

[198 words] There are those who are going to hurt us. But as Christians we are not to hold grudges, for these become heavy weights to pull us down and away from God. In the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to ask God for forgiveness as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew…

Do Not Tell Your Kids About Abstinence?

[121 words] “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 avoid warning our kids about murdering and stealing, thinking they will be curious…

Gossip

[114 words] First, someone told it,Then the room could not hold it,So busy tongues rolled itTill they got it outside. Then the crowd came across it,They stretched it and tossed it,And never once lost it,Till it grew long and wide. This lie brought forth others,Evil sisters and brothers,And fathers and mothers,A terrible crew. As headlong…

According to You

[106 words] The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are read by more than a few. But the one most read and commented on is the Gospel according to you. You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day,By the things that you do and the words that you say. Men read what you…

Richer Than Rockefeller

[193 words] One time John D. Rockefeller was one of the richest men in the world. It is said that once he was being interviewed for a newspaper article, the reporter asked: “Mr. Rockefeller, what is the secret to becoming rich?” JDR responded, “There are three simple rules for anyone who wants to become rich:…

God’s Child

[121 words] She searches the crowd for him. Is he listening? Is he behaving himself? It was such a short time ago when she would complain, “I did not hear a word the preacher spoke,” but now her thoughts are distracted for another reason. Now her children are not beside her—they are “too big.” Her…

Take a Moment to Listen

[116 words] Take a moment to listen todayTo what your children are trying to say;Listen today, whatever you doOr they won’t be there to listen to you. Listen to their problems, listen for their needsPraise their smallest triumphs, praise their smartest deeds;Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,Find out what’s the matter, find out what they’re…

How to Have a Happy New Year

[166 words] What phrases are you tired of hearing? I asked this question once in a class and was surprised by the number of statements that came from the students. Among those mentioned was the simple wish: “Happy New Year!” I must confess that I love to hear the phrase because it reminds me of…

The Disease of Discouragement

[196 words] dis·cour·age·ment dəˈskərəjm(ə)nt  a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness. an attempt to prevent something by showing disapproval or creating difficulties; deterrent. Where does discouragement come from? Let’s consider an interesting comment in the book of Ezra. The book of Ezra tells the story of the rebuilding of the temple. Though the act is brought…

Why We Need To Confess

[180 words] As John Dewey exclaimed, “A problem well-put is half solved.” For us to fix something we have to know what is wrong and what is causing the problem. Too many times we face an issue and are unable—or maybe better said unwilling—to examine ourselves to see what is wrong. That is what makes…

High Anxiety and Blessed Relief

[189 words] Christians are not completely immune to anxiety. However, as Holy Spirit-filled followers of the will of God, we do have access to a God who cares for us and who will help us cope with this human reality. Consider, for instance, some things that have been discovered about human anxiety. Objective studies indicate…

Have You Memorized God’s Number?

[178 words] Do you have a phone number you have memorized? Mine was my grandparent’s phone number, 363-3009. They have been dead for several years now. I have not used that number for a long time, but I still know their old number. Many people today do not memorize phone numbers much, we often store…

A Human Jesus

[144 words] The Gospel Accounts present a truly human Jesus, not a ghostly figure who only appeared to be flesh and blood. Jesus spoke of His own body (Mark 14:8), head (Luke 7:44–46), hands, feet, flesh, and bones (Luke 24:39), and blood (Matthew 26:28). He also displayed distinctly human feelings and qualities: He was moved…

Pulling on Both Oars

[157 words] An old Scotsman operated a small rowboat for transporting passengers. One day a passenger noticed that the old man had carved on one oar the word “Faith” and on the other oar the word “Works.” Curious, he asked the meaning. The old man replied, “I’ll show you.” He dropped the “faith” oar and…

Living It Day by Day

[161 words] She sat alone in an old people’s home,Lonely and old and gray;She wished that someone, just anyone,Would call on her that day.Did you? He lay for days on his hospital bed;The hours were long and hard.He wished someone, just anyone,Would send him a cheery card.Did you? He was far from home on foreign…

He Crowns the Humble with Salvation

[172 words] Winston Churchill was once asked, “Doesn’t it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?” “It’s quite flattering,” replied Sir Winston. “But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd…

An Important Ratio

[181 words] The fact that God gave us two ears and two eyes and only one mouth should give us some indication on how he expects us to use them.  “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” (James 1:19). John Maxwell once…

Authority and Power

[149 words] What’s the difference between an ineffective teacher and a school yard bully? The former has authority without power and the latter has power without authority. Our world is full of ineffective authorities and highly effective bullies. When Jesus went to Capernaum, He taught the people and they remarked that He spoke “with authority”…

An Exceptional Lesson

[144 words] It is widely believed and preached that to be saved all that is necessary is to “believe only” or “just receive Jesus as your personal Savior.” These expressions leave us with the erroneous impression that there is nothing for sinners to do to be saved. The Bible teaches differently; there is something you…

Earth’s Most Sacred Spot

[108 words] Some time ago I bought a fine little devotional book on the death of Christ. One of the chapters was on “Earth’s Most Sacred Spot.” The author was referring to Golgotha, “the place which is called Calvary.” Because our Savior suffered and died there, the author considered it the most sacred of all…

10 Reasons for Going to Hell

[129 words] 1. It requires no effort at all to get there.2. You can associate freely with bad company there.3. You won’t have the constant watchful eye of God over you.4. You won’t be expected to attend Bible Study or worship.5. You won’t have to give anything of yourself to God.6. Purity and goodness will…

What Does God Expect from Our Elders?

[145 words] The following acrostic describes many of the attributes and behaviors that God expects of elders. We can read more about what God expects of elders by reading Eph. 4:11-16, 1 Tim. 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5. E – Encouraging members, enthusiastic about the Lord’s work. L – Leader, looking after one’s…

The Bible is God’s Unchanging Standard

[189 words] Man is not left to “do his own thing” religiously. He has the Bible, God’s unchanging standard upon which to build his life. Confusion comes when “Every man does that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). When man becomes a law to himself and tries to direct his own affairs…

What Have You Got to Smile About?

[185 words] Smiling is a natural reaction to having a happy heart. I’m not talking about a smirk, leer or a sneer but a genuine, radiant, beaming smile. Actually, there is a lot about “smiling” in the Bible although the actual word isn’t used much in most English translations. For instance, Proverbs 15:13 in the…

Questions Regarding Your Faith

[112 words] We are told in 2 Corinthians 13:5 that we are to examine ourselves as to whether we are in the faith. To help us do this, may I offer the following questions for you to answer. Be honest and deeply examine yourselves. • Am I growing spiritually? • Am I able to truly…

The Letters in ‘All’

[184 words] A teacher once gave me some advice: On a test, “all the above” is often the right answer, but rarely is it in life.  When the claim is “everyone” or “always,” it usually isn’t accurate because there is most likely some exception. Consider Romans 3:23: “…for all have sinned and fall short of…

Christians Need Balance

[182 words] Christians need balance in their life. Life is a lot like riding a bicycle. You must have balance if you ride a bicycle safely. We need balance if we are to live a happy and productive life for Jesus. If we have balance; if we “love” God and “fear” God we will avoid…

Courage, Strength, Compassion

[151 words] Standing for what you believe in, regardless of the odds against you and the pressure that tears at your resistance…Means Courage. Keeping a smile on your face, when inside you feel like dying, for the sake of supporting others…Means Strength. Stopping at nothing and doing what, in your heart, you know is right…Means…

You’ve Never Tried It

[198 words] I recall when I was a boy that sometimes I would turn my nose up at foods that Mama would offer. The answer Mom would give would be, “You’ve never even tried it,” followed by, “Try it; you might like it!” ​It has come to mind many times about those who find Christianity…

Can’t Swim, But Does

[153 words] The Byram River in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the crest was running twelve to fifteen feet deep. A family picnicking at the edge watched in horror as their two-year-old daughter fell into the water. Her 23-year-old mother, who could not swim and was horrified by water, jumped in and pulled her little girl to…

Making God Second Best

[137 words] I’m always prompt to punch the clock;I never miss a date,But when I go to worship God,I’m usually always late.I wouldn’t think of leaving work,To visit brother Fred;I just wait ‘til Sunday comes,And forsake the church instead.I never miss a day at work;Perfection’s what I seek;But I miss the worship of my God,Once…

Love That Lives

[122 words] From day to day, from heart to heart There lives the hope of a love apart— Apart from the commonplace, content That this is a gift that God has sent.A love that builds, from day to day, A sense of worthiness, and not dismay A bit of heaven, a bit of home — …

Candidates for Dumbest Criminals

[159 words] Three years ago, Florida police pulled over a speeding car traveling over 90 mph on one of the state’s major intersections. As an officer approached the car, he noticed two zip-lock bags labeled “bag full of drugs.” A drug-sniffing dog alerted the police that illegal drugs were inside the automobile. This gave the…

H.A.B.I.T.

[186 words] HABIT. The only way to get rid of a bad habit is to stop it at once. If you try tapering off, this is the result. You drop the “H” and you still have… A BIT. You think you are getting over it by dropping a little bit of the evil thing, so…

Revelation

[101 words] If all my days were summer, could I knowThe meaning of my Lord’s “made white as snow”? If all my hours were joyous could I say,“In His fair land, all tears are wiped away”? If I were never weary could I keepClose to my heart, “He gives His loved ones sleep”? Were no…

Joy Springs from Your Relationship with God

[136 words] David wrote Psalm 16 as a prayer to God. In it, David asks for the Lord’s protection during a trying time. Also, David begs the Lord for His guidance. Then David made a commitment to follow God’s direction. Many call this a “messianic psalm” (a prophecy of some aspect of Jesus’ life). From…

Not My Worry

[148 words] Two women were talking one day when one shared she had a mountain of credit card debt, she had lost her job, the bank was taking the car, and her house was in foreclosure, but she was not worried about it. Her friend got excited and asked why she was not going to…

Service

[112 words] There’s a clever young guy namedSomebody Else, There’s nothing this guy can’t do.He is busy from morningtill way late at night,Just substituting for you.You’re asked to do this or you’reasked to do that,And what is your ready reply?“Set Somebody Else to do that job,He’ll do it much better than I.“So much to do…

The Heartbeat of God

[179 words] The darkened earth wept in silence,Alone.The sun, black and cold,A dark and rugged stone cast into the sky;God’s face, turned from His creation,Eyes closed, His gentle heartBeating as a resounding drum,Its loud echo ringing throughThe spheres of space and time.The anguished voice of His blessed SonCried out,Though the spirit, strong, remained unmarred,Untouched by…

The Bible Speaks

[109 words] I am the Bible, God’s wonderful Library.I am always–and above all–the truth.To the weary pilgrim, I am a strong staff.To the one who sits in darkness, I amglorious light.To those who stumble beneath heavyburdens, I am sweet rest.To him who has lost his way, I am a safeguide.To those who are sick in…

Our Declaration of Independence

[148 words] On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence. This declared the original 13 colonies’ freedom from the oppressive rule of England. We celebrate this emancipation as a nation every year on July 4—and well we should. We live in the freest, greatest, most abundant land of opportunity…

On Independence Day Remember our King!

[164 words] When this country was born, one of the great slogans was, “We have no king but Jesus.” As the Bible says: “He is the King of kings and the Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15). Despite what history “revisionists” and so-called fact checkers spin, this country was founded by people who…

No Time for God?

[139 words] No time for God?What fools we are, to clutter upOur lives with common thingsAnd leave without heart’s gateThe Lord of life and Life itself—Our God. No time for God?As soon to say, no timeTo eat or sleep or love or die.Take time for GodOr you shall dwarf your soul,And when the angel deathComes…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Just What the Doctor Ordered

[161 words] Some years ago, a doctor called in his staff to tell them of a medical experiment he wanted to conduct in his clinic. All their patients were to be treated with massive doses of kindness, care, and concern. As he expected he discovered that this love that was shown was conducive to healing.…

He Brings Good Things To Life

[195 words] There are those times when it all seems too much. Paul wrote about a time he was in that place in 2 Corinthians 7:5. Worn out physically, surrounded by problems, “conflicts without, fear within”. You probably know that feeling. When it seems the whole world is against you and that includes you. Depressed. Downcast.…

The Colors of Love

[146 words] Purple was the robe,the beaten Jesus wore (John 19:2)Brown, the thorny crownwhich in much pain He bore (Matt. 27:19) White, the sinlessnessfrom which He didn’t shrink (Heb. 4:15)Yellow, the bitter gallthat He’d refuse to drink (Matt. 27:34) Green, the lovely plantsnearby Calvary’s hill (John 19:41)Red, the precious bloodthat today heals us still (1…

He Chose to Take the Nails

[193 words] His friends turned against HimIn a brutal act of betrayalBut, His love enduredAnd, He chose to take the nails. To the ground from his browHis sweat drops of blood fellFor He knew His life on earth was overAnd, He chose to take the nails. Soldiers approached Him from all sidesAnd, to the ground…

The Very Least I Can Do

[105 words] Jesus has created in me a marvelous new life…the least I can do is to always for Him be living Jesus have given me many wonderful blessings…the least I can do is pass that on in blessed giving Jesus have lovingly pardoned all of my sins…the least I can do is show compassion…

She Directed Her Child’s Steps

[152 words] There once was a church pouring new cement for the walkway to the meeting house.  One of the young mothers of the congregation took her 2-year-old baby and imprinted his hand in the wet cement pointing to the door of the building.  She wanted a constant reminder to herself and everyone else that…

Being Habitually Late

[168 words] Sometimes things happen that are outside of our control, causing us to arrive late for certain events, but what about someone who is habitually late for spiritual events when they did not have to be? Being habitually late generally indicates several things:  • Selfishness• Laziness• Disrespect for other people• Disrespect for God• Misplaced…

Holy Rest

[192 words] We know that under the old covenant, God commanded the Jews to keep a Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). But did you know that God also commanded that the Jews take various weeks off, too? (Leviticus 23:4-8, 34). These “Sabbath weeks” are similar to our vacations. Today, God no longer requires Sabbath-keeping under the…

You Can’t Push a Chain

[192 words] A chain is a handy device. You use it to pull a car out of the ditch. You can hoist a heavy item. You can use one to anchor a boat or secure a gate. But can’t push with a chain. It will pull or hold but try to push and it’s pretty…
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