100-199 words

Independence Day

[182 words] In a few days, our nation will be celebrating Independence Day (July the 4th). It is a time when we remember the sacrifices that our nation’s fathers made to win the freedoms we enjoy, today. The United States is an experiment to see if true democracy can prevail and “one nation under God”…

The Gift You Give Yourself

[139 words] I always hating buying gifts for my Mom. If I got her something like a new set of pans, it was like saying “Here’s something you can use to go make me something to eat”. A gift for her was seemingly a gift for me. There are however gifts you give that benefit…

Yellow Jackets in the Church

[190 words] When I was a young preacher, I traveled to several small churches to fill-in for vacationing preachers. In one smaller church, I was bringing a message of joy. To make a point, I rapped on the pulpit. Suddenly, a cloud of yellow jackets buzzed out. Three or four made their point on my…

Did You Know This About Daniel?

[114 words] Daniel is one of the only major figures in the Bible that left behind a completely positive record. Nothing negative is said about him.  This could be because Daniel’s life was characterized by great faith, prayer, courage, and a refusal to compromise with a culture that was against God’s people.  Carried way in…

Did You Know This About Joel?

[136 words] Joel was one of the early prophets of Judah, and was likely prophesying during the days when Elisha was in Israel. Joel’s preaching carried the theme of great disasters, with locusts, plagues, famine, fire, war, and strange celestial events. Probably the most amazing fact about Joel is the book’s connection to the New…

Did You Know This About Amos?

[100 words] The name Amos means “burden” or “one who bears a burden.” This is a fitting name for a prophet who brought a message of warning to Israel during a time of optimism and prosperity, around the year 755 BC. At this time Assyria and Babylon were relatively weak, but just three decades later…

Did You Know This About the Book of Isaiah?

[147 words] We are all familiar with the fact that the Bible contains 66 individual books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.  But did you know that the book of Isaiah is structured like a miniature Bible? The first 39 chapters of Isaiah are filled with condemnation and judgment upon immoral…

Did You Know This About Jeremiah?

[116 words] Jeremiah was a prophet who lived during the time when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. He was known as the “Weeping Prophet.” Jeremiah was mistreated by just about everybody, even his own people. The chief governor of the temple had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2).…

Did You Know This About Lamentations?

[111 words] Jeremiah, the writer of Lamentations, was known as the “Weeping Prophet.” This book expresses deep grief over the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians.  Lamentations consists of five poems, each one laid out in acrostic fashion. Jeremiah begins each poem with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and works…

Did You Know This About Ezekiel?

[160 words] While Jeremiah was known as the “Weeping Prophet,” Ezekiel on the other hand was told by God not to cry. Specifically, God told Ezekiel that he was about to lose his wife, and he should not mourn or weep. His behavior was to be an example to Israel of how they should behave…

Choose Heaven

[120 words] Did you know that hell was not created for people (Matthew 25:41)? However, heaven was made for mankind (John 14:2-3). Anyone who does the will of the Father can choose to go there (Revelation 22:14). Hell is a horrible place. It is a place of constant and eternal torment (Mark 9:47-48). Why would…

One Step at a Time

[186 words] One of the most vivid images in the Bible is what we read of in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” This presents a powerful picture, especially in the context of those who lived in biblical times. In the times of the Psalmist,…

The Best Investment

[172 words] There is an old saying I used to hear. It is: “a rooster one day and a feather duster the next.” This is a Texas way of saying that you shouldn’t “crow like a rooster” (boast) about what you have, because it could all disappear tomorrow. This reminds me of Proverbs 23:5 –…

In Times of Stress

[197 words] In Psalms 56, we read David’s words during a time of extreme stress. There came a time when the young warrior was captured by the Philistines in the area of Gath. You will recall that David defeated and killed the Philistines’ beloved warrior, Goliath, in battle (1 Samuel 17). Goliath’s hometown was Gath.…

Jesus Christ is First!

[178 words] In 3 John 9-10 we read John writing, “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he…

Did You Know This About Nehemiah?

[148 words] Nehemiah helped lead an effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. At the beginning of the book, he is living in Persia in the palace of King Artaxerses, working as his cupbearer. When he heard a report about the wall of Jerusalem being broken down, he was determined to help.  Like Moses about…

Did You Know This About Esther?

[161 words] God is not mentioned a single time in the book of Esther. This has led some people to claim the book should not be included in the Bible.  However, there are a few good reasons to know that God is deeply involved in the events of this book. First, Mordecai told Esther that…

Did You Know This About Job?

[130 words] The book of Job gives an account of events that happened to a man named Job, and deals with the questions such as why the righteous suffer, and the sovereignty of God over His creation. Due to some of the things mentioned in the book, the action likely takes place in the patriarchal…

A Wise Father

[113 words] During the frontier days in the United States, the driver of a covered wagon stopped his horses on the street of a young town and called to a passing man, “Hey, any saloons in this place?” “Sure, we have four!” the man replied boastfully. “Giddap,” the driver shouted, urging his horses on. “Stop,”…

God is With You

[129 words] 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…

God Knows Best

[189 words] Our Father knows what’s best for us,So why should we complain …We always want the sunshine,But He knows there must be rain …We love the sound of laughterAnd the merriment of cheer,But our hearts would lose their tendernessIf we never shed a tear. ..Our Father tests us oftenWith suffering and with sorrow,He tests…

We, the Church

[111 words] ‘Tis joy, O God, thy church to be,Blood purchased by thy love,Part of thy eternal purpose,It’s glory from above. The holy bride of Christ the Lord,Made clean and sanctified.In holiness we live our lives,That He be glorified. The body of the Son of God,His work, we e’er perform.We are His eyes, His hands,…

The Optimistic Frog

[123 words] Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl; One was an optimistic soul,But the other took the gloomy view: “We shall drown,” he cried, without more ado.So with a last despairing cry,He flung up his legs, and he said, “Goodbye.” Quoth the other frog with a merry grin, “I can’t get out, but…

That Sharp Stone in Your Heart

[158 words] My Cherokee grandmother used to say that there is a very sharp, triangular-shaped stone inside your heart. Every time you do something that violates your conscience, that stone turns a little and makes a small, very painful cut in your heart. However, if you break your conscience many times your heart no longer…
Clock

What Are We Constant In?

[194 words] For many of life’s endeavors, success is about consistency. Can you do something not just once but over and over again for a prolonged period of time? Everything, all the time, without fail? How about success in pleasing the Lord? What would God’s will be that we do, always, without quitting, in all…

Listen and Believe

[178 words] “Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord” (Psalms 119:1). “How can a young (person) keep his way pure? by guarding it with God’s word” (Psalms 119:9). “Receive with meekness the implanted word of God and it will save your soul” (James 1:21). “Faith comes by…

Did You know This About 1 Kings?

[126 words] First Kings chapter 3 records the time God came to King Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon’s first thought was that God had been kind to his father David, and had also give David an heir to sit on the throne. In his humility, Solomon admitted…

Did You Know This About 2 Kings?

[138 words] The history of Israel is filled with kings who followed God, and kings who did evil in his sight. Between good King Hezekiah and good King Josiah, there was evil king Manasseh. During his time of evil leadership idolatry was rampant, and apparently the book of the law was lost. While Josiah was…

Did You Know This About 1 Chronicles?

[136 words] Among many other events in this book of history, 1 Chronicles 10 records the death of Saul, the first king of Israel.  Saul had so much potential! He was tall and handsome (1 Sam. 9:2), had some humility about him (1 Sam 9:21), and more importantly he was the one the Lord had…

Having Requires Striving!

[119 words] When I was a little boy someone in the family (which often meant me) had to do the churning. More valuable than the butter was the lesson that having requires doing and that very little comes to man except through exertion. One reason we do not find more valuables is our inadequate search.…

He Who is Grateful

[114 words] He who is not grateful for what he does have will not be happy with the things that he desires to have. He who is ungrateful in little will also be ungrateful in much! If we are not thankful to God for the blessings He bestows, what reason is there to expect Him…
Nadab and Abihu

God Means What He Says

[186 words] God killed two priests. They were Moses’ nephews, Aaron’s sons. They were burning incense in their censers as priests were to do. They were supposed to light the incense with fire from the altar. Instead, they used unauthorized fire from elsewhere. Immediately, fire came from God and consumed them. Moses said to Aaron,…

A Challenge For One Month

[168 words] 1. Resolve not to miss a single service of the church. No excuses this time but, for a change, made a few sacrifices for the Lord. 2. Try praying every time you have a problem or decision to make. If you feel the slightest need, pray! And while you’re at it, try praying…

Top 10 Predictions for 2025

[156 words] As we see the beginning of a new year, with all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling, but there are some things of which we can be sure. Here are ten predications that will to come true this year! 1. The Bible will still have all the answers.2. Prayer…

Did You Know This About Joshua?

[135 words] After everything the Israelites had seen—the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, the fall of Jericho, the sun standing still—they still had idol worship among them.  That is why Joshua had to tell them, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this…

Did You Know This About Judges?

[128 words] After the conquest of the promised land and the death of Joshua, the Bible tells us that “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord, nor the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). A phrase that is repeated four times in Judges is, “…in those days there…

Did You Know This About Ruth?

[187 words] Of all the passages taken out of context, perhaps Ruth 1:16-17 is one of the biggest! During the time of the judges, an Israelite woman named Naomi found herself a widow. She had left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons to go to Moab, due to a severe famine. While there, her…

Did You Know This About 1 Samuel?

[113 words] First Samuel records the progression of leadership over Israel from judges to kings.  Samuel was the last judge, and served also as a prophet for the nation. His mother, Hannah, had prayed for a son, and promised him to the Lord. He was very young when God called him into service. Samuel remained…

Beautiful Wrapping, Empty Boxes

[156 words] This time of year, it is common to see empty boxes sitting out as decorations in stores and at events. These boxes are beautifully wrapped with colorful paper, ribbons and bows. However, there is nothing inside. Often, Children can’t tell that there is no gift inside the packing, so they ask: “Is one…

Why So Gloomy?

[152 words] Our world is full of sadness and sorrow. Death comes and takes our loved ones. Financial troubles wreck our future plans. Sickness robs us of the idyllic scene we had envisioned for our lives. If we are not disciplined, we let these rob us of a happy life. Jesus knew life would be…

The Tomato

[135 words] Have you ever bought a tomato in January? I have. They are okay, better than nothing. For years, I have planted a few tomato plants in spring. The tomatoes get ripe in July. They taste so much better than those greenhouse tomatoes. Have you ever thought, “Why?” It is because man cannot improve…

Did You Know This About Exodus?

[140 words] One of the most amazing parts of Exodus is when the Israelites were commanded by God to paint their door frames with the blood of the lambs that were sacrificially killed at the institution of the Passover (Ex. 12:21-23). God’s people were in slavery to Egypt at the time, and God was about…

Did You Know This About Leviticus?

[128 words] Leviticus contains 27 chapters, 859 verses, and 24,546 words, and a whole bunch of laws! It is a guidebook for the Israelites, showing them how to worship, serve, and obey God. The concept of holiness before God is mentioned at least 87 times in this book. Honestly, Leviticus is not high on the…

Did You Know This About Numbers?

[119 words] Numbers is the record of Israel’s journey through the wilderness after God led them out Egyptian slavery. Due to their unbelief, what should have been an 11-day trip to the promised land turned into 40 years of wandering.  While in the wilderness, God told Moses to make a brass serpent and put it…

Did You Know This About Deuteronomy?

[172 words] Moses was about to die. The book of Deuteronomy recounts a one-month period of time when the Israelites were camped in the plains of Moab, and is considered to be a series of farewell addresses from Moses shortly before his passing.  The Israelites were about to go into the promised land, and as…

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…
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