100-199 words

Forgive, As We Forgive

[104 words] Lord, may I live to help the manwho tries to keep me down.May I greet him with a smilewho greets me with a frown;And may I never hold a grudgeNor hunt up scattered strife,May I never seek to judge theFaults found in another’s life,And always be too big to see theThings that others…

Use What the Lord Has Given You

[185 words] “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). The church at Philadelphia had a “little strength.” I’ve often wondered about the wording of this.…

Death at the Tree

[155 words] In July 2025, a lightning strike in Jeffersonville, Ohio, killed 14 cattle. The cattle were found dead around the base of a tree, likely struck during a storm, resulting in an estimated economic loss of nearly $40,000. This disaster is a sad reminder of the danger of gathering under trees during a lightning storm.…

Rich without Money

[198 words] Some of world’s wealthiest people had little money (Mark 12:41–44; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5, 9; Philippians 2:5–11). If you have a good name, then you are rich without money (Proverbs 22:1). If you have good health, then you are rich without money (Acts 3:1–10; 3 John 1:2). If you have friends, then you are…

That Settles It!

[187 words] I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying or read the bumper sticker that declares, “God Said It, I Believe It, and That Settles It!” In actuality, this concept was recorded in Scripture 1,000 years before Jesus was born – except it is given in a different (and more correct) order. In Ecclesiastes 3:14…

The Two-Minute Warning

[164 words] It is hard to believe, but football season is here, and few moments in a game are more exciting than the final two minutes of a close game. The two-minute warning signals that time is short. The pace quickens, offensive and defensive plays shift, and teams often win or lose in these final…

Just Use Me

[131 words] I am the Bible! I am God’s wonderful Library! I am always and above all, the truth! To the weary pilgrim, I am a good strong staff. To the one who sits in black gloom I am glorious Light! To those who stoop beneath heavy burdens, I am sweet rest. To him who…

At Your Convenience

[149 words] A little more than 150 years ago, General Robert E. Lee was camped approximately ten miles from General Stonewall Jackson. Lee sent a message to Jackson, saying that he wanted to meet with him at his convenience. The next morning, while Lee was eating breakfast, Jackson appeared at his tent. Lee asked Jackson,…

Praise Him for Who He Is!

[175 words] “God…has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had…

What Jesus Offers

[105 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 Jesus…
Grandfather and grandson reading an illustrated book together on a garden bench

Come What May

[130 words] “Grandfather,” a curious boy asked, as along a path they strode,“What lies down the ever winding of life’s uncertain road?” “We do not know,” said the wise old sage, “It could be sunny or grim.”“But I know who knows, and I knowthat I will always walk with Him.” “Who is it?” the boy…
Wooden cross silhouetted against sunrise over misty rolling countryside

More Than Enough

[126 words] I often ask for greater things,For open doors and answered dreams.Yet all along my Father givesFar more than first my spirit sees. A peaceful heart when fears arise.A faithful friend with gentle eyes.A page of Scripture, fresh and true,A morning filled with mercy new. The cross reminds me every dayHow great His love,…
Muddy country path winding through trees and fields at sunset

Stronger Than the Storm

[110 words] There are days when skies grow dark with care,When burdens seem too great to bear.The road is rough, the climb is steep,And silent tears replace our sleep. Yet faith is never built in ease;It grows beneath life’s fiercest breeze.The oak stands firm because it stayedThrough every storm that winter made. Our Lord has…
Winding path through a wildflower meadow toward a countryside cottage

The Father’s Canvas

[119 words] Morning arrives without a trumpet’s call,Yet every sunrise preaches to us all.The robin sings before the world awakes,The dew still glistens on the quiet lakes.The mountains stand as monuments of grace,Each star a signature in boundless space. The God who fashioned every leaf and flowerStill watches over us from hour to hour.If He…

Love’s Labors

[158 words] The strongest and greatest of all things is love. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). At Corinth, love did not abound for God nor brethren. Thus, the wearing of human names (1…

Do You Know Where You Placed Your Bible?

[146 words] Sandra was having a Bible study with the ladies from her congregation in her home. Before the meeting was to start, she couldn’t find her Bible, though she searched everywhere. She rushed down to the kitchen, where her new housekeeper was working.  “Have you seen my Bible?” she asked. “Great!” said the new…

Spying Out the Truth

[199 words] Twelve little guys spying Canaan’s landNow, they weren’t really small, for each was a man But the giants there made each feel like a bug Easily squashed and swept under the rug The land there was great and the produce, plentiful All, in all, in all, it was most incredibleYet those wicked inhabitants…

A Lamp Along the Way

[107 words] The road is long, the night is deep,Where doubts arise and shadows creep.Yet one small lamp before my feetMakes every careful step complete. It does not show tomorrow’s bend,Nor where the winding pathways end.It gives enough for faith to seeThe next step God has planned for me. His words are brighter than the…

Seeds of Grace

[105 words] A sower walked the waiting field,With open hand and hope concealed.Some seeds were lost on hardened ground,Where little life could there be found. Some sprang with joy, then quickly died,For shallow roots could not abide.But others found a faithful place,And flourished by the Father’s grace. So scatter kindness, speak His Word,Though not each…
Dark wooden cottage door with lion knocker, ivy, lantern, and potted flowers

The Father’s Door

[104 words] The wanderer walked a weary mile,Ashamed to seek the Father’s smile.His pockets held no lasting gain,Only regret and hidden pain. Yet while he stood with downcast eyes,Love reached beyond the distant skies.The Father ran with arms spread wide,And welcomed home the one who’d strayed. No ledger spoke, no debt remained;His mercy far outweighed…

When Was It?

[187 words] When was the last time you texted or called me and asked how I was doing? When was the last time you gave me an encouraging pat on the back? When was the last time you saw I was lonely and sat by me in services? When was the last time you had…

Did You Know This About Habakkuk?

[162 words] The prophet Habakkuk presents a question to God: Why is there so much pain and injustice in the world? Why do the wicked seem to always have the upper hand over the righteous? God’s answer is not that pain and injustice will be taken away in this world, but rather that the wicked…

Did You Know This About Zephaniah?

[105 words] Zephaniah was a prophet during the time of King Josiah of Judah. He prophesied about the same time as Jeremiah and Habakkuk. But did you know that Zephaniah was the only prophet of royal descent? He was, in fact, the great-great-grandson of the godly king Hezekiah. Zephaniah was sent to announce God’s coming…

Your Father Knoweth

[120 words] Precious thought, my Father knoweth,In His love I rest;For whate’er my Father doethMust be always best.Well I know the heart that planneth,Nought but good for me;Joy and sorrow interwoven;Love in all I see. Precious thought, my Father knoweth,Careth for His child;Bids me nestle closer to HimWhen the storm beats wild.Tho’ my earthly hopes…

What Does Real Faith Involve?

[193 words] In that great chapter on faith, Hebrews 11, we can gain a clear picture what real faith involves. From the examples given in verses 4-10 we can see that real faith is much more than belief alone. Real faith involves the word of God. Abel “obtained witness” from God (v.4). Enoch had “testimony”…

For Sale

[159 words] You will never read these FOR SALE ads in a secular newspaper or magazine, but they do exist in unwritten, but very powerful, recesses of the human heart. FOR SALE: One cross, nearly new. I cannot carry it and keep up with the world and its crowd. FOR SALE: One talent. New, except…

Did You Know This About Jonah?

[138 words] Many people know about the events surrounding the prophet Jonah. He was told by God to prophesy to the people of Nineveh and tell them to repent, but instead he ran away, boarded a ship, and was eventually tossed overboard and swallowed by a great fish. After this, Jonah agreed to prophesy.  But…

Did You Know This About Micah?

[112 words] Micah was a prophet who lived about the same time as Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied mostly to the southern kingdom of Judah, but also to the northern kingdom of Israel. One amazing fact about Micah is that he revealed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Though you…

Did You Know This About Nahum?

[130 words] One hundred years after Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, the prophet Nahum was sent to deliver a message of coming destruction because the Ninevites had returned to their old ways. Nineveh boasted a defensive wall that was 100 feet high and wide enough that three chariots could ride side by side.…

The Heart’s Proof

[113 words] Do you ask me how I proveThat our Father, God, is love?By this world which he hath made,By the songs of grove and blade,By the brooks that singing run,By the shining of the sun,By the breeze that cools my brow,By fresh odors from the plow,By the daisy’s golden head,Shining in the fields I…

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…
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