[189 words] The present-day American practice of Thanksgiving descended from the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621, 399 years ago. It is a unique holiday because it doesn’t commemorate a special event such as a battle or a birthday. It is simply a...
[131 words] ...then shouldn’t He determine how one enters it? ...then shouldn’t He regulate how it should worship? ...then shouldn’t He decide who should be qualified to be its leaders? ...then shouldn’t He govern what it should do? ...then shouldn’t He ascertain who...
[114 words] The Jewish authorities: “They spit in His face and struck Him. And some slapped Him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?’” (Matt. 26:67-68). The Roman soldiers: “They spit on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head”...
[189 words] A city dweller moved to a farm and bought a cow. Shortly after he did, the cow went dry. When he reported this fact to a neighbor farmer, the farmer expressed surprise. The city man said he was surprised too. “I can’t understand it either, for if ever a...
[139 words] When I am tempted I dare not strayFor many people look my way;Loved ones to sicken and distrustIf I betray my sacred trust;Weak ones to stumble and to fallIf I should heed temptation's call;Young ones to follow in my wrongIf my heart's not kept pure and...
[197 words] Some will look at Proverbs 2 and see the exhortation and admonition, interpreting it exclusively as a warning to males to stay away from females not belonging to them. This certainly is a significant teaching of the chapter, but not an exclusive one. The...
[140 words] At any given moment in the life of the church, there are those teetering on the border of departure. But if you quit, will you be happier? Will your children thereby be improved? Will those who know and love you be encouraged? And, will the angels in...
[160 words] In this unusual time of a pandemic due to the COVID virus, of course we seek to be compassionate, flexible, and understanding. We must do our best to take care of each other (Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2:4). That being said, how much is “enough” when it comes to...
[199 words] How do you respond when you’re blessed? Did you respond gratefully when someone said something nice to you, or did something for you? I hope so. Picture a wife who spends two hours making a delicious meal for her husband because she wants to give him...
[195 words] At the time of this writing, I just got the news that another relative of mine has left this life due to Covid-19. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up tomorrow and read this headline? “Covid-19 Now Cured!” But despite the great gains medical science has made,...
[146 words] Back when I was a teenager, I and my brother were helping my dad with his lake cabin. While I was unloading some plumbing supplies, Gary was pulling off some trim from the crawlspace. Suddenly, my brother let out a yell, and a distinctive smell filled the...
[146 words] Start with the Root. Become well grounded in Christ and His word. Make sure He is the foundation of everything you think and do. Establish yourself in His principles. Grow a Shoot. A shoot is a new growth on a plant. Develop your talents and grow in a new...
[143 words] We need to appoint and support faithful elders who will properly oversee the flock (Acts 20:28-32). We need to be busy now training other leaders to take their place. Consider Joshua’s training and the influence it wielded (Joshua 24:31). We need to learn...
[127 words] To “delight” in something is to experience great pleasure. It is to be pleased by someone or something. Scripture tells us that God delights in His Son (cf. Isa. 42:1; Matt. 3:17). In like fashion, we should too! Knowing and following the Son of God, Jesus...
[192 words] Let me share an interesting way to get out of conflict. You could look the other person in the eye and ask, “What works best for you?” Okay, I get this isn’t the most popular option - and that you might rather walk on hot coals than concede anything to...
[121 words] Without Jesus as the FOUNDATION, the structure of righteousness is built on sand. Without the TEACHINGS of the NEW TESTAMENT, the body of Christ has no guide to direct in a dark world. Without BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP properly in place, the body of...
[143 words] At 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling comes steam. Steam when channeled correctly can re-move stains, kill weeds, disinfects, and can even power an engine. One degree makes all the difference. In the Bible Jesus states,...
[196 words] It was about 8:30 when the rather fierce-looking father of the girl entered the parlor where the young man was courting her. The father had his watch in his hand. "Young man," he said, "do you know what time it is?" "Y-y-yes sir," stuttered the frightened...
[187 words] Last November, Lindy McDaniel passed away. If you look him up in the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, you will notice that he was well-known in baseball circles. His pitching career spanned 21 years (from 1955-1975). He was an amazing relief pitcher who...
[162 words] After a week of binge drinking, a man stumbled home, drunk, sick, and weak. As he fell into his bed, he asked his brother who was a preacher to pray for him. The brother agreed and prayed, “O Lord, please help this old miserable drunken fool…” When the...
[154 words] 9:00 a.m., 1:42 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:40 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. During the course of April 14, 1912, the R.M.S. Titanic received six warnings concerning icebergs. She received the last warning only 40 minutes before her collision. Six warnings! All...
[199 words] How many of us heard our fathers make the statement: “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you?” Of course, we were being scolded for doing something dangerous or hurtful. That’s when we offered our excuse: “but everyone was doing it.” As soon as...
[164 words] “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer” - We have nothing to worry about when suffering comes. When we let fear, panic, and negativism rule, our suffering is always made worse. Suffering happens to everyone. Just stay calm. “Indeed,...
[186 words] How many things can you absolutely count on in life today? Can you absolutely count on having hot water in your morning shower? Can you absolutely count on your refrigeration not dying during the night? Can you absolutely count on your car starting every...
[110 words] A French officer once asked George Washington’s mother how she managed to rear such a splendid son. She simply replied, “I taught him to obey.” Obedience is something that must be taught. In the perilous times, there will be those who are “disobedient to...
[181 words] There are a lot of things I could tell you that you’d probably believe. How about: I went to the gym yesterday for about two hours. Just as you are about to compliment my efforts my wife walks by and says “No, he didn’t! He sat around like a bum and...
[156 words] "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12). When hiking, it can be dangerous to follow the wrong trail. In fact, wandering off trail is the number one reason that adult hikers require rescue. This is what...
[175 words] Let’s talk about the good ‘ole days. I’m sure you’ve heard about them. Perhaps from a sentence starting with “back in my day...” And that’s followed by all kinds of things. Back in my day kids respected their parents. Back in my day you didn’t have to...
[170 words] The Bible is not a museum piece to be admired at a distance and dusted now and again. It is a treasure to be polished. It is a tool to be used. It is a light to be shined. It is a mirror to be viewed. It is a sword to be sharpened. It is a food to be...
[183 words] It’s hard for us to conceive of someone standing face-to-face with God and saying, “Lord, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m smarter than you.” And yet, in reality, people do that all the time, even many who claim to be Christians. I once...
[148 words] We live in a troubled world. Many have chosen to forget God in order to have the fleeting pleasures of this life. My brethren, there is no spiritual peace in living as the world! The inspired apostle Paul penned, “And do not be conformed to this world, but...
[176 words] Paul gave young Timothy some great advice concerning commitment to the Lord. It is great advice for us, as well: Commit to Faithfulness. “This charge I commit to you...that ...you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience” (1 Tim....
[139 words] "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy” (Psalms 99:5). What does the word “holy” mean? It means to be set aside away from everything that is bad or wrong. Our God is perfect. He doesn't commit sin. To say that God is holy means...
[191 words] George Washington Carver was a man who lived very close to God’s creation. As a youngster he was very interested in plants and experimented with natural pesticides, fungicides, and soil conditioners, earning the nickname “the plant doctor” for his ability...
[122 words] It seems so hard to trust people these days. Who can be counted on to tell us the truth? Here is what we know: Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Additionally, we know: It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). ...
[169 words] Before Jesus Christ came into the world, the name Jesus (the Greek form of name Joshua) was an extremely common name. And yet, Jesus took an ordinary name of his day, and made it something unique and special—a name by which all can be saved (Acts 4:12)....
[165 words] Do you know what it is? If you listen to people in the denominational world, many of them (if not all) will tell you that if you obey any of God’s commands to be saved, then you are trying to be saved by works. Not only is this a flat lie, but it is a...
[160 words] C.S. Lewis once wrote, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." We know that we were made for another world. Scripture teaches it. Our own experience...
[188 words] This week, we witnessed first-hand what happens when negative emotions are allowed to dominate our thinking. We watched as folks – most of which had good intentions – stormed our capitol building in Washington, D.C. Property was damaged. Individuals were...
[160 words] What are you thinking about these days? I am guessing if you are like a lot of people and have a steady diet of listening to the media, then you might not be thinking on the best of things. In fact, listening to the media can be depressing. One counselor...
[176 words] Even though we have moved into the digital age, I continue to use a paper planner. I like being able to write thoughts, ideas, and make plans while turning pages. Each little block on a calendar represents 24 hours. As we write and plan on each block, do...
[140 words] She heard all his stories andlaughed at all his jokes. She listened to every sermonWhich he ever spoke. She took care of their children All alone in the pew.As she listened to her husband Proclaim the good news. She saw him in tears as on his knees he did...
[177 words] The United States of America needs to make some serious changes toward serving God. We need to begin today to speak only kind, loving and respectful words. The faithful Christian speaks kind, loving words of appreciation to others. “Let your speech be...
[156 words] The Thanksgiving holiday is over and most of us are having leftovers until the food is gone. While we enjoy family and friends during such days, the significance of giving thanks to God every day is far more important than any earthly joy we receive from...
[175 words] In one of the most powerful anti-smoking ads I’ve ever seen the promises of the cigarette ads are examined. You’ll look cool. Smoking makes you independent and mysterious. But then the curtain is pulled away and a man in a wheelchair who can barely breathe...
[126 words] When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he opened his letter with these words: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in...
[125 words] Jesus said, “The great and first commandment:” “you shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind” (Matthew 22:37). The current spiritual battle is not fought with carnal weapons (swords, guns, bombs), but with ideas from the word of God. “For the...
[177 words] Many of the psalms David wrote referred to his many enemies surrounding him. In Psalm 57, he says, “My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men, Who are set on fire, Whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword” (v.4). Despite...
[173 words] The first American multi-page newspaper was published on September 25, 1690, with a single edition of “Publick Occurrences Both Foreign and Domestick” appearing in Boston, Massachusetts. However, British authorities considered the newspaper offensive and...
[132 words] Scripture pictures Jesus as a Teacher come from God. Scripture says, “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one...