100-199 words

Be of Good Cheer

[151 words] You cannot be sour and be a Christian! True Christianity chases gloom. Solomon said, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22), and again in chapter 15:13, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance.” More than once Jesus commanded his disciples to “Be of Good…

What Are You Masking?

[162 words] Seems like this time of year many are focused on people’s fears, scary movies, frightful decorations, and creepy whatever’s displayed along our streets. What is often overlooked—or maybe be masked—is the true fears we face: a broken relationship, a bad health diagnosis, or financial uncertainty. There are many fears that face us today, but…

A Family Is…

[107 words] A deeply rooted treewith branchesof different strengthsall receiving nourishment from our Father in heaven. Where character is formed, values are learned,and society is preserved. Where all members contribute a share, cooperate and work,and accept their responsibilities toward the good of the group. Where holidays are celebrated with feastingbirthdays are acknowledged with gifts,and thoughts…

Be the Best of Whatever You Are

[147 words] If you can’t be a pine on the top of the hillBe a scrub in the valley – but be The best little scrub by the side of the rill;Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.If you can’t be a bush be a bit of the grass,And some highway some happier make;If…

A Consistent Christian

[144 words] Could I be called a Christian ifeverybody knewMy secret thoughts and feelings,and everything I do?Oh, can they see the likenessof Christ in me each dayAnd do they hear Him speakingin every word I say?Could I be called a Christianif other folk would knowThat I am found in placeswhere Jesus would not go?Oh, do…

Keep Serving!

[183 words] One way to find joy in life, even through our own personal struggles, is to keep serving others. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Being one who serves is part of what…

Come, Sound His Praise Abroad

[128 words] Come, sound His praise abroad,And hymns of glory sing;Jehovah is the sovereign God,The universal King. He formed the deeps unknown;He gave the seas their bound;The watery worlds are all His own,And all the solid ground. Come, worship at His throne;Come, bow before the Lord:We are His works, and not our own;He formed us…

Our Savior’s Triumph

[133 words] Thou sweet gliding Kedron, by thy silver streamOur Savior at midnight, when moonlight’s pale beamShone bright on thy waters, would frequently stray,And lose in thy murmurs the toils of the day. How damp were the vapors that fell on his head!How hard was his pillow! how humble his bed!The angels, astonished, grew sad…

There is a Green Hill Far Away

[122 words] There is a green hill far away,outside a city wall,where our dear Lord was crucifiedwho died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell,what pains he had to bear,but we believe it was for ushe hung and suffered there. He died that we might be forgiven,he died to make us…

A Persian Fable

[114 words] A Persian fable says: One dayA wanderer found a lump of claySo savory of sweet perfumeIts odor scented all the room.“What are you?”was his quick demand,“Are you some gem from Samarkand,Or pure nard in this plain disguise,Or other costly merchandise?”“No, I am but a lump of clay.”“Then whence this wondrous perfume–say!”“Friend, if the…

Your Bible

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

Worse Before It Gets Better

[193 words] Standing up for what’s right can make things worse before they get better. Like when Moses went to Pharaoh and said it was time to let the people go. I’m sure the enslaved Israelites were thrilled that someone was sticking up for them. But not for long. Pharaoh’s response was to make their…

Keep Seeking the Kingdom

[176 words] I was a new minister right out of college, and I was performing my third wedding ceremony. It was one of those days like Murphy’s Law when everything that could go wrong did. I forgot a couple of cues. The groom could not remember the lines he had planned to say. The ring…

Make Good on Your Promises

[191 words] “Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain” (Proverbs 25:14). Over the past few weeks, the afternoon clouds have gathered with pregnant possibility. The smell of rain has come and the cool wind has blown promising my scorched yard some relief. Yet, for weeks, the clouds with such promise…

The Changing Seasons

[157 words] One of the times of year I like the most is fall. The leaves begin to change colors. The weather becomes cooler. It reminds me of what the Psalmist wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Ps.19:1 KNJV). God indirectly speaks to us through nature. When…

Do You Believe the Bible?

[162 words] The late Batsell Barrett Baxter once told the story about the 19th century agnostic, Robert Ingersoll, who often displayed animosity toward the Christian faith. One noted denominational preacher wanted to debate Ingersoll, but the atheist refused every challenge. Then, one day, the two met by accident. The preacher said, “Mr. Ingersoll, some months…

Harmony with One Another

[180 words] In some ways, being a Christian would be easier if you didn’t have to deal with people. You could just study God’s Word and have a personal relationship with God. But that lifestyle (isolation) isn’t what being a Christian is all about. If we are truly “Christ-Like” we must interact and have relationships…

Faith Despite Persecution

[186 words] Approximately 64 A.D., The Great Fire of Rome devastated the city. If you were alive during that time, it would have had the sort of shock value that we all experienced in our own national tragedy. Before then, Christianity was growing. However, it was thought of as “just another religion” in the mixing…

Christ the Friend We Need

[124 words] Oft my heart has bled with sorrow,Not a friend my grief to share;But I yielded, Christ to follow,And He took my load of care. Once I sighed for peace and pleasure,Felt a painful void within;Life was gloomy, death a terror,Till my soul was saved from sin. All this world is dark and dreary,And…

Reasons for Enduring Trials

[185 words] When trials hit, we can do one of two things concerning our faithfulness to God: give up, or continue on. Paul knew what it was like. In fact many times in trials, he felt like he was between a rock and a hard place (2 Cor. 4:8), yet he continued remaining faithful to…

Lord Make Me Good – Period

[176 words] Many people who want a relationship with God often add qualifiers to the mix. They want the Lord to make them good, but with a stipulation added. Here are a couple of examples: “Lord, make me good, but not yet.” These people want to live in sin as long as possible. They want…

Mr. Lincoln’s Tears

[157 words] The story is told that near the end of his presidency, a woman came to the While House to present Abe Lincoln with a basketful of baked goodies—cakes, pies and breads. “Is there something you want, Madam?” the president asked. “No sir,” she replied, “I only wanted to tell you thank you for…

Beating Worry

[187 words] Time has a way of improving the conditions of daily lives. What posed as hardship for my grandparents are today’s luxuries. Surrounded with gadgets and gizmos to make life easy, why can’t they invent something, anything that will remove worry from our lives? Volumes have been written to abate the damage worry causes.…

The Master’s Will, for This I Pray

[119 words] The Master’s will, for this I pray, Whatever it may be!I do not want to miss Your best; Reveal it, Lord, to me. My own desires may lead me wrong, I must consult my God;His counsel will be justified, When all the way I’ve trod. O soul of mine, delight in Him! His…

What the Lord is to Me (from the Psalms)

[120 words] The LORD is my rock and my fortress (Psa. 18:2). He is my solid foundation and will never let me down. The LORD is my shepherd (Psa. 23:1). He is my provider and guide through life. The LORD is my light (Psa. 27:1). He is my revealer of all truth. The LORD is…

Love the Unknown?

[111 words] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. These are exhortations from Proverbs. In addition to that, he who loves instructions loves knowledge (Prov. 12:1). What this translates to is this: he who loves the Lord will take time to know the Lord, learn from His will and apply…

Hey There Delilah 

[158 words] I don’t know what Samson saw in Delilah, but whatever it was it was enough to destroy him. I don’t think we can hold women like this as a positive example expect maybe in one aspect: persistence. This woman was able to do what no man ever could: She brought down Samson. She…

The King of Us All

[179 words] God is the rightful King of us all. As Acts 17:24 says, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth.” Since God made you, and all you have is because of Him, He is your King. I encourage you to be okay with that,…

God Asks, ‘Where is the Honor Due Me?’

[190 words] Using the language of his times, the prophet Malachi spoke words from the mind of God to His people. God asked this question, “‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect…

‘The Church Has Let Me Down’

[115 words] Does this describe the way you feel? If it does, let me warn you. Don’t expect to get more out than you put in. If you choose to stand aloof from the church, refusing to participate in her programs of work, fail to support her financially, and only occasionally attend worship services, the…

Take Time

[100 words] Take time to laughIt is the music of the soul.Take time to thinkIt is the source of power.Take time to playIt is the source of perpetual youth.Take time to readIt is the fountain of wisdom.Take time to prayIt is the greatest power on earth.Take time to love and be lovedIt is a God-given…

If God Should Go on Strike…

[192 words] How good it is that God abovehas never gone on strike,Because He was not treated fairin things He didn’t like. If only once, He’d given up andsaid, “That’s it. I’m through,I’ve had enough of those on Earthso this is what I’ll do: I’ll give my orders to the sun,cut off the heat supply!And…

A Hymn of Morning Praise

[135 words] O God, inspire our morning hymnOf love and gratitude;Oh, bless the sacrifice we bring,Thou Source of every good.Thy miracle of love so sweetPreserved us all secure;While helpless in unconscious sleep,Thy presence kept us pure. ’Tis blest to rise, O Lord, and joinWith nature’s minstrelsy;To hymn Thy praise at early morn,And offer thanks to…

Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership

[136 words] People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.Succeed anyway.  If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.Be honest and frank anyway. What…

When You Are Blessed

[195 words] How do you respond when you are blessed? Do you respond gratefully when someone says something nice to you, or does something for you? Picture a wife who spends two hours making a delicious meal for her husband because she wants to give him something special. The husband eats it without comment and…

Let All Creation Bless the Lord

[130 words] Let all creation bless the Lord,till heaven with praise is ringing.Sun, moon, and stars, peal out a chord,stir up the angels’ singing.Sing, wind and rain! Sing, snow and sleet!Make music, day, night, cold, and heat:exalt the God who made you. All living things upon this earth,green fertile hills and mountains,sing to the God…

Today

[123 words] I shall do so much in the years to come,But what have I done today?I shall give out gold in princely sum,But what did I give today?I shall lift the heart and dry the tear,I shall plant a hope in the place of fear,I shall speak with words of love and cheerBut what…

There is a Green Hill Far Away

[122 words] There is a green hill far away,outside a city wall,where our dear Lord was crucifiedwho died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell,what pains he had to bear,but we believe it was for ushe hung and suffered there. He died that we might be forgiven,he died to make us…

Nobody is a Nobody in the Family of God

[199 words] If you have ever read Romans 16:1-16, you will see a list of people Paul wished to commend for their work in the church. The vast majority of them are individuals of whom we have no additional details concerning their lives or service in Christ. But Paul wanted to honor them for their…

We’ll Praise the Lord

[124 words] We’ll praise the Lord for sins forgiven,Praise Him evermore;Till earth has passed away forever,Christ we will adore. We’ll praise the Lord for full salvation,Hearts made pure and free;We’ll praise Him for a blest infilling,And for victory. We’ll praise Him for a church triumphantHere on earth below,Where every soul is made, in Jesus,Whiter than…

A Servant’s Prayer

[166 words] Make me a servant, Lord. Give me a servant’s eyes,Able to see the slightest needs of those around me. Let me have a servant’s ears,Tuned to detect the softest cry of helpfrom the lowliest person. Give me a servant’s voice,One which speaks words of comfort andcheer to those in despair. Give me a…

In Sweet Communion

[116 words] In sweet communion, Lord, with TheeI constantly abide;My hand Thou holdest in Thine ownTo keep me near Thy side. Thy counsel through my earthly wayShall guide me and control,And then to glory afterwardThou wilt receive my soul. Whom have I, Lord, in heaven but Thee,To whom my thoughts aspire?And having Thee, on earth…

Living and Giving

[176 words] Whatever you give away todayOr think or say or doWill multiply about tenfoldAnd then return to you. It may not come immediatelyNor from the obvious source,But the LAW applies unfailinglyThrough some invisible force. Whatever you feel about anotherBe it love or hate or passion,Will surely bounce right back to youIn some clear or…

Two Things That Trouble Me

[182 words] There are a couple things that concern me when I observe some Christians in today’s times: How much of the world is in them and how little of the Bible is in them. I believe that there is a correlation at work here: the less of the Bible that one knows, the more…

Facing Our Own Monsters

[183 words] Did you know that Melville’s Moby Dick was loosely based on a true story? In 1819, the whaling ship, Essex, left port from Nantucket to sail to the Pacific Ocean via Cape Horn. The crew took several whales without incident. Then one day, a massive whale hit the ship head-on. The giant then…

A Deceptively Deadly Cave 

[185 words] In Southern Mexico is the Cueva de Villa Luz (cave). As you walk toward the cave, the trail takes your through a paradise of lush rain forest. The cave is fed by 20 or more underground springs. The cave itself is home to spectacular rock formations and beautiful ponds. The environment is interesting…

Who Cares?

[183 words] David once lamented, “no man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). Have you ever felt that way? Do you think anyone really cares? There are those who are greatly concerned about you. Christians care. The Bible says we are “to do good unto all men” (Galatians 6:10). To love our fellow man with…
Walking in Park

Pursue Righteousness

[151 words] Numerous times in Scripture the Lord encourages us to “pursue righteousness.” The term righteousness is variously used, sometimes referring to virtuous or obedient living and other times referring to the condition of being made innocent by God and thus acceptable to Him. The idea is this: The Lord expects us to live a…

All in All

[134 words] The song “You Are My All in All” has always been a favorite of mine. In part the song declares: You are my strength when I am weakYou are the treasure that I seekYou are my all in allSeeking You as a precious jewelLord, to give up I’d be …

Don’t Say Anything If…

[152 words] 1. You are in the heat of anger (Proverbs 14:17).2. You don’t have all the facts (Proverbs 18:13).3. You haven’t verified the story (Deuteronomy 17:6).4. Your words will cause the weak to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:11).5. You are joking about sin (Proverbs 14:9).6. You would later be ashamed of what you said (Proverbs…

What is it Worth to You?

[104 words] The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life–knowing that under certain conditions it is not worth while to live.” Jesus lived in word…

Fight the Good Fight

[116 words] Fight the good fight with all thy might;Christ is thy Strength and Christ thy Right.Lay hold on life, and it shall beThy joy and crown eternally. Run the straight race thro’ God’s good grace;Lift up thine eyes and seek His face.Life with its way before us lies;Christ is the Path and Christ the…

Worthy of the Lord

[188 words] Paul prayed that the Colossians would “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10).…

Every Good Gift

[152 words] A poor man was given a loaf of bread. He thanked the baker, but the baker said, “Don’t thank me. Thank the miller who made the flour.” So he thanked the miller, but the miller said, “Don’t thank me. Thank the farmer who planted the wheat.” So he thanked the farmer, but the…

A Proverb to Ponder

[136 words] Now, not all our attenders are members, and not all our members are attenders, but if all our attenders were members, and all our members were attenders… THEN…we’d have more trouble menders, more gospel defenders and more true soul winners! BUT…we’d have fewer people offenders, fewer spiritual hinderers and fewer religious…

Conduct

[183 words] I just read a report from mission workers in India. The closing article reported on the rules of conduct expected in Sinclair High School in Bangalore. Nine rules were given covering everything from proper dress to items not acceptable in the classroom to respect for fellow students and teachers. And there was one…

Bible Questions for Family Study

[197 words] 1. For what does the good shepherd give his life? 2. What type of chariot driver was Jehu? 3. By what other name was Queen Esther known? 4. Who was the brother of Nadab? 5. Why did David arrange to have Uriah killed? 6. Why did Haman want to kill the Jews? 7.…

Puncture-Proof Christian

[147 words] You know, I like some of these new fangled inventions. The puncture-proof tire is the one I like especially well. If you’re driving along with the ordinary tires, and a nail goes through them—whiss—you lose all the air. But a puncture-proof tire is different. If a nail goes through it, some stuff inside…

Where Are You?

[136 words] In Eden, after man’s fall, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” Adam said, “I was afraid…and I hid myself” (Gen. 3:9-10). Having sinned against his Creator, Adam hid among the trees. It is impossible to hide from God. Adam found that out, and so did Jonah. Many think they can hide out from…

Just Right!

[199 words] Some people will attend church if everything is just right. The weather is a controlling factor in church attendance. Many times the temperature is too hot or too cold. Occasionally there will be a Sunday that happens to be just right. Those people will attend, unless something else is wrong. Their physical body’s…

A Think Story

[111 words] A little boy once asked his dad what a “Christian” was. The dad replied that a Christian is a person who loves and obeys God. He loves his friends and neighbors and expresses his appreciation for other Christians. He even loves his enemies and prays for them that they might be blessed. He…

The Super Bowl’s Winning Desire

[165 words] This afternoon a game will be played. Large athletes will face off against each other in a football game known as the “Super Bowl.”  In the end, only one team will emerge victorious.  Do you know where the rest of the NFL is tonight? At home watching the game. What separates a Championship…

Friends with Jesus

[186 words] Proverbs 17:17 says: “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” True friends have a connection that goes beyond a couple of years. They are committed for life. Jesus highlighted the importance of friendship in John 15:15. He gathered his disciples together the night before he was going…

A Blessing

[158 words] One day I paused to see the needOf a poor man beside the wayAnd thought to divest myself of greedAnd help him just today.My mind kept saying, “He’s no good,He brought it on himself.”But my heart kept saying, “I really shouldJust do it for myself.”I gave my hand to lift him upAnd brought…

Dear Shepherd of Thy People, Hear

[157 words] Dear Shepherd of Thy people, hear;Thy presence now display;As Thou hast given a place for prayer,So give us hearts to pray. O Lord, our languid souls inspire,For here, we trust, thou art!Send down a coal of heav’nly fire,To warm each waiting heart. Show us some token of Thy love,Our fainting hope to raise;And…

What a Name!

[127 words] Albert Brooks, an actor and comedian, has starred in many live action films, as well as doing voices in such movies as Finding Nemo and The Secret Life of Pets. He is somewhat of a famous name in show business, but he couldn’t enter into the entertainment field by his birth name,…

Having a Bad Day?

[181 words] Well, are you having a bad day today, a pretty tough time? If you are think about this. There is a story that was told of one little boy’s rough day. while going to school he fell off the school bus and hit his head, and he needed two stitches. After returning to…

Leaving Joppa

[175 words] I’ve had the privilege to walk the cobble stone streets of the biblical city, Joppa. As I walked on the streets of that city and looked out at the Mediterranean Sea, I couldn’t help but remember two significant biblical events that took place in this city. The first one involved the prophet Jonah.…

Where Did Thanksgiving Come from?

[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 day set aside to tell God thanks for his many gifts.…

If It Is The Lord’s Church…

[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 are faithful members? And do you know what? It is and He…

Father, Forgive Them

[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” (Matt. 27:30). Peter: “I do not know…

Take as Much as You Can

[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 person was considerate of…

When I Am Tempted

[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 strong;Older ones to mourn and grieveIf I…

More Than Warnings

[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 Holy Spirit has more in mind that just that.…

Just Don’t Quit

[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 Heaven weep or rejoice? There is…

How Often Do I Really Have to Go?

[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 assembling with the saints? At…

Responding When You Are Blessed

[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 something special. The husband eats it without…

A Life Without Disease

[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, disease and death is still a…

Lessons from a Skunk

[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 air. It was the smell of…

How to Be More Productive for Christ

[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 direction. Keep feeding on…

What Can We Do to Prevent Apostasy?

[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 again proper respect for the Word of God (Psalm 119:9-16).…

Delight

[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 the Christ, should delight those of us…

What Works Best for You?

[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 someone who is…

Without

[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 Christ is no longer, each member going his own way, doing…

That Little Extra

[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, (Mat 5:40-41), “If someone wants to sue you in order…

When It Comes to Jesus, Never Assume

[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 lover, as he scrambled out into the…

What a Pitcher!

[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 “saved” many games.  Wikipedia makes one additional brief mention. It states: “He…

God Already Knew

[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 drunken man heard this, he…

Warning!

[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 of which were ignored! As a result, 1500 passengers and crew…

Dad’s Wisdom

[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 those words hit my father’s ears, he…

Some Things to Know About Suffering from Revelation 2:10

[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, the devil is about to throw some of…

It is Impossible for God to Lie

[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 morning? Can you absolutely count on the red lights…

Washington’s Mother

[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 parents” (2 Timothy 3:2). The whole idea of rebellion…

Seems Right, or Actually Right?

[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 watched TV…

Taking the Correct Trail

[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 happened to Sue Clements, a…

The Good Ol’ Days?

[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 spend your whole paycheck on gasoline.…

Museum Bibles

[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.…

The Arrogant Claim to Know More than God

[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 was studying the Bible with a man who…

True Peace

[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 be transformed by the renewing…

Commit to Commitment

[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. 1:18). Commit to Defending the Truth. “Guard what was committed…
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