100-199 words

What Jesus Gave Up for Us

[105 words] He Gave Up Heaven’s Glory.He Gave Up Earthly Riches.He Gave Up His Human Will.He Gave Up His Life. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation,…

Do You Desire Spiritual Sustenance?

[155 words] “Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3, ASV).  It’s easy to read this proverb and understand the point being made is in association to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. The soul that seeks after the Lord’s favor is…

Ten Little Christians

[199 words] Ten Little Christians came to church all the time;One fell out with the preacher, then there were nine.Nine Little Christians stayed up late;One overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.Eight Little Christians on their way to Heaven;One took the low road, then there were seven.Seven Little Christians, chirping like chicks;One didn’t like the…

Get Excited!

[137 words] Godly zeal utilizes talents and builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12, “…since you are zealous for…gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”) Godly zeal gets others excited for the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:2, “…your zeal has stirred up the majority.”) Godly zeal promotes goodness…

Be Careful, the Children are Watching

[145 words] We need to be careful, children are excellent imitators, consider for a moment the following story:  A small girl watched with absorbing interest, everything which was happening at her mother’s card party. She observed how her mother dressed; how she dealt the cards; how the women drank cocktails, and how freely they puffed…

AMERICA is a Beautiful Word

[178 words] What do you see when you look at the word “America?” What mental pictures do the seven letters create in your mind? To me the capital letter “A” suggests our magnificent snow-covered mountain peaks, and the wigwams of the original Americans. The letter “M” symbolizes the broad shoulders of our pioneers; shoulders-to-the-wheel pushing…

God is Everywhere

[127 words] Let not your heart be troubled,He knows and understands.He knows of all your heartachesAnd reaches out His hand.Don’t crowd thoughts with worriesOr dwell on foolish things.God’s love is everywhere,This to you He brings. The sparrows search the sky for HimThe flowers raise their heads.The smallest creatures on this earthScurry from their beds.The morning…

Useless or Useful?

[144 words] No one wants to feel useless. Onesimus was a slave to Philemon, Paul’s Christian brother. His name meant “useful.” But, Onesimus had become a runaway slave, and probably stole from his master to make his get away (Phile. 18). Onesimus met Paul in Rome in some way unknown to us, where Paul taught…

God is Still Love

[108 words] A man traveling through the country noticed that the weather vane on the roof of a farm building bore the phrase, “God Is Love.” He was troubled about it and asked the farmer, “Do you think God’s love is as changeable as that weather vane?” “You miss the point, sir” replied the farmer,…

‘On Bended Knee, I Come’

[181 words] There are many things we can learn from nature. Recently, I read about “the secret of the bended knee.” Most birds sleep, perched on a limb, and do not fall. When I sleep, there is no rhyme or reason, I will move around on the bed during the night, occupying several different positions.…

I Will Remember Their Sins No More

[156 words] When the Hebrew writer quoted Jeremiah (Chapter 13) concerning the new covenant that Jesus brought, he writes, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” (Heb 8:12). This is in stark contrast to the old covenant where the Hebrew writer states, “But in those (animal)…

Honoring Dads

[132 words] Sonora Dodd is usually considered the architect of the American event called “Father’s Day.” Sonora’s father raised 6 children after his wife’s death, and Sonora felt that such dads were worthy of double honor.  But the concept of honoring our fathers didn’t originate in the U.S.A. God was the first to urge people…

Who Made This Road?

[199 words] Ever drive down a road and wondered what kind person would design something like this? Well, if you live in New York chances are it was Robert Moses. He was an urban planner that helped to design many of the highways and bridge systems in New York City. His ideas were often controversial…

The Irrational Nature of Sin

[192 words] Willing participation in sin just does not make any sense. To defy the will of God is not only wicked and damning, it is irrational. Knowing that sin separates one from God (Isa. 59:2), who would venture down such a path? The answer is disturbing: all of us (Rom. 3:23). But such does…

If I Miss Heaven

[165 words]  I’ll miss the greatest, grandest, most glorious place ever conceived. (Revelation 21:1-4)  I’ll miss a grand reunion with Christian family members who preceded me. (Genesis 49:33) I’ll realize the tragedy of taking for granted the blood Christ shed in sacrifice for me. (Hebrews 2:9)  I’ll recall forsaken opportunities to be a child of…

The Heart is Where Home Is

[192 words] It was Paul’s wish for all Christians “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). The word “dwell” in this verse brings forth a powerful concept concerning our relationship with Christ. According to Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures the root of the word in the Greek means “to make one’s…

Does Anyone Care About This?

[177 words] Dr. William James, an eminent psychiatrist in the early 1900’s, said “The deepest principle of the human experience is the craving to be appreciated.” Not all that much has change in one hundred years. Everyone likes to be credited with a job well done and know that what they do is appreciated. Even…

Be Reconciled to Your Brother

[124 words] Too many people think going to church cancels out any wrong doing in their lives. Too many think putting something in the collection plate means the rest of their lifestyle is okay. However, Jesus has something to say about that: “if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that…

A Mother Isn’t Just Somebody

[179 words] “Somebody” said a mother is an unskilled laborer. “Somebody” never gave a squirmy infant a bath. “Somebody” said you know how to be a mother by instinct. “Somebody” never took a three-year-old shopping. “Somebody” said that “good” mothers never yell at their kids. “Somebody’s” child never sent a baseball through a neighbor’s picture…

Plant the Right Seeds

[179 words] Seed planting time is upon us. The gardener/farmer knows the importance of planting the right seeds at the right time. For the Christian, planting the right seeds makes all the difference, as well. I found a list of what we reap if we plant certain things in our lives. I have adapted and…

What Is Success?

[171 words] If success means having lots of money, would we consider Jesus a success? At the end of his short life all he had were the clothes on his back – and those were taken by his enemies. If success means having a family (children and a spouse), where would be the apostle Paul?…

The Effective Church

[112 words] …Exalts God (Eph. 3:21). The church is a place of heartfelt praise of its Architect. …Evangelizes the Lost (Matt 28:19-20). The church is a place where the truth of the gospel is presented to all. …Edifies its Members (Eph. 4:16). The church is a place of great love and encouragement.  …Educates the Unlearned…

Dig a Hole, Fill It Up

[198 words] A man was enjoying a relaxing day in the city park when he noticed two workers. One of the workers was furiously digging a hole. The other worker would come along after the first had finished and just as furiously fill it back in. The man stared in disbelief wondering what was going…

The ABC’s of Bible Class

[193 words] Attendance: No one can learn anything from Bible class if they are not there. Constant attendance will help reinforce the lessons being repeated each week. Attendance not only means being there every time but also on time. Not a minute of instruction time should be missed if you want the child to receive…

Look at the Things We CAN Do!

[138 words] We sometimes spend too much wasted time concerned with what we are unable to do, instead of looking at the things we CAN do. In at least two separate incidents, Jesus taught the importance of using what we have. He pointed out to the apostles how much “more” the poor widow with two…

Negativity

[125 words] Why is it that some people project a positive attitude, while others are so negative? Some people are so unhappy that they no longer have that beautiful Christian spirit. They walk under a cloud of despair, and fail to see the good in others. I tend to believe that even though we are…

On the Lighter Side (April 2019)

[187 words] Spring Funnies Q: Does February like March?A: No, but April May Q: When do monkeys fall from the sky?A: During APE-ril showers Q: What season is it best to go on a trampoline?A: Spring time Q: What do you call a rabbit with flees?A: Bugs Bunny Q: What goes up when the rain…

What Does God Say About Humility?

[172 words] Here’s just a little of His Word on being humble: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and…

God Sent His Servant To Bless You

[164 words] When Peter preached to a crowd in Jerusalem, he ended with this statement. “For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning everyone of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:25). Jesus came down to bless. Part of that blessing was to turn sinners away from…

Charges to Christian Leaders

[178 words] Paul gave inspired charges to both elders and preachers. To elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). To preachers: “Keep a close watch on…

Can Human Choices Limit God?

[178 words] The natural impulse, is to think that nothing can limit the Almighty God. However, it is no lessening of the sovereignty of God to say human choice can limit His action IF we understand that it was God Himself who decreed that this should be so. When He created humans with the capacity…

Bible Study Questions

[194 words] 1. What woman was paid for nursing her own baby? 2. Noah sent the raven or dove out first? 3. What does the word “testament” mean? 4. Why was the one-talent man condemned? 5. At what gate of the temple was the lame man lying who was healed by Peter and John? 7.…

Don’t Quit

[192 words] When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,when the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,when the funds are low and the debts are high,and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,when care is pressing you down a bit,rest, if you must—but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists…

Can You Name Just One

[185 words] Can you name just one fault of Jesus of Galilee? Can you name a person He mistreated? Can you name a soul to whom He was unjust? Can you name one teaching of Jesus that is immoral? Can you name one practice of His life that was out of balance with His teachings?…

Jesus CONQUERED Death!

[198 words] Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15). A…

The Joyful Call To Worship

[115 words] We fail to appreciate many things until they’re gone. Ethan, the author of Psalm 89, possibly a Levite, writing after the nation of Judah had been desolated and the temple destroyed, remembers. “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord”…

Questions on Weddings, Dowries and Divorces

[189 words] 1. Which Gospel records Jesus’ parable of a king’s wedding feast for his son? 2. Who sent the servant woman Hagar away at his wife’s urging? 3. What unscrupulous king divorced his first wife to marry his brother’s wife? 4. In Jesus’ parable, how many virgins were to accompany the bride and groom?…

What Comes First?

[190 words] Even before his outstanding years as Harding University’s quarterback, Tom Ed Gooden was noted by the Arkansas Gazette as being the best high school quarterback in his district. The newspaper, ran a picture of Tom Ed with the caption, “Not On Wednesday.” It seems that another school had tried to schedule a game…

Bible Questions for Family Study

[172 words] 1. What O.T. character’s name means “laughter”? _______________ 2. Who was the first metal craftsman? _______________ 3. What is the first color mentioned in the Bible? _______________ 4. What king of Israel was murdered while drunk? _______________ 5. Who was told by Almighty God to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz? _________ 6. Who outran…

Take Hold

[196 words] When Jesus answered a trick question regarding the Sabbath, He answered, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?” (Matt 12:11) The word “hold” here comes from “krateo”—to be strong;…

He Is

[149 words] When you are the neediest,He is the most sufficient.When you are completely helpless,He is the most helpful.When you feel totally dependent,He is absolutely dependable.When you are the weakest, He is the most able.When you are the most alone,He is intimately present.When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest.When you feel…

Something to Think About

[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…

How Small is a Small Sin?

[176 words] How small is a small sin? Before you answer we need to ask another question: Who holds the measuring stick ? We tend to think my sin is small and God will take no notice, but your sin is another matter. According to an old story the devil one day gave a man…

Time for Eternity

[124 words] Why another day to open my eyes,To breathe at early mom a cooler air,To place my feet upon the floor, ariseFrom sleep, and wash the night from face and hairAnd soul, to face another sun’s surprise? Why, indeed, if not to lift up praiseTo God Almighty?! For zeal and faith to pursueHis will…

Think Happiness

[150 words] Think of the things that make you happyNot of the things that make you sad;Think of the fine and true in mankind,Not its sordid side and bad;Think of the blessings that surround you,Not the ones that are denied;Think of the virtues of your friendships,Not the weak and faulty side;Think of the good of…

Just One Number Off

[199 words] We understand the need to be exact when it comes to our daily life. Have you ever used a credit card to buy something on line? What happens if you are just one number off? You try to make a call and you miss just one number. What happened? You misread the price…

Showing Everyday Faith

[188 words] • The respect you show God and His Word on Sundays says a lot about your faith in Him. • The attitude you show the world on Mondays says a lot about your faith in God. • How much time you send reading your Bible and in prayer on Tuesdays says a lot…

The Presence of the Lord

[194 words] In one sense, the last supper of Jesus with His disciples was a very sad occasion. Although this was a time of sorrow for Jesus, He spoke words of hope as He gave His disciples the cup to drink. He said, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until…

Spiritual All the Time

[186 words] I go through cycles in my life,Times of weakness and of strength.The bad times seem to last too long,And the good are too short of length. But what I desire is always clear,What I want in my inner man.I want to be a man of great courage and faith,Always ready to take a…

He Loved Us

[197 words] I knew a man in Africa who was a farmer during the Bush War in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Terrorists often attacked farmers in those days and as he looked out the window one day, he saw a group of armed communist terrorists approaching the farmhouse. He quickly told his pregnant wife to run out the…

Dialogue

[116 words] Skeptic: “If there is a good, all-powerful God, why doesn’t he end all the evil, violence, wickedness and suffering in the world?” Christian: “He will. When Christ comes again he will judge the world in righteousness, punish all evil doers and bless and reward the faithful.” Skeptic: “What is he waiting for? Why…

The Patience of the Father

[151 words] We are told that children learn many life lessons from their fathers. I am delighted to hear that more and more fathers are seeing the importance of their role in the upbringing of their children. A recent survey showed that nearly half of all fathers spend more time with  their children than their…

Getting the Word Out About Eating Right

[182 words] What would happen if you consumed meals that consisted only of candy? While it might be very tasty, it would not be nutritious at all. And while you might make it fine for a while, eventually your body would fail you because it did not receive the sustenance needed for a healthy life.…

Are You An Active Member?

[110 words] Are you an active member,The kind that would be missed?Or are you just contentedThat your name is on the list? Do you attend the meetingsAnd mingle with the flock,Or do you stay at homeAnd criticize and knock? Do you ever go and visitA member that is sickOr leave the work for just a…

But I Was There!

[106 words] For many, a person’s faithfulness is synonymous with attendance. A person is faithful to the Lord if they are at the services with regularity. While assembling together is vital for a Christian (Hebrews 10:25), we have more than just services to attend, we have to attend to service. Christian duty does not begin…

Getting God On Our Side

[178 words] In his inaugural speech John F. Kennedy said, “With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”…

Guess Your Future?

[139 words] There are those that claim they can see the future. From the side room psychics to wannabe Nostradamus; their claims are nothing but vague guesswork and fuzzy images. With some imagination, you can bend their prophecy into something that maybe resembles the facts of the future.  But the prophecy of God is different.…

The Fear of the Lord

[192 words] Fear is normal! It is part of human nature to fear what we cannot control (or, at least, what we perceive as what we cannot control).  Any thing that results in situations that we cannot control produce fear. We can actually fear our God in this way. Remember how the apostles feared Jesus…

Are You a Watchman?

[126 words] Without satellite imagery or drone aircraft, ancient cities were guarded by “watchmen.” These brave men would stand guard in towers and constantly scan the horizon for potential danger. In addition, because they had no spotlights or night-vision goggles, watchmen dreaded the dark. It was their most vulnerable time. So they longed for morning’s…

Another Reason for Joy

[104 words] “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:17-18). Today if you are called upon to sacrifice something of yourself – perhaps time,…

Don’t Confuse God’s Love with God’s Salvation

[170 words] God’s wants no one to be lost—fact! (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Jesus Christ died for the sins of the entire world—fact! (1 John 2:1-2). God’s motivating factor behind the death of Jesus was salvation through love—fact! (John 3:16-17). Every sinner will go to Heaven after the judgment because of God’s love—false! (Matthew 7:13-14). There…

My Wife

[141 words] My wife, sweet wife, my angel fair,My daily source of joy and power;Through day and night you’re always there,In both the bleak and cheerful hour.Through the years, and times of gladness,We’ve walked together, arm in arm;In the times of tears and sadness,We have weathered the darkest storm.One verse from Paul you’d oft repeat:”Things…

Every Good Gift

[144 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…

Make Straight Paths for Your Feet

[196 words] While driving to the office, I noticed a slightly battered pickup in front of me. What caught my attention was the rear wheels were not aligned with the front. It traveled slightly sideways down the road. The chassis, or rear axle, needed to be straightened or realigned. This problem is more easily seen…

Hell is Where They Will Reside

[110 words] (After an impassioned speech by Vice-President Joe Biden on Sept. 3, 2014) “Hell is where they will reside,”Is said of vile and violent men,By powerful heads who themselves divide,And seek to rule again. Hell was made for the father of lies,And all who follow his rebel path;The place where man eternally diesAnd feels…

The Joys of the Lord

[197 words] “You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:9,10). The one who trusts in God has a supreme spiritual happiness and an inexpressible joy. They come from the presence of the Lord. Just being with…

Virtue of the Poor

[143 words] Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21, ESV). Some will interpret the Lord’s words as being the virtue of all virtues—selling what one has in order to help…

Which Soul Are You?

[147 words] The GREAT SOUL prays: “Lord, make me as big as my problem.” The LITTLE SOUL prays: “Lord, please let me off easy.” The GIANT SOUL asks: “Lord, please give me the strength that will be sufficient for me to stand before you after a hard day, sinless. I know it will be a…

You’re in the Wrong Church

[168 words] If you identify your congregation by a person (pastor or leader) other than Christ, either you’re not in the right church or you’re not the right kind of Christian. Christ does not brook the exaltation of man. The church belongs to him. No person has the right to be known for the work…

Do We Have A Direct Line To The Divine?

[191 words] Hillary Clinton, in a recent interview about the evolution of her view on homosexual marriage with Terry Gross, host of NPR’s “Fresh Air,” said, “One of my big problems right now is that too many people believe they have a direct line to the divine and they never want to change their mind…

Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

[163 words] Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;Bow down in reverence, God’s glory proclaim;Gold of obedience and incense of lowlinessBring now, adoring the Lord’s holy name. Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness;High on his heart Jesus bears it for thee,Comforts thy sorrows and answers thy prayerfulness,Guiding thy steps as may…

Destructive Weapons

[150 words] Bombs are destructive weapons of warfare. A hand grenade will not kill as many people as an atomic bomb but it is still deadly. Land mines are destructive even though they are hidden from view. Peter uses the word “destructive” when he describes false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). Peter is writing this to…

This Man Receives Sinners

[177 words] “Now the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them'” (Lk 15:1-2). A.T. Robertson comments that there was a yawning chasm between these two groups. The Pharisees were grumbling, and…

Chutzpah

[112 words] Yiddish is a fascinating language. Its words capture nuances other languages miss. One such word is chutzpah, loosely defined as “unmitigated gall.” Its meaning is better illustrated: A woman street vendor sold a delicacy for a quarter. One man gave her a quarter every day, but never took a cookie. After several years,…

Old Age

[107 words] A little boy asked his grandpa, “Grandpa, were you in the ark?” “No, I wasn’t Billy,” grandpa said. The perplexed little boy replied, “Then, why didn’t you drown?” Regardless of modem views, old age is not a disease! In fact, the Bible represents old age as an asset. The faithful aged person has…

The Wise May Bring Their Learning

[135 words] The wise may bring their learning,The rich may bring their wealth,And some may bring their greatness,And some bring strength and health;We, too, would bring our treasuresTo offer to the King;We have no wealth or learning;What shall we children bring? We’ll bring Him hearts that love Him;We’ll bring Him thankful praise,And young souls meekly…

What Comes First?

[191 words] Even before his outstanding years as Harding University’s quarterback, Tom Ed Gooden was noted by the Arkansas Gazette as being the best high school quarterback in his district. The newspaper ran a picture of Tom Ed with the caption, “Not On Wednesday.” It seems that another school had tried to schedule a game…

Don’t Forget to Use All Your Strength

[138 words] A father was watching his young son struggle to lift a heavy rock. The little fellow grunted and strained, but couldn’t move it. The father said, “Son, are you sure you are using all your strength?” The exhausted boy said, “Yes, I am!” The father replied, “No, you are not. You haven’t asked…

That’s What I’ll Look Like When I’m Dead

[163 words] There was a lady who had to show her driver’s license at a store for identification, and she told the cashier, “Please don’t pay any attention to that picture, it’s awful! I guess that’s what I’ll look like when I’m dead.” Staring at the picture, the cashier said, “Oh, they’II make you look…

The World’s Most Important Book

[188 words] What was billed as the world’s most expensive new book went on display in 2008 at the New York Public Library. There are more expensive old books, but this is a new book produced by the Italian publisher Marilena Ferrari. Its cost: over $100,000! The book depicts the life and work of Michelangelo,…

Speak, Speak, Then Speak Again

[158 words] Fair topic of talk is today’s weather,The rain, tornadoes, cold and heat,And, mostly for men, in sports whetherThis team or that will win the meet. Then comes chat about dramas and series,Movies, actors, and famous folk,Jobs, economy, political theories,Cars and clothes, the inevitable joke. But talk of hope and life beyondThe grave? The…

The Value of a Godly Grandparent

[119 words] Godly grandparents are an uncommon commodity. They share the one thing that each new generation needs—advice learned through experience. Few parents like to be told how to raise their child, but advice asked for and advice needed is two different things. When it comes to advice needed, godly grandparents need to do three…

Happiness is a Choice

[156 words] Kenneth Joines lost his beloved wife Jan. I can only imagine what those who have suffered such loss are experiencing, but I do appreciate what he has written about it. “This year was the second anniversary without her. I have decided I have two choices: I can shed tears because she is gone,…

It’s a Bad World, But…

[141 words] A third century man nearing death wrote to a friend: “It’s a bad world, an incredibly bad world but I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of…

Personal Responsibility

[119 words] Am I really responsible? If there were only two verses in scriptures, I believe this question would be answered. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will…

Description of the Church

[167 words] The church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, rather of those who believe they ought to be better than they are. The church is not made up of perfect people, but of people who follow a perfect Lord and realize they ought to do the best…

How to Handle a Tricky Situation

[157 words] When Paul wrote to Philemon, he was addressing a difficult situation. Philemon’s slave had run away, found Paul, and was obviously baptized into Christ (Philemon 1:10-16). Paul sent the slave (Onesimus) back to Philemon with the letter. How did Paul handle this tricky situation? 1. He recalls all the good things they have…

Psychics

[195 words] The March 2014 issue of Reader s Digest had an article by Robert Powell titled, “The Psychic, the Novelist, and the $17 Million Scam.” It is the true story of a writer who went to a psychic “on a whim” and would end up losing $17 million. The novelist was bored, had been…

Hard Does Not Mean Impossible!

[195 words] I have often used the expression, “it is hard to rise above your raising.” Those who are raised in an abusive home often abuse others. Many who abuse drugs learned that way of living at home. Unfaithful parents raise unfaithful children. Such children grow up believing that immorality, hatefulness, and abuse is normal.…

Clearly In My Mind

[169 words] I have often wondered in my heart,As quiet moments of reflection take me,What in life is real and right and true?And what lies am I told by what I see? Things I touch seem so tangible,My fingers confirm it to be so,Yet, I know of a world I cannot touch,And there my thoughts…

Brotherly Love

[196 words] There once was a ladWho often got madAt his brother while they were at play.He would fuss and fightWith all of his mightAnd, oh, the ugly things he would say! You never could tellFrom the way he’d yellIf he had any love in his heart.He never gave thoughtNot even when caughtThat he and…

How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand

[178 words] Jesus called for His disciple to “Love one another as I have loved you.” This call is still in effect today. The question that immediately comes to mind is, “Does this apply to people who seem to be unlovable?” What about obnoxious, crude, blasphemous or cruel people we meet and interact with? How…

Never Lose the Wonder

[188 words] England’s premiere theologian, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said, “Everything God does is wonderful until we get used to it.” I heard evangelist George W. Bailey, say, “If just once in a lifetime the clouds were rolled back and we could see the heavenly host, that would impress us. But we see that all the…

Selfishness

[113 words] Selfishness is the root sin for so many other wrongs. If our goal is to please self instead of blessing others, we will be miserable and we will make others miserable too. “He’s so full of himself,” or “He’s so self-righteous,” are descriptions people use for the selfish. God says, “Let nothing be…

I Have No Voice

[132 words] To live or die,some say is a choice.But as for me, I have no voice. In my mother’s womb,I slowly am formed.With arms and legs,I soon am adorned. All that I need,My mother supplies.Nourishment and oxygen,Even the color of my eyes. And, although on her,For life I depend.I am an individual,On this we…

Abortion in a ‘Christian’ Nation

[181 words] Nazi Germany killed over 6 million Jews, and millions more from other ethnic groups and those they deemed were not fit for society. We justly condemn the barbarism. The Soviet Union wiped out–by conservative estimates–12-15 million of its own citizens, in the gulag (though the total may be as many as 20-25 million).…

Great Chapters from the Greatest Book: Exodus 32

[186 words] Sin has severe consequences: Upon God’s threat to destroy the nation, Moses prayed and asked God to destroy him also (Exodus 32:32). God told Moses, “Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33). We will face severe consequences because of our sins, unless those sins are…

First Man in Space

[128 words] As a teenager, I remember a young Russian Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin becoming the first man to enter space. This happened on April 12, 1961. I am sure he said many things while in space. But, the one thing I remember that he said on his fist trip around the earth is, “I can…

Sing And Be Happy

[103 words] A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring to him–too far behind the times, boring tunes, meaningless words. His father put an end to the discussion when he said, “If you think you can write better hymns, then why don’t you?” The boy went to his…

When You’re Having a Bad Day

[187 words] There are many wonderful things that happen to people when they become Christians. Unfortunately, there are also bad things that happen, like being persecuted for your faith. Later in his life, Paul would write: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted ” (2 Timothy…
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