100-199 words Archives - Page 6 of 6

Anger and Grief

[176 words] The Bible has much to say in regard to anger and the life of the disciple of Jesus Christ (cf. Eph. 4:26, 31; Prov. 14:17; 15:18; James 1:19-20; Gal. 5:20; Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:2-3; et. al.). And yet, with all of the Biblical evidence and information, most of us seem to…

Why the Planes Crashed

[166 words] On August 16, 2015, near San Diego’s Brown Airfield, two airplanes crashed in mid-air. The two planes — a Cessna 172M, piloted by Michael Copeland, crashed head-long into a Sabreliner, piloted by Jeffrey Percy. The pilots and the others on the planes were all killed. Five people lost their lives that day.…

Psalm 119:1

[142 words] “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.” Some folks have been known to lament that there is little enjoyment in a life lived under the restrictions of biblical morality and teaching. The most enjoyable life, we’re told, is in a life without moral…

Psalm 119:37

[110 words] “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in your ways.” So much of what we choose to look at day after day is worthless when viewed from eternity’s perspective. When all has been said and done and we stand before the judgment bar of Christ, how much…

What If…

[163 words] “I can’t.” “I won’t.” “I don’t.” These are the words that keep people from reaching their potential. There’s no telling how different this world would be if people throughout the ages would not have lived up to their fullest potential. Consider this: What if…Michelangelo said, “I don’t do ceilings.” David said, “I…

On the Lighter Side (July 2018)

[191 words] Forgiveness There was a man standing before a judge in California for shooting a Condor. This a protected bird and people who kill them must pay the consequences. The man pleaded with the judge by saying, “I just arrived in this state and I have never seen a bird that large before.…

True Value

[156 words] There are some things you can’t buy on eBay! Some things even Amazon doesn’t stock. One of the proverbs says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches and respect is better than silver or gold.” When is the last time you thought about your honor? There was a time when people…

‘Get a Ph.D. in Knowing Me’

[124 words] It’s hard to believe, but there was a time other than today when higher education abounded yet so many remained ignorant of the simple principles of life – to be brutally honest, many such times have existed throughout history. Such a time even existed during the days of Jeremiah the prophet. Jeremiah preached…

What If’s

[155 words] Ever had one of those “what if l’d” moments? We can fantasize on those “what if’s” if we want to, but the time wasted on those fantasies could have been used more wisely so we won’t need to “what if” about that wasted fantasy time later. I would imagine all of us have…

Weakest Link

[107 words] There is an old saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. How true it is. And how true also is the saying when it is applied to the Lord’s church. The church is just as strong as its Weakest members. It’s as Well attended as the most unfaithful.…

The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

[146 words] This peculiar proverbial statement is something the Bible also implicitly teaches. It informs us that the Devil is our enemy. “Your adversary the Devil” (1 Peter 5:8). It tells us the enemy of the Devil is the Lord. “For the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over Me” (John…

Fill the Void

[135 words] We fall into sin because there is a void in our life. We look for anything to fill it, and since nothing ever fills that void for long, it doesn’t take long before we’re back at it again. What about a love from the One… …who died for us (John 3:16)? …who calls…

Grudges

[172 words] One day a visitor leaned on the fence around the farm while he watched an old farmer plowing with a mule. After a while the visitor said, “I don’t like to tell people how to run their business, but you could save yourself a lot of work by saying ‘Gee’ and ‘Haw” to…

Changing My Life Into The Likeness of Christ

[174 words] “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Christ was and I must be: Humble (Phil 2:3-11; James 4:6)Forgiving (Luke 23:24; Mark 11:25)Zealous (John…

Winner Or Loser?

[110 words] When a loser makes a mistake, he says, “It wasn’t my fault.”When a winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.” A loser says, “I’m not as bad as a lot of other people.”A winner says, “I’m not as good as I ought to be.” A loser says, “It may be possible,…

Humility

[197 words] Many years ago it was not uncommon for individuals to close letters and correspondence with “very humbly yours,” or “Your humble servant,” or some other such phrasing which emphasized the humility of the writer. In today’s world, however, such wording is scarcely seen. Humility has become an unpopular virtue with most individuals. We…

It’s Best Said In What You Do

[190 words] There are times when we find those around us suffering. When a friend gets the call no one ever wants to get, the diagnosis comes back worse than expected, when tragedy strikes those around us. It can be a very helpless feeling to try and provide comfort to those is the midst of…

The Value of Tears

[182 words] How much value do you place on tears? That question may seem odd, but it is something you should think about! Some tears may fall insincerely, but other tears come when words fail to express an emotion we cannot control. God places a high value on our tears. He knows that some tears…

A Pool of Sin

[152 words] Getting into sin is a little like getting into a swimming pool. When you first get into a pool, it feels cold and uncomfortable. However, after just a few minutes, you get used to the water temperature and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable anymore. In fact, if you stay in the pool for very…

The Legend of the ‘Taste Berry’

[188 words] In Africa it is said that there is a certain fruit called the “taste berry.” This berry supposedly can affect one’s taste for several hours. Not only is the berry itself sweet, it makes other things seem sweeter when eaten. What a wonderful fruit this must be if it really exists and works…

Man’s Greatest Journey

[191 words] Man loves to travel. The journeys of man have taken him from pole to pole, and from ocean’s bottom to the top of the skies…and beyond! Wherever man goes (and for whatever the reason) man cannot escape what he is. Our character sticks closer than a shadow. Spiritually, man is a traveler also.…

Unseen Dirt

[116 words] Lord, it’s not the dirt and clutter in plain sight that nags at me. It’s the hidden dirt, you know, behind the refrigerator, in the closets, under the beds–dirt that no one sees or knows about but me. It’s the same way with my life, God, as it’s those hidden sins that I…

What Gossip Says About You

[160 words] Many people think gossip is a harmless diversion. However, a study on gossip found out that it indeed hurts someone, one you might not expect. Researchers set up a test where subject watched a video were actor talked about a third party. In the videos, the actor would either say something very negative…

The True Tragedy

[184 words] A USA Today article about former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez that he “had played in a Super Bowl and signed a $40 million contract extension before his 24th birthday. His future was one of endless possibilities.” The article went on to say, “the tight end sits in jail, now a convicted murderer;…

‘Because of His Reverence’

[154 words] Throughout the Gospels it is amazing to read about the prayer life of Jesus. It seems as though He was continually longing to be with the Father in prayer. What a great example for us. The Hebrew writer has something interesting to tell us about Jesus’ prayers. Hebrews 5:7 tells us that even…

The Time is Now

[105 words] If you are ever going to love me, Love me now, while I can know The sweet and tender feelings Which from true affection flow. Love me now While I am living. Do not wait until I’m gone And then have it chiseled in marble, Sweet words on ice-cold stone. If you have…

The Day Jesus Lost His Disciples

[175 words] “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). With one lesson, Jesus lost many of His followers. At what could be considered one of the lowest points in the ministry of Jesus, He fearlessly risked even His own closest followers with one simple and…

Are You Sick Enough to Be Saved?

[147 words] “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Jesus did not mean there were people in the world so righteous they would not need Him. Rather, only those who realize how sick they are will…

You’re Crazy

[130 words] This is the phrase that is directed toward someone that is acting (or speaking) in a way that does not make much sense. We have all been called (or called someone else) crazy at least once. As Christians, we are called to be just that. No, not “crazy” in the literal sense. Crazy…

All the Ways

[195 words] Some have referred to the “God of the Old Testament” as a God of anger and the “God of the New Testament” as a God of love, as if there are (or have been) two Gods. If we have read through the Old Testament without getting any glimpses of God’s great patience, love,…

To What Length Would You Go?

[130 words] “This obscure family of ours was early in the Reformation, and continued Protestants through the resign of Queen Mary, when they were sometimes in danger of trouble on account of their zeal against popery. They had got an English Bible, and to conceal and secure it, it was fastened open with tapes under…

If You Wake Up in the Morning

[112 words] A life insurance salesman was unable to persuade a couple to purchase a policy. “I certainly don’t want to frighten you into a decision,” he said as he got up to leave. “Please sleep on it tonight, and if you wake up in the morning, let me know what you think.” Is this…

Got Faith?

[192 words] “This righteousness from God comes through faith inJesus Christ to all who believe … ” Romans 3:22. Having already established that there is an obedience that comes faith, that faith is something we do, and that we must not rest in what we’ve done or who we think we are in God’s sight,…

Every Spiritual Blessing

[155 words] It’s very common for people to ask this question: “Why do good people suffer?” Why do good people get sick, have money problems, and simply struggle with difficult times? The basic answer to these questions is that we live in a physical world and along with being physical beings we both enjoy physical…

When ‘Magor-Missabib’s’ Disguise Themselves as ‘Pashur’s’

[172 words] In Jeremiah 19, God’s prophet was instructed to warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem that, because of their unrestrained sin and stubbornness, a harsh, but just, judgment was coming. Despite the clarity of the message which spelled doom for the unrepentant people there were leaders who promised peace, and who also treated…

If You Had Died for the Sins of the World How would You Feel?

[152 words] When men took your name in vain? When men damaged their bodies dabbling in sin instead of glorifying you as their savior in their bodies? When men fussed and got angry among themselves in the church which you had established and thus brought reproach upon you? When men chose to go somewhere else…

Which Came First?

[192 words] A young skeptic said to an elderly lady, “I once believed in God, but since studying science I am convinced that God is but an empty word.” The lady replied, “Well, I have not studied science, but since you have, maybe you can tell me from whence came the egg.” “Why, of course,…

Why Are You Afraid?

[130 words] When Jesus and the disciples were caught in a storm on Galilee, they woke Him up, and He calmed the storm. He then said to them; “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The word for fear here is “deilos” – dread; timid; fearful, or cowardice…

Where Did God Go?

[122 words] Take a look around where you’re sitting and find five things that have blue in them. (Go ahead and do it). With a “blue” mindset, you’ll find that blue jumps out at you: a blue book on the table, a blue pillow on the couch, blue in the painting on the wall, and…

Ten Thoughts to Start the Day from Psalms 116 and 118

[158 words] 1. This is the day the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.2. I will praise thee; for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.3. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me?4. The Lord is my strength and…

A New Year with The Lord

[133 words] A new year is about to unfold,With new opportunities to explore.Doors will open for new experiences,New adventures with the Lord.Remember not the former things,The things of this past year.The Lord will do new things in us,Much more than we are aware.For He will make a way for us,As we put our trust in…

Do You Follow God’s Son?

[175 words] “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry…” (Luke 3:22-23). After many convincing proofs from His birth and childhood about who Jesus was, Luke, writing from his investigations and…

True Food

[157 words] I’ve been told that there’s a health-food restaurant in the northeast with a billboard that says. “Eat here and live a long life!” Not wanting to be outdone, the barbecue place next door put up a sign that reads: “Eat here and die happy! Food is essential to each of us, without it…

Our Creator

[112 words] With various shapes and colorsOf flowers, trees, and birds,To say there is no GodIs really quite absurd. Try to count the stars,The number quickly mounts;God, however, does it,The many stars He counts.(Psalm 147:4) The hair that’s on your head,How many strands are there?Your God is one who knows,He can count every hair.(Matthew 10:30)…

Promises, Promises

[147 words] The world is full of promises, some broken, some kept. God keeps His. The greatest promise of the Bible is salvation. It’s the greatest promise because it can remove the greatest curse, sin. Jesus came to take away sin: “he was manifested to take away our sins” (1 John 3:5). Through obedience to…

Can’t Stop Now

[165 words] The famous engineer and inventor, Robert Fulton, returned to America from Paris in 1805 to test his invention of the steamship. In 1807, he was ready to take the steamship Claremont on a trial run up the Hudson River between New YorkCity and Albany. In the excited crowd watching the proceedings, there was…

A Lesson on How to Treat People

[142 words] During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the…

5 Reasons You Must Preach the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:1 – 4:4

[109 words] Because of Perilous Times (Periods) (3:1) ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…” Because of Godly Christian Examples (3:14) “…continue in the things which you have learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them…” Because of the Power of the Scriptures (3:15) “…the…

In Christ

[102 words] The “in Christ ” expression says it all. The truth is, all spiritual blessing are found “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3); every last one of them. These tremendous spiritual blessings are found no where else: Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10; Acts 4:12); no condemnation (Rom. 8:1); forgiveness (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14); becoming a new creature…

Somebody Else

[112 words] There’s a clever young guy named Somebody Else, There’s nothing this guy can’t do. He is busy from morning till way late at night, Just substituting for you. You’re asked to do this or you’re asked to do that, And what is your ready reply? “Get Somebody Else to do that job, He’ll…

Country Music Theology

[122 words] Many people, it seems, follow a “Country Music” Theology, rather than the Bible. “The Red Dirt Road,” for example, said, “I learned the path to Heaven is full of sinners and believers.” Really? Psalm 1:5 says “sinners” are not “in the congregation of the righteous;” Jesus said He “did not come to call…

The Offensiveness of the Gospel

[168 words] For millennia the gospel of a crucified savior has offended people, and it continues to do so to this very day. Some are offended at the suggestion that a crucified savior was the actual Messiah of the Jewish people. Some are offended at the suggestion that a crucified savior was the prophesied and…

Losing Our Senses

[179 words] When unusual behavior is observed in another, someone may say, “They have lost their senses.” It seems proper, based on certain observations, to say that many people today seem to have lost their senses! Some have lost their: Sense of God. More and more a practical atheism is getting around (Titus 1:16). People…

Fruitful Disciples: 2 Peter 1:5-9

[199 words] Because Christians have these resources (the power and the promises) Peter urges the importance (make every effort) of the goal (growth to be more like Jesus) and spells out the steps towards it: love, brotherly kindness, godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith. Faith must express itself in action (goodness) and this experience…

Is Your Bible ‘Red’?

[172 words] A preacher once observed in a sermon that every Christian should own a “red” Bible. At least that was what people heard He actually said, “Every Christian should own a ‘read’ Bible.” Regardless of the color, it should be well-worn by the constant study of its owner. It is amazing how little people…

Caught Talking to God

[168 words] Two boys were put in I.S.S. (in school suspension). The one boy asked, “Whatcha in for?” “I got caught talking to Bill. You?” “I got caught talking to God.” Strange how talking to God can get one into trouble, especially when you consider all the benefits it affords. Martin Luther once said, “The…

What an Invention!

[188 words] I once heard of a mother who was very frustrated one day as she was hunting all over the house for her cordless phone. After several minutes of searching, her little ten-year-old son said, “You know Mom, I’ve got an idea. We should invent a phone that stays connected to its base so…

Help Wanted

[154 words] “I lift up my eyes to tne hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). If this week you are driving along and see some hills, or you find yourself longing for some help, then remember the words of Psalm 121.…

Jesus’ Deity

[163 words] Many books have been written by men concerning the deity of Jesus but there is no need to read any of them. Just read the Bible and you will be convinced that Jesus is God. Here is a simple verse that sets forth the deity of Jesus: “‘Behold! The virgin will conceive in…

Clock Watchers

[189 words] Shortly after he opened his first plant, Thomas Edison noticed that his employees had gotten into the bad habit of watching the factory clock, which was the only clock in the plant. To the indefatigable inventor who never thought about the time a task took, this was incomprehensible. He did not express his…

Out of the Mouths of Babes

[108 words] A family is riding in the family car and an ad for a current movie comes on the radio. At the end of the advertisement comes the disclaimer, “Opens Friday in a theater near you! This film contains intense thematic material, graphic violence, nudity, strong sexual situations, drug content and coarse language. May…

Be Zealous for Good Works

[104 words] After bringing home their first baby from the hospital, a new mother thought her husband should try his hand at changing diapers. “I’m busy, I’ll do the next one,” he said, never looking up from the TV. The next time the baby was wet, the mother said, “Are you ready to change a…

What About the Unfit?

[114 words] The theory of evolution declares mankind is the result of the survival of the fittest. If this is so, then getting rid of the unfit is desirable. To conquer and exploit weaker people, businesses, or countries is simply the law of the jungle from which we evolved. Mercy killings, forced sterilization, and selective…

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

[132 words] Read Matt. 27:11-26 Do we crucify the Son of God afresh today in our careless and indifferent attitude at His table? “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine…

Test Your Love

[198 words] The Savior taught us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Simply put, We are to love God completely and with an undivided heart. Test yourself and see how you measure up. We wish to be in the presence…

God Forgives Completely

[142 words] The East-West Promise (Psalm 103: 12) “As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” The Stain Remover Promise (Isaiah 1: 18) ” … though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as while as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they…

The Seven S’s of the Savior

[164 words] Jesus came to the earth to… … Speak – “I have many things to say… He who sent Me is true ; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him” (John 8:26). … Seek – “for the Son ofMan has come to seek… that which was lost” (Luke…

What About Me?

[195 words] My sister is taking a meal to the sick My brother has gone a wayward one to see They both were busy, no “convenient” time to pick But what about me? They invite their neighbors to come to church Have over people with frequency and glee For good deeds they seem to constantly…

Are You Lying to God?

[132 words] Acts chapter five contains a familiar account. It tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They sold some land and gave a portion of that money to the church. Normally this would be a great deed. However, they claimed that they were giving everything to the church, most likely motivated by wanting all…

Being Faithful

[147 words] There can be nothing more important in any relationship than faithfulness. It is the test of true devotion and love. It is the virtue that authenticates the bond and communicates an invention to “stick with” one another to the end. We value faithful friends, family members, and especially spouses as the people in…

If Today Was the Last Day

[162 words] Imagine that today was the last day of each person you see today. Everyone you associate with at work, school, where you attend worship, your family, your friends, your acquaintances. If you knew today was their last day in this life, what might you do/say differently? How would your conversation, your actions, your…

How To Identify a Lukewarm Christian

[171 words] • He has time to read the newspaper everyday but not the Bible. • He spends more time with the sports page than he does in prayer. • He spends as much for pleasure as he gives to the Lord. • For lack of study he is unqualified to teach others. • He…

The Greatest and Foremost

[168 words] When a lawyer asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus answered: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment.” The second is like it; “You shall love your…

Year ‘Round Gifts!

[159 words] THE GIFT OF PRAISE — Appropriate mention right in front of the other fellow, of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. THE GIFT OF CONSIDERATION — Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. THE GIFT OF CONCESSION — Humbly saying at…

Resolutions for a New Year

[195 words] I have heard people say that they do not like to call them “New Year Resolutions,” but a “To-Do List” for the new year. I am sure we can all agree that we are great at making resolutions, but we are horrible at following through with them. Decision-making is easy. It is…

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost a Cent

[181 words] The Gift of Listening. But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. The Gift of Affection. Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. The Gift of Laughter.…

Some Things to Think On

[146 words] Never neglect daily prayer. When you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears you. Never neglect daily private Bible reading. When you read, remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. If you are in doubt whether a…

A Prior Engagement

[181 words] James A. Garfield James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, took office on March 4, 1881. On his first Sunday in Washington following his inauguration, a member of the Cabinet insisted that a meeting must be called to discuss a matter that purportedly threatened a national crisis. The President refused,…

Using All Your Strength

[135 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 me…

Echoes of Love

[120 words] The other day a boy refused to obey his mother. Angrily he ran to a ravine and cried, “I hate you!” Suddenly the words came echoing back, “I hate you!” Frightened, the boy ran to his mother and said, “There’s a bad man in the woods. I heard him say, “I hate you.”…

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