300-399 words

Did Alexander Campbell Start the Church of Christ?

[347 words] It is not uncommon for someone to affirm that Alexander Campbell started the church of Christ. Recently, a preacher on television taught this and, as a member of the church of Christ, I feel obligated to address this matter. Alexander Campbell was a prominent man who lived and worked during the days of…

23,000 Breaths

[363 words] “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6). One of the good things about the Thanksgiving holiday is that we are “forced” to stop our busy, self-centered lives and count our blessings. It is so easy to take our blessings for granted! I was recently reminded of how…

Where is God?

[394 words] Once upon a time there was a young fish that heard other fishes taking about the sea. One day he thought, “I will go and find the sea.” So he set forth to find the sea. He searched for a long time but could not find it. Then he met another fish, and…

Down to Only One Fear

[349 words] WE NEED NOT FEAR: Economic Collapse. Whether the breaking of Social Security, a major stock market crash, the mounting U.S. debt, recession, the real estate bubble bursting, bankruptcy, out of control inflation, or job losses. “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his…

What Does the World Need?

[349 words] As time moves on, I am thankful for Jesus and the church. While having an attitude of gratitude, I also have a feeling of concern. I am concerned about the world really not knowing Jesus or having an understanding of the church. I know this is not a new concept, but our concern…

Ask What You Can Do for Your Congregation

[343 words] President John F. Kennedy proclaimed, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country!” This challenge is a principle that should be the guide for all the citizens of the United States of America. We should desire to be citizens that want better for the…

Peter’s Final Words

[334 words] The great apostle and evangelist, Peter did some amazing things in his preaching career. In Acts 2, he delivered the first gospel sermon after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Acts 2:41 records that an astounding number responded to this and were baptized into Christ—almost 3,000! Peter continued preaching even though arrested several times, beaten,…

Living in a Right-Hand World

[388 words] I’m left-handed and throughout my life it has been a source of both inconvenience and at times downright difficult. For instance, when I started school as a kid the desk we sat at were right-handed, totally opened on the left side. When I tried to write or draw my left arm was up…

Writing Down the Reasons

[301 words] I heard of a man who said he was going to decide the question of becoming a Christian in a reasonable way. He was going to write down on one piece of paper all the reasons why he should become a Christian. On another piece of paper he would write down all the…

Victory Depends on the Vision

[337 words] I was born with extremely poor eyesight. My poor vision began to manifest itself in elementary school. At one point in the sixth grade my grades were horrible because of my vision. My mother was called in for a conference about my grades. I was terrified! I mean, the meeting wasn’t about some…

Jesus Never Went to Hell

[346 words] Though some translations erroneously use the English word “hell” and much tradition suggests Jesus went to hell, they are mistaken.  Matthew 16:18 (NASB95) says, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” One enters…

A First Century Perspective

[330 words] The religious world looks at religion through 21st century glasses. Seldom does it really reach back to the first century. Yet, a first century perspective is exactly what is needed. If not, it is easy to make the Bible say things it never intended to say. Too, it causes individuals to use the…

When Jesus Doesn’t Come

[350 words] At separate times, both Martha and Mary said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (cf. John 11:21,32). There are a few ways to understand these grief-stricken words. First, it is likely these were often repeated words around the home: “If only Jesus was here.” It…

God is the God of Peace

[382 words] God told Moses to tell the priests how to bless God’s people in Numbers 6:23-27. The blessing we know, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” The Jewish…

Recommending the Great Physician

[304 words] A critical Pharisee once asked why Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. The Bible says, “When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick’” (Matthew 9:12).When we are sick, it is to our great benefit to see a…

Understanding with the Heart

[385 words] He had been to a funeral during which he began thinking about the condition of his soul. He knew that he was lost and wanted to be saved. Now, sitting on the shoulder of the highway in his truck, sin-burdened and guilt-ridden, he looked up into the sky and began pouring out his…

The Value of Worship

[338 words] Have you ever asked the question, “Is worship valuable?” If you have not, ask yourself, “Is worship valuable to me?” Regarding worship, Jesus said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God…

Giving Back to Jesus

[373 words] The little book of Jude begins with some big reminders for Christians of all ages (both in time periods and in years). Let’s examine three from the first three verses. Always put Jesus first (v.1).The author of the epistle, Jude, was the half brother of Jesus Christ. And yet, rather than boasting about…

Bring Christ Your Broken Life

[395 words] When I visited Ukraine several years ago, I was impressed how beautiful everyone looked on the street and in the community. Men were wearing their finest suits and polished shoes, and women were wearing their most beautiful dresses, designer heels, and name-brand accessories. When I asked one of my Ukrainian companions about their…

Considering the Shepherd

[321 words] Considering men who may serve as elders in the church is a critical time within the life of a congregation. They will be entrusted with leadership which will affect the health and future of the congregation. The process is never to be taken lightly, and biblical guidance must be the criteria upon which…

Jesus is a Priest Forever

[354 words] Jesus is “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:17). What does that even mean? Melchizedek is described earlier in the chapter as the “king of righteousness,” the “king of Salem,” and the “king of peace” (vs. 2). He is the one to whom Abraham paid tithes following his victory…

Jesus’ Family Tree

[315 words] Someone said, “Don’t shake the family tree too hard because some fruits and nuts may fall out!” I’ve found that to be true in my own family history research, and it holds true in the genealogy of Jesus too. I wonder how many people, as they begin reading the New Testament, just skip…

Are You Excited About the Church?

[358 words] In the Psalms, we see a certain eagerness and excitement connected with the “house of the Lord.” Now, the Lord’s house in those times was the tabernacle (and later the temple), and also used symbolically as faithfulness in God’s kingdom. But for today, we know that the church (the people of God) is…

The Influence of a Father

[340 words] As we go through life, we have different perspectives about our Dads. Here’s how one person summed it up: When I was… 4 years old, my Daddy could do anything. 7 years old, my Dad knew a lot, a whole lot. 8 years old, my father didn’t quite know everything. 12 years old,…

Finding Joy in a Joyless World

[324 words] Media outlets bombard us 24 hours a day with graphic accounts of depravity in our neighborhoods, cities, and schools. Thousands of ads per day tell us we must buy stuff in order to achieve self-worth, happiness, and fulfillment. And pharmaceutical companies will gladly treat whatever ails us, for a price that many cannot…

When You Are in Over Your Head

[348 words] Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My …

Trees Teach

[320 words] The trees are a part of God’s great creation and can teach us many great things about living a life for God. Here are some lessons we can learn from them. Have a solid foundation. Just as trees spread out a root system for support, so we should have a solid foundation in…

Hear God Speak About Faithfulness

[333 words] The faithful are preserved by God. “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer” (Psalms 31:23). The faithful are blessed. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” (Proverbs 28:20).…

God is in Control!

[396 words] When the Israelites were escaping from slavery with the Egyptians in hot pursuit, they stopped at the Red Sea. It seemed they were now between a rock and a hard place. But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will…

Sin and the Solution

[306 words] The New Testament warns of “the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Its “deceitfulness” is one thing that makes sin so dangerous. While there is a certain measure of pleasure in sin (Heb. 11:25), it is actually unprofitable (Prov. 22:8). And, “the way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15). Sin is progressive. For King…

What is the One Spirit in Ephesians 4:4?

[398 words] The “One Spirit” is the Holy Spirit. He is a person, not an it. He is known by several different names throughout the Bible: Spirit of God (Matthew 3:16), Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:18), Spirit of Truth (John 16:14), and Comforter (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are one and…

Bringing Reproach Upon the Church

[325 words] This is an expression that was commonly used in years past, but is seldom heard today. It refers to someone sinning in such a way and in such a public place or under such circumstances that everyone in the community is aware of it and of the sinner’s membership in the church of…

Crowned with Knowledge

[398 words] The first step to being crowned with knowledge is understanding that “the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). This means we must be directed down the proper path. Jeremiah understood this and desired to know the proper way,…

No One Came

[348 words] Suppose you planned a community party. You invited all of your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun. On the week of the party, you began to prepare by cleaning the house and the yard. You rented tables and chairs, even a big portable awning so your…

I’m Loving It

[312 words] Let’s be honest, there is somebody you can’t stand. You may not even have a goat but somehow, they got it. Just the way they walk and breathe irks you. Even when they are being nice, you want to punch them in the face. There’s just something about them that is like fingernails…

Planting Seeds

[368 words] I’m no poet, but I certainly appreciate those who can create thought-provoking and vivid images with the words that they write. I came across an ever-so-brief poem recently that has made quite an impression on me. It is called, “Forecast” by Luci Shaw: “Planting seedsInevitablyChanges my feelingsAbout rain” There are…

Freeing Me by Freeing You

[381 words] Slavery of the mind commonly is more horrible than slavery of the body. Frequently, an enslaved mind enslaves the body. Damaged emotions and distorted perspectives condemn the body to an unfulfilled, joyless existence. Such a mind and body experience pain frequently and contentment rarely. Everyone sees such slavery. Consider persons enslaved mentally and…

Bridles Are Not Just For Horses

[329 words] In the traditional sense, riders use a bridle to direct their horse where they want it to go. They use this small but effective tool to control a powerful, 1000-pound animal with ease. James compares it to the influence we wield with the tongue, one of our smallest muscles: “If we put bits…

The Great Need

[343 words] “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn …

God’s Word is Beyond Wonderful!

[339 words] In Psalm 19:7-11, we can read of some of the incredible aspects of God’s word: “The law of the LORD1 is perfect2, converting the soul3; The testimony of the LORD is sure4, making wise the simple5; The statutes of the LORD are right6…

Deacons Are Needed

[307 words] The best definition I have ever heard to describe a deacon is a man chosen to serve or do a job related to the congregation that is too important to be left up to chance. This seems to be what is taking place in Acts 6:1-6; the choosing of “the seven” to help…

Ears, Hands, and Feet for God

[330 words] We tend to think that books like the Old Testament book of Leviticus are not relevant for us today. But we need to remember Paul’s words in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”…

Benevolence in the Old Testament

[313 words] We all know that Jesus taught us to care for the poor and needy. Benevolence is to be an active part of every Christian’s life. However, giving to those in need is not only a New Testament practice. God has always required His people to care for the less fortunate. God required His…

What is in Your Heart?

[313 words] Listen to these words: “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you…

Are You ‘In Love’ With Your Brethren?

[307 words] It has been said that you should never fall in love with a tennis player—to them, love means nothing. Love should mean something to us. Love is an important concept to God and it should be to us, as well. A common phrase we use is “in love” meaning that we are in…

Getting the Most Out of Sermons and Bible Lessons

[329 words] Have you ever left a Bible class or worship service and thought, “I just didn’t get much out of that.” I daresay we all have at one time or another. Let me offer some suggestions that may help us. • I know it’s not always possible, but come to worship or Bible class…

What is the Point of My Life?

[347 words] Most people, at some point, have wondered about their purpose in life. Whether due to their environment, or due to things that happen (or don’t happen) to them, they begin to doubt their own worth. Job expressed these sorts of doubt when he wished that he had never been born (Job 10:18-19). In…

The Best Ruined Trips

[311 words] Harry Vardon was golf’s first superstar. The British golfer had become a cornerstone of golf popularity in the United States after an American tour in 1900 that ended with him winning the U.S. Open. In 1912 he was planning a return tour to America after overcoming tuberculosis. He was to arrive to huge…

Let’s Go Fishing

[353 words] Have you ever wondered why fishing is mentioned so often in the four gospel accounts of the New Testament? Could it be that the activity of fishing is one that most people can relate to in one way or another? Even if you’ve never fished in your life, you have a general idea…

Keep Praising God!

[394 words] The town of Antioch on the Mediterranean Sea was an early center of Christian ministry. This was the church that sponsored Paul and His pioneering outreach to the Gentiles. During the third century, the beloved Christian Babylas, was martyred. His body was buried in a grove by the Orontes River. His burial place…

The Church is Important

[389 words] I wonder if the church is as important to us today as it was to the Christians in the first century? There’s an old saying that states something like: “Don’t let the urgent overtake the important.” There are a lot of urgent matters in the world today, but we must not let them…

The Fortune of Family

[388 words] One of the most valuable things that God has given us is the concept of the family. Think about it – before God brought forth the societal governmental system, He gave the family. Before God established His church on the earth, He consecrated the family. After creating the heavens and the earth, God…

Spiritual Bucket List

[399 words] Creating the proverbial “bucket list’ can be a lot of fun. Coming up with a list of things you would like to do one day in the not-too-distant future is also a good way to take the first step in accomplishing your goals. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be…

Think Souls

[350 words] The inner part of the person—the soul—is such an important element to who we are. God made us as body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). Yet the concept of the soul is so broad in God’s word that we could spend a year just studying its various nuances! Even in the book…

A Glimpse Into the Future

[372 words] The rapidity with which changes have taken place over the past several years leaves us longing for some sort of glimpse into the future. What will the financial markets look like in six months? What will be the political landscape a year from today? And, what about the spiritual and moral climate in…

Our Present Hope

[391 words] Many suffer from what might be called emotional paralysis. We are unable to function today because we either live in the past or are preoccupied with worry about the future. While we may regret mistakes of the past, we cannot make up for those mistakes by continually reliving them in our minds. Where…

There’s No Place Like Home

[329 words] A good home is such a wonderful place. It seems that we are always wanting to go home. And we especially love being home for the holidays. In fact, there is a traditional song that testifies to that fact. What is it that is so great about home? Let’s note a few of…

Jesus Loves the Little Children

[333 words] In Mark 10:1-16, we see Jesus sitting in a house doing some teaching when people started bringing children to Him. At first, the disciples of Christ forbad this from happening. But then we see that Jesus got upset and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for…

Peace In Your Personal Life

[324 words] The following story ran a number of years ago in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. “The man who spotted targets for American bombers over Hiroshima in August 1945 has been laid to rest in Texas soil after searching the last 33 years for some peace in his life. Claude Robert Eatherly was a…

Ready or Not

[357 words] In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave covered with huge slabs of granite and marble, fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there…

Consumed

[383 words] An other monumental election season has come to an end. And, again, the season has consumed us! Let me give you an example: My family had to travel to St. Louis recently. On Saturday morning, as we were enjoying our complimentary breakfast with the rest of the weary travelers, the television in the…

Prominent Religious Subjects

[385 words] Some are surprised to learn that the Bible’s teachings differ from what they have always heard. What have you heard about these prominent doctrines? Falling from grace? The Bible teaches such is possible (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:1-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22). Inherited total depravity? The Bible teaches that sin is of such a nature…

Past, Present, Future

[303 words] I’m sure you’ve heard the old riddle about the polar bear when he looked forward was looking south, when he looked back was looking south, and when he looked all around was also looking south. Of course he was standing on the North Pole to make this accurate. We can make a similar…

Saul’s Obedient Conversion

[330 words] The conversion of Saul is told in Acts 9:1-19; 26:9-18; and here in 22:1-16. He gave us many details about what happened on his trip to Damascus to persecute Christians. We should study carefully what the Bible says about conversion and not be swayed by our preconceived ideas. Saul was wrong religiously, but…

What About Witnessing?

[326 words] We hear much about “witnessing for Christ” in our present day. Even some of our brethren are taking to using it. The denominational world uses this expression to refer to “a special working of grace.” A dictionary definition is in order. Webster’s Collegiate gives this: “Testimony, one who beholds or has personal knowledge…

God’s Mirror

[360 words] Chances are good that you have looked at yourself in a mirror today. Usually, viewing our physical appearance is one of the first things we do after getting out of bed in the morning. We do this because we know there are some changes which need to be made. We need to brush…

Don’t Get in the Trash Can

[315 words] One day a mother was scraping vegetables for a salad as her daughter came and asked permission to go to a R-rated movie. “But all the kids are going,” she said, “and their parents didn’t think it would hurt them.” As she talked, she saw her mother pick up a handful of scraps…

Does Prayer Really Work?

[392 words] One of the great privileges of the Christian life is the opportunity to approach the heavenly Father in prayer. God’s people are encouraged to draw near to the Father’s heavenly throne with boldness, seeking help in time of need. Sometimes, Christians get discouraged and may wonder if prayer really works. One might say,…

The Opportunity to Do Good

[306 words] We live in the land of opportunity. Every person has the opportunity to do an extremely vast number of things each day. We have choices when it comes to employment. We have choices when it comes to living. We have choices when it comes to entertainment. We have so many choices that usually…

Those Who Know Your Name

[320 words] Names have always been special to God. In Scripture we often find God using names to convey ideas. For example, the prophet Hosea assigned names to his children that stood as indictments of Israel’s sins (Hosea 1:3-9). The Almighty would even change a person’s name to teach a lesson. Abram became Abraham. Sarai…

Easy Overview of the New Testament

[339 words] It isn’t uncommon today to hear someone say that it is impossible to understand the Bible. It seems to me that this is a reflection on God. Is God not powerful enough, smart enough, and loving enough to give us a Book we can understand? Certainly, He is. The problem, therefore, when it…

Great Things in First Peter

[372 words] There are at least nine different Greek words that are used in the New Testament which could be translated “great.” The word appears more than a few times in different books and letters. As we read our Bible, some of these great things stand out. At times, even if the word “great” is…

The Last Best Hope of Earth

[389 words] One month before signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter to Congress in which he addressed freeing the country’s slaves. In it, Lincoln stressed the importance of doing the right thing to “save our country,” which he described as “the last best hope of earth.” I want to borrow and amend…

Not a Good Idea?

[387 words] I was watching a television program in which a number of preachers were asked questions from viewers. One viewer asked a very important question. The question dealt with why there are different denominations. The viewer asked, “Wouldn’t it be better to have just one church?” The moderator of the program stated that would…

Three Questions to Keep Your Worship Focused

[308 words] Worshiping God is something that takes real effort to do properly and acceptably. (Note the word “do.”) While the word “worship” can be used as a noun, God uses the word as a verb. Furthermore, it is not used as a passive verb (of something that happens “to” me or “around” me). Worship…

How Strong is Your Strength?

[352 words] Stephen was a great man of faith (Acts 7). Earlier the Lord had identified him as a man of conviction, reputation, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. All these traits of character were going to be necessary for what he was about to face. It is easy to speak favorably of one’s commitment to…

What the Church Offers

[337 words] Too many folks look upon church attendance as being secondary to anything else on their schedule. They are not opposed to religion. They may even look upon it as a vital part of life. But they have no conscience against neglecting it. Perhaps the attitude is: “I’ll go to church if nothing comes…

‘They Just Don’t Come Anymore!’

[342 words] I recently was in conversation with a gentlemen who has been a Christian for approximately sixty or more years, he remarked to me that back in “his day,” he would have twelve to fifteen teens in his class. He followed that comment with, “They just don’t come anymore!” Not be an alarmist, but…

More, Please

[300 words] Ralph Kramden, the lovable oaf portrayed on television by Jackie Gleason in the 1950s, found it easy to put his foot in his mouth. When asked why he didn’t treat Alice, his wife, in the same romantic way he did before they were married, he replied, “Why keep running after you catch the bus?” His…

True Freedom

[357 words] In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the tyranny of the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now famous document known as the Declaration of Independence. We celebrate this emancipation every July 4th. Almost…

Celebrate Freedom

[311 words] In a letter dated July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife: “This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, …

Abraham and God

[388 words] Among the greatest names in the roll call of faithful saints down through the ages, the name of Abraham must surely rank high on the list. Abraham’s distinction lies in the fact that Abraham listened to God, loved God and leaned upon God. Abraham Listened to God. In Genesis 22:1, God spoke the…

Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace

[349 words] How does one keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? When people willingly join themselves together, they do so with good intentions. Each one comes from a place that is not shared by the others in that group. We all have our experiences, perspectives, and we launch into the…

Lessons from Samson

[391 words] The story of Samson can be found in Judges chapters 13-16. Samson allowed his lust to control his actions and made poor decisions based on impulsive thoughts driven by that same lust. What are some lessons that we can learn from Samson and his pursuit of a wife? Be teachable. Always have a…

The Danger of Popularity

[352 words] So many people base their life on the pursuit of popularity. I do not believe that I have ever been popular, but as a teenager I can remember wanting to be. The desire to be liked and to have the praise of the people around us can be a strong temptation. Our young…

Diligence and Neglect

[320 words] The apostle Peter, in the early part of his second letter, gives emphasis to the importance of Christians being diligent in the development of spiritual qualities. How diligent did he want them to be? He urges, “…giving all diligence…” (2 Pet. 1:5). Later, he adds, “…be even more diligent…” (2 Pet. 1:12). Since…

Am I Strong?

[338 words] How do I know if I am strong? There are numerous ways to measure physical strength. One example of a physical strength test would be the bench press. Each year at the NFL combine players demonstrate how many times they can press 225 pounds. Fifteen to twenty-five times seems to be about the…

Watch Out for the Traps

[349 words] Once there was a little fly who saw a spider’s web in the corner of the room. “I’ll fly away from it,” he thought; “For if I should get one foot in it I might get two, and soon I would be caught all together.” Wasn’t this little fly a wise fellow? In…

A Man of Many Hats

[336 words] Have you ever heard the phrase “He is a man of many hats”? I can remember hearing this growing up. I remember thinking how funny a man would look with a stack of hats on his head. The real meaning goes back to the days when everyone was wearing hats and different professions…

God and the Big Bang

[300 words] I was surprised to learn the Big Bang Theory is credited to Georges Lemaître (1894-1966), a Belgian Catholic priest. It’s concerning that an alleged “man of God” promoted such rubbish. Lemaître postulated that the observable universe began with the explosion of a single primeval atom. Aside from contradicting God’s Word (Genesis 1:1), this…

A Mother’s Love

[328 words] There was a widow who was trying to raise twin sons on her own. When the boys turned 18 and graduated from high school, they thought they could do whatever they wanted. So they stopped going to church and started going out at night to some very unsavory places. Their mother kept begging…

Happy Mother’s Day!

[312 words] In the passage on “the worthy woman,” it is noted, “Her children rise up and bless her” (Proverbs 31:28a). The King James Verson expresses the thought this way: “Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Mothers are special. In a Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown said, “Everyone needs someone to love them,…

Sincerely Wrong

[313 words] “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s …

If We Would Just Communicate

[356 words] One of the chief sources of problems and difficulties that we will most regularly deal with in our lives, comes from communication, the lack thereof, or the misunderstanding thereof. Marriages fail because husbands and wives stop communicating. If they do communicate, they do so in the wrong way or they misunderstand each other…

God Is Fighting For Us!

[321 words] “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses…

Sending Messages Through Worship

[360 words] Long before e-mail and long before texts, people were sending messages. Solomon sent a message to Hiram, asking him to provide lumber for the building of the temple (1 Kings 5). Hiram answered with his own message, “I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress logs” (1 Kings 5:8). John…

The Beauty and Power of Hope

[306 words] Viktor E. Frankl is one of those rare and special individuals who survived Hitler’s concentration camps. He went on to become a well-respected psychiatrist in his time after the war. Frankl dedicated his life’s work to exploring and sharing the necessity and influence of meaning and hope. Frankl observed that the people who…

Grasping Hope

[346 words] Charles Spurgeon, a well-known denominational preacher of 19th century, related in one of his sermons the story of a sailor who fell overboard amid a great storm and the thrilling rescue that followed. As soon as the cry, “Man overboard!” was sounded the crew flew into action determined to save their shipmate from…

Can I Borrow Your Rope?

[392 words] A farmer came and asked his neighbor if he could borrow his rope. The neighbor said, “No, I can’t let you borrow it.” “Why not,” he replied. “Because I’m using it to tie up my milk.” “But you can’t tie up milk with a rope.” “I know, but when you don’t want to…

Will a Man Rob God?

[373 words] I once heard a comedian confess that in his childhood, he and a friend would wrap double-stick tape around their fingers before the collection plate was passed on Sundays. They would make it look like they were placing something in the plate, when they were actually taking coins out. Any right-thinking person can…
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