GREAT DIVIDE! (Part 2 of 2)
Yesterday we noted that both opinions and truth can be divisive. However, the truth must be sought out and stood upon for our life and hope to rest on a secure foundation leading to our eternal hope. We also considered a quote of which we pondered some thoughts relative to the first part. Today,…
GREAT DIVIDE! (Part 1 of 2)
Opinions can be divisive. Differing views can separate close friends and even family members. We especially see this in the arena of politics and religion. However — due to some not wanting to acknowledge absolutes or being unwilling to love the truth (note 2 Thessalonians 2:10) — truth can be divisive as well. So…
Reputation
Webster’s defines reputation – “what people think and say the character of a person or thing is; character.” Reputation is used 24 hours a day. You judge people, and sometimes you don’t even know it. It is human nature to judge. Everyone gets judged at some point in his or her lives, which gives a…
Things I Have Heard
In James 3:8, it says that the tongue cannot be tamed.—”But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” If you live in most normal places, you will hear many people cursing. Some people don’t have the guts to speak up. You know you really should. Don’t you…
FIRST LOVE!
Do I do what I do because I want to look good to you or to gain your respect? Or is the manner in which I go about my daily life because I love the Lord above all? What is it with you? When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He went…
Being the Temple of God
All Christians have a responsibility – to keep the temple of God clean and pure. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with…
LINED UP!
A “plumb line” is a cord with a weight attached to one end so as to dangle freely for determining an exact vertical standing. It is used to ensure while building upward that the vertical is straight and not leaning. In being used, the “plumb line” doesn’t change or shift according to the desires…
Pronouns
You have probably heard of the issue about pronouns lately. Whether a male should be called he or him, or if he prefers to identify as female, she or her. A female might prefer he or him over she or her. Or the person, whether male or female at birth, might prefer the pronoun, they…
Defending the Truth: Prove God
You probably have been approached by people who say, “Prove God!” I think most of these are not the least bit interested in us “proving God” to them. There is overwhelming proof for the existence of God. Some think we are only limited to the biblical text. However, His existence can be examined and proven…
Summer Temptations
It’s that time of year once again. The days are longer, the temperatures rise, and, of course, the best part – NO SCHOOL! But, this is also a time to reflect on what God expects from us. The summer season is full of fun, but also a time of sinful temptations. We as Christians need…
Remember Now the Creator in Your Youth…
While in my teens I knew that the work the church was to perform was important. Iwanted more people to learn of Jesus and become faithful, mature members. I wanted thechurch to thrive in every essential way. However, I mistakenly thought thataccomplishing this was the work of the “grown” men and women in the church.…
If Jesus Came to your House…
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do. Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored guest And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best. And you’d keep assuring Him you’re glad to…
Would I be Called a Christian?
Would I be called a Christian if everybody knew My secret thoughts and feelings and everything I do? Oh, would they see the likeness of Christ in me each day? Oh, would they hear Him speaking in every word I say? Would I be called a Christian if everybody could know That I am found…
Just Kidding!
[Originally written June 2002] Nearly 25 summers ago my friend Randy and I went with his father to the lake to do some fishing and swimming. The swimming area was close to a boat dock where boats of all kinds were being set into the water. As we were swimming, a Catamaran sailboat was launched…
SUMMER TIME!
“Summer time, and the livin’ is easy” – lyrics of a song popular from years past. A break from school — sleep late, vacation, relaxed days – ahh, it’s June! As you enjoy the days, let’s remember not to take a break from your commitment to God. There are things that we need to “run”…
The Gift of Friendship
[Originally from TFT, April 2002] Friendship is a priceless gift That cannot be bought or sold, But its value is far greater Than a mountain made of gold – For gold is cold and lifeless, It can neither see nor hear, And in the time of trouble It is powerless to cheer. It has no…
Ought Not So To Be
[Originally from TFT, April 2002] Do most people you know have a tendency to cuss? Does it bother you when they do it often around you? Well, it should, because it’s the wrong thing to do. According to James 3:10, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not…
I Believe Because…Who Wrote the Bible?
[Originally from TFT, March 2002, edited] So, who wrote the bible? Satan? No, because it exposes him as he really is. Evil men? No, the Bible condemns evil men to a devil’s hell. Good, brilliant, uninspired men, with no authority? No, good men would not lie over 2000 times stating “Thus saith the Lord. .…
Are Your Priorities in Order?
[Originally from TFT, March 2002] When it comes to the lives of many youth today, sports play a very big role. Whether it be baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or any other sport, a number of young people participate in these fun activities. Sports can be very relaxing and enjoyable. They can help people to communicate…
No More Pencils… No More Books…
[Originally Written April 2002] Can you believe it? Another school year coming to a close and another fun-filled summer on the horizon. I remember when I was in school how exciting it was to get the summer off. As a teen, I looked forward to sleeping late, taking it easy, working to make some spending…
