Do you get weary of talk about the terrible day in which we live? We complain about everything from politics to pharmaceutical companies, from the price of beef to gasoline and from the weather to how we have been treated. We talk about the president, church goers, the neighbor, and crime, and worry about the... Continue Reading →
Sins Spiritual Needs and Godly Care
We live in a time when there is a lot of focus on personal rights—people fighting for equal rights and opportunities. While there are a good many things that can come out of it, there is the problem of it going too far in demanding personal rights—having an attitude of entitlement. They think they have... Continue Reading →
It Won’t Matter
When I stand at the gate of heaven, it won't matter anymore what people thought of me. It won't matter, all the petty things that caused me to struggle, they will all seem so small and earthly. It won't matter if I was misunderstood. It won't matter if I was not the most popular person... Continue Reading →
The Common People
And the common people heard him gladly. Mark 12:37 The common people heard him, Jesus, gladly. The teaching of Jesus carried an attractive, down to earth quality, which reached the hearts of the common people. Religious leaders of the day tended to be hypocritical and oppressed the poor. Into this setting comes Jesus, showing love... Continue Reading →
Tepid Water
This morning while I was doing my usual routine of putting water and coffee into my coffee maker, the two words, “tepid water” came to my mind. A bit later I thought of an incident from a few days ago. One cool afternoon, I decided I wanted a hot drink to take with me to... Continue Reading →
Adversity
Adversity Adversity is the schoolmaster of life. What we do with it will determine the final outcome. It can make us or break us, or it can mold and strengthen us; it all depends on our reaction to it. If we turn inside and begin to feel sorry for ourselves and helpless, the outcome will... Continue Reading →
Capturing or Living the Moment
I have been reflecting back on the trip we just took across parts of Poland and Ukraine. At times, it would have been nice to capture the moments to show everyone where we were, what we saw, and what we were experiencing. We could have shown our families back at home that we were safe,... Continue Reading →
Alignment
I was on the road the other day. My destination was quite a few hours away, so I had plenty of time to think and meditate. The road was open with mostly just the dotted line to keep me company. The little car I rented was similar in color to the apple I ate while... Continue Reading →
Ye Can Do Nothing
Can our prayers become too generic? It is easy to just blanket cover things went we are praying; asking the Lord to help us serve him better, that he will bless the missionaries and the leaders of our nations and such the like. Perhaps they even grow a little lifeless and boring, and we drift... Continue Reading →
Watch!
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:35-37 KJV These verses carry a soul-searching... Continue Reading →
God’s Working
I suppose many of us have tried to understand the plan God has for us. Perhaps it is a relocation, or whether we should embark on a financial adventure, go to the mission, or a host of other things. Maybe it is the smaller everyday things that we face: like strength to train our children,... Continue Reading →
Spiritual Anchor Points
The soft rise and fall of the swells cause the ropes which hold the ship to protest and groan. Time and again it rises, the rope stretches almost to the breaking point it seems, as the anchor firmly pulls the ship back against the pier. As the swell subsides, the rope becomes relaxed waiting for... Continue Reading →
Not Everyone is a Hero
Not every warrior becomes a decorated hero. Not every heroic act in a battle receives recognition. It may be that the most unselfish, daring acts of courage are unknown to anyone other than the one who did it and the recipient. For him or her, it may not have been considered an act of courage,... Continue Reading →
Lessons From a Country Farm Girl – Tractor Driving
This little country girl loves to drive the tractor, any chance she gets. She’s big enough to work the clutch and brake pedals of the old tractor, while I am nearby if she needs help. This tractor is not a modern one with the latest bells and whistles. No, it's a gear-grinding model that was... Continue Reading →
Improvement or Change
Is improvement enough or is a change of heart needed? I can take something old, put on a coat of paint, and make it almost appear new; at least it may look like it from a distance. When you get a close look at it, most likely you will be able to tell it is... Continue Reading →
