Destiny!
The statement has been made: "Law of Destiny: Glory may be fleeting, but obscurity is forever." [source: calendar quote] NOTORIETY is something many aim for in this world. They find great glory in life accomplishments being noted and their name placed on buildings, plaques, trophies, in the record books,... (Continue reading "Destiny!")
Renouncing!
To renounce something (as the word is used in our English language) means to formally give up claim, title, position, or right to it. Such can be with regard to a particular belief found to be no longer true or an action no longer recognized as being right. As... (Continue reading "Renouncing!")
Completing The Picture!
My wife loves jigsaw puzzles. The bigger and more complicated the better. And I love to help her . . . when she gets down to the last few pieces. She has more patience with the process than I do. However, when she has finished a puzzle I do... (Continue reading "Completing The Picture!")
Life In Transition!
There are many ways in which I am a different person today than I was yesterday (or in years passed). Those differences range from physical to intellectual to emotional to spiritual changes. My hope is that I will yet be different in some respects tomorrow (and in however many... (Continue reading "Life In Transition!")
Relationships!
Relationships are important. Though we sometimes like to spend time alone, we need the help and encouragement of others that can only come from strong stable relationships. Our family relationships ought to be cherished. We should also cherish our relationship with God's family, the church. The basis of all... (Continue reading "Relationships!")
Stay In School!
A young child -- having come home following his first day of school -- was asked by his mother, "Well, what did you learn at school today." Her child responded, "Not enough. They want me to come back tomorrow." A slogan used a number of years ago to urge... (Continue reading "Stay In School!")
Making The Most!
Someone has said, "The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way." [original source unknown] Perhaps Paul expressed this attitude best in his letter to the church at Philippi where we read. . . "(11)... (Continue reading "Making The Most!")
Defining Work!
Though some may sit exhausted, claiming to have worked hard all day, what is it they have really ACCOMPLISHED? Did they spend time and expend energy, but really do no work? When it comes to our Christianity could that picture be the same? According to scientific standards, I could... (Continue reading "Defining Work!")
Surrender!
That which is going to ultimately win is that to which we might as well surrender. (Please do not understand me to suggest giving in to sin or the devil. Let us keeping looking to the power of God for victory there.) I am referring to the TRUTH that... (Continue reading "Surrender!")
Another Shared Distinction!
Yesterday we considered how wonderful it is to share the distinction with our Lord of being "beloved children" of God. After referring to Christians as God's "beloved children" (Ephesians 5:1), Paul also referred to followers of Christ as "CHILDREN OF LIGHT" (Ephesians 5:8); not of darkness, but of LIGHT!... (Continue reading "Another Shared Distinction!")
A Shared Distinction!
Paul exhorted those to whom he wrote at Ephesus. . . "(1) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to WALK in a manner WORTHY OF THE CALLING to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1 ESV) Paul then went on to point toward some characteristics of... (Continue reading "A Shared Distinction!")
Interest On The Investment!
The Stock Market. Do you watch it? Are you interested in those things? Are the ups and downs of the Stock Market of any CONCERN to you? They are if you have invested money in the Stock Market. Investments are made in order to gain INTEREST. If INTEREST is... (Continue reading "Interest On The Investment!")
Attitude!
It has often been said that "Attitude is everything." Though that may not always be true, maintaining a proper attitude can make a dynamic difference in our life. Attitude can make the difference between a focus of "Why me?" and choosing to joyfully press on anyway. It can make... (Continue reading "Attitude!")
Imitators!
It is interesting to watch children at play. Sometimes their play reveals what they have witnessed in life. As a parent it can be surprising when a child's behavior and use of words are recognized as reflecting their own life. Sometimes the expressions are used, "You are definitely your... (Continue reading "Imitators!")
"About-Face!"
"About-face" is a drill command used for directing a soldier or unit of soldiers to make a 180 degree turn. It is to bring about a facing of the opposite direction to the one formerly faced. When our life is going the wrong direction, that is exactly what we... (Continue reading ""About-Face!"")