One Standard!
If we each cut our own ruler (or other unit of measure) and began to build something together, things would not come together properly. We must both use the same standard measure (same units of inches, feet, yards, etc.) or things just would not fit. The same is true... (Continue reading "One Standard!")
Learning To Be Like Him!
When Jesus addressed the idea of discipleship -- learning to be like Him (Matthew 10:25) -- He stated. . . "(23) And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and TAKE UP HIS CROSS daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23 ESV) Later... (Continue reading "Learning To Be Like Him!")
Sphere Of Peace!
Consider a comparison of two passages, both of which are recorded in the Gospel of Luke. These mark two different points in our Lord's journey here on earth, with similar words being offered, but from different vantage points. At the time of our Lord's birth we read. . .... (Continue reading "Sphere Of Peace!")
Beginning The Day!
Yesterday morning, soon after stepping out of the shower, I found myself singing (out loud in fact) "Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feeling. Everything's going my way." [from the musical "Oklahoma", by Rogers and Hammerstein, © 1943] I saw the... (Continue reading "Beginning The Day!")
Honest Hearer!
We understand that if we are not honest in what we say, we will become known as a deceiver and a liar. However, it is also true that if we are not honest regarding that which we hear and read we can become self-deceived. Honesty must be associated with... (Continue reading "Honest Hearer!")
Forgiveness!
There are many things in life that are much easier said than done. Still, the doing needs to occur, especially when it is in accordance with the Will of God. There are Christian principles we need to allow to become the basis of daily living, even though they may... (Continue reading "Forgiveness!")
Greatest Value!
As you look at what you desire your life to become and consider the things of today that are designed for equipping toward that, what is of most importance to you? What KNOWLEDGE must you come to possess in order to make it a reality? What is the greatest... (Continue reading "Greatest Value!")
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!")