…you are the light on the hill!

Honoring A Father
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

In the spirit of Father’s Day, I’ve decided to begin by telling the tale of one of the best. My father was born in the early 1930’s among the rolling hills of Arkansas, went to that state’s great university, served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant during the Korean War, was employed for thirty plus years in the pharmaceutical industry after college, became married and stayed devoted to my mom for over forty years, was active in church, social organizations, and a dedicated father to my sister and I. He suddenly passed away in 2002, leaving behind his…

Called To Brokenness
     'Point of Reference' from Fred Price

Who in their right mind would desire to be broken (as in experiencing crushing sorrow and disappointment), which can lead to incapacity and ineffectiveness? Yet could it be to our benefit to feel deep sorrow and remorse for our short-comings and sin, which can then lead to a subduing of our rebellious instincts and……

Renew a Right Spirit
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in within me. Cast me not from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10 (ESV) Prayer of David The prophet Nathan had confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba. David recognized that what he had done was sinful in……

Bible and Quote - February 25 - March 1
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:5 Sin is not just a sudden thought, or a mere outward act, or an offence committed under the influence of strong temptation: it was the result of an entire corruption of human nature. Albert Barnes, 1798-1870 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being. Psalm 51:6a Every man should know his own heart, that is to say, he should endeavor to get a true and accurate knowledge of his spiritual condition as in the sight of God. Charles H. Spurgeon, 1834-92 And in the hidden part…

The Best Ace
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

The second major of the year in professional golf is being contested at Mamaroneck, New York. Winged Foot is the sight of this year's U. S. Open, which is not just a professional tournament, but also the national championship of our country in golf. One round is now in the books and, as usual, the greatest golfers in the world aren't exactly setting the course on fire. Sub par rounds are not the norm at the Open like they are for other Tour stops. This is the U. S. Open and the course is to play tough. Such is not always the case, though. On this date, back in 1976,…

Me? Submit??
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I need to preface this by saying that I didn't plan this. I'm reading Ephesians. It just came up. I'm sorry. It's an evil word. "Submit." No one in American culture wants to hear it. We submit to no one. You know, "Don't tread on me." So ingrained is this independent spirit that when the Bible calls up the word, Christians choke on it. 21... submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its…

Milque-Toast Prayers
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. Mark 10:51 The Lord is still asking us that question. So many times I have been guilty of vague, open-ended prayers. These are the prayers of a coward. A coward makes his prayers nice and vague so that he can claim anything as an answer. He can use that same obfuscation to excuse the lack of effectiveness in his prayer. Either way, he’s covered himself. In the French language, the verb “to love” and the verb “to like” are the same. This is surprising in a language that is known for its…

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 29, 2010)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

I was reared in a home where “going to church” on Sunday morning was not a decision; it was a requirement, at least for the adults; kids went by default. We had no choice except 1) to stay home alone (not really an option), 2) to stay with a baby-sitter (absurd), or 3) to go where ever the adults went. So, we went to church. As I grew slightly older, I learned through osmosis (or some other scientific process - lol) that it was a sin for an able-bodied adult not to attend the worship assembly (i.e. go to church) on Sunday morning. I am quite sure that I never challenged…

How Does God Refill My Emotionally Drained Empty Tank?
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

In I Kings Chapters 18 and 19 we have been reading about Elijah’s ‘success’ and victory – and the very natural reaction – which is the experience of many of us – if we wish to admit it. It is always wise to admit to reality. 1 – GOD MAKES ME REST MY……