…you are the image of your creator!

Bible and Quote - April 9-13
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

For with You is the fountain of life. Psalm 36:9a God specializes in things fresh and firsthand. He’s prepared to fill your days with reasons to give Him praise. Joni Eareckson Tada In Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9b A spiritual person has learned to think God’s thoughts. He has reached the point where he consistently, yet not perfectly, appraises, evaluates or examines life from God’s perspective. Dr. Tony Evans, 1950ish- Senior Pastor, President, The Urban Alternative O continue Your mercy to the ones knowing You, and Your righteousness…

What is a Church?
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Have you ever wondered what the term ”Church” really means? We say we are going to church when we prepare to assemble together with other believers in Christ. There are some people who refer to the membership of the church as their church family. One church I was in received a new pastor who……

Remembering The Past To Ensure The Future
     'Point of Reference' from Fred Price

No one necessarily denies that our country was established and built upon the beliefs and actions of our forefathers, but a hotly-contested debate centers on whether we should continue to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors or find our own way. In particular, some question the relevance of these men’s faith and……

In German
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

This is a reprint of an earlier column. It is one that has not been on Study Light. I hope that it brings back some fond memories for a certain person who was involved. For some inexplicable reason I relate well to animals. Yeah, I hear the remarks. But, strangely, I do. I once had a chipmunk run up my leg and perch on my head to escape a cat. But that's another day. This past evening (July 17, 2003) my wife and I went to Blue Grass Camp to hear our oldest son's praise band in a worship time. We also got to hear my good friend Brian Gorman, a fellow preacher/golfer,…

Contend for the Faith
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I read the book of Jude the other day. It is only one chapter and it is a very interesting read. The book focuses on a select group of people. Jude tells his readers, "I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). That's the focus -- "contend for the faith" -- because of this select group of people. Jude's first description is ... well ... unnerving. Certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace…

Reminding God
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.” - Psalm 51:1 We know that God is omniscient. We know that He cannot forget anything He chooses to remember. Yet, we find instances in Scripture where people remind God of His own attributes. In Psalm 51, David seems to be reminding God that His love is unfailing – that He is characterized by compassion. Why does David feel the need to remind God? It’s not so much that God forgets when He’s angry; it’s more like…

He Speaks Boldly (John 7:26)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

There were times when the speech of Jesus was veiled to one extent or the other. Although people were somewhat ready to accept the moral truths that He taught, there was a greater truth that very, very few were ready to accept. The focus text in today's message sets forth a change in the strategic approach of Jesus during His earthly ministry. Those who were astute listeners could easily and correctly surmise that He was the Christ from His previous messages and actions, but they no longer had to put two and two together to get at this truth; they correctly observed, “He speaks…

A Disciple Facing the Future - With and In Jesus Christ
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We come to Philippians Chapter 1 and at verse 19 where Paul now turns to the future. He could soon be in his grave. He is facing death. The Word of God should always be preparing us to face death. This subject is still taboo today, because people are not prepared for death. Death will either come……

Heart Trouble
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

"Friend, how would you feel, if your heart were made with a window on each side? - So that all could see, not just outward charm, but detect if in were harm? - People always see you as you are outside - Jesus really knows you, for He sees inside. How about your heart? - Is it right with God? - Is it black by sin? - Is it pure within? - Could you ask Me in to stay? - How about your heart? - Is it right with God? - That’s the thing that counts today!" - (Gospel Song: Author Unknown) It seems sometimes that the distance between the head and the heart is about the…

Kôach
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Vigor, to be firm, might, power, strength, wealth—this is what the Hebrew word kôach means. This is just one facet of our God.  Psalm 5:11 But let all who put their trust in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever, because You cover them. And let those who love Your name be joyful in You.  Romans 15:13  And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, for you to abound in hope, in power of the Holy Spirit. What greater power is there in the universe?  Genesis 1:2-3 the Spirit of God was moving gently over the face of the…

False Theory
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Much of what holds us back in life is of our own doing. It may be the bad decisions we made in our youth. Perhaps it was the career or job of choice. Maybe it was the lifelong mate we chose in the guise of infatuation. Possibly it was a religious belief implanted in us by our parents and grandparents. Mostly I would say it is the belief of the theories spoken to us from those around us and of the voices from our haunted past. The theory of: we cannot change our future for the good. I should say that it would not be fair for me to say that you don't believe you can change…

Be Passionate
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

I had the pleasure of seeing the famous blues guitarist, B.B. King perform during the 90’s in Washington D.C., and most recently here in Dallas a while back. He’s definitely slowed down some, lagging the aggressive and mesmerizing zip he once had (taking about 30 minutes to introduce his band). But, despite the fact that Mr. King is now well into his 80’s, thousands still flock to see him play every year looking to catch the wave of a living legend, still doing what he can to make us smile through his supreme gift of music. And after recently reading his…