…free from your burdens!

When Castles Fall
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Every man needs a granddaughter. Last evening our twins were here for a few hours. My granddaughter, Grace, asked me to help her build a castle. For the better part of an hour we stacked cylindrical wooden blocks as high as we could to build her castle. I would stack one and then she would add one. When it came to the final one or two on the top of the precariously teetering stack, Grace would hand me the blocks and say, "Finish it, Pawpaw." I would finish and we would look at the completed castle for all of about two seconds. Then Grace would do something I consider…

Believes All Things
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Paul wrote the definitive piece on biblical love in 1 Corinthians 13. Perhaps it's not as much a definition as a description, still he listed all sorts of aspects of what God calls love. And we get most of them: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Yes, yes, we get it.…

How to Whine Effectively - Part Two
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! I’d rather you killed me than treat me like this. Please spare me this misery!” – Numbers 11:14 -15 We saw how the Israelites were condemned by God for their arrogant whining. But just nine verses later, Moses whined and got help! How can that be? Why should the Israelites get scorched and Moses get saved? As always, context is everything. Moses had to feed, water and shelter at least three and a half million people in the middle of a desert. It would have taken five hundred…

Justification II (2-8-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Do we ever justify ourselves? Before you answer this question, I would beg you to complete the reading of this article. Yesterday we read where Luke wrote about a lawyer who came to Jesus with some very legitimate sounding questions. However, there was more to the purpose of the lawyer than met the eye. First, his very purpose in coming to Jesus was in order to test him (Luke 10.25). Secondly, when he was questioned by Jesus, he responded with the primary motive of justifying himself (Luke 10.29). These few facts certainly do not raise an honest person's opinion of the lawyer;…

Being Chosen and Called is Precious and Reassuring
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

The Church belongs to Christ and to God. When we belong to God we belong to Christ and when we belong to Christ we belong to Almighty God. There is another double emphasis – Grace and peace to you – which speaks of the unity between the Father and the Son, and of course the Holy Spirit. There is perfect……

No column this week...
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Dear readers, But I do ask for your prayers. When a family as close as ours ages, there is a trend that starts to sap your strength. My aunts and uncles are going to see Jesus on a very regular basis. Earlier this month it was my Aunt Alease whom I adored. She was my dad's sister. Soon my Aunt Vonny, my mom's sister, will join her. We're traveling this week to Oklahoma so Mom and I can see Vonny most likely for the last time this side of Heaven. So I ask for prayers for traveling grace. And I know this is stupid, but my kitty cat needs medicine everyday so we'll have to take him to…

A Misunderstanding
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

There is a great misunderstanding - almost universal - that is rampant in society today. It has been the cause of great endeavors and efforts resulting in a misdirection and misunderstanding of Christian belief and works. The use of the name "God" in vain (not just as a curse word), needs to be understood. Especially in regard to eternal life. It is a popular belief (almost universal) throughout secular and pseudo-religious society. Simply put, this belief says that if one desires to be saved spiritually, one must believe in and come to Jesus Christ in repentance and…

Psalms 91:7
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

'A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but danger will not come near you. ' Psalm 91:7 KJV "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." It's been a prevalent statement over the years. It's a sensible statement to remember concerning advertisements for any given product. In this world, we have to use wisdom for purchases, relationships, and quick fixes. Unfortunately, this statement mixed with our personal experiences can taint how we view and react to God's Word. In regards to the verse, for instance, How…

Choosing To Remain Single
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Many people are staying single these days, a choice which is becoming more common than ever before. Let's start with some stats: According to some of the latest reports, the amount of all men who never marry past the age of 44 is roughly 21%, for women it's 15%. Our nations divorce rate is ever-changing, but Wikipedia states that the overall numbers in the 21century have decreased compared to the 1990's. In 2010, it was 48% under the age of 18,29% between 18-19, 29% between 20-24, and 24% over the age of 25. This draws opposition to the well-used statement that "over…

Bible and Quote - February 15-19
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

The trouble man causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head. Psalm 7:16 You reap what You SOW: Life is like a boomerang. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy. Grant M. Bright, British-Born American Engineer I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17 We, like the bird perched on a frail branch, sing even though we feel it bend, for we know God is faithful. O Lord (the promise-making God), our Lord (the Sovereign, who…

As We Minister
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

I am reading a book entitled, The Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler. Mr. Butler defines these skeletons as ‘those deep dark issues we’d rather avoid. In the second section, Mr. Butler sees ‘the surprise of judgment’. One chapter in particular stands out to me. Its title—The Servant at The Center—speaks of our relationship with Jesus. Matthew 25:31-46 comes alive as Mr. Butler speaks of how this passage relates to us. The point that stands out to me is that whenever we minister, we are ministering to Jesus. Sending…