…you are the light on the hill!

Why?
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well-fed. They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people…Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?...When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. – Psalm 73:2-5,13, 16-17 (NASB) Why? Why do good men die young? Why do parents have to bury their…

Justification XIII (3-2-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Justification DOES NOT inherently involve consumption of gander sauce. If you are unfamiliar with the way I am using the term gander sauce, you are invited to go into the archives and read the last couple of installments of Today's Little Lift. Briefly, it involves the judgment that we bring upon ourselves when we unfairly and unjustly judge others. Personally I am opining the fact that I have been so spiritually blinded for so many years and now find myself having to retract as it were so much of what I have taught and thought to be true. Don't get me wrong; it is not all bad.…

Thank You Father God for the Various Warnings in Your Holy Word
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We turn to Habakkuk Chapter 2 verse 4 onwards, where we read that vital verse which was used to transform the life of the Church of God some 400 years ago. "He who through faith is righteous shall live." Habakkuk has had questions, and God encourages him to take the long-term view. We……

How long does it take to fall in love?
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

I always know when the music swells and the snow starts falling the movie is over, and the couple, entwined in each other’s arms will live happily ever after. However, for the two hours (or hour and a half depending on commercials) before this special moment the couple have waged a battle of the sexes or have montage-d through a breathy song or two to fall in love. They look deeply into each other’s eyes and suddenly realize that life is unbearable if the other is not around. They seem to know this because we need another montage and breathy song to tell us they…

The Longing To Obey
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

The book of Psalms is the longest Psalm and also the longest chapter in the Bible. It is perhaps the most loved, the most read, and the most memorized section of the Bible. This Psalm has a theme throughout that is easy to miss because it speaks to so many people in so many different ways. There is a feeling of desperation in chapter after chapter, and verse of verse. Why did the Psalmist write what he did, the way he did, with the emotions that are so profound and inspiring? Try to imagine the emotion that the Psalmist is experiencing as he pens these verses. He is led by the…

Creative Workshop
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

I have an issue I must work through regularly. It's embarrassing. I reach for attention through my words written from visuals in my mind. To write or not to write is my constant question. I realize I must learn to keep my soul and spirit separate from my gifting. My gifts are accessories in my life to complete……

The Lottery of Giving
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

If you were like millions of others recently, your eyes probably darted to the television set sometime in the later evening hours while the Mega Millions jackpot was being drawn. After all, there were only around 650 million dollars up for grabs to the lucky winner(s), and most likely, visions of what you could do with all that free cash flew through your mind at super-light speed as the balls on the screen began to drop into their final resting places. Winning the lottery is one of our ultimate fantasies, a sudden life changer (for better or worse), and offers a unique blend of…

Bible and Quote - March 8-12
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before You. Psalm 9:3 Let no name but Jehovah be carved on the trophy reared on the battlefield. Alexander Maclaren, 1826-1910, British Baptist expository preacher You have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously. Psalm 9:4 When God acts, it will be in just the right time, the right place, and the right way. Lifeway, Explore the Bible, Summer 2007 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. Psalm 9:5 A person, family…

Prayer
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

As believers, we have a privilege to approach God with our needs and concerns and those of others. It is a special treat to pray for another person. What is prayer? Prayer is the way we present ourselves to God. We spend time in adoration of Who He is. We confess our sin and our needs to Him. Then, we spend a time of thanksgiving for all the deeds He has done for His people. Also, we include a time of supplication, a time of asking God to protect people, heal their hearts or bodies, or intervene in their need. What does God give…

The Right Tool
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Last evening I had the privilege to view the tool collection of a friend of mine. I am not talking about Shopsmiths and digital saws. I am talking about tools from current times to way back. They are all kept in a garage. There are literally thousands of tools hanging in this man's garage. Many of them are not your average wrench. I was shown wrenches for every purpose you could imagine. If there was a need to remove a nut a wrench was invented to accomplish the job. Everything from the forerunner of the Crescent (R) wrench to old time buggy wrenches were found hanging on…

Why December 25th?
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Skeptics and purists alike are quick to point out that December 25th is not Jesus's birthday. Indeed, the singularly most common answer given from all sides as to why Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior on December 25th is that the early church was simply redeeming a pagan holiday. That answer is everywhere. It is true ... right? Maybe not. The truth is that the Bible tells us nothing at all about what time of year Jesus was born. Oh, there are hints. There were, for instance, shepherds in the field. That is not a year-round occurrence. Some suggest it was lambing season,…