…free from your burdens!

Grace Does Not Run in the Blood
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Something I had not thought about before is those wicked kings that show up in Jesus’ lineage. Matthew Henry points out that grace does not run in the blood. Here’s what he says: Some observe what a mixture there was of good and bad in the succession of these kings; as for instance (Matthew 1:7-8), wicked Roboam begat wicked Abia; wicked Abia begat good Asa; good Asa begat good Josaphat; good Josaphat begat wicked Joram. Grace does not run in the blood, neither does reigning sin. God's grace is his own, and he gives or withholds it as he pleases. Often…

The Warrior's Belief
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

The battle seemed a sure loss in his mind as the enemy receded to refortify its army. He laid his weary head uncomfortably on a stone to gather his thoughts and strategy for the next attack. As his eyes closed, retreat and surrender calmly invaded his internal perceptions and emotions of the battle at hand. They sang a melancholy song reminiscing the long past peaceful days. Its melody had a soft beat of propaganda, misinterpreting freedom and peace. The warrior’s memory walked him through his predestined life as the king’s only son. His three elder brothers died in the…

God's Other Name
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

All that God does, thinks, and speaks is Love. Because He IS Love. God's other name is "LOVE". No one would ever know the word, the concept, or the reality if there were no God named Love. We would never know, hear of, or recognize love in any form or expression if there were no Originator of love. Love in every form, expression, word, or deed could not exist if there were no God Love. God did not create love. He didn't need to. He is and always has been love personified. All that is, came from His love. Love is not an abstract concept. It must originate from a source.…

Imagine A Government Operated Facebook
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

With one click of a computer’s mouse, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg became one of the richest people in the world, if not in history when the company he founded became public last week. And as most know, Facebook was created among the confines of a Harvard dorm room utilizing nothing more but an ingenious idea, entrepreneurial drive to succeed, and discovery of a golden niche revealing the thirsty desire people have to connect and share their lives with others. The young Grandfather of social media is definitely the wonder boy of new-age business, probably carrying both…

Bible and Quote - April 26-30
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

You are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14c God is not like a father, God is a father. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005 Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; Seek out his wickedness until You find none. Psalm 10:15 Pray that God will overpower the sin by transforming the sinner. Jehovah is King forever and ever; the nations have perished (vanished) out of His land. Psalm 10:16 There are some that rest in another salvation. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-92, British Reformed Baptist, highly influential amongst Christians of different denominations …

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

“God grant me the serenity to change the things I can; courage to accept the things I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr God God: the first word of this prayer, our Creator, the giver of life, the giver of all good things. God: the maker of stars, the One who keeps them in balance. God: the one responsible for all our growing plants. “God is great; God is good.” We learned this table grace as children. Yes, God is great…

Jesus and the I R S
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Just two days to go. Just two days before "IT" has to be in the mail. Just two days until the package that evryone dreads sending must be postmarked. Just two days until many must part with their hard earned cash to satisfy the demands of their government. Just two days left before the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Government must be given the taxes that are due for the year 2003. Ever listen to the disdain with which most people talk about the I. R. S.? Ever hear someone actually talking to an I. R. S. agent? It can be rather frightening. Usually mild mannered…

A Lamp Unto My Feet
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I dislike much of my nighttime dreaming. Most of the time it is spotty, a flickering and dark dream not in a spooky way, but in a literal sense. I can't see well. The lights come and go. Typically, they are not well lit. I don't like trying to operate in situations without light. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is built on the Hebrew alphabet and is 176 verses of what might be called "An Ode to God's Word." One I'm sure you've heard is Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) That's all well and good, except these…

The Grave Digger's Boards
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

So all these curses … shall become a sign and a wonder on you and your descendants forever. Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; – Deuteronomy 28:45-47 There once was a poor Christian named Abish who lived in grinding poverty. But he never complained. Instead, he remained satisfied with whatever little he had. He responded to everything – suffering included – by saying “Everything that God does is for good.” His face radiated joy at all times; he was happy, cheerful and exuded…

Justification XVII (3-10-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

“He is of age; ask him.” Some things just sound better coming from the horse's mouth. But, then again some people are so blinded by personal agendas that they will not believe truth even when the horse speaks. This was the case with the Jews who confronted the man who had been born blind and whose eyes were miraculously opened by Jesus Christ. Consider these men who refused the truth due to their own self-willed blindness; they typify those of us who have willed it such that we can never come to a knowledge of the truth; we reject the free offer of justification that issues…

When God Calls a Man, He Really Has No Choice
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We have turned to the book of Jeremiah who preached a prophetic word when his nation faced serious circumstances. The inspired word Jeremiah delivered matched the critical situation confronting the chosen people of God. A ‘Jeremiah’ is regarded today as a ‘doom and gloom’ man – but in……