…free from your burdens!

Laying New Roots
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read…And He said to them, "No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'" And He said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.– Luke 4:16,23-24 (NASB) When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. – Mark 2:1 (NASB) Matthew says that leaving…

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

“I told you already, and you did not listen.” I don’t know about you, but a wall goes up when I hear these words, that is unless I actively prevent it. I hate to be told that I have chosen to ignore a bit of critical information, or that my lack of understanding is due to my own ineptness. Yet, we all do it. If anything, I told you so’s ought to be wakeup calls rather than go to sleep calls. Yet, that is how we that are self-deluded choose to treat them! “So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, ‘Give God the glory! We know…

Do Not Give In But Yield and Surrender
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Jeremiah knew God was sovereign – in charge – on the throne – in control – even when the people of God were out of control – and there are seasons when God works through us, and sometimes in spite of us. Israel was in a bad state – and people wanted a prophet to say that things were……

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…