…you serve a risen Savior!

Our Image Isn't Everything
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

While eating lunch recently, I couldn’t help but overhear this statement coming from the next table, “My husband has never made enough money for me to be happy, I wish he’d change jobs or do something else.” The words were spoken in a disappointing, almost angry tone. This touches on the vast majority of recent surveys and psychological reports pointing to the fact that people are much happier, at least temporarily, when their mates or companions make more money. While listening, I also thought about the image she might see her husband in. Maybe she no…

Bible and Quote - March 29 - April 2
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

For the needy shall not always be forgotten; Psalm 9:18a In your personal straits, when patience is exhausted; when the last handful is taken from the barrel; when complicated trials meet and hem you in; when the iron gate and the keepers before the door appear to render escape impossible— then look up, God is marching with reinforcements to your aid. F B Meyer, 1847-1929, English Baptist pastor and evangelist involved in inner city ministry The hope of the afflicted shall not perish forever. Psalm 9:18b It’s Friday - But Sunday’s a coming. Dr. Tony…

Personal Encounters
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

PETER (John 21:15-17) During one of our pastor’s sermons, he spoke of the personal encounter Peter had with Jesus. This took place after Christ had been resurrected. The master drew Peter aside and asked him three times if he loved Him. Each time, Peter answered in the affirmative, “Yes, Lord, I do.” Peter, like most of the disciples-except for John, fell away from the Master. We have written evidence of his three denials of belonging to Jesus’ followers. …

Like Wile E. Coyote
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

If you have ever watched Saturday morning cartoons I am sure that somewhere along the way you have seen the Road Runner. He was one of my favorites when I used to watch them years ago. Then I introduced my children to the Road Runner and they watched him also until such things as Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles and He-Man came along. The crazy thing is, just about every Road Runner cartoon was the same. His nemesis was a persistent and creative critter named Wile E. Coyote. It seems that his plight in life, his sole object for living, is to catch the Road Runner. Usually the…

Accepting Christ
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

This is the key, isn't it? We -- we Christians -- all know it. It is the event, the point, the aim. What we pray for, want, hope, and work toward is to get as many as possible to accept Christ as their personal Savior. That's the phrase. "Accept Christ as your personal Savior." Where did that come from? You see, I find (with my tendency to examine words) that it irritates me, like a seed in my teeth. There's just ... something ... wrong. What is it? It's that word, "accept". It sounds like a condescension. It sounds like someone in a superior position deigning…

Abhir - The Mighty One
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

He has been attacked by archers, who shot at him and harassed him. But his bow remained strong, and his arms were strengthened by the Mighty One of Jacob (in Hebrew Abhir), the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. May the God of your ancestors help you; may the Almighty bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the earth beneath, and blessings of the breasts and womb. May the blessings of your ancestors be greater than the blessings of the eternal mountains, reaching to the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills. – Genesis 49:23-26 Talk about tough…

The Original Icon (3-4-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Seen any icons today? Every computer user knows about icons. Certain religions revere icons. Some buildings are referred to as icons. Certain sports heroes are recognized as icons. Icons are a part of our 21century culture. Today's article will address the Original Icon! When man was created, he was created in the image (Gr. = eikon) of God (Genesis 1.26,1 Corinthians 11.7). The designer behind all designs is God; He is the original icon! Everything within this universe that is subject to the laws of this universe had a predecessor. Nothing, not one thing, of a material…

We Thank You for Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Habakkuk Chapter 3 – where we see Habakkuk in a totally different mood. What has happened to him? Something has happened to the prophet. He is different. He begins to sing. He begins with a song of praise - SHIGGIONOTH. When God speaks - when God reveals something, we want to sing. ……

Why do we doubt?
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

There was a story told long ago about a certain wealthy man. He had so much wealth he struggled to remain alive because he did not want to leave behind his wealth when he died. When that fatal day finally came, the angels came for him, and he begged and pleaded to bring at least some of his gold with him to Heaven. The angel tried to explain to him that naked he came into the world and naked he would leave. But, his gold had never let him down. He had always been able to open locked doors with it and to build bridges to foreign lands with it. So after vigorous pleading,…

Year of theVictor
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Disappointment and failure is all I felt as I thought back about 2014. I kept trying to find some tangible evidence that I had a victorious year. Did I set my goals to high? Did I ask for too much? Did I miss God on this one? You see, I honestly felt 2014 would be my year so I declared it boldly on my Face Book header. It read; "2014Year of the Victor". I had a great picture to go with it that showed the intensity of my belief. This was the year my business would be started. This is the year I would be well on my way to financial independence. This is the…

Alcohol Has A Drinking Problem
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Ask almost any two people from the same church affiliation, or a different affiliation. and you will often hear condemnation or approval of the partaking of alcoholic beverages. Each side of the issue has convincing arguments for it's stance. Some say its OK in "moderation" (whatever that is...usually determined by personal opinion and practice). One person stated that he had never allowed alcohol of any kind to touch his lips (he lived to be 84 years old). There is another who drank alchohol, smoked every day of his life, and lived to be 100. To make a determination of…