…He loves you and guides you!

Speed or Desire?
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

As a youth, and on into my young adult years, I played a number of different sports which required that I run and run fast. At various times during my sports ventures I was actually timed for my speed. I was not the fastest person on the team when such times were taken. In truth, I was generally somewhere in the middle of the pack as having "normal" speed. But I never worried about it. I was able to get to that deep fly ball to center field. I could get behind the defensive back and catch the pass and then outrun the defender to the endzone for the touchdown. I could run…

Love Fervently
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

We know we are supposed to love God and love our neighbors. We know we are even supposed to love our enemies. We know we are to love our spouses and our families. Lots of love going on here. So it is no surprise that we are not told merely to love but to "fervently love". Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:22-23) That's…

T'was the Night Before Christ
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

The night is almost gone, and the day is near Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. - Romans 13:12 (NASB) It was just another night[1] like millions of nights before it. Kings were issuing decrees, busily consolidating their power. Normal people were working their jobs, completely focused on making money, feeding their families, talking to their friends and waiting for their ship to come in. So common – so normal. It’s interesting that Luke focuses on the night before Christ’s coming. I wonder if it’s related…

Do You also to Them (3-16-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

“An epitaph,” according to Wikipedia,” is literally: 'on the gravestone' a short text honoring a deceased person, strictly speaking that is inscribed on their tombstone or plaque, but also used figuratively. Some are specified by the dead person beforehand, others chosen by those responsible for the burial.” The particular one I remember one specific day was short and simple; it just said, “She lived by the Golden Rule.” I don't think she (whoever she was) wrote this epitaph for herself; rather, it appears that someone who cared for her ascribed…

Prophets Hear What God is Saying and Then Proclaim His Message
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

As we have looked at the opening Chapter of the book of Jeremiah are there any common concepts that might help us understand the nature of prophecy in 2026? When sweeping through the Bible seeking to have an overview of these past 6,000 years, we come to the prophets. It can be helpful to sweep through parts of……

Whiteout-Blackout
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

If you’ve ever been a snowstorm you may have experienced a whiteout. In my experience in a whiteout, I couldn’t see very far in front of me and lost my sense of direction. There was so much snow and cloud cover, I could only see vague outlines of dark objects. I was surrounded by so much “white”, I was uneasy and uncomfortable with my surroundings. On the contrast I’ve also experienced a total blackout. During a tour of an underground cave, the tour guide shut off the only light we had in the cave. We were standing in total darkness. With our eyes…

Jesus the Christmas Tree
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

In my house this year, we had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. You know, rather small and insignificant looking with only 70 lights and a few red bells for decoration. It is a live tree, though, green and straight, not leaning over, or withered looking. We were just too sick this year to drag out all the decorations or to do much shopping. However, in your living room or somewhere in your house there may be a green tree standing tall and draped with beautiful, tinkling jewels of light and glory. I didn’t hear much conversation this year about Holiday tree versus Christmas…

Failure
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Do you often fail? For some, failure is more than just an occasional departure from the norm. The norm is seldom a consistant success. Failure seems to be the norm. We fail the expectancies of others around us; our friends, even our loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, fellow Christians. But why? Granted that seems to be so, but why is it so. Why is it the norm rather than an occasional mess up. God has not forgotten that we are flesh and blood, and not perfect. Why can't all of us always do the right thing, say the right words that would make up what God would have us say, and…

Honoring A Father
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

In the spirit of Father’s Day, I’ve decided to begin by telling the tale of one of the best. My father was born in the early 1930’s among the rolling hills of Arkansas, went to that state’s great university, served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant during the Korean War, was employed for thirty plus years in the pharmaceutical industry after college, became married and stayed devoted to my mom for over forty years, was active in church, social organizations, and a dedicated father to my sister and I. He suddenly passed away in 2002, leaving behind his…

Bible and Quote - February 16-20
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word. Psalm 119:114 He who possesses faith in omnipotent God, dwells in an atmosphere of grace surrounded with the bodyguard of mercies. CH. Spurgeon, 1834-92 Depart from me, evildoers, That I may observe the commandments of my God. Psalm 119:115 The dangerous influence of fellowship with wicked men is but too evident from observation. From the extreme infirmity of our nature, it is the easiest thing in the world to contract pollution and catch infection. John Calvin, 1509-64, French reformer, theologian …

Whats on our Hearts?
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV) As believers in Jesus Christ, what is on our hearts here in the middle of the year 2015? Are we concerned about those around us and where they are with the LORD? We should be. “Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) After the mass murder in Charleston South Carolina last week, I couldn’t get that city off my heart. I am thankful that they have united to face this tragedy as children of God.…