…you have been made new!

Train Up a Child
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

One day, while in WalMart, I watched as a little boy not more than four accidently knocked a box of Pop Tarts from an aisle display. Before I could even wonder what would happen, the little fellow stooped over, grabbed the box of Pop Tarts and replaced it in the display being careful to make sure that it was sitting just right. I was amazed. I have seen similar scenes in stores before. They always seem to play out the same way. The child knocks something over, the parent says for them to pick it up and the child doesn't while the parent just walks away. Later, the parent knocks…

Ephesians 5: On Divorce
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Ephesians 5 is famous for what it says to married couples (Ephesians 5:17-33). Or should I say "infamous"? Truth be told, a lot of people, even Christians, don't much like it. All that "wives submit" stuff and all. Gotta do something different, right? Well, in fact, we don't get that option if we're going to be true to the Word of God. We need to stick with what He says. My point here, however, is not to repeat the very clear commands of God that wives submit to their husbands and husbands love their wives as themselves. I mean, it's abundantly clear, even if…

Charaktocracy, Part 1
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy – one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity…Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap. – 1 Timothy 3:2-4,7 HCSB The church is not a monarchy. The pastor is not the supreme ruler. The church is not a republic.…

Justification XXIV (3-28-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

“Your Sin Remains” “But now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.” (John 9.41). These are the closing sad words in the case of Jesus and the blind man. It was not the blind man who couldn't see; it was privileged Pharisees whose sins could not be remedied. There was remedy, but they refused to admit their need! Dialogue in the Dark is a world exhibit now in the Atlanta area that is designed to raise the awareness level regarding the site impaired. I went there recently with my wife and through that exhibit, I learned things that I could never…

Leadership in the Light of God
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Daniel Chapter 4 is a remarkable document. It is a state document, and we have very few of these from the ancient world. This is a decree – a royal letter - to all the people - from a powerful Emperor. It is a declaration of peace. It is also a testimony. He found God and he wanted……

Picking Scabs
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

As a boy, I had several cuts, scratches and bruises just like most boys do. I remember one particular incident when I had a good sized scrape on my knee from a bike accident. After few weeks I had a full scab and was on my way to complete healing. Unfortunately for me, we had a friend of the family visit us. Somehow this “friend” convinced my parents to pour peroxide on my scab. In a panic I tried to talk my way out of the forced treatment but it was to no avail. As my parents held me down, I cried through the torture. I’m not sure what it was to accomplish. The…

What Is Love?
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

I love spinach. Yes, I truly do. Well, the more accurate truth is that I like spinach very much. I don’t actually love spinach. Adages saturate our lives: “You can’t help whom you love,” and “Love blossoms in strange places.” But I rarely hear the truth about love. Satan has built a huge cult about infatuation and lust calling it true love. Things like “You don’t have a choice about whom you love,” and “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” One word describes those lies. Poppycock! …

A Good Man
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Today we hear much about those servants of God who seem to conjure up fame and notoriety. Some become well known...almost a household word, due to their familiarity and popularity in our society. At times we hear certain ones referred to as "a good man". But being considered a "good man" in a society that treasures accolades of mass media personalities seems to be not enough. It is easy to call almost any man who is a father a father, but is otherwise unappreciated. But what about Joseph? This writer has often wondered about Joseph...your know...the one who…

Do you have a Lucky Star?
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Months ago, I was listening to an interview with then Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump who was discussing his business, lifestyle, and overall viewpoints on how he came to be who he was. His father had been a big time influence on him, and his mother, and those of past generations of his family. When asked about why some in his field of expertise do so poorly in comparison to his success, his answer was simple: “You can have the most creative, gifted mind in the world, but luck definitely plays a role in your overall success.” He admitted he’s one who’s…

Bible and Quote - April 13-17
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

Lo! Children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3 According to His perfect design, it is through selflessness of parenting that we can become truly fulfilled. Charles Stanley, b 1933, First Baptist Church of Atlanta pastor Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Psalm 127:4 Mothers and fathers are granted a single decade in which to lay a foundation of values and attitudes that will help their children cope with the future pressures and problems of adulthood. James C. Dobson, 1936- …

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

A Promise Is A Promise From time to time when I was in kindergarten, my teacher reminded our class, “A promise is a promise and should be kept.” The motive behind her saying this may have been to help us learn that our words carry weight. She also may have been trying to build our character. Vows When a man and woman go before a clergy person and get married, they repeat vows—promises to each other to remain by the other’s side through all kinds of circumstances. Those circumstances cover…