…your life has new meaning!

How's Your Education?
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Art Linkletter used to have a program on TV called "People Are Funny." If you watch people long enough you will agree. Just this past evening I saw something that I never thought I would see on a game show. My wife and I had just finished supper and we sat down to watch "Wheel of Fortune." One of the puzzles was particularly difficult for the contestants and they bought every vowel they could. Which meant that the last consonent completely solved the puzzle to the point where all that had to be done to win was read. The woman who inserted the last consonent was looking at…

Paradigm Shift
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Remember the story of Job? First, he suffered the loss of all he had -- his livestock, his servants, even his children. His response, while tearing his robe and shaving his head in anguish, was, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21) The author of Job says, "In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." (Job 1:22) Next, it became personal. Sitting in ashes, he scraped at the "loathsome sores" that covered him from head to toe (Job 2:7-8). His wife asked, "Do you still hold fast your integrity?…

Why?
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well-fed. They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people…Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?...When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. – Psalm 73:2-5,13, 16-17 (NASB) Why? Why do good men die young? Why do parents have to bury their…

Justification XIII (3-2-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Justification DOES NOT inherently involve consumption of gander sauce. If you are unfamiliar with the way I am using the term gander sauce, you are invited to go into the archives and read the last couple of installments of Today's Little Lift. Briefly, it involves the judgment that we bring upon ourselves when we unfairly and unjustly judge others. Personally I am opining the fact that I have been so spiritually blinded for so many years and now find myself having to retract as it were so much of what I have taught and thought to be true. Don't get me wrong; it is not all bad.…

Thank You Father God for the Various Warnings in Your Holy Word
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We turn to Habakkuk Chapter 2 verse 4 onwards, where we read that vital verse which was used to transform the life of the Church of God some 400 years ago. "He who through faith is righteous shall live." Habakkuk has had questions, and God encourages him to take the long-term view. We……

How long does it take to fall in love?
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

I always know when the music swells and the snow starts falling the movie is over, and the couple, entwined in each other’s arms will live happily ever after. However, for the two hours (or hour and a half depending on commercials) before this special moment the couple have waged a battle of the sexes or have montage-d through a breathy song or two to fall in love. They look deeply into each other’s eyes and suddenly realize that life is unbearable if the other is not around. They seem to know this because we need another montage and breathy song to tell us they…

The Longing To Obey
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

The book of Psalms is the longest Psalm and also the longest chapter in the Bible. It is perhaps the most loved, the most read, and the most memorized section of the Bible. This Psalm has a theme throughout that is easy to miss because it speaks to so many people in so many different ways. There is a feeling of desperation in chapter after chapter, and verse of verse. Why did the Psalmist write what he did, the way he did, with the emotions that are so profound and inspiring? Try to imagine the emotion that the Psalmist is experiencing as he pens these verses. He is led by the…

Creative Workshop
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

I have an issue I must work through regularly. It's embarrassing. I reach for attention through my words written from visuals in my mind. To write or not to write is my constant question. I realize I must learn to keep my soul and spirit separate from my gifting. My gifts are accessories in my life to complete……

The Lottery of Giving
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

If you were like millions of others recently, your eyes probably darted to the television set sometime in the later evening hours while the Mega Millions jackpot was being drawn. After all, there were only around 650 million dollars up for grabs to the lucky winner(s), and most likely, visions of what you could do with all that free cash flew through your mind at super-light speed as the balls on the screen began to drop into their final resting places. Winning the lottery is one of our ultimate fantasies, a sudden life changer (for better or worse), and offers a unique blend of…

Bible and Quote - March 8-12
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before You. Psalm 9:3 Let no name but Jehovah be carved on the trophy reared on the battlefield. Alexander Maclaren, 1826-1910, British Baptist expository preacher You have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously. Psalm 9:4 When God acts, it will be in just the right time, the right place, and the right way. Lifeway, Explore the Bible, Summer 2007 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. Psalm 9:5 A person, family…

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

As believers, we have a privilege to approach God with our needs and concerns and those of others. It is a special treat to pray for another person. What is prayer? Prayer is the way we present ourselves to God. We spend time in adoration of Who He is. We confess our sin and our needs to Him. Then, we spend a time of thanksgiving for all the deeds He has done for His people. Also, we include a time of supplication, a time of asking God to protect people, heal their hearts or bodies, or intervene in their need. What does God give…