…you are the light on the hill!

On to the Superbowl
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

I am a football junkie. That's American football for those of you who are purists and know soccer by its worldwide appellation. I have followed football, more precisely, professional football, since I was barely seven years old. That means that when the 2004 season begins I will begin my forty-eighth season watching the sport. Sundays have been my hallowed days during that time period both for my love of worshiping my heavenly Father and my joy of watching large armored humans run into each other. The oddest thing has happened during the end of the 2003 season. I have yet…

Magnificent Grace
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I remember reading one atheist's argument that if God exists, He is evil. It went something like this. A man is sitting by a pool, reading a book. A two-year-old comes into the pool area and falls into the pool. The man does nothing. He could put down his book, jump in, grab the child and haul her to safety. But he does nothing. Is that man good or bad? You can feel the pull at the heart strings. Clearly this man is evil. And you can feel the pull against God. "Yeah, why doesn't God save us all?" So before our brains are ever engaged, our stronger emotions on the…

The Holy Sacrifice
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

When Jesus had tasted it, he uttered another loud cry, “It is finished! Father I entrust my spirit into your hands!” With these words he bowed his head and breathed his last, releasing his spirit. – Luke 23:46; John 19:30 A man had a son who was the commander of a tank artillery division. The son was so anti-religious that he would even complain about a photograph of his grandfather praying over a meal that hung in his father’s house. “That man was an idiot! Take that embarrassing picture down!” he would shout. But one day, he converted!…

Comfort in Penitence I (Psalm 6; 11-22-10)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

There are six Penitential Psalms (Songs of Penitence) in the Bible. Each of them conveys a unique and poignant point about the process of penitence and the comfort that can derive from it. Our study of comfort would be incomplete without an overview of the relationship between penitence and the comfort that is offered in these six wonderful bits of inspired literature. For purposes of the six articles that follow, the bold print portion of each passage contains the point of focus for that article and is purely arbitrary on this writer's part. “O LORD, do not rebuke me in…

God Promises to Guide His People - but How?
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

When we know that God guides His people, how do I find God’s will, and God’s ways for my life – God’s plans and purpose for my future? Might we expect just too much from God in the area of guidance? In Isaiah 42 at verse 16 – God has been silent……

Competent Thinking
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

The popular statement is: “We are on a journey.” As a Christian I prefer to say: “We are in a battle for our promise land.” It doesn’t sound like fun but it gives me a clear picture of my life on this earth. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a good time and can be a jokester. Having said that, we all know this life will relentlessly beat you to the ground if you are not on guard. Marriage can be hard. Staying out of debt can be hard. Dealing with your kids, boss or co-workers can be hard. Not falling under condemnation can be very hard. So…

Beware: suneudokeo - feel gratified with
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

The "Gay Rights" advocates had a hay day with the Supreme Court ruling this week. But, the laws of the land are still the same. There are still 38 states that outright ban same sex marriages with constitutions defining marriage between one man and one woman. The judicial courts do not make laws, and in California, a district court cannot negate a law voted on by the people. So the debate rages on... I read one of the best discussions on the public debate that homosexuality is a sin argument. Of course we Christians know it is a sin, but we are all sinners.…

Religious Disinterest
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Why? To a large extent this is caused by so many conflicting messages, doctrines, beliefs, etc., and the example set by nominal Christians. Many set bad examples in claiming to be living a Christian life without evidence of bearing the fruit of it. Many non-Christians are simple weary of the maze while attempting to sort it all out. Often they see and hear only the tares. (They seem to make the most noise). In situations such as this, God the Father will cause those who are called to His Son to be drawn to Him, regardless of the confusion. God knows who are to be His, regardless…

A Day For Love
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Its Valentine's Day week, that wonderful time of year when significant others spend a little time expressing, and sharing their common attraction. For many, it’s a time of reflection, a day of sharing that certain chemistry bringing souls together, a period of needed sexual bliss, an occasion where hearts communicate a little bit deeper, and even moments when personalities come together for the very first time. In the fifty years I’ve been alive, I’ve experienced, desired, wanted, expressed, shared, rejected, and written about love. I’ve wanted to be…

Bible and Quote - October 28 - November 01
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

Let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified." Psalm 70:4b The children of God pant to be saved from every false way. They are grateful for God’s salvation that saves them from selfishness, from pride, from lust, from worldliness, bitterness, malice, sloth, and uncleanness. CH Spurgeon 1834-92Brit Reformed Baptist But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:5 Give me grace to recall my needs, rather than seeking my own ends. Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers…

Bible Hero- Mary Magdalene
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Jesus released Mary Magdalene from the torture of seven demons. She was completely controlled by them. Before Jesus drove those demons out, we get a picture of Mary. “. . . bereft of will and reason, with vacuous eyes, screaming and tearing at her clothes.'1 After Jesus healed her, “She is thought to been beautiful and gracious. Her love was warm and glowing.”2She felt so grateful to her Lord that she, like other women who had received healing, became one of His followers. Mary exuded warmth and love. Her thankfulness was as noticeable to others as her…