…you serve a risen Savior!

Being Chosen and Called is Precious and Reassuring
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

The Church belongs to Christ and to God. When we belong to God we belong to Christ and when we belong to Christ we belong to Almighty God. There is another double emphasis – Grace and peace to you – which speaks of the unity between the Father and the Son, and of course the Holy Spirit. There is perfect……

No column this week...
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Dear readers, But I do ask for your prayers. When a family as close as ours ages, there is a trend that starts to sap your strength. My aunts and uncles are going to see Jesus on a very regular basis. Earlier this month it was my Aunt Alease whom I adored. She was my dad's sister. Soon my Aunt Vonny, my mom's sister, will join her. We're traveling this week to Oklahoma so Mom and I can see Vonny most likely for the last time this side of Heaven. So I ask for prayers for traveling grace. And I know this is stupid, but my kitty cat needs medicine everyday so we'll have to take him to…

A Misunderstanding
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

There is a great misunderstanding - almost universal - that is rampant in society today. It has been the cause of great endeavors and efforts resulting in a misdirection and misunderstanding of Christian belief and works. The use of the name "God" in vain (not just as a curse word), needs to be understood. Especially in regard to eternal life. It is a popular belief (almost universal) throughout secular and pseudo-religious society. Simply put, this belief says that if one desires to be saved spiritually, one must believe in and come to Jesus Christ in repentance and…

Psalms 91:7
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

'A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but danger will not come near you. ' Psalm 91:7 KJV "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." It's been a prevalent statement over the years. It's a sensible statement to remember concerning advertisements for any given product. In this world, we have to use wisdom for purchases, relationships, and quick fixes. Unfortunately, this statement mixed with our personal experiences can taint how we view and react to God's Word. In regards to the verse, for instance, How…

Choosing To Remain Single
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Many people are staying single these days, a choice which is becoming more common than ever before. Let's start with some stats: According to some of the latest reports, the amount of all men who never marry past the age of 44 is roughly 21%, for women it's 15%. Our nations divorce rate is ever-changing, but Wikipedia states that the overall numbers in the 21century have decreased compared to the 1990's. In 2010, it was 48% under the age of 18,29% between 18-19, 29% between 20-24, and 24% over the age of 25. This draws opposition to the well-used statement that "over…

Bible and Quote - February 15-19
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

The trouble man causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head. Psalm 7:16 You reap what You SOW: Life is like a boomerang. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy. Grant M. Bright, British-Born American Engineer I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17 We, like the bird perched on a frail branch, sing even though we feel it bend, for we know God is faithful. O Lord (the promise-making God), our Lord (the Sovereign, who…

As We Minister
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

I am reading a book entitled, The Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler. Mr. Butler defines these skeletons as ‘those deep dark issues we’d rather avoid. In the second section, Mr. Butler sees ‘the surprise of judgment’. One chapter in particular stands out to me. Its title—The Servant at The Center—speaks of our relationship with Jesus. Matthew 25:31-46 comes alive as Mr. Butler speaks of how this passage relates to us. The point that stands out to me is that whenever we minister, we are ministering to Jesus. Sending…

The Marathon
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

If I may be so bold as to borrow from Yogi Berra, "Half of golf is ninety per cent mental." Back in 1976 when I first took up the game I talked to an old-timer who played regularly at the Running Fox Golf Course in Mansfield, Ohio. What he told me was something like, "Just remember that golf is not a sprint. It's a marathon. You have to be able to manage your mind for the whole round." I think that every golfer out there will agree with that statement. At the time I first heard it I didn't understand it. Now I do. It is tough to keep your mind focused…

Making Disciples
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

We are commanded, of course, to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15) Let no one convince you otherwise. However, that is only the beginning. We aren't sent to make converts; we're sent to make disciples. No, more than that. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) We are to make disciples, baptize them, and…

How to Whine Effectively - Part One
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

The people soon began to complain to the Lord about their hardships; and when the Lord heard them, his anger blazed against them. Fire from the Lord raged among them and destroyed the outskirts of the camp. – Numbers 11:1 The people of Israel had just been miraculously delivered from Egypt. They had been subject to systematic racism, considered second-class citizens, not unlike the “apartheid” in South Africa. Bigotry became slavery and they were forced to build Egypt’s storehouse cities. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the pharaoh ordered the midwives…

Justification I (2-7-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

One of the best known parables, The Good Samaritan, was spoken in response to an insincere question! This doesn't make the answer which Jesus gave any less significant or true, but it does shed light on just how far we are capable of going in order to divert the attention from ourselves when we are wrong and to thereby “justify ourselves.” This message begins a short series on the subject of biblical justification. By the very nature of subject, it will also focus on the systems of false justification that we have invented to ourselves. We begin by noting the events that…