…free from your burdens!

Fire Hydrants and Ill-Considered Tasks
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish. – Luke 14:29 A couple years ago, I was involved in a big construction job that involved a lot of remodeling. Consequently, there was a lot of dirt. The construction equipment tracked inordinate amounts of mud on the formerly pristine streets of this upper class neighborhood and so it was decided that we would borrow hoses from the fire department, attach them…

Paul's Pleasures (1-5-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Pleasures come in all varieties and types and today's study will show this to be the case. Some have erroneously thought that pleasures of any kind were to be avoided. It is true that pleasure can involve doubtful or even sinful behavior, but it is also true that, depending upon one's frame of reference, pleasure can also be derived from that which edifies and builds up. To set the stage for this message, I call to your remembrance the well known fact that the apostle Paul had his infamous “thorn in the flesh.” (see 2 Corinthians 12.7). This was not Paul's “A”…

Hope and Light Shine Forth
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We are in Isaiah Chapter 57, where we see an amazing theme or truth emerging. 1 – There is a theme here of God’s Second Home. I will dwell with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit – contrite could be translated CRUSHED. Here is the word of……

A taboo topic in Christian circles
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Over on Studylight.org, my dear sister in Christ, Julianne, of Family Blueprint, had posted an article that sheds some light on something that is truly shocking. The article is no longer there, but I have a copy of some of it here. I have suffered through co-dependency. I have seen friends of mine suffer this. Women have emailed me after reading about my co-dependency on my blog, so from my perspective, it may seem more prevalent than it really is. On the other hand, abuse toward women in the church is more prevalent than people would like to think. It doesn't just happen…

The Applause
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Am I hearing the sound of applause? Do I hear the sound of victory? Do I ever hear the sound of praise for a good days work? Does my heart ever shout out loud simply because I took action toward my purpose in life? Does my heart ever give me a standing ovation because I did something courageous. These are the questions I've started to ask myself. Why is this important? We all want to be praised, noticed or acknowledge. Whether it's for the work we do or the sacrifice we made or the clothes we wear. All we have to do is look at Facebook. We see all the selfies…

You And Your Conscience
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Is it true that we should let our conscience be our guide? God gave Adam and Eve a conscience. Their conscience moved them to hide themselves from God after they sinned against Him regarding the tree. Sin from that event until now, sin and the fear of sin has been both a curse and a blessing. God enabled mankind with a conscience when Adam and Eve were created. Had they not sinned, their conscience would have been a blessing. Sin corrupted them and provoked a feeling of shame and guilt. Even until now, the God-created conscience in mankind serves the purpose for which He created…

Laughter is the Best Medicine
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

All of us experience challenges, along with moments of pain, stress, and tension. It's just part of what makes us human as we travel through our individual journeys. However, one thing I've noticed is that those who carry the ability to laugh and allow humor to always be at the forefront of their demeanor are some of the happiest people I know. When life gives them lemons they make lemonade, when problems or struggles try and come up against them, they shrug them off and quickly pull a joke from their basket of endless humor. As they face obstacles which would cause…

Bible and Quote - April 14-18
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

If anyone secretly slanders his neighbor, I will stop him. Psalm 101:5a If something uncharitable is said in your presence; speak in favor of the absent, withdraw, or, if possible, stop the conversation. St. John Vianney, 1786-1859, French priest The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. Psalm 101:5b Guilt or grief is all that gracious souls get by communion with vain souls. Thomas Brooks, 1608-80, English non-conformist Puritan preacher, author My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me.. Psalm 101:6a …

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

His Peacefulness “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) As we advance in age, people seem to want less drama in their lives. We yearn for the serenity of the times we saw before we had the upheaval of the Vietnam Era. Sometimes we ache to get away from the rut or from the grindstone we have in our lives. People take get-away trips just to relax and unwind. Sometimes we need a wake-up call from God. After…

Hope
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Ever listen to a baby's cry? Over the past few years I have been in the homes of several young couples who have new additions to their families. Someplace along the way that new addition has awakened and seemingly has not been too happy about doing so. The parents take a certain measure of time to try to quiet the little bundle of upset emotions. But is a baby's cry the cry of emotional distress? Consider this. In raising three children my wife and I found out that babies cry for different reasons. If they are hungry they cry. If they are needing changed they cry. If they…

The New Agnostics
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

Around the start of the 21century we saw the rise of the "New Atheists". They're "brighter" and louder and more "anti" than merely "not" theists. Now, they can discuss among themselves whether this is really new or whether the term is even applicable, but in the same sense I think we can see a rise of the "New Agnostics". First, as a matter of basis, we need to define "agnostic". While "atheist" refers to those who are making a positive claim -- "There is no God" -- the "agnostic" term refers…