…you are the light on the hill!

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

Way back when, when life was a lot simpler and my kids were still kids, I used to sell shoes. No, truthfully, I subscribed to one of those mail order shoe houses that gave you discounts on quality footwear if you sold so much to other people. I was able to move a pair or two but found out that selling your friends something that you wanted them to buy for your personal benefit could strain the relationship. That aside, I learned some things about shoes and clothing in general. The label that you see in the shoe is not necessarily the name of the shoe factory from which it came.…

Honor
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

We all know that the Bible commands, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). In fact, Paul points to this one in the New Testament to urge children to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3), which would certainly indicate that this command is still in effect in the New Covenant. Of course, almost immediately the objections come out. "Well, sure, when you're a kid, but not after you grow up and leave the house!" Or, "Oh, yeah? What if they're lousy parents?" And so it goes. The question is worth examining because, as it turns out, we're told…

Christ, the Creator
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. – John 1:1-3 (NASB) Imagine having whole worlds for your playground! John described the Son of God as the Word that God used to create all things. Can you picture Jesus, the first incarnate being in the universe, speaking and causing light to appear? Can you hear His voice ring out causing frighteningly, beautiful angels to roar into existence? He…

Justification XIX (3-14-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

“When He had found him.” One man's trash is another man's treasure and Beauty is in the eye of the beholder are related sayings. The events in John 9 regarding the dealings which the Pharisees had with a man who had formerly been blind illustrate perfectly just how true these saying are. “Jesus heard that they [the Pharisees] had cast him [the blind man] out; and when He had found him, He said to him, 'Do you believe in the Son of God?' He answered and said, 'Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?' And Jesus said to him, 'You have both seen Him and it is…

The Comprehensive Ministry of the Prophets of God
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Jeremiah the prophet, like every true prophet, spoke from God - and spoke for God - and his words came true – this is what marks him out as a true prophet Deuteronomy 18 verse 22 - where we read of the mark of a true prophet - and the mark of a false prophet. Beware of the man who says something……

Little Baby Feet
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Little, sweet baby feet. Mary will soon cover them with her hand, warming them against the night chill. She has treasured in her heart all the words spoken about her first born Son. Things like, "The angel was so glorious, shouting out praises to God on High and the Good News! The Messiah is born! Our long awaited Savior, the Lord, is born!" And word went out publically, through the bright streets of Bethelehem. The star shining down on the child. The little feet, toes curled against the chill, wiggled in His mother's hand. Eight day old, tiny feet with…

The Warrior's Belief
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

Last week I talked about the first strategy of the enemy after finding the call and purpose for your life. You will at some point realize the plans of God are not small in any sense of the word. He has a grand plan and purpose to complete on this earth. It is a plan greater than man can comprehend and visualize. But your part, to you, will also be grand and more than you can complete on your own power. After all, God's original plan was to have Mankind dominate the earth. If you think about it long enough this thought ups the ante'. Dominate! What are you to dominate? It can…

The Greatest Sin
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Have you ever wondered what the greatest sin is - with the greatest consequences? Is it violation of one of the ten commandments? Deliberately breaking one the these commandments had great consequences for the Israelites. Could it be deliberately refusing to love? According to the Apostle Paul, refusing to love is a very serious sin. Love is an even greater quality than faith...and faith is VERY important quality of character. Not conduction our live in a spirit of trust and faith in God, and not living in an attitude of love is certainly very serious in God' sight. (1 Corinthians…

The Magic of Summer
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

We all have certain things which make us feel happier, content, less stressed, and wanting to claim more from life. For some, it’s the smoothness of silk against their skin, the adoring face of a puppy, a friendly encounter, a child’s laughter, or the sensuality of a lovers kiss. True, all these things can bring a huge smile to ones face and they definitely do mine, but I’ve also learned that weather can have a humongous impact on an individual’s emotional outlook, giving many a needed boost after the depressing effects of grey skies among bone-chilled winters.…

Bible and Quote - February 2-6
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Psalm 119:88 I thank You right now for a more glorious answer to my prayer than I can imagine. Amen. Catherine Marshall, 1914-83American author I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad. Psalm 119:96 God has a full and complete answer to every question; yet man throws solutions this way and that, patches up failures and then criticizes truth staring them in the face. Your commands make me wiser than my adversaries; they…

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

What do we know about grief? It’s Personal Our grief reflects our love for the person we have lost. Yet, each person grieves in a different way. I once heard a panel discussion on grief. One lady told us that it takes one year, bare minimum, to get through what we call the grief process. She explained that those who are left without a spouse or someone close have to go through each holiday, each birthday, their anniversary and filing their income taxes. It comes in Waves A person may go for quite some time and not be bothered by their loss. But something…