…you serve a risen Savior!

The Blessings of the Christmas Drumsticks
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Just when you thought the true spiritual meaning of Christmas had pandered to materialism, flashing lights, and political bickering over religious beliefs, an unexpected surprise and gift from an anonymous source splashes some holiday spirit along your way. Isn't it sad that some of the only places anyone dares talk about, or demonstrates true acts of giving these days is where they're expected (church, charitable organization)? And usually then, they only appear at certain scheduled times of the year or days of the week. So, when someone surprises you with an unanticipated…

Bible and Quote - October 22-26
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

.all Israel and Judah loved David . (when King Saul offered his older daughter to him) David said, "Who am I, . that I should be son-in-law to the king?" 1 Samuel 18:16-18 He who takes his rank (or status, or ability or appearance) lightly raises his own dignity. Hebrew proverb (after a failed attempt to get David killed by the Philistines and the marriage of his daughter to David) Saul was even more afraid of David. Thus Saul was David's enemy continually. 1 Samuel 18:29 I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly…

Our Need
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

As we enter into Advent, we find ourselves reflecting on Jesus and what He means to us. Yet, we hear of people who are faced with major, life threatening, health issues. We read of people inflicting terror on innocent neighbors by ignoring decisions of law. Each day in the news, we hear reminders of the fallen state of our world. We pray for all these great needs. One often wonders what those needs actually are. A Vital Relationship with Christ Once we invite Jesus into our hearts, we have a need to build on that act.…

What I Love
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

My office is a place where worlds collide. I spend many hours a week in my office studying, making phone calls and doing projects as well as writing my sermons to deliver each Sunday. So my office reflects the different areas of my life that are important to me to give me an environment that makes me comfortable enough that I am not distracted. I love golf, which many of you who receive these weekly thoughts have figured out no doubt. I have some memorabilia in my office; two racks of logo golf balls from golf courses and some wall hangings. I also love lighthouses, which have…

Can I get divorced and remarried?
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I use a Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (NASB) for my normal reading. It's nice to have some commentary from someone who knows the languages of the original text. The other day I was in 1 Corinthians 7 where Paul talks about divorce. In the notes, the commentary author recommended I read his book on "Can I get divorced and remarried?" If you are married, you may have asked the question yourself. If not, you've surely heard it. If you haven't heard it, you've the evidence of the question is everywhere. They tell me (whether or not they're correct) that divorce is…

The Prideful Mouse
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 A wise man was walking through…

Scoop III (1-28-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Scoop: Under the Steeple are ALL My People! Luke scoops the other three gospel writers by specifically applying Isaiah's prophecies concerning God's people to all flesh. Israel, according to Isaiah as well as Luke's citation of Isaiah, was not to be the sole recipient of God's blessings announced by the Messiah's forerunner. As we will see, both Matthew and Mark cited a part of Isaiah's prophecy about the comfort that was coming to God's people, but only Luke extended the prophecy to its rightful end, i.e. the Gentiles seeing the salvation of the Lord! Luke writes, “And…

Do Not Miss What God Is Saying in These Present Days
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

In Isaiah Chapter 43 we read these opening words - “But now, this is what the Lord says”. It is good to take a moment to remember that this is one of the main reasons for our being together at worship – to hear what the Lord God Almighty says. We come to hear what the risen and living……

Let's talk about Deborah
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

God chose her as a judge. God gave Deborah authority. Not just general authority, but Spiritual authority. Her being a Judge was not Israel's doing nor was it the act of any human to raise her up as a judge. God did it and the reason we know it was God's doing is because there was peace in the land for 40 years while she was judge. Why? Because she led the people in the right ways of God. God's righteousness and not to the left or to the right but in the straight path of the Lord. Judges 2:18 And when Jehovah raised up judges to them, then Jehovah was with the…

A Way Of Escape
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Trials of our life and trials of our faith are difficult to endure. Regardless of the origin or the intensity. Actually the trials of our life are, or become, trials of our faith. How can you endure your trials, without them destroying or injuring your faith? There are wonderful and comforting words from the Apostle Paul regarding this issue. He suffered many trials during his service to Christ. If anyone would know how to respond to suffering a trial, it would be him. His strategy for dealing with the trials that came his way can be a pattern for us, regardless of the nature…

Vain Ambition
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

' For all the pagan world is [greedily] seeking these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Only aim at and strive for and seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also. Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!' Luke 12:30-32 AMPC Most of what Jesus has been trying to do with me since my discipleship started in 2000 is to break me of the idea that I can make anything happen without Him. He’s been tearing down the walls of pride, selfishness,…