…free from your burdens!

Christians and Weed
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I recently took a trip through Oregon and Washington, both states where recreational marijuana was "legal". (That's in quotes because it's still illegal by federal law, but I guess no one is looking.) In the lobby of the hotel we stayed in where they have all those brochures on things to do in the area, there was a brochure on where to find weed as well as enlightening information about cannabis in its various forms and effects. Coming from a state where it is NOT legal, of course, this was shocking. For my entire life where I grew up in the era of the drug culture I've…

Christian Towers of Babel
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

…You will tell people about me everywhere…to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 When man was first created, he was given a command intended for each succeeding generation. Men were to be fruitful and multiply and, while filling the earth, subdue it to the service of God (Genesis 1:28). After mankind’s depravity pushed God to destroy them with a cataclysmic flood, He reiterated to Noah His wish for us to fill the planet in Genesis 9:1. Instead, man decided in Genesis 11:4 to build a city and a tower whose top would reach the sky so that they would not be…

Scoop IV (1-31-11)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

Scoop: Code Adam at Temple; Boy of 12Missing! Once again Dr. Luke scooped the other three gospel writers with this unique and interesting story. Whether you are familiar with this happening or not, you will find a blessing in reading it as our current installment of Today's Little Lift. “His [Jesus'] parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and…

Our God Does New Things Open Our Hearts and Minds
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

We are reading in Isaiah Chapter 43 and we come to verse 5 – where God repeats – Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring you and gather you. We need to hear that again and again – that is why He repeats it so often. Do not be afraid. I am with you……

Then there is Anna
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

In Luke chapter 2, a woman by the name of Anna is a prophetess. She continued to speak/declare (laleo) to those who were searching for the Messiah. Laleo means to declare one's mind and disclose thoughts. God considered Anna the perfect person to teach about His Son in the Temple. Yes, I know. The actual word for Teacher isn't there. However, consider what that word didasko (which is there) actually means. a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them. b) intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment; c) making…

Repentance Lost?
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

There is a book that was written many, many years ago entitle “Paradise Lost”. It endured many years. It was required reading in many colleges and universities, but seldom heard of today. Along with it, a companion book entitled “Paradise Regained” also became a classic. The future of Christianity and even nations may depend on a discovering and implementing of a word - repentance. Repentance, not only by those who hear the gospel and respond in faith, but by the repentance of those by who have already believed. But has repentance also been lost? Even…

Psalms 91:1
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. KJV Psalm 91:1 Strong's definition of the word Almighty. Comes from the root word "shâdad." A primitive root; properly to be burly, that is, (figuratively) powerful (passively impregnable); by implication to ravage: - dead, destroy (-er), oppress, robber, spoil (-er), X utterly, (lay) waste. I love the definition of the word "Almighty." …

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…