…free from your burdens!

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…

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……