…free from your burdens!

Bible and Quote - October 29 - November 2
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

(David fled from King Saul’s renewed desire to kill him) and went to . Jonathan (who said) You shall not die! why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so!" 1 Samuel 20:1,2 The prudence of the best heads is often defeated by tenderness of the best hearts. Henry Fielding (1707 - 1754) English novelist (David persuaded Jonathan of the possibility that his father, King Saul was trying to kill him and said) . deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. 1 Samuel 20:3-8 Friendship,…

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

Two families I know personally are in need of God’s comfort at this time. One family suddenly lost a father/grandfather this past weekend. The gentleman went to sleep and woke up in the arms of Jesus. Another family lost a daughter/a wife/and mother when a lady from our church received her call to go to heaven. Both of these families are caught in the grieving process. The Bible tells us we are not to grieve as those without hope. As Christians, I know we should be relieved that these people’s struggles are behind them but we do miss…

Perfect Faith
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

In the 1986 Masters, Jack Nicklaus sank a putt that served as a pivotal point in his victory. He said that he was able to see the line of the putt so plainly and rolled it at the perfect speed for it to go in. This past season, at Hoylake just outside Liverpool, England, Tiger Woods put on a performance for the ages as he won The British Open handily and hardly ever used his driver. Golf pundits were lauding his performance as perfect. Hmm. Perfectly putted ball, perfectly played tournament. Perfection. Baseball and bowling both have their "perfect game." In baseball…

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…