…free from your burdens!

The Problem of the Authority of Scripture
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

I'm convinced that the primary authority on matters of faith and practice for Christians is the Bible. I've said more than once that the Bible is the God-breathed Word, infallible and inerrant. These things make the Bible a pretty important book. Oh, maybe not "sacred" like the Moslem's Quran, but pretty important. So ... what's the problem? We believe that the Bible is God's Word and authoritative for Christians. So why is it that Christians seem to be so biblically illiterate? It appears to be rampant in the church. I heard a discussion over the holidays about how Joseph…

Carrying An Umbrella
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

…Because of your faith, it will happen. Matthew 9:29 I read a story about a church that was located in an area beset by drought. At last, they decided to pray about the matter. Isn’t it funny how we don’t start out praying? We always wait until the situation seems hopeless then yell out, “God! Help!” Anyway, only one person showed up to the prayer meeting with an umbrella. They were all there ostensibly to ask God for rain, but only one among the congregation actually believed God would answer. When you pray, do you carry an “umbrella”…

Comfort in the Psalms III (12-10-10)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

It is almost a sure bet that you have looked for emotional comfort at one time or another. It sometimes comes in the form of an encouraging word from a friend, or perhaps just a sympathetic ear from a loved one. Many times, just having someone listen to our troubles is enough to lighten our load and make the day seem brighter. However, have you ever sought for comfort and could find none? There is no lonelier feeling on earth than to realize that no one stands with you; you are alone in your plight and there is no human help to be had from any quarter. The author of the sixty-ninth…

Man No Longer Needs To Remain In The Dark Without Christ
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Consider just for a moment, that interim period between John Chapter 19 and John Chapter 20, but out of necessity, we go into Chapter 20 where we read of the risen resurrected living Jesus. This broken warring world is living on the wrong side of the resurrection and it is our task to tell the world that there are answers,……

Captivate Them All
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

2Corinthians10:5 AMP…and we lead every thought and purpose away captive… Next level thinking will cause you to check your every thought and take it captive until you clear it with a very high set of standards. This can be exhausting at times but very rewarding. Some things that change as you learn to take every thought through your set of standards. 1. You notice change in yourself 2. You see the world differently 3. You notice more negative and unproductive language in yourself and society. The bible is clear that the Lords…

Weeping turned to Joy
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

The sweet sound of rain splashing outside filled me with joy this morning. It was so soothing I went back to sleep listening to it. So, I slept late. Sometimes that is a very good thing, and this morning was no exception. When I awoke again, the rain was still coming down, and it was still dark outside. I love how it sounds dripping through the oak trees, splashing in the puddles. Refreshing, cleansing, and reviving. I was acutely reminded of when I lived in the high desert of Arizona. Months of dry, clear skies, and months of heat never washed clean of dust by cleansing…

Love Is - Love Is Not
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Love Is Not: Giving to the poor; serving in your church; paying your debts on time; making others happier; working hard, etc. And... "If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can…

The Choice Between Science and Alternative Healing
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Not many people knew, besides his inner circle, that Steve Jobs could've possibly beaten his fatal cancer if he had only taken his doctors advice and succumbed to traditional medical procedures, particularly, an operation which could've removed his tumors much sooner than he decided. This information has been coming out as the release of his authorized autobiography will soon arrive on everyone's Kindle, I-Pad, and Bookshelf. Now, this wasn't all that surprising to me. After all, he'd turned to Buddhism as his religious affiliation, alternative medicine for pain and healing,…

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

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies - make straight your way before me. Psalm 5:8 I shall not fear the battle If thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If thou wilt be my guide. John E. Bode For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue. Psalm 5:9 If the Lord's people will humble themselves by admitting that deception is quite possible to them, they will be the less deceived. Watchman Nee, 1903-72, Chinese Christian evangelist and author …

Bible Hero- Ruth
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

I like the Biblical character Ruth. She gave up living in her native land to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi through the wilderness back to Bethlehem. It could have been very dangerous for travelers, let alone women, who went into the wilderness Enroute to distant places. Ruth chose to adopt Naomi’s faith in one God. She treated Naomi as well as any daughter would her mother. When they arrived in Bethlehem, she chose to stay with Naomi and work in order for them to have food. Boaz owned the fields…

The Curse?
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Many years ago, in an ill-fated move which has left them gasping for breath, the Boston Red Sox of the American League of Major League Baseball, traded a promising young pitcher to the New York Yankees for a position player. After almost seven hundred home runs and several World Series wins, the New York Yankees were grateful that they took a chance on George Herman Ruth and made that trade. Prior to the trade of "Babe" Ruth from Boston to New York, the Red Sox had been the toast of baseball. They had won five World Series titles from 1903 to 1918. Since the trade they have…