…your life has new meaning!

I Am a Cotter Pin
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

I am a cotter pin. That's what the Lord told me a few years back. What is a cotter pin? A metal pin used to fasten two parts of a mechanism together. Picture this. It looks like a ladies hairpin. In the industrial world it is used to fasten two pieces of metal together. For instance, on a tractor, you will find several cotter pins holding two different parts together. Without the part held together, by the cotter pin, the tractor would not run correctly. Though cotter pins are relatively small compared to the tractor, it is a very important part. What the Lord was telling me…

21st Century Man... uh, Person
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Several years ago, I was talking to my sister and she told me that my nephew was divorcing his wife. My great nephew was barely two years old. "Why? What happened?" I asked, crushed that this young little family was breaking up. My great nephew won't know the safe harbor of a close knit family. The dilemma being is it better to grow up in a house full of strife or in a fatherless home? Then again, you can never truly know a person’s heart, can you? I could hear the anguish in my sister’s voice. "I don't know, Gina,” she replied. “It's…

Its That Time
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

Some time ago, this writer asked the question, "whatever happened to repentance?" Is it here yet? There are times in every Christian's life when a self-analysis of spiritual status is not only advisable, but very necessary. Since that time, there continues to be a strange silence and reluctance to talk - or even to use the word repentance. But we all must give top priority to self-analysis concerning our spiritual condition and status with Jesus Christ. We must realize that perhaps it is later than we think. It's time. It's time for individuals. It is…

God Is Always Watching
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

We are all being watched over. Whether or not you believe in a supreme being, astrology, quantum physics, or any other type of spiritual/non-spiritual theology, everything happens for a reason. In my novel, Sons In The Clouds a physical item was found by one of the main characters during his life's darkest moment. It gave him desperately needed faith, while death was becoming a certain reality. Have you ever had moments in your life when you just knew favor was placed upon you? That certain circumstances beyond your control went to your benefit, the only explanation being…

Bible and Quote - September 30 - October 4
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

(Of David) Save me, O God, for waters have come into the soul. Psalm 69:1 When circumstances seem impossible, when all signs of grace in you seem at their lowest ebb; then rest, even if without feeling, in the Father's faithfulness. D. Tryon I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:2-3 No matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful…

Hannah: A Woman of Faith
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Hannah: A Woman of Faith Hannah was married to Elkanah. He loved her but she was barren. Elkanah took a second wife who gave him several children. In spite of Hannah’s state, Elkanah adored her. In Old Testament times, the people measured their worth on having sons. Society looked down on a woman who hadn’t produced children, especially sons. Although it wasn’t God’s intent, the men of the time took a second wife for at least one of the following reasons: 1.) If they had no sons from the first wife, having a second wife gave them the possibility…

The Power of His Might
     'Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life' from Tom Kelley

Things happen in life that sometimes leave us frustrated and even afraid. Other things bring us a certain measure of anticipation and even excitement. Some have the capacity to do all of the above mentioned things. Back in 1999 I never thought that, following my forty-ninth birthday I would be flipping burgers at McDonald's. Sure enough, there I was working the "backline" as it's called as the grill man. At times it was hectic and at times it was pretty sedate. But it was work. And I was getting paid and making a living to go along with my "weekend" ministry with the Berea…

The End of the World As We Know It
     ''Winging It' from Stan Smith

We are commanded in Scripture, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Pretty harsh. Okay. Fine. And then we read, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Okay, now wait! On one hand we must not love the world, but on the other hand the Father loves the world. Now, how is this making any sense? As it turns out, the term "world" is not as simple as you might think.…

The Jewelry Merchant's Suitcase
     'The Way' from Kevin Pauley

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30 A jewelry merchant and a tool seller simultaneously checked into a hotel. The jewelry merchant had his small case, filled with diamonds, emeralds and pearls. The tool seller had a trunk filled with hammers, saws, drills and other kinds of tools. Both were served by the same porter. The jewelry merchant proceeded up to his room and the porter soon arrived…

Comfort God's Way (11-15-10)
     'Today's Little Lift' from Jim Bullington

The contemporary song An On Time God contains these lines: “He may not come when you want Him to, but He'll be there right on time.” Whoever wrote these lines either knew Him or His book (or both), because these sentiments are right on the mark. And in the context of this series, to know that God is always right on time is the source of great comfort. God promised Abram, childless at the time, that he would become the father of a great nation and that through his seed all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12.1-3). Along with that promise came instructions…

Yes! Be Careful What You Ask For
     'Word from Scotland' from Sandy Shaw

Be careful what you ask for! We come to I Samuel Chapter 8, where Israel asks for a king. Oh, be careful what you ask for – God may grant you your request. How did Israel come to be ruled by a king when she had the living God who had blessed her in so many ways – and what lessons can……