…you serve a risen Savior!

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……

Summer reading - Most interesting books
     'Refreshment in Refuge' from Gina Burgess

Last year my friend Mike Duran asked his readers a few questions about the most interesting and impacting books they have read. I had written a post back in 2006 answering similar questions. I thought my list would probably change since I review about 40 to 50 books per year, and surely I would find a newer book that would take the place of an older one on my list. Even after seven years, my list is about the same. I thought it would be good to get other people's lists (hopefully you will share yours!) so we could get some summer reading done. Here are my answers... Books that…

Mud Man
     'Voice of Inspiration' from Andy Castro

He must have seen the glory beaming out of the one named Adam. He had to see the sunrise and sunset, creativity and passion, strength and love in the muddy mixture. He must have seen the majesty of untold greatness and the beauty of wholeness in this unfamiliar work of creation. Lucifer, in all his anger, resentment and bitterness must have seen Adam as a reflection of Almighty God. He must have shook in fear as he watched the Creator from a distance form, mold and shape the mud into man. Questions and worry must have invaded his mind as God etched away all imperfections to create…

Eternal Forgiveness
     ''Christ in You...'' from Dale Krebbs

As Christians, we have, in order to become Christians, been deeply convicted of our past sins. Also, as Christians, we need to be convicted of our forgiveness as well as our sins. Do you KNOW that you have been forgiven? Some of us have trouble accepting and believing that we have been forgiven. It may be due to the memories in our heart and mind of our sinful past that causes us have a very difficult time with their past that hinders our spiritual growth, peace of mind, and can even distort our view of life in general. Much of this problem involves forgiving the old self.…

Live Inside Your Heart
     'Inspiration For You' from Randy Mitchell

Not long ago, I submitted this quote on my social media accounts, "If you're going to write, do it with your heart, not with your head." Almost immediately, I saw it gathering attention and it really made me stop and think about what I was saying. The answer is simple: It was something that came to me while closing my eyes and letting my inner soul do the talking. Now, for some that might sound a bit corny, or even conceded. But truthfully, that is really how I write and am learning to live my life. Our actions and reactions should reflect what our heart, and passions…

Bible and Quote - September 23-27
     'Bible verse and quote' from Jan Couns

You provided in Your goodness for the poor, O God. Psalm 68:10b Infinite Wisdom sees good, and what is wanted in one thing shall be made up in another. Matthew Henry, 1662-1714, Welsh-born, English nonconformist minister Bible commentator The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host: Psalm 68:11 We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in an ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. Mother Theresa .she who remains at home will divide the spoil! Psalm 68:12 The noblest service…

Bible Promise-Faith
     'God's Words For US' from Cecelia Lester

Faith: confidence in the testimony of another.1 “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) As children of God, we believe that He watches over us as we go through each of our days. We know He stands alongside us as we go through the mundane tasks of living: caring for our children, doing the laundry, shopping for necessities-food, clothing, and paying bills. When God orders our days, we trust Him to allow us to do the important…