No matter what we say or what we do, there will always be detractors to provide some form of negativity. The whole design of the detractor is “to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation”; “to draw away or divert; distract.”
In Jeremiah 29, we see a letter from the prophet, Jeremiah being sent to the first wave of captives who were sent to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). False prophets, including Hananiah, were telling the people that the captivity would be short-lived (Jeremiah 28:10-11), but God thought otherwise (Jeremiah 29:8-10; cf. Jeremiah 25:12).
It’s so easy to blame others for our failures, is it not? While it is true that others often make it difficult for us to succeed, to blame our defeat on others, is to admit that we ourselves are not big enough to overcome the obstacles that are in the way.
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the person who cut us off in traffic last night, may be a single mother/father who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry, and spend a few precious moments with their children.
The man who strives to get all the “gusto” he can, soon finds that he does not possess, but that he himself is possessed (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:16; 2 Peter 2:19). He is intent on getting, not because he needs, but because he wants (Joshua 7:20-21).
Women love shoes. Just look in their closets. It was discovered that Imelda Marcos, wife of the deposed dictator of the Philippines, had hundreds of pairs of shoes.
One of the circus acts which always fascinates an audience, is the tight-rope walker. We admire the ability of anyone who can keep life under control and keep dangerous extremes and opposing forces in balance.
The individual who has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself, is the individual who knows how to live at peace with himself (Philippians 4:10-13). Such a person is not upset because he does not win every contest, but finds his satisfaction in playing the game, simply for the joy of playing.
The death of our loved ones bring changes and adjustments for those of us who are left behind. The warmth and associations of former days are gone. The silence, the finality, and the incommunicability greatly disturb us. But, for the one who has triumphed, there is rejoicing (Matthew 25:21).
Prayer acknowledges that there is a Supreme Being that rules the universe (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 2; Daniel 4:17; Acts 17:24-28) and is concerned with our needs (Matthew 6:25-33), and that it is possible for us to approach God in the assurance that He will hear us and help us (1 John 5:13-14; Isaiah 50:9 NASB).
When we live by grace, we’re doing for another individual kindnesses he doesn’t deserve, hasn’t earned, could not ask for, and can’t repay (Matthew 18:21-35). Its main facets are beauty, kindness, gratitude, charm, favor, and thankfulness (Luke 17:11-19).
Over the past ten years, I have substituted at various school libraries in our local school district, and have observed the following regarding the children of this present generation:
Coercion conquers men outwardly but leaves them inwardly unsubdued. A wise leader uses a minimum of compulsion and a maximum of persuasion (2 Corinthians 5:11; cf. Acts 18:1-4; Acts 19:8).
Oh Eve…..how could you? You were perfect. You carried within your body the generations of humanity. Your beauty enhanced all of God’s creation. You were the beautiful complement to Adam. He needed a help mate and you were created (Genesis 2:18-23).
There are some brethren in the brotherhood who change churches almost as often as they change socks. They are what I call nitpickers — always finding fault with this and that. Nothing or no one is ever right. When some member offends them in some way, they immediately look for “greener pastures.” Only to find […]
Not long after my wife and I married, I thought I knew the ultimate shortcut to my wife’s heart. I arrived home one afternoon with a bouquet of a dozen red roses behind my back. When I presented the flowers to her, she thanked me, gave me a kiss, sniffed the flowers, and then immediately […]
As any good writer will tell you, good writing is an art. Good writers are always wanting to improve their writing ability, and that includes the use of proper grammar.
In our world today, we have need of filters of all sorts. We filter the air and water in our homes. We use filters for fuel, air, and oil in our automobiles. We even have various filters in the human body. Lungs, kidneys, stomach, and even hair serve in such capacities. Many of us also […]
The above question has been asked multiple times with multiple answers being given as to what constitutes “the good life.” Let us consider the following story:
Oh, not for more or longer days, dear Lord, My prayer shall be — But rather teach me how to use the days Now given me.