As Christians, associating ourselves with a congregation of the Lord’s people is not a difficult task. Unfortunately, some Christians want to be considered a part of the congregation, but they do not desire to be involved in the Lord’s work.

God has built into our nature an internal judicial system — the conscience. It commends us when we do right and condemns us when we do wrong (cf. Acts 23:1; John 8:7-9). But this vital monitor of morality does not say the same thing to everyone (Titus 1:15). In some

According to various studies conducted by doctors around the country, counting our blessings promotes good physical health. Volunteers who kept weekly gratitude journals, reported fewer aches and pains than

While working for a major gas transmission company a few years back, I worked in an office building for two years where there were few windows. In fact, the majority of those two years were spent in rooms

In Jeremiah 32:1-44, we see Jerusalem surrounded by Babylonian armies. Resistance was futile (Jeremiah 34:1-3; cf. 2 Kings 25:1-3). The prophet Jeremiah had already warned the leaders that the city would fall (Jeremiah 19:7). Now he languished in prison for prophesying the truth (Jeremiah 32:2).

The story is told of a gospel preacher who was able to look at the bleakest of circumstances and always find something to be thankful for. One Sunday, while the weather was cold, wet, and stormy, one of the deacons whispered, “I’m certain the preacher won’t be able to thank God for anything on a […]

Some days, many of us wake up with aching joints and ho-hum spirits, wondering how we can shake off our lethargy and make it through the day.

From life’s experiences, we know that some folks grow old gracefully, while others become grouchy and ill-tempered. Knowing this, it’s important for us as Christians to know which direction we’re

If we follow any kind of sports at all, we know that fans can change like the weather. For example, a football team”™s star quarterback can hear 70,000 cheering and screaming

The story is told of a teenage boy who struggled with a question that theologians have wrestled with for centuries. He was trying to understand why his mother had to have brain surgery, so he asked his mom, “Why do good people suffer?” She answered, “Son, suffering is part of living in a sin-cursed world, […]

People all over our country are constantly looking for the better item, whether buying fruit in a market or choosing a place to live. We examine, ponder, compare, and finally make a choice based on what we

In Titus 2:15 – NKJV, Paul admonishes Titus by saying, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.” The phrase, “these things,” refers to “the things which are

Part 1 When we think about the word “missions” what naturally comes to our mind are specific works (primarily in other countries) in which the church participates by either contributing funds or sending individuals to be involved. The Latin root behind the English word “mission” simply meant “to send.” In the secular sense, the word […]

The Proverb writer tells us that gossip is like “tasty trifles” (Proverbs 26:22). We like to hear gossip and share it with others because it “tastes” good. Gossip is rooted in our need to feel good about ourselves.

Actress Julia Roberts was once asked what object she valued most. She replied, “I have a letter from my daddy, the only letter that I managed not to lose as a child. If anyone ever took that letter away from me, I would just be destroyed. It doesn’t mean anything to anybody else, yet I

In many colleges around the country, students engage in an interesting annual rite — a tug-of-war. Two teams train and prepare to pull together on their end of a rope to win the competition,

The story is told of a man who entered an elaborate church edifice desirous of worshipping God. While observing the religious activities of the congregation, he was moved to tears by the beautiful harmony of the choir and his soul felt borne to heavenly heights as the organ breathed

In growing older, one of the things this writer has learned is not to expect too much from people. For example, many folks will say they are going to do something, and they disappoint us when

In the Old Testament, Job and Daniel had much in common because both went through serious trials and challenges. Both had great success because of the blessing of God’s

The story is told of a Russian Christian living under the communist regime, who learned that a friend had acquired a Bible. Since he didn’t own one, he asked his friend if he could borrow it. His friend told him that he read his Bible every evening until 10 p.m. So each night for 8 […]