After all of the presidential debates that have recently taken place among the hopefuls, this writer has observed that there are few among the candidates that seem to display any real humility.

In the October-December 2011 issue of the Magnolia Messenger, pg. 17, is a tribute to brother Ray Gilbert, who recently passed on to be with the Lord (also see article from the Oct/Dec., 2010 issue, pg. 14). Brother Gilbert was a faithful member of the South Huntington congregation in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and at 88 years […]

Yes….I think perhaps I will do better this time around. I have learned from my past mistakes and surely I won’t repeat the same ones again! Right?

The following above entitled article was written by sister Joy Jensen, who along her missionary husband, George, live in Iringa, Tanzania (see map). Joy asks this question: “Are we, as parents, asking too much, regarding standards we expect for the future mates of our children?“

Jesus declares Himself to be the great Gatherer. He came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He came to His own and His own received Him not, and He said:

In Psalm 117, we find the following words recorded: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness [love] is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord [faithfulness] endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

The church of the first century as established by Christ through His apostles, was not a denomination, but simply and purely the church and spiritual body of Christ upon the earth. On this, most all will agree. But on the necessity of returning to that status, and on the means of doing this, few will […]

The story is told of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman reclining lazily on the deck of his boat. “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked. “Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman.

It’s that time of year again — crowds of the Yule shoppers invade the mall, family and friends gather, logs cracking in the fireplace, pumpkin pie, warm sugar cookies, and brightly wrapped packages tied up with curly ribbons. For many folks, this kind of holiday is pure fantasy, because of the difficult economic times we […]

In looking at the Occupy DC protesters, we see people who obviously find labor so wearisome, that they think it must be punishment from God. This could not be further from the truth. Even before sin entered the world, God gave Adam and Eve meaningful work to do (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15).

What’s so Merry about Christmas? Was Scrooge right about Christmas? Is there simply too much “Bah Humbug” in the world? We have all been told about the stress and related disorders that are associated with the holiday season. Then of course, it isn’t politically correct to say “Merry Christmas” any more. After all, Christmas should […]

Can you say that you are ready to step out in faith? Suppose that God disappoints you? This won’t be the first time either. The very thing you have been praying about earnestly isn’t happening. In fact, you can’t seem to find any solutions after prayer. The cancer is spreading; the child is still rebelling; […]

For those of us who are infirmed, the following poem offers some excellent advice: I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m sick and tired of feeling ill. I’m sick and tired of the doctor’s office. I’m sick and tired of the doctor’s pills.

Great prosperity and severe poverty are both hazardous extremes, for they can equally cause major spiritual problems  (1 Timothy 6:8-10; cf. Luke 12:16-21).

The story is told of a company that hired a consultant in order to improve efficiency within the workforce. The consultant scheduled a meeting of all shop personnel. Stressing the need to listen to expert advice, he said, “Imagine you’re on the Titanic, and it’s sinking. You get into a lifeboat. The ship’s navigator goes […]

During the six months that I and my son were the sole caregivers for my wife, Nancy (who has vascular dementia), I learned from this AARP web site, that there is an estimated 65.7 million Americans who are unpaid caregivers, and a majority of them currently work or have worked while providing care. In providing […]

According to researchers who examined parts recovered from the Titanic, impure rivets made of wrought iron rather than steel caused the ship’s hull to open like a zipper. The sinking of the Titanic proves the foolishness of spending resources on fancy equipment and public promotion gimmicks, while neglecting the seemingly “insignificant” parts.

For convenience sake, I am placing all of my article links relative to Thanksgiving and thankfulness in this one posting. May God grant you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving, for we indeed have much to be thankful for:

The story is told of a preacher who one Sunday preached to his congregation about spiritual gifts. After the service, he was greeted at the door by a woman who said, “Preacher, I believe I have the gift of criticism.”

We sit through a play, we attentively watch the actors onstage. If we are sufficiently entertained, we show our gratitude with applause. The church assembly should be the exact opposite of the theater. When we worship, God is the audience.