When Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Corinth, it was not a letter glowing with praise for their faithfulness and purity in following Jesus. Instead, Paul had to reprimand them for falling back into worldly ways and for living to please their fleshly desires instead of pleasing God.
The present economy has created great uncertainty for many. Believers re-defining their future often struggle, trying to understand God’s will for their lives. No matter how unstable our environment, though, we can rest in knowing God loves us and He is in control. We must remain faithful as we trust Him.
He was big for his age — 220 pounds and six feet tall! Bucking hay bales for his uncle during the summer, he had developed muscles in places most kids just dreamed about. But he was just like any other kid his age, wanting to look and be like someone else.
When courting Louise, nobody ever had to ask me if I was spending time with her regularly. I didn’t have to make a special effort to schedule time with her. I could hardly wait to spend time with her. And I told her everything — my hopes, dreams, fears — even dumb stuff.
Texas history is full of heroes, but Sam Houston is one of my favorites. Houston’s battle cry, “Remember the Alamo!” helped win independence for Texas. Much later still, he married the daughter of a Baptist preacher and trusted Christ as his Savior. His was a drastic conversion, as he purposed to live a life of righteousness.
I have enjoyed the pleasure that came from several friends and mentors in my life who were in their later years. Most churches and Christian ministries today could not continue without the totality of the dedication and determination of these senior committed Christians sharing their gifts and talents.
If we don’t read the Bible, we don’t know what it says. Many think they know what it says without ever reading it. They let their assumptions about God and the Christian life guide them instead of looking in the Book to see what God really says. As a result, many have horribly flawed views of God and what He requires of us.
In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (vs. 3) Then, throughout the rest of the chapter, Jesus laid out for them what they (we) can expect.
For thousands of years, farmers have created new fruit trees using grafting methods. The fact that a limb from another tree can be grafted into the host tree is an amazing process. Once the branch is properly grafted on the root stock or tree, it will begin to receive nourishment from the host, so that it becomes a permanent part of the host and can bear fruit.
Nowadays, we face many social and peer pressures to conform and be compliant. People tell us “not to rock the boat”, but to trust political leaders and media sources that try to intimidate us. It is noteworthy when someone stands up for their faith and convictions, others gain confidence to join with us, for courage is contagious.
An Ironman Triathlon is about as grueling as it gets. Think about this – swim 2.4 miles in cold water, bicycle in the wind 112 miles, and then run/walk 26.2 miles in the heat of the day. The premiere athletes, who finish in the top two or three positions, complete the 140 mile course in eight and a half hours. For many the day is much longer, lasting up to 17 hours. While we live out our lives on earth, sufferings and trials can teach us to develop patience and perseverance.
No matter how old we are, God has plans for us. In Ps. 92:14 we read, “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” Aging will be a joy when we let God walk with us.
When church leaders are not intentional about their ministries and have not carefully developed a pathway to success, there will be little buy in from men. Learn why this happens, and how to prevent it…
