Don't Let It Get To You
First, the bad news. Our society can have a terrible influence on us and our children. The entertainment media, for example, offer various forms of sinful behavior for our listening and viewing "pleasure." One music TV channel, for instance, was characterized in World magazine by film critic Michael Medved like this: "There is absolutely no excuse for MTV to be present in the home. It is 100-percent negative."
A Mysterious Fragrance
Most of us can think of someone—perhaps a relative or a friend—who is known for a particular perfume she wears. Even without seeing her, we know when she's nearby. Wordlessly, her fragrance welcomes us into her company.
The Scenery Or The Play
Early in Moss Hart's career as a Broadway playwright, he tried desperately to overhaul the dull third act of an ailing play. After a dozen agonizing rewrites, he decided his favorite scene, along with its elaborate and expensive set, had to go. The scenery had captured the plot and was holding the dialog hostage.
Serve Joyfully
When I walked into the gift shop, I was greeted with a cheery "Good afternoon!" The young salesperson chattered brightly as she pointed out the shop's unique products, shared my observations about the weather, helped me choose a gift, and neatly wrapped my purchase.
The Book Of Names
Late one afternoon in 19th-century London, two sight-seeing soldiers went to visit the magnificent Westminster Cathedral but found its doors locked. Arthur Stanley, who had become dean of the Cathedral in 1863, was walking outside at the time and noticed them. When he learned that they couldn't return the next day, he unlocked the door and gave them a personal tour.
The Power Of Pentecost
God's power was dramatically displayed when the Holy Spirit came upon a small band of Christ's followers on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4). Those present heard a roaring sound like a strong driving wind. Flames like fiery tongues hovered above their heads, and they proclaimed God's wonderful works in languages they had never learned.
Law And Grace
While traveling on an interstate highway, I observed an interesting analogy of the relationship between law and grace. I saw motorists pulled over by state troopers, reminding me that the law always remains in force. But I also noted that if I stayed in the traffic flow, I would need grace, for nearly everyone was exceeding the speed limit. Yet I saw no motorist being pulled over for merely keeping up with the traffic. This reminded me that when we break God's law we deserve punishment, but He deals graciously with us.
Standing Tall
It has never been easy to be a slave. In the days of the Roman Empire, slaves were called "human tools." Old or sick slaves could be thrown aside like a worn-out saw.
How To Get Rid Of Fear
The flashing sign along a stretch of North Carolina interstate warned: Slow Down
Dead-Sea Christians
The Dead Sea is so salty that it contains no fish or plant life. What accounts for this unusual condition? There are absolutely no outlets! A great volume of water pours into this area, but nothing flows out. Many inlets plus no outlets equals a dead sea.
Deprived Of Joy
A poverty-stricken mother will deprive herself of food to feed her children. A dedicated student will go without sleep to acquire knowledge. And a patriotic soldier will give up home and safety to defend his country. But who for no sensible reason would deprive himself of the most important thing in life? Yet that is precisely what a non-Christian is doing by ignoring his spiritual welfare. He is robbing himself of the joy that only Jesus can give.
Unmistakable Success
What would you think of a baseball player who played seven seasons without hitting the ball in fair territory? One of the best players of all time, Mickey Mantle, did the equivalent of that. His walks and strikeouts add up to more than 3,400 trips to the plate—seven seasons' worth.
Who Is God?
The religion editor of a newspaper said that to know God's will on current issues we should "try to get into the mind of Jesus." He suggested that we should set aside differences in beliefs about His deity, His atonement, and His resurrection, and think of Him instead as a kind and good man.
Let's Go Fishing!
Philip Melancthon, the great Reformation theologian, once said to his friend Martin Luther, "This day you and I will discuss the governance of the universe." What Luther said in response was unexpected: "This day you and I will go fishing and leave the governance of the universe to God."
It's Sally!
Benjamin West was just trying to be a good babysitter for his little sister Sally. While his mother was out, Benjamin found some bottles of colored ink and proceeded to paint Sally's portrait. But by the time Mrs. West returned, ink blots stained the table, chairs, and floor. Benjamin's mother surveyed the mess without a word until she saw the picture. Picking it up she exclaimed, "Why, it's Sally!" And she bent down and kissed her young son.
God's Workshop
Whenever I go to the beauty salon, I must be prepared, oddly enough, to look anything but beautiful—at least to start with.
He Calls Us By Name
Hearing our name spoken makes an impression on us one way or another. Whenever my mother asked in an authoritative voice, "Haddon William Robinson, what are you doing?" I knew she wasn't seeking information. But hearing "Haddon William Robinson" read in stately tones as I strode across the platform at graduation had a very different feel.
Strong—And Gentle
There was a time in my life when I enjoyed debating with people who represented religious cults. When they said that Jesus is not God or that another book has equal authority with the Bible, I had them read Scripture passages that proved them wrong. I felt a bit smug when I saw them eager to end the conversation. But I never led any of them to the Savior.
The Secret Of Strength
If there's anything we tend to despise, it's weakness. Strength, on the other hand, is regarded as praiseworthy. But the apostle Paul made a puzzling statement: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).
Mothers Who Pray
The faith and prayers of mothers can have a profound impact on the lives of their children. First Samuel 1 records Hannah's plea and God's answer in the birth of her son Samuel. And in a letter to Timothy, Paul referred to the faith of Timothy's mother, which I'm sure was often expressed in earnest prayer on his behalf. No wonder he was used of God in the early church.
Caught Red-Handed
A small airplane loaded with cocaine valued at $20 million was intercepted by federal agents as it flew over the Florida coast. Suddenly, bales of cocaine began falling out of the sky. One dropped in a church parking lot. Another hit a housetop. Several others came down in the Everglades.
Heart Trouble
It was the first time I met my neighbor, who had just moved in a few days before. He told me he had heart trouble and had sold his business on the advice of his doctor.
Thank You For Not Squawking
On a recent flight, I was seated behind two small children who were not happy about being on a plane. Their cries of complaint filled the cabin.
You Seem So Happy
My daughter was playing basketball at a local sports facility when the manager asked her where she went to school. When she named her Christian school, the man expressed surprise. "But you seem so happy all the time. I thought Christians were supposed to walk around acting sad."
The Difference Love Makes
If an athletic team is to succeed, there must be a bond of unity among its members. In the words of memorable football coach Vince Lombardi, "If you're going to play together as a team, you've got to care for one another. You've got to love each other." He added, "The difference between mediocrity and greatness is the feeling these guys have for one another."
Give It Your Best!
On the 80th birthday of the famous musician and conductor Arturo Toscanini, someone asked his son what he considered to be his father's greatest achievement. He replied, "For him there can be no such thing. Whatever he happens to be doing at any moment is the biggest undertaking in his life, whether it be conducting a symphony or peeling an orange."
A Map And A Compass
I was driving on the outskirts of Orlando, searching for the little town of Zellwood. I had carefully located it on the map, but I discovered that I was on an unfamiliar road. A glance at the compass attached to my windshield, however, assured me that I was headed in the right direction and would eventually cross the highway leading to Zellwood.
Attitude Check
In a television interview, a Christian spoke of a certain well-known man as having "a solid relationship with Christ." That statement raised a large question mark in my mind since the man's life is marked by vulgar speech, alcohol abuse, and flagrant womanizing. I felt the need for evidence that he hates his lifestyle and wants to be different.
Airline Uplift
I was on my way to the Russian Far East to teach for 2 weeks at St. James Bible College in Magadan. After an overnight stay in Seattle, I boarded the plane with some apprehension. Would my visa be okay? Would I have trouble getting my equipment through customs? Would I be able to teach my course on Bible interpretation effectively? How would the students, translator, and administrators respond to me?
Eddy Out
When a whitewater raft guide shouts, "Eddy out!" he doesn't mean, "Throw someone named Edward out of the boat!" It's the command for the people on one side to hold their paddles against the current while the others stroke. This turns the raft out of the swift water and into the quiet eddies along the river's edge.
Pointers And Beaners
Some people make judging others their specialty. According to some century-old church records, a congregation in a small midwestern town in the United States appointed two officers in the church and gave them the titles of "Pointer" and "Beaner." They each had a special responsibility during the Sunday sermons.
