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.
