Pray—And Plan!
A recently widowed woman wants to remain in the house where she and her husband raised their children. Because she lives alone, she purchased a home alarm system. Now she feels hypocritical when she prays for protection. But she need not feel guilty. In the Bible, wise planning and humble dependence on God go hand-in-hand.
One More Miracle
If you are looking for a praise and worship pattern, look no further than Exodus 15.
What Are You Worth?
Sometimes an enemy of God's truth becomes a truth-teller without intending to be.
The Me In You
Journalist Shana Alexander wrote a book that was very sympathetic with the case of a woman who was convicted of a serious crime. The writer was sensitive to the plight of the accused for several reasons. First, she felt that the woman was unfairly sentenced—two similar cases had resulted in leniency from the court. She also said that the accused had been smeared by the tabloids, which resulted in adverse public opinion. But the most compelling reason was that Shana saw herself in the woman. "She reminds me of me. We're all capable of doing this," said Alexander, commenting on the crime in question.
Flow And Overflow
When a cup is filled to overflowing, whatever spills over the edge is the same as what's being poured in. That is a natural process that I can understand.
Living Like Royalty
In the fall of 1997, I had my first closeup look at royalty. Zeeland, Michigan, the small Dutch town where I was born, was celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Princess Margriet and her husband honored the city with an official visit from the Netherlands.
Good Medicine
We live in a day when more is being said about health and nutrition than ever before. In fact, we hear so many conflicting opinions that we hardly know what to believe.
Dandelions And Dollars
Several years ago I was a missionary home on furlough, feeling anxious about my mounting financial needs. One morning at the farmhouse where I was staying, I talked with the Lord and finally handed over these needs to Him.
E-Mail Challenge
It came to me as a two-sentence e-mail from Norway: "I think that Jesus Christ never existed, and I believe we are from monkeys! You are stupid to believe in Jesus."
A Child Like Peter
Do you have a child who seems to hear you only when he wants to? He doesn't hear you the first time you ask him to please bring his math book home so you can help him. Nor does he seem to hear you the second time you mention it. You have to tell him three times.
When Things Get Worse
A woman was experiencing several complications from a serious illness. "As a nurse," she said, "I know what to expect. Things will only get worse." After listing the problems that would come as her disease progressed, she expressed her confidence that the Lord would be with her all the way. Then she quipped, "I just wish it wouldn't take Him so long to take me to heaven."
The Best-Laid Plans
We may think about the future and plan our lives as carefully as possible, but God has the final word. He is the One who turns our dreams into reality—or who turns our lives in a sharply different direction.
Cover-up
After bearing the burden of a guilty conscience for more than four decades, an elderly man decided he couldn't go on any longer without confessing his crime.
Feelings Of Inadequacy
"I can't." With those words, we often dismiss our responsibility to do something God wants us to do.
Thankful For Government?
Most of us would agree with Paul about the need to pray for political leaders (1 Tim. 2:1). But many people have a hard time accepting Paul's instruction to give thanks to God for government (v.2). Because of all the wrong they see in national and local politics, government seems more of a curse than a blessing. They wonder what they are supposed to be thankful for.
We Reap What We Sow
Many of us are deeply troubled by the injustices we see in life. Unscrupulous, dishonest, God-denying people are often the ones who prosper the most. But you can be sure of this: "God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). This principle is illustrated in The Gray and Adams Commentary.
Reasons Why I Never Wash
People who don't attend church often give some rather interesting reasons for not doing so. To show the weaknesses of those excuses, someone has compiled a humorous list called "Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash."
- I was forced to wash as a child.
- People who wash are hypocrites—they think they're cleaner than others.
- There are so many kinds of soap, I could never decide which was right.
- I used to wash, but it got boring.
- I wash only on Christmas or Easter.
- None of my friends wash.
- I'll start washing when I'm older.
- I really don't have time.
- The bathroom isn't warm enough.
- People who make soap are only after your money.
What's The Incarnation?
The incarnation. It's one of those big doctrinal terms that may puzzle us. What does it mean? Let's take a few moments to think about it.
Assault And Flattery
A stand-up comedian has provided a couple of one-liners that, when combined, can provide us with a spiritual parallel. He said, "I looked high and low for you, but I didn't look low enough." He also joked, "I have a considerate doctor. If you can't afford the operation, he touches up the x-rays."
Home Improvement
If you've ever wanted to live in a castle, this is your chance. The state of Saxony in eastern Germany has a dozen castles for sale, each priced at one German mark (which is just over half a US dollar).
Compassion For The Poor
Many people have little sympathy for the poor in their community because they assume they are lazy and irresponsible. Others say that the problem is with a government welfare system that is inefficient and often abused. But it is wrong to say that all poor people deserve their plight.
A Grateful Heart
Some people have turned complaining into an art form. If you say, "I don't have anything to complain about," they are happy to offer some suggestions. They count their many blessings and then complain that there aren't more of them.
Safe In His Arms
Aleta Danforth has been a missionary in the Congo (formerly Zaire) since 1979. She was heartbroken when they had to leave the country in 1997. A tribal war that began in Rwanda was sweeping toward them across the country. Soldiers were finally seen in their area, so Aleta, her family, and their fellow missionaries had to say goodbye to their good friends.
Pay To Pray?
Several years ago a news report told about a preacher who promised to sell blessings on the installment plan. Incredible as it sounds, he offered 12 monthly blessings for $84. Anyone who wanted his prayers could fill out a coupon and send $7 a month for one year. Hinting that his prayers have brought people financial rewards, he promised to send a "blessing certificate" when he received the first payment, and an "anointed billfold" with the second. Of course, there was no money-back guarantee.
Disappearing Act
What if suddenly one day all followers of Christ disappeared? What if we all just vanished?
Encouraging Examples
The couple's example of love and compassion was an encouragement to me. They were in their early forties and had three children of their own when the Lord led them to take in four foster children, all siblings less than 4 years old. A month later, the woman found out she was pregnant!
Worth The Wait
Oh, how we hate to be kept waiting, especially by God. Why does He sometimes make us wait?
Deep Roots
Some friends of mine planted two trees of the same kind and age. The first was set in level ground in the middle of the yard, where its roots went deep into the ground to soak up water. The second was planted at the bottom of a steep bank. When it rained, the water rushed past it to the street.
No Small Deeds
Do you sometimes feel that your life isn't making any impact for God? I do! The human race now numbers more than 6 billion people, the majority of whom don't know Jesus. World problems are overwhelming. My praying, witnessing, and giving seem to be doing little to change our ungodly world.
Coping With Change
A friend of mine studied and trained for years in preparation for the work of Bible translation. When he finally arrived in his assigned country, he wrote about the odyssey of the previous years: "The key to staying alive in this life of constant change is to expect the unexpected, to remain vigilant, and above all, to remember daily that God is firmly in control when all else indicates otherwise."
The Common Enemy
I knew about their longstanding argument, but I had never heard them go at it like this before. There in the trees in front of my house the crows and the blue jays were quarreling again. Their war of words and wings had escalated beyond anything I had ever seen.
