Smiling In Church
My wife and I visited a church in another city not long ago. As we were returning home, she asked, "Did you notice anything unusual about the people in that church?" I couldn't say that I had. So she explained, "No one was smiling." As I thought about it, I agreed. A tone of rather grim seriousness pervaded the music and message. Even the foyer afterward was unusually quiet.
Life Without Limits
"Live life without limits with a new El Dorado," said the announcer with confidence. This radio advertisement for a local Cadillac dealer made it sound as if driving a new Cadillac would give you the freedom to do anything your heart desired. Of course, such claims in advertising never really mean all they say. Who ever heard of living life without limits?
W.D.J.D.
Have you seen the W.W.J.D. bracelets? They remind us to ask "What Would Jesus Do?" A few years ago, a Holland, Michigan, youth group was reading the classic In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. One person came up with the idea of making W.W.J.D. bracelets to remind believers of the key question in that book: What would Jesus do in any given situation? Those bracelets have prompted thousands to pause and ponder that question.
Is God Real To You?
In the 1960s, certain theologians (yes, theologians!) proclaimed, "God is dead." In their opinion, the progress of knowledge had made it impossible for thoughtful people to believe in God. These "thinkers" said it was time to bury the idea of an almighty Creator in the graveyard of abandoned myths.
The Testimony Of A Tortoise
Remember the tortoise and the hare in Aesop's Fables? The hare boasted that he was the swiftest animal in the forest. When he challenged the others to a race, only the tortoise dared to try. To the hare, it seemed an unfair contest, since he would win easily. But off they started, with the tortoise soon trailing far behind.
Great Gain
Over the past 15 years, a New Jersey businessman has anonymously given away more than $600 million to universities, medical centers, and other beneficiaries. When a legal complication forced him to reveal his identity, he explained his generosity by saying, "Nobody can wear two pairs of shoes at one time. I simply decided I had enough money."
A 'Him' Sing
How could Paul and Silas sing in their terrible circumstances? They were in a strange city far away from home. They were risking their lives to proclaim Christ to people who resented them and bitterly opposed their message. Men with selfish motives had spread lies about their work and had demanded their arrest. The town officials ordered that they be beaten and thrown into prison.
Follow The Right Leader
Follow me!" That was the invitation given by Marshall Applewhite, self-appointed leader of the Heaven's Gate cult. He promised to those who would become his disciples that he would teach them how they could move on to a higher level of life in a new world. Sincere but gullible men and women heeded his call. They left families, friends, homes, and jobs to live and work together and to obey their leader's teachings.
Lunch Provided
Whenever my wife and I plan to spend a day on the road away from home, we do what many people do: We bring along some food for lunch. Shirley often packs sandwiches, fruit, and cold drinks for a pleasant stop along the way. When our children were young, it was even more important to have Cheerios, graham crackers, and juice boxes handy.
