October, 2011 // Posts published in October, 2011
Needing God
I heard an old hymn that says we need God every hour of the day. I know people who don’t believe that’s true. Some feel they’re doing quite well on their own. They are in good health, have a great job, and enjoy pleasure-filled relationships. Since they believe they are in control, confident in their...
The Greatest Gift
When I was in the fifth grade, our family didn’t have much money. Christmas would be sparse, maybe with a new pair of jeans, a couple of shirts, practical stuff. The clothes would be used, but new to me, and compared to having nothing, I was blessed. After we checked out the candy and fruit...
The Kingdom of God
Society stresses the importance of planning our work and working our plans. We need to be in control, so we can assure our success. That doesn’t seem to work very well for me. When I consider the millions of business and people who file for bankruptcy each year, I wonder how well it’s working for...
Generosity
I sometimes ask people, “When you get to Heaven, who’s the first person in the Bible you want to talk to?” We all get to see Jesus, so the answer has to be somebody else. The apostle Paul, Peter, or John are at the first of many choices. I hear the names Moses, Abraham, and...
Give a Little
I heard the preacher pray before the offering, saying, “Thank you, Lord, for the chance to give a little back.” Those are good words. I’ve heard them many times, but I wonder if some people might be missing the most important aspect of giving. If Jesus said, “If you’re not willing to give everything, you...
Dark Worship
A couple walked into the dark church sanctuary where I was visiting. “Good morning,” the greeter said, in a tone that made me think the greeter knew the couple. “I can almost see you,” the woman said. Sometimes I wonder why worship needs to take place in the darkness. Maybe it’s so we can see...
Spanking
When Daddy said, “You’re going to get a spanking…” he made a promise. For the rest of the day, I had something to anticipate, something to worry about. That evening, he talked to me about what I had done. I quickly agreed, hoping he would give me a second chance. When he took me by...
Loneliness
Some people enjoy being alone. I’m not sure why. Maybe they’re afraid they might lose something. I’m old enough to have lived in poverty and in wealth. Either way, if all I have is myself and my possessions, I don’t have much to keep from getting bored. Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat is...
Freedom
Americans are proud of their freedom. We would not accept the absolute control of a tyrant. For centuries, we have wanted freedom to worship and serve God as we please, without constraint from an oppressive government. The slaves of America in the 1800s wanted to be free. Yet, as soon as they achieved freedom, they...
Famous Scripture
John 3:16 reveals the extent of God’s love for us. While we were undeserving sinners Christ died for us so we might live. I see signs posted on the side of the road and posters at ballgames, with nothing but the book name, chapter, and verse. Evidently, those who see the signs are supposed to...
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