Let’s Make Some Lists
One important principle in time management has to do with making lists. If we have written it down, we are more likely to do it, and we are more likely to have structure in our time and the use of it. Lists also tell us a lot about ourselves. If we write down on paper […]
Lessons From a High School Manual
Several years ago, a member of the congregation gave me a 1970 edition of a book entitled, “Bible Study Course — Old Testament” for use in Dallas high schools. One of the beginning quotes, penned by Robert Millikan, reads, “I consider an intimate knowledge of the Bible an indispensable qualification of a well-educated man. Contact […]
Lessons From a National Disgrace
It does not take very long for news of the latest public scandal in our government to reach the ears of the American public. The majority of scandals inevitably produce political and legal issues which are not to be discussed in an article dealing with spiritual matters. But there are serious moral issues which can […]
Lessons From a Godly Seamstress
Her many friends gathered to mourn their loss and celebrate her generosity. Some held coats. Others held robes. They admired the skill of her fingers. They would miss their dear friend and fellow saint, but most of all they would miss her sweet and gentle heart. Her friends called for the apostle Peter that he […]
Lessons From a Crippled Dog
During one of my trips to the Philippines, we gathered with the brethren at the Toril congregation in Davao City, Philippines for worship. I took a seat in the front row of folding chairs. As the singing of hymns began, I observed a dog hobble in, holding one leg off the ground, and he proceeded […]
Lessons at the Temple
In Acts 20:35, Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Part of being a Christian is knowing about not only our responsibilities, but also the acts which we perform which make us grow. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus was at the temple and made an observation of giving (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4). It […]
“The Lamp of the Body Is the Eye”
“The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23). These verses […]
A Lamp and Light
It is beyond question, to the Christian, that this world is filled with darkness (Jn. 1:5). Sin and self are the cause and king, not salvation and the Savior. Yet, we are not doomed to live in darkness. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” […]
Knowledge
To virtue (moral excellence) we are to add knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5). The Greek word in this passage for knowledge is gnosis, moral wisdom through investigation (see Thayer & Vine’s). It is essential to the fruitful life of a Christian (2 Pet. 1:8). We are not to gain a knowledge of the world, but of […]
Just as I Am/I Come Broken
Often we feel that if only we were in different circumstances or had some special talent, we could be better servants for God and serve Him more effectively. This beautiful hymn was written by a bedridden invalid who felt useless to do anything except express her feelings of devotion to God, yet this simply worded […]