One of the mistakes far too many make is forming opinions and often arriving at a final conclusion before we hear the complete story. Solomon said, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). Also remember that in defense of Jesus, Nicodemus said, “Does our judge a man before it hears him…

You can pick up a novel to read.  You can pick up a work of nonfiction.  You can pick up a bedtime story book.  You can pick up a self-help book.  You can pick up a biography.  You can pick up a book of fantasy.  There are scores of different kinds of books that you can read today, but when you pick…

Jesus uses a story about the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate that man’s idea of righteousness is not God’s (Luke 16:19-31). In that same chapter, Jesus said to the Pharisees who were lovers of money, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable…

An adage which has been around for years is, “Clothes makes the man.” The idea behind this is that when a man wears the proper clothes, these clothes removed any blemishes which he might have. When wearing the proper clothing he is far more likely to be received and accepted by society. Consider the follow “items” of clothing which God urges us…

Many mourned as they stood outside the Notre Dame Cathedral and watched it burn. This structure with its national and historical significance has stood for 850 years. During that time, it has found a place in the heart of the French people. Before the cost could even be evaluated, the French President vowed that it will be rebuilt. Several wealthy Paris families…

The announcement last Sunday of Joe Holland’s resignation from the eldership brings mixed emotions (and lots of fond memories).  Unfortunately, due to the decline in Joe’s health, he decided a few weeks ago that it was time for him to resign.  After 42 years, it was not an easy decision for him to make or the church to hear.  We have been…

Life is never easy, but there are those times when we become so overwhelmed that we are filled with despair, feeling like we can never succeed. God, who supplies all our needs, has given us His words of truth to let us know just how wrong we are. Remember this. With the exception of two times (one was in the Garden of…

Proverbs 6:16-19 is a well-known passage that teaches seven things which the Lord hates.  But, turn that around.  What are some things that the Lord loves?  To be more like Him and to be more pleasing to Him, I ought to learn to hate what He hates, and to love what He loves. One way to determine what the Lord loves is…