"Oh, Come On!"
[10/04/2011 "teEn-MAIL"] "OH, COME ON!" "Oh, come on! What's the problem. It will be fun. Join us." Such are the pleadings of friends that don't always lead down the right path. Regardless of the pressure we might feel to go along, serious consideration ought to be given to the "what"... (Continue reading ""Oh, Come On!"")
Alien Attachment!
Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest of all the kings of his time. (1 Kings 10:23) Because of his notoriety "the whole earth" sought to come into his presence to hear his wisdom. (1 Kings 10:24) Even the Queen of Sheba, after hearing unbelievable reports, came to hear and... (Continue reading "Alien Attachment!")
Expounding And Expanding!
Though some people speak out of ignorance -- TALKING about things they really don't know much about -- generally the thing that gets people TALKING is introducing a subject with which they are very familiar. However, unless we are asking questions, talking merely reveals what we already know. It... (Continue reading "Expounding And Expanding!")
Set To Defend!
When going out to defend the garden against weeds, we would go ARMED with a shovel, hoe, weed puller, or other such tools. When police go after a dangerous suspect, they go out ARMED with bulletproof vests, stun guns, and weapons to apprehend while protecting the public. When a... (Continue reading "Set To Defend!")
What We Want!
"What we want!" That is most often considered to be a selfish focus. However, there is a life connection wherein such a focus ought to impact our actions. As we sometimes grumble about not getting what we deserve, is that always what we really want? In connection with a... (Continue reading "What We Want!")
So Shall It Be!
When it comes to both God's promises and His warnings we can take Him at His word. Though we may have many plans, some of them we may not be able to carry out for one reason or another. This, however, is not the case with God. (note Proverbs... (Continue reading "So Shall It Be!")
A Guide!
Looking a long way off, we are helped with a sense of direction. However, what happens when going through valleys, around curves, or through forested areas that cause us to lose sight of where we are heading? Recently while hiking a path I had not traveled before, knowing where... (Continue reading "A Guide!")
Begins Within! (part 3 of 3)
My stuff! My ideas! My plans! My way! When my focus is on me and your focus is on you, what happens between us? How can we unite in service for the common good? Then, when we allow such an attitude to be reflected in our relationship to God,... (Continue reading "Begins Within! (part 3 of 3)")
Begins Within! (part 2 of 3)
What we choose to dwell on is important to consider. Cravings, desires, longings, and wants must be kept in check. Like yeast in a lump of dough such spreads to permeate the whole of life. Some are so determined to get what they want they will do just about... (Continue reading "Begins Within! (part 2 of 3)")
Begins Within! (part 1 of 3)
So much relative to our life action begins from within. What is seen by others outwardly is what boils up from the inside. This is why Jesus' teaching emphasized a focus on the heart from which the mouth speaks and actions arise. (Matthew 12:34; 15:18-19) When what is within... (Continue reading "Begins Within! (part 1 of 3)")
Smart Ox!
Sometimes people have been called a "dumb ox" or said to be "dumber than an ox." An ox is a burden bearing beast that for centuries has fulfilled a need around the world. Are they dumb? Perhaps that is debatable. Though they need to be guided, their strength is... (Continue reading "Smart Ox!")
Perspective!
A "bird's eye view". When I was a child I fell in love with that view from the branches of trees. Now I look forward to that view when hiking in the mountains. I love the perspective FROM ABOVE. I live in a region where we have to cross... (Continue reading "Perspective!")
Cleaned Up!
When I mow our lawn I wear an old pair of jeans that are grass stained and even have a few holes in them. The shoes I wear are also dirty and almost worn out. That's what I wear because I know I am going to get dirty and... (Continue reading "Cleaned Up!")
An Expectation!
"If I had more, I would give." Have we heard such a statement made or made it ourselves? Though the amount of our giving or the nature of what is given may relate to what we have (note 2 Corinthians 8:12) isn't there something we all can give? How... (Continue reading "An Expectation!")
Easy To Get Caught Up In!
Some things are easy to get caught up in simply because we are close enough to be ensnared. It can be like stepping on a net and soon finding ourselves entangled in it. Therefore we need to watch our step and consider what we get drawn toward. Solomon stated.... (Continue reading "Easy To Get Caught Up In!")