The Good And The Bad
The story of the rebellious prophet Jonah shows us how God desires to use both blessings and trials to challenge us and change us for the better. Five times in the book of Jonah it says that the Lord prepared circumstances for him—both good and bad.
In Jonah 1:4 we read that the Lord sent a storm. It says He “sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea.”
More Than Enough
When I entertained a large group in my home, I feared that the menu I planned wouldn’t be enough to serve all the guests. I shouldn’t have worried though. Several friends unexpectedly brought additional items and all of us were able to enjoy the surprise surplus. We had more than enough and were able to share out of the abundance.
The Season of Receiving
By Sheryl Tay, Singapore Christmas is often called the season of giving, and where there is the act of giving, there will also be the act of receiving. Every Christmas, my friends and I celebrate at a friend’s house and the highlight of the occasion would be the gift exchange. One year, we decided to […]
Discover the difference between constructive criticism and destructive judgment
The tongue is a powerful instrument that can be used for either good, or evil. The Bible says life and death are in the power of our words! A helpful dialogue from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
The Season of Receiving
By Sheryl Tay, Singapore Christmas is often called the season of giving, and where there is the act of giving, there will also be the act of receiving. Every Christmas, my friends and I celebrate at a friend’s house and the highlight of the occasion would be the gift exchange. One year, we decided to [...]
Serious Fear
After weeks of preparation by the children’s choir, the night had finally arrived for our annual Christmas musical in 1983. The costumed children began filing into the auditorium when suddenly we heard a ruckus at the back door. My wife and I turned to look and saw our own little Matt. Sobbing loudly and with a look of sheer terror on his face, he had a death grip on the door handle. He refused to enter the auditorium. After much negotiating, the director finally told him he didn’t have to go on stage. Instead, Matt sat with us, and soon his fears began to subside.
Christmas Lights
In December each year, a neighborhood of 13 families near where we live sets up a dazzling display of 300,000 Christmas lights. People drive for miles and wait in line for hours to see the flashing, colorful lights and hear the music that is programmed to go with it. The sound-and-light display is so elaborate that it requires a network of 64 computers to keep everything synchronized.
How being a “splinter-remover” has its risks, but also rich rewards
Have you ever tried to help a friend deal with a sinful action, only to encounter resentment, hurt, and frustration? If so, you might question whether it’s worth trying to help at all.
God’s Hand
By Sheryl Tay, Singapore Many times in our lives, we need that little miracle to remind us of who God is. Well, I would say that God would give us more than one little miracle if it is required to assure us that His loving hands are still at work in our lives. God gave [...]
Get Your “Wanter” Fixed
When my wife was a young girl in Austin, Texas, Carlyle Marney was her family’s neighbor, pastor, and friend. One of his off-hand remarks about being content became one of her family’s enduring expressions: “Dr. Marney says, ‘We just need to get our wanter fixed.’”
Where is the line between loving concern and destructive judgment?
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should help one another stay on the straight and narrow path. Let's get a better understanding of how to counsel others, without condemning ourselves!
Eureka Stone
In 1867 on a farm in South Africa, 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs saw a stone glistening in the sun. The shining rock was eventually reported to a neighbor, who wanted to buy it from the family. Not knowing its value, Erasmus’ mother told the neighbor, “You can keep the stone, if you want it.”
Eventually, a mineralogist determined the stone to be a 21.25 carat diamond and worth a great sum.
Discover why Jesus used the term “hypocrite” in His illustration about judgment
There are few words harsher than the word “hypocrite.” No one wants to be labeled a phony, a fraud, or a pretender! Could Jesus be talking about us?
One Stretch
For years, Sarah had low-back pain that continued to worsen. Her doctor sent her for physical therapy, and she was given 25 stretches to do every day. The pain lessened but not completely. So the doctor ordered x-rays and sent her to another therapist, who instructed her to discontinue the other therapist’s stretches and do only one stretch a day as needed. Surprisingly, the one simple stretch worked the best.
Let’s look at Jesus’ illustration of a man with a log in his eye!
Teachers don’t always have to be serious and somber. Jesus proved that sometimes humor and hyperbole are the best way to get your point across!
