A young fella rushed into a service station and asked the manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, “Sure, over there.” The boy pushed in some change, dialed, and waited for an answer. Finally, someone came on the line. “Uh, sir,” he said in a deep voice, “could you use an honest, hardworking young man to work for you?” The station manager couldn’t help overhearing the question.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
Intrusions, Part Two
How do you feel about intrusions? Like an early-morning knock at your door? Like a talkative passenger next to you on a packed-out flight? Like an injury or illness that strikes at the wrong time?
Read MoreThe Cost of Giving
Can you recall Jesus’ radical philosophy: “Be a servant, give to others”? The basis of that statement is tucked away in Luke 9:23. Following Christ is a costly, unselfish decision. He says: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Read MoreKeep It Simple
Micah isn’t exactly a household word. Too bad. Though obscure, the ancient prophet had his stuff together. Eclipsed by the much more famous Isaiah, who ministered among the elite, Micah took God’s message to the streets.
Read MoreTheir Quest, My Benefit
All of us are surrounded by and benefit from the results of someone’s quest. Let me name a few. Above my head is a bright electric light. Thanks, Tom. On my nose are eyeglasses that enable me to focus. Thanks, Ben. In my driveway is a car ready to take me wherever I choose to steer it. Thanks, Henry. Across my shelves are books full of interesting and carefully researched pages. Thanks, authors.
Read MoreAnalyzing Unselfishness
Someone who is truly unselfish is generous with his or her time and possessions, energy and money. As that works its way out, it is demonstrated in various ways, such as thoughtfulness and gentleness, an unpretentious spirit, and servant-hearted leadership.
Read MoreServant-Hearted
The fine little volume on pastoral leadership, In the Name of Jesus, lists three very real, albeit subtle temptations any servant of Christ faces. They correspond with the three temptations our Lord faced before He began His earthly ministry. They also fit with three observations the apostle Paul mentions in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 4:1–7).
Read MoreGraduation Thoughts
You—or someone you know—may soon be graduating. I extend my congratulations! Whether you set new academic records or not, you finished. You saw it through. I commend you. Before that happens, however, let me give you four simple commandments that apply to anyone who is graduating. My thoughts grow out of the final four verses of 2 Timothy 3.
Read MoreBeing Holy
Our fast-lane living these days does not lend itself to the traits we have traditionally attached to godliness. Remember the old hymn we sang in church years ago? “Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in Him always and feed on His Word . . . . Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.”
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