When a gift is given ~ appreciation for the gift and the giver is appropriate. Verbal words of thanks are often expressed. A written note (which is one of etiquette) brings a quiet smile to the recipient. When we say “˜thank you”™ we are expressing a heart of gratitude. “How can I say thanks for […]

How do you react to another person”™s anger toward you? Do you get angry and seek ways to have revenge? How do you react when someone rejects you? Do your hurt feelings cause you to become defensive, which leads to words and actions that further alienate you from that person? Jesus went to His hometown, […]

Parents work to make their children happy”¦sometimes it works”¦and sometimes not. God the Father desires to bless His children with good things also. But what God wants to give His children is far different from what we might suppose. Being healthy and happy is good, but it is not a prerequisite with God. Having material […]

Any electrical appliance requires an electrical cord and plug attached to an appliance. For that appliance to work properly, it must be plugged in to an electrical source. So, any follower of Christ must be “˜plugged in”™ to their source of power ““ God Himself. Jesus, the Son of God, lived in the power of […]

Many years ago John 12:24 was chosen as my personal verse for the year. During that year a ministry was “˜taken away”™. Reflecting back on that difficult and devastating time, it has been noted that that verse “˜happened”™! A personal and beloved ministry was denied; yet, God”™s word continued to be given out ““ the […]

Jesus expects His followers to count the cost and to fully surrender to Him. He never asks His followers to do what He did not do ““ in fact He did more that what He asks of His followers. Following Jesus requires a life of self-sacrifice and also requires a focus on what pleases God. […]

Today”™s headlines could have been used by Jesus in a parable”¦an example of what happens when people do not wisely consider the cost. Many people bought homes without considering the cost after that very appealing initial mortgage rate ended. They may not have asked the “˜What if”¦”™ questions of themselves in order to meet their […]

Jesus had twelve chosen disciples, and many others followed Him as He taught and healed people. He taught the truths of God and healed individuals. Jesus”™ ministry attracted large crowds wherever He went. One day, as large crowds followed Him, He turned to them and told them the condition and the cost of what really […]

Prayer is done at church, at funerals, at weddings. Prayer is done before Bible studies. Prayer is even said before meals (and by some even in restaurants). How seriously do you take prayer? Is it merely ritual or perhaps more of a superstition? How seriously do you take prayer? How big a part does prayer […]

Jesus called Matthew who responded by leaving his tax booth and following Him. The very next verse tells us that Jesus is having dinner at Matthew”™s house with a group of men who are considered “˜sinners”™ because they are tax collectors. (They worked for Rome and were despised by their fellow countrymen in Israel.) (See […]