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Most everyone knows that a cork placed on the top of the water will float on the surface. If it is pressed down ten, fifty, or even a hundred feet below the surface of the water, and released, it will rise again. But those who know say that if it is pressed down two hundred feet, it cannot rise again. The pressure of the water is too great. So it is with life. The lower a man sinks into the…

In a painting called “The Lost Game” a boy is pictured playing a game of chess with the devil. As is often the case when playing with the devil, the boy appears to be losing. That beaten look is portrayed in his face. One day a famous chess player looked at the picture. After carefully studying it, he exclaimed, “The boy isn’t beaten! In two moves I could win that game of chess with the devil”. He then explained how…

When we invite a friend, a neighbor, or any other acquaintance to an assembly of the church, whether that person comes or not, is not the only criterion by which we should judge the value of the invitation. If they do not come, at least they know we have an interest in them. No invitation shows no interest. They could come at a later time because someone had invited them in the past. They would know someone who is a…

The tongue can be a blessing or a curse to us, as well as to others who hear us. Its power for good, or destruction, cannot be measured. James wrote, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19) He also pointed out that an unbridled tongue can make one’s religion useless. (James 1:26) A father once instructed his son, “In talking, use as much caution and common sense as a carpenter; measure twice…

There are many bad things that happen in life. A promising athlete suddenly ends his career with a debilitating accident; a wife tells her husband she doesn’t love him anymore and wants a divorce; your house burns down; your family is killed in an automobile crash. Tragedies occur everyday to someone, and sooner or later to me. What should we do? We must strengthen our faith in God. What ever the tragedy, trauma or trou-ble, with God’s help, we can…

The Bible exhorts Christians to, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21) Another word for test is prove (KJV). Rather than believing or accepting anything, it should be examined carefully and put to the test. Who would take medicine that has not been tested, or proven to be beneficial? Cars are road tested. Most everything that is manufactured is put through various tests for safety and service. Many fail the test and are recalled. It’s no…

There are many bad things that happen in life. A promising athlete suddenly ends his career with a debilitating accident; a wife tells her husband she doesn’t love him anymore and wants a divorce; your house burns down; your family is killed in an automobile crash. Tragedies occur every day to someone, and sooner or later to me. What should we do? We Must Strengthen Our Faith In God – Whatever the tragedy, trauma, or trouble, with God’s help, we…

The Obvious Is Undeniable Some things are simply obvious. During the early Restoration Movement a preacher was discussing in a wooded area the subject of “Falling From Grace.” At one point in his sermon he jumped up and grabbed a branch of a tree. While holding the limb, suspended in the air, he asked his audience, “If I turn loose, will I fall?” The answer to his question was obvious, and so was the point he made. “If we turn…

During World War II a minister saw a wounded British soldier painfully hobbling along on a street in London. Stopping him, the minister surprised the soldier by saying, “Thank you for being wounded for me!” Never before had anyone really thanked him in such a manner, though he assumed his sacrifice was appreciated. Then the minister said to the soldier, “I know someone who was wounded for you.” “Wounded for me, sir?” he replied. “And who could that be?” “It…

Jesus often taught on the importance of forgiveness in His personal ministry. Following His model prayer in which He mentions forgiveness as an important petition to the Father, He said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:12, 14-15) Some of our Lord’s parables emphasized the importance of forgiveness. (cf. Matt. 18:21-35) Jesus also exemplified the…

Late in His earthly ministry, Jesus said to His disciples: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). About six months later, the Lord was crucified. It is likely that the day was declining, and with night coming on, He took the occasion to speak these thought-provoking words. He meant simply that it was urgent for Him to do the work the Father…

We all have them at one time or another—cares, problems, trials, or whatever you prefer calling them. But we must deal with them whether we like it or not. The Scriptures give us three ways to do this. One of the three will take care of some of them. Two of the three will suffice for others. However, all three avenues must be applied in many cases. And what are these three ways to deal with our burdens? Take care…