Heavenly Connections

Ethical Dilemmas

Annie Green, acting director of Laradon, a nonprofit program that works with developmentally disabled adults, was puzzled. John Francis Beech, a Denver businessman, had dropped off an envelope for Green while she was away. When she received the envelope four days later, she read the message on the front:

Wouldn't Hurt A Fly

Whether you support his political views or not, you've got to admit that President Barack Obama possesses deadeye aim. In an interview with CNBC this past Tuesday, the President was bothered by a pesky fly. Attempts to shoo it were unsuccessful, so Obama waited for it to settle on the back of his hand.

A Different Kind Of Power

The fury of God's wrath is fearful to witness; it's frightening to even read about. Israel was close to feeling the heat of divine rage. God had been true to his promises by bringing them to the doorstep of Canaan, their soon-to-be home. Now all that remained was to march forward and take possession with God's help.

Exploited Children

Celebrity gossip is a major industry in our world, and the mills are churning out stories of a possible breakup of Jon and Kate Gosselin. This couple, in case you don't know, are the adult stars of "Jon & Kate Plus 8", a reality show on the TLC network.

Deserving Of A Second Chance?

One of the big stories in sports is the release of Michael Vick. Vick, a sensational quarterback with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, was released Wednesday from federal prison. He spent 19 months in confinement after pleading guilty to charges of financing a dogfighting operation.

Restoration Of Life

The message sent to the apostle Peter was urgent: Come quickly! Tabitha, a Christian in the city of Joppa, had died and her body had been washed and prepared for burial. Bystanders may have wondered why two men were sent to Peter, "imploring him not to delay in coming to them" (Acts 9:38, NKJV). Wasn't she already dead?

Your Purpose In Life

Stephen Covey attempted to show the difference between "effectiveness" and "efficiency". Suppose you're driving down the highway and you realize that you're making excellent time, getting better gas mileage from your vehicle than ever before. You are being very efficient. But suppose you are headed in the wrong direction.

Games Gone Bad

A leading story in the news yesterday concerned an "app" (application) for Apple's Ipod and Iphone Touch devices. "Baby Shaker" was not an expensive program; it sold for a mere 99 cents. Apple is wishing now, however, that it had never heard of this "game".

A Window Into The Soul

In reading reviews others had written about a product I was thinking of buying, I was abruptly stopped by one. In discussing what he did and didn't like about the product, the man mentioned that he uses a wheelchair. For some reason that surprised me. Why?

If There Was A Resurrection

We're in that time of the year in which Christendom celebrates in various ways Jesus' resurrection. Though our methods of honoring that event may differ, we are in agreement with the groundbreaking (no pun intended) nature of it. No, we're not questioning whether Jesus was raised from the dead. We're convinced it really happened.

Fly Away Home

Though the practice has been around for some time, I had not seen it before. Gathered at a cemetery where a loved one's remains were about to be interred, we witnessed a moving scene. One basket containing three white doves was opened; the doves flew overhead but did not depart.

Hope Springs Eternal

Spring was a special time for students of Chad Elementary School. Like a scene from "The Waltons", the students of that three-room school in Eastern Kentucky rushed out the door each day for recess.

Did The Devil Make Her Do It?

To see the 62-year-old woman being fingerprinted must have been a surprise. To hear her explanation of why she committed the felony must have been even more astounding to those booking her.

"Have You Never Read?"

March 5 was World Book Day, celebrated in various places with librarians' enthusiastic support. To draw attention to the esteem people generally give to reading, a poll was conducted on the web site that promoted the day. Over 1,300 people participated in the survey.

A Good King's Poor Judgment

If Athaliah had succeeded in her wicked plot, the line of David would have been stopped more than 800 years too early. 2 Kings 11:1 describes the desperate times: "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs" (NKJV).

Why The Shoe Was Thrown

All at the news conference had been screened for weapons. When two heads of state are present, you can be sure security will be tight. But no one thought to order shoes to be left at the door. If reporter Muntazer al-Zaidi had not been wearing his shoes, he would not today be facing a 15-year prison sentence.

The Day Of Love

His love for her was greater than words can express. Words had been used, but people are prone to view them as "only words." So what could he do to prove beyond doubt that he loved her?

A Home Edification Center

With the Super Bowl just days away, it's time to set up our home entertainment center. We'll begin with the flat screen TV and we'll go conservative: an off-brand and a modest size (42") will cost around $700. Of course, we'll need to add the surround sound speaker system, and that goes for about $500 (again, we're being conservative). High definition has to be added to our cable package, and a digital recorder will ensure that we don't miss a single play of the game.

Ditches Dug By Faith

You might call it an unholy alliance. Of the three kings standing before the prophet Elisha, two were well known for their love of idols. Had it not been for the good king Jehoshaphat, Elisha would not even have considered their request (2 Kings 3:14).

The Ruler Receives Power

Barack Hussein Obama II is set to be inaugurated on January 20 as the 44th President of the United States of America. In officially being sworn into that office, he will inherit a mind-boggling amount of power and privileges.

Great Swelling Words

The name "Benedict Arnold" has long been anathema to citizens of the United States. His deceitful actions were designed to return the rule of this country to Great Britain. Another name is about to join that hall of shame: Bernard Madoff.

He Knows What We Need

The current issue of "U.S. News & World Report" contains a section entitled "50 Ways To Improve Your Life In 2009". The first thought I had was "More resolutions? More things I know I should be doing, but don't want to do?" But when I read the suggestion to take more naps my mood brightened.

Have You Not Heard?

We often shake our heads in disbelief at what happened to ancient Israel. Though they were the beneficiaries of incredible blessings from God, they turned away from God to serve idols. How could it happen?

No One Left Out

The conversation took place many years ago, but I remember it vividly. A well-known preacher was in town to conduct a gospel meeting. As I gave him a tour of some of the sights of our area one morning, I was surprised at how he confided in me.

Hard To Coach

If you ask what is my favorite sport, I'll respond in a heartbeat - college basketball. I've sometimes had interest in professional baseball, but nowhere near my enthusiasm for roundball. "March Madness" is a phrase I understand well.

Connecting The Broken Link

Telephone calls are a regular part of the work day. Without thinking I pick up the ringing phone, and communication begins almost instantly. It matters not whether the person on the other end of the line is next door or across the continent. Our voices are conveyed as speedily as if we were face to face.

Behind The Headlines

The headline on the Internet news site was hard to pass up (you can see I didn't!): "Woman Wins $2.4 Million In Her First Trip To Vegas". The story is apparently true. Jessica Agbunag, a 24-year-old baby sitter from Honolulu, had a wildly successful time playing the slot machines at the California Hotel and Casino.

Does God Still Speak?

The common perception is that God stopped communicating with humanity millennia ago. When John put down his pen after completing the Apocalypse, a long period of silence from heaven commenced. Is that perception correct?

"In Everything Give Thanks"

The sky this morning is clear and a vibrant blue. The sunshine is bright and temperatures are pleasant. I give thanks to God for these conditions. Would I do the same if it were rainy, cold and overcast?

Unwilling Members

The problem began almost a week ago. The keyboard on my laptop takes quite a pounding on an almost daily basis. Between sermons, articles and e-mail correspondence, a lot of writing happens at my desk. I like it best when I can let my fingers fly, recording the thoughts that come to mind.

Rewards For Morality

The Associated Press carried a story on October 23 that seems most curious. A program called "Marriage Appreciation Training Uplifting Relationship Education" was highlighted. Based in Conyers, Georgia (near Atlanta), the program is under the auspices of Rockdale Medical Center. As you might suspect, MATURE is not a religious effort.

Clinging To The Familiar

"Hasn't this been a wonderful pasture?" noted Charlie to one of the other sheep with him. "Yes, it has been excellent," answered Ralph, "but it's getting pretty bare. It's hard to find a mouthful after being here so long." "Well, I'm not leaving this spot," responded Charlie.

Who Will Remember Me?

Joseph was looking at a key that could unlock his prison cell and set him free. Not a literal key, but a person who would be in a position to win Joseph's freedom. But would this person remember Joseph?

Giving An Account

Numbers and dollars are not my areas of expertise. Yet when the end of the month arrives, I go through the routine of gathering receipts and expenditure logs. If I'm late with the task, I receive friendly but firm reminders to get it done. I don't like this simple exercise in accounting, but I do like having a credit card for expenses I encounter.

A Sweet, Sweet Song

The concert was held this past Wednesday evening in Jerusalem. One might have regarded the program as the usual symphony concert. An orchestra was present, as well as the Raanana Symphonette. But this was no ordinary program.

Secrets From The Depths

... an amazing array of creatures that have been discovered in the coral reefs of Australia. Julian Caley, a scientist with the Australian Institute of Marine Science summed up the findings: "... still there are literally hundreds and hundreds of new species that no one has ever collected or described."

Debilitate or Rehabilitate?

Many a physical therapist has been cursed by their patients. Why are they inflicting such pain? Don't they know that the patient is recovering from a painful injury or illness? They seem to enjoy the fact that they're causing more pain as they go through the exercises.

Energizing The Base

For those who follow American politics, this has been a whirlwind of a week. The Democratic National Convention closed on Thursday night, August 28 after nominating Barack Obama, the first African-American to run for a major political party for the office of President. Few expected anything of great significance from the Republican National Convention when it convened the following Monday.

Missing The Big Picture

Jesus' question to his disciples is intriguing: "How is it you do not understand?" (Mark 8:21) He had just concluded an amazing miracle in which 4,000 were fed, using only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Mark 8:1-9). On a previous occasion, 5,000 men had been fed from only five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:35-44).

Kite Surfing In A Hurricane

Let's get one thing straight: Kevin Kearney is an experienced kite surfer. For those not familiar with the sport, a kite surfer stands on a small surfboard while harnessed to a sail. When the wind catches the sail, the surfer is pulled along the surface of the water at thrilling speeds.

Grab The Money And Run?

The days of 38-cents-per-gallon gas are long gone. Customers at a San Antonio convenience store found Tuesday, however, that the good old days had returned. It was too good to be true, and that may explain why no one told store manager Jim Duke about the price on his premium gasoline.

A Gathering Of Champions

"The Games Of The XXIX Olympiad" is the official title; we know them as the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Hosting this year's affair is China, and Beijing is the focal site. Making this year's event more intriguing is that the opening is set for August 8, 2008 - 08/08/08 - at 8:08 p.m. (China time).

Work's Bad Rap

Symptoms abound that show Americans don't like their work. Each week thousands exclaim "It's Friday!" In those two words is the promise of time away from the salt mine. During the week employees discuss dreams of retirement and how to speed up the process. Retirement, of course, means never having to go to work again.

True Philanthropy

Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg are men who need little introduction. Gates, founder of the Microsoft empire, and Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, are both rich beyond imagination. On Wednesday of this week they declared their intention to pool some of their resources for a worthy cause.

Is This A Salvation Issue?

There's a statement that is heard with increasing frequency. A person may be asked whether he believes a certain religious practice is right or wrong. His response may be "I don't believe this is a salvation issue."

The Christian's Logo

If we've not yet seen it, we will. There are few regions of our nation in which Wal-Mart is not a presence. The giant retailer has made its mark by advertising lower prices on items virtually everyone needs.

There For Them

Though my calendar for the day was bulging with responsibilities, I decided to drive out to the airport. A group from our congregation was preparing to leave for a week of mission work and I wanted to be there. While there I didn't do anything noteworthy.

Powerful Pulls

"Addiction" is a dreaded word in our society, describing a person who has lost control of certain cravings in his biological system. The pull to satisfy that craving can lead the addict to do things they would never have considered before. Some are more prone to addiction than others.

Why The Fire Burned

For years I wondered why firefighters carried axes to the scenes of fires. Hadn't the fire done enough damage without chopping away at the remaining roof or walls? Then I learned that those axes serve a valuable purpose:

Waiving Representation

The newspaper in the city where I live has expended much ink on a notorious figure. Without naming any names, the man is accused of killing a young couple six years ago.

If It Bleeds, It Leads

Those who study television journalism have long observed the principle that says, "If it bleeds, it leads." The first story on a newscast may determine whether viewers stay tuned or whether they surf on to the next channel. How can they be enticed to lay down their remotes?

Down On His Luck

by Tim Hall Even if you have little interest in basketball, you probably know who Charles Barkley is. Barkley was a star at Auburn University, then went on to become one of the NBA's best with the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers.

Calculating Her Worth

by Tim Hall In recent years women have made important gains in the workplace. Some take jobs out of necessity, but many who don't necessarily need the income choose to do so. As a result, those who make the choice to be stay-at-home moms are sometimes disparaged.

Cashing The Check

The promises of God are backed by his limitless treasures. There's a bank in the Fort Worth, Texas area you might want to avoid. It seems the tellers there are mighty suspicious folks. A story published today by the Associated...

Rewards Motivate Us

There was a time, not many years ago, when I thought, "I can't wait to get rid of these credit cards!" Now I have the ability to shred every one that has been issued in my name. But I haven't destroyed them. I want to use them. ...

Reflections on Earth Day

How should Christians view environmental issues?

Selfless Intercession

Prayer demonstrates our selfless concern for the welfare of others.

Mortal Kings and Rulers

News is breaking as these words are written: Prince Philip, age 86, has been admitted to a hospital in London with a chest infection. Better known to Americans, perhaps, as the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Philip yet represents royalty in Great Britain. Though the severity or the outcome of this illness is uncertain, one thing is very certain: One day he will pass from the scene, as will his wife. ...

Love's Entourage

God's servants will never lack for fellowship and encouragement.

Changing The Rules

Can we change God's rules to fit our needs?

Did We Think To Pray?

Do I pray for things God tells me to pray for?

Communicating Understanding

What did Paul mean when he said to "sing with the understanding"?

Electronic Lies

God's people should communicate only truth.

Under The Bus

Betraying a close friend is a despicable thing to do.

Solo Worship?

Are assemblies really necessary?