forthright —adj. 1. going straight forward 2. straight-forward; direct; frank —noun a straight path or course.
Forthright Magazine —name the e-zine that charts a straight path to the Cross of Christ.
Heavenly Connections
By Tim Hall (July 4, 2008)
If you've not yet seen it, you 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.
By Tim Hall (June 27, 2008)
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.
By Tim Hall (June 20, 2008)
"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.
By Tim Hall (June 6, 2008)
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:
By Tim Hall (May 30, 2008)
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.
By Tim Hall (May 23, 2008)
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?
By Tim Hall (May 16, 2008)
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.
By Tim Hall (May 9, 2008)
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.
By Tim Hall (May 2, 2008)
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...
By Tim Hall (April 25, 2008)
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. ...
By Tim Hall (April 18, 2008)
How should Christians view environmental issues?
By Tim Hall (April 11, 2008)
Prayer demonstrates our selfless concern for the welfare of others.
By Tim Hall (April 4, 2008)
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. ...
By Tim Hall (March 28, 2008)
God's servants will never lack for fellowship and encouragement.
By Tim Hall (March 14, 2008)
Can we change God's rules to fit our needs?
By Tim Hall (March 7, 2008)
Do I pray for things God tells me to pray for?
By Tim Hall (February 29, 2008)
What did Paul mean when he said to "sing with the understanding"?
By Tim Hall (February 22, 2008)
God's people should communicate only truth.
By Tim Hall (February 15, 2008)
Betraying a close friend is a despicable thing to do.
By Tim Hall (February 1, 2008)
Are assemblies really necessary?Continue reading
"Solo Worship?"
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By Tim Hall (January 25, 2008)
Is our vision as clear as we think it is?
By Tim Hall (January 11, 2008)
False teachers will be judged; so, too, will those who enable them. A bank is robbed. Three men are arrested and brought to trial. Bank security cameras identify the man who pointed a gun at the teller. One of the...
By Tim Hall (January 4, 2008)
Do miracles continue today?
By Tim Hall (December 28, 2007)
One person can destroy what many have labored to build. Good news is scarce in regions of the troubled Middle East. Pakistan is one example, having floundered for the past several months under military rule. Hope was rekindled when President...
By Tim Hall (December 21, 2007)
People need relationships more than things
By Tim Hall (December 7, 2007)
After all is said and done, will my life matter?
By Tim Hall (November 30, 2007)
How do we measure success in the Lord's work? In 1965 churches of Christ cooperated to host an exhibit at the World's Fair in New York City. Would anything come from those efforts? What if we told you that one...
By Tim Hall (November 23, 2007)
Maintaining a pro-life stance has been difficult in recent years. A massive campaign has been waged to infuse federal funding into embryonic stem cell research, a field that holds hope for victims of many diseases. Who could not sympathize with...
By Tim Hall (November 16, 2007)
Eleven uniformed men gather in a huddle on the playing field. Across the line of scrimmage awaits the opposing team. In the huddle, the quarterback reminds the others of plays they have practiced and of the importance of this game....
By Tim Hall (November 9, 2007)
A story released today by the Associated Press tells of the capture in Italy of Salvatore Lo Piccolo. This man was a key figure in a power struggle in the Sicilian Mafia, hoping to become the next "boss of bosses." In Lo Piccolo's possession were found documents, including one of special interest. It has been dubbed "The Godfather's Ten Commandments". ...
By Tim Hall (November 2, 2007)
Why did Jesus' death have to be so bloody?Continue reading
"When I See the Blood"
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By Tim Hall (October 26, 2007)
by Tim Hall When I was young I would go barefoot. With the arrival of warm weather, I shed the shoes and enjoyed the cool sensations. There were dangers associated with exposing my feet directly to the elements. Sometimes I...
By Tim Hall (October 19, 2007)
Does God continue to send suffering upon his people?
By Tim Hall (October 12, 2007)
Does man have the ability to destroy this planet?
By Tim Hall (September 28, 2007)
Can mere humans really stand up to Satan?
By Tim Hall (September 21, 2007)
Is it serious when we no longer thirst after God's righteousness?
By Tim Hall (September 14, 2007)
A scandal in sports reminds us of God's standards.
By Tim Hall (September 7, 2007)
The things we play with might be hurting us.
By Tim Hall (August 24, 2007)
How do we explain the bad things that often happen?
By Tim Hall (August 17, 2007)
The dinner was like many others the disciples had enjoyed. On this occasion they were guests of Lazarus, and all reclined as they ate. Suddenly a strong aroma filled the room. The pleasant smell was produced by expensive ointments. Mary...
By Tim Hall (August 10, 2007)
I've never met a person who didn't have a name (other than newborn babies whose parents had procrastinated). In every society on earth, names are demanded in order to distinguish one from another. If you don't have a name, someone...
By Tim Hall (July 27, 2007)
It's difficult to find a news story that's truly unique. But this one is, and it's worth a moment's meditation. According to Reuter's News Service (July 25, 2007), Chew Ten Hee, age 67, has offered to give up her freedom...
By Tim Hall (July 20, 2007)
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong immortalized the words of our title. As he set the first human foot on the surface of the moon, he announced that it was "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."...
By Tim Hall (July 13, 2007)
Occasionally I make visits inside prison walls. Some facilities are more depressing than others. One was clean and state-of-the-art, but allowed the inmates no time outside. None. Were those prisoners anxious to be released? You likely know the answer to...
By Tim Hall (July 6, 2007)
"Here today, gone tomorrow" is an adage we've often heard. It summarizes a sober truth: things that we enjoy may suddenly disappear. We've seen it applied to money, relationships and physical health. We should enjoy what we have while we...
By Tim Hall (June 29, 2007)
Genesis 12 stands as a milepost in the Bible. As the chapter opens, God speaks to a man named Abram, later to be renamed Abraham. Most Bible students know the promises God gave this man of faith: To give him...
By Tim Hall (June 15, 2007)
Perhaps I shouldn't write about the now-concluded TV series, "The Sopranos." I never watched an episode; I don't have HBO on my cable lineup and don't plan to add it. But when the series' final episode this past week drew...
By Tim Hall (June 8, 2007)
A phrase we often hear speaks of people who "rest on their laurels". The "laurels" suggest rewards won in past contests. A champion in ancient Olympic games was awarded a wreath made of greenery, such as leaves from the bay...
By Tim Hall (June 1, 2007)
An e-mail from a young lady who identified herself as a Christian jolted me. Though she had grown up in the Lord's church, she wanted to know if the Bible said anything about a man and a woman living together...
By Tim Hall (May 25, 2007)
Yard work had not been at the top of my priority list in recent weeks - that was embarrassingly obvious. On Saturday I donned my grubby clothes and began pulling weeds. I was fairly confident that the vines before me...
By Tim Hall (May 18, 2007)
As Israel stood at the base of Mt. Sinai, God gave them important information. Exodus 20 preserves this information for future generations, and it deserves careful study. In addition to the celebrated ten commandments found in this chapter, there is...
By Tim Hall (May 11, 2007)
The need to adjust how and what we see. As a novice to the world of photography, I'm learning much about the proper use of a camera. In days gone by, I just pointed and shot with my Kodak Instamatic....
By Tim Hall (May 4, 2007)
Black clouds hung over Jerusalem. The king of Judah, Ahaziah, had been killed in battle as he foolishly aligned himself with the wicked ruler of Israel. When word of Ahaziah's death reached Jerusalem, matters grew worse. Athaliah, the mother of...
By Tim Hall (April 27, 2007)
Trials reveal whether we really trust God. Following Jesus meant staying on the go. The disciples must have often felt exhausted as they assisted the Lord during his ministry. His work was not centered in one locale, but moved frequently...
By Tim Hall (April 20, 2007)
by Tim Hall Ancient Israel provides a needed lesson for Christians today. Before Moses led them triumphantly out of Egypt, they were just a bunch of slaves linked by a common ancestry. Now they were a young nation, standing on...
By Tim Hall (April 13, 2007)
"If you eat your vegetables, you can have dessert." How many of us heard words like those while growing up? The word "if" was not difficult to understand. We knew that a reward would follow the unpleasant task of eating those green beans. Failure to eat those veggies meant no sweets later.
By Tim Hall (April 6, 2007)
In our previous post under this title, we noted two truths taught clearly in the New Testament: (1) Apostles possessed significant authority in the early church; but (2) the authority of Jesus Christ is ultimate, surpassing even those who were...
By Tim Hall (March 30, 2007)
Throughout history there have been those who seek to control the faith of others. Since they have superior understanding of God's will (they think), they also have the obligation to tell others how to live. Their directives may be as...
By Tim Hall (March 23, 2007)
I'm proud to admit that blue blood flows through my veins. No, this is not a claim to be of royal descent, but that I'm a fan of Kentucky basketball. Having said that, you may be thinking something like this:...
By Tim Hall (March 16, 2007)
When asked to name activities that should be affected by our faith, we have some ready responses. Worshiping God on the Lord's Day is at the top of that list. So are things like reading our Bibles, praying daily, and...
By Tim Hall (March 9, 2007)
A crowd gathered around Jesus' disciples. A demon-possessed boy had been brought to them, but they were unable to cast out the devil. When Jesus appeared, the father rushed to him, desperate for someone to help his son. "But if...
By Tim Hall (March 2, 2007)
True security only comes from God. The ancient city of Petra was a strategic Utopia. Located in the rugged mountains southeast of the Dead Sea, it provided safe haven for marauding bands of warriors who terrorized communities within striking distance....
By Tim Hall (February 16, 2007)
Religion is weak when separated from true faith and godliness. Years ago we purchased an entertainment center for our den. We were on a tight budget so our choices were few. We were excited to find a piece that looked...
By Tim Hall (February 9, 2007)
"That's an odd place for a grave," I thought to myself. I was looking at a church building on a busy street corner in our town. In the grass between the front doors and the sidewalk was a polished granite...
By Tim Hall (February 2, 2007)
Flipping through the channels recently, I came across a program on The History Channel that caught my attention. The program focused on archaeological discoveries in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. These were then compared to the Bible record. "This...
By Tim Hall (January 19, 2007)
On a shelf in a downstairs room at our house are many trophies. Most of them belong to our sons, reminders of days spent playing baseball and basketball. A couple of them were given to me for helping coach their...
By Tim Hall (January 12, 2007)
A husband and wife are engaged in a heated exchange. He made a remark that she found offensive, and now he's paying for his insensitivity. In exasperation he says, "All right, if it will make you feel better -- I'm...
By Tim Hall (January 5, 2007)
His reasoning sounded valid. Judas had just criticized Mary's lavish gift to Jesus. The oil with which she had anointed the Lord cost nearly a year's worth of wages for the common worker of the time. "Why was this fragrant...
By Tim Hall (December 29, 2006)
As one who sends out a weekly devotional by e-mail, I often receive a message that someone's address is no longer valid. Some change their address to evade those who bombard their mailbox with spam. Others change service providers. As...
By Tim Hall (December 22, 2006)
When I'm out hiking through the woods this time of the year, I'm not worried about encountering a snake. It's not because I'm a courageous man when it comes to slithering serpents. I get anxious when I encounter the rubber...
By Tim Hall (December 15, 2006)
Isaiah's presentation of the Messiah is both fascinating and intriguing. In many visions, God revealed to this prophet a Savior whose ministry would be marvelous. But his results and approach would be different from anything the world has ever seen....
By Tim Hall (December 8, 2006)
It's easy to understand why John was confused. When he baptized his cousin Jesus, he had been shown that this was the long-anticipated Messiah. But now John was in prison and Jesus wasn't doing anything to win his release. Had...
By Tim Hall (December 1, 2006)
There are many reasons I'm thankful to be a citizen of the United States. One that I've recently come to appreciate is our nation's policy of providing refuge for people fleeing devastating wars. How good that the oppressed are welcome...
By Tim Hall (November 17, 2006)
As one who gardens, I often marvel at the process. In the spring I till the ground and bury small seeds under the soil. Over the next few weeks the plants grow and vegetables are produced. I sometimes think, as...
By Tim Hall (November 10, 2006)
Many of us have breathed sighs of relief that the elections are now over! Now we can enjoy less mud-slinging as we watch television, and telephone calls won't be filled with automated messages urging us to vote for one person...
By Tim Hall (November 3, 2006)
It's a scene we've often watched on television: The trial has come to the end and the jury is ready to return its verdict. The defendant's pulse races as he waits to hear the announcement of his fate. The courtroom...
By Tim Hall (October 20, 2006)
A reader submitted a question about the Biblical nature of fellowship. She had heard a preacher saying that eating is not fellowship. It led her to wonder what the Bible means by this term. "Fellowship" is a relationship that people...
By Tim Hall (October 13, 2006)
"I'm not perfect!" is a statement often heard. We've all known some who were arrogantly blind to their imperfections, and we don't want to be among that group. Most Christians will aver that they aren't perfect now, and never will...
By Tim Hall (September 29, 2006)
The fact that I received the "Thank You" note didn't surprise me. I occasionally receive those for helping out with funerals, weddings, or gospel meetings. But this note contained a comment that did surprise me. It's a comment I've seldom...
By Tim Hall (September 15, 2006)
How important is it to pray for others? Even the casual Bible reader knows that Job is an exemplary figure in the Bible. A lengthy book is devoted to his trials, and James pointed to him as an example of...
By Tim Hall (September 8, 2006)
If ever a man needed comforting friends, it was Job. The troubles that befell this godly man are well known. We also are acquainted with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. To their credit, they came to Job, wanting to...
By Tim Hall (August 25, 2006)
Jesus' words to the church at Ephesus must have been startling: "You have left your first love" (Revelation 2:4, NKJV). Wasn't this the church where Paul had labored three years (Acts 20:31)? To this church Paul had written one of...
By Tim Hall (August 18, 2006)
The book of James is filled with practical instruction for Christians. One situation that receives emphasis in this letter is harshness, especially manifested by our speech. Consider his observation in James 3:6: "And the tongue is a fire, a world...
By Tim Hall (August 11, 2006)
Much has been written in recent years about the passing of "the Greatest Generation." That label, coined by Tom Brokaw in his book of the same name, refers to Americans who lived during the time of the Great Depression and...
By Tim Hall (August 4, 2006)
I began the annual vegetable garden about three months ago. When the ground was ready, I laid off the rows and planted the seeds and young plants. In those early days there wasn't anything to show for my efforts. Not...
By Tim Hall (July 21, 2006)
Christianity is distinctive from any other religion or lifestyle in numerous ways. One distinguishing mark is found in Philippians 2:4: "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (NKJV)....
By Tim Hall (July 14, 2006)
Second Timothy is almost certainly Paul's last letter. In the opening words, Paul referred to himself as a prisoner (1:8) and as being in chains (1:16). As the letter closed, Paul acknowledged that "the time of my departure is at hand" (4:6, NKJV). Enough information is given to help us imagine the difficulties he faced in his final days.
By Tim Hall (July 7, 2006)
I've only known him for about three months. A fellow preacher with too much on his schedule asked me to assist a man in a local jail who had requested Bible studies. I've met with him several times, and have developed an interest in him. He was released the other day; he's now free. But is he really free?
By Tim Hall (June 30, 2006)
It's a scene from movies of a bygone era. A deadly storm at sea sends passengers and crew alike down to the lower decks to cower in fear. Only the courageous captain dares to remain on the main deck, determined...
By Tim Hall (June 23, 2006)
The man wasn't going to take "No" for an answer. He was a nobleman, after all, and people usually complied with his demands. In coming to Jesus, however, he wasn't demanding; John said that he "implored him to come down...
By Tim Hall (June 16, 2006)
Are Animals and People Essentially the Same? The Ringling Brothers Circus came to our town a few days ago, and it naturally drew much attention. But drawing almost as much attention was a lone figure who appeared on a busy...
By Tim Hall (June 9, 2006)
No One Gives as Generously as God Few blemishes are on the record of David, king of Israel. Most familiar is his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent plot to kill Uriah, her husband. But David's decision to conduct a...
By Tim Hall (June 2, 2006)
What place does intellect have in worship? "Why do you want to marry me?" the young woman asked. "Because I love you," her fiancé instantly replied. That was a good answer. But she pressed further: "Why do love me?" At...
By Tim Hall (May 26, 2006)
There were tense and agonizing moments in Riverside, California Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press (May 25, 2006). Inside a darkened electrical substation, a rat chewed through a high voltage cable, causing power to go out for 9,500 residents....
By Tim Hall (May 19, 2006)
Church Growth At Any Price? The collapse of Enron has been one of the big financial headlines for months. With two top executives currently on trial, the discussion of this corporate disaster has again heated up. What exactly caused this...
By Tim Hall (May 12, 2006)
The world recently rejoiced when two miners in Australia were freed from the gold mine in which they had been trapped for two weeks. One man had died in the accident, and there had been little hope of rescuing the...
By Tim Hall (April 21, 2006)
For a moment, many of us dreamed of being plumbers in Germany. The dream was sparked by a story carried by Reuters on April 20, 2006. The name of the individual who prompted the story was not given -- with...
By Tim Hall (April 14, 2006)
Flipping through the channels one evening, my attention was snagged by scenes of people with tattoos -- lots of them. The show, it turned out, was "Miami Ink," a weekly program chronicling the adventures of a parlor in Miami. I...
By Tim Hall (March 31, 2006)
We're not sure how long Joseph was held in prison -- but does it matter? Every day must have seemed an eternity to one who had been denied justice. The young son of Jacob saw an opportunity for freedom, however,...
By Tim Hall (March 24, 2006)
Mary is beginning to rethink her relationship with John. Though they've been dating for several months, she sees little evidence of commitment on John's part. He enjoys taking her to the movies, out to dinner, etc. But when Mary talks...
By Tim Hall (March 17, 2006)
Yes, I'm wearing green today, though I only have a couple of articles of green clothing. Green is not my favorite color. So why is it a big deal that I'm wearing green today? It's St. Patrick's Day and wearing...
By Tim Hall (March 10, 2006)
Isaiah spoke many wonderful prophecies. Things that were far in the future in his day are now present realities. Reading Isaiah is not merely a study of ancient history but a lesson in what God can do for us in...
By Tim Hall (March 3, 2006)
While suicide bombings and kidnappings capture the headlines and terrorize innocent people, let us pause to reflect on the nature of the Messiah. How different this world could be under his rule! Isaiah introduced the peaceful nature of the Messiah's...
By Tim Hall (February 24, 2006)
"She's going to be happy for the rest of her life." That prediction was made by Alain Maboussou, a 26-year-old refugee from the war-torn Republic of Congo. He was referring to his 3-month-old daughter. It's the kind of prediction any...
By Tim Hall (February 17, 2006)
Mentioning the name of Vice President Dick Cheney now prompts irreverent attempts at humor. Since the news of his accidental shooting of a hunting companion last week, comedians all across our land have been cracking jokes at Cheney's expense. Time...
By Tim Hall (February 3, 2006)
I've sometimes been the recipient of rebukes. These are never pleasant occasions, as I am charged with having done or said the wrong thing. On a few of those occasions the charge was without basis. What my accuser thought was...
By Tim Hall (January 27, 2006)
Oh, right, this is exactly what we've been waiting for. Reuters News Agency reported on January 26 that a staffing agency in Japan is marketing a new option for companies seeking a receptionist. For about 50,000 yen a month ($430),...
By Tim Hall (January 20, 2006)
One of my favorite quotes goes something like this: "My life has been filled with terrible misfortunes -- most of which never happened" (attributed to the French essayist Montaigne). I understand his point. Too often I've tossed in my bed...
By Tim Hall (December 30, 2005)
Ed Lorenz made the news. On Wednesday he bowled a perfect game for the third time in his life. Of course, that's not why Ed made the news, for many have bowled perfect games. Ed made the news because he...
By Tim Hall (December 23, 2005)
Why should Jesus be given a preeminent position in our lives? We could give different answers to that question. Some would point to his miraculous powers. Others would note his compassion and servant attitude. Still others might talk about his...
By Tim Hall (December 16, 2005)
Evan Wolfson, an activist for homosexual rights, was quoted on February 26, 1998: "We don't need to have people say 'yes,' but only that 'I can live with it.' By the time we win this battle, a majority of the...
By Tim Hall (December 9, 2005)
Most are aware that God takes very seriously the way in which his name is used. The third commandment stated it clearly: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not...
By Tim Hall (December 2, 2005)
I'm not what you would call a music junkie, but I like to occasionally listen to music. Classical symphonies, smooth jazz, and bluegrass are my favorite genres (an odd mix, some might say). I'm blessed to have some albums of...