Reality Check
Dead Serious, but Dead Wrong
By Stan Mitchell (October 1, 2008)
Saul, rising star of his people, a man who loved his nation, loved his God, was utterly sincere in his actions. He was zealous, enthusiastic ... and dead wrong.
The Best Church?
By Stan Mitchell (September 24, 2008)
We don't have the "best" savior. We have the only one. We don't worship the "best" God. We worship the only God. To honor anyone less would be to honor Him less!
Wine Poured Out
By Stan Mitchell (September 17, 2008)
God gave your mother to me to care for; what if she had married a man who cared about her less? Besides, that's the way God pours himself out to care for us.
Respect
By Stan Mitchell (September 10, 2008)
We respect people because they are worth that respect, not because they're bigger than us and can enforce it.
Every Knee
By Stan Mitchell (September 3, 2008)
To his left were a dozen or so SS troops from Hitler's army, confessing Jesus as Lord.
The Most Human Trait of All
By Stan Mitchell (August 27, 2008)
Jesus' is a death that ought to be spoken of often, for if it is his death that makes him human, his resurrection is what makes us divine.
Hanging on to Privilege
By Stan Mitchell (August 20, 2008)
In truth, it is we who should be humble, for we have much to be humble about!
Service Reflex
By Stan Mitchell (August 13, 2008)
Christians are people whose very reflexes become like those of Christ, where the instincts are selfless, sudden, and sacrificial, and where they find themselves in a serving posture before they even realize that’s what they’re doing.
The Smoking Gun
By Stan Mitchell (August 6, 2008)
“I thought the point of our marriage was for him to make me happy.”
The Secret to Winning
By Stan Mitchell (July 30, 2008)
They actually wanted to pass to team mates. And the amazing thing was that the team game was not only the way to win championships, but it was fun! It was fun to watch, and fun to play.
Losing Something and Gaining More
By Stan Mitchell (July 23, 2008)
But I had never suffered for my Christianity, not really. And in the first days of his walk with God, Antonio was suffering deeply. He was hurt. Who wouldn’t be?
Everything to Gain
By Stan Mitchell (July 16, 2008)
What happens when you die? Does existence cease? Is the result of death annihilation? Does consciousness end abruptly? Does the clock stop ticking? Are you completely gone?
The Right Thing For the Wrong Reason
By Stan Mitchell (July 9, 2008)
Is it possible to do the right thing … for the wrong reason? Paul begins his magnificent description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 by declaring that if he “had the gift of prophecy,” had a “faith that could move mountains” and “gave his body to the flames” without love, he was nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2,3).
The Preacher and the Praetorian Guard
By Stan Mitchell (July 2, 2008)
The captive made them a captive audience.“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13).
So Who Are You?
By Stan Mitchell (June 25, 2008)
Our attitude comes, not from what happens to us, but from who we are. “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
Share Your Toys
By Stan Mitchell (June 18, 2008)
The gospel is mine, and yours, and everyone else’s. So share! “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains, or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7).
Growing Older or More Mature?
By Stan Mitchell (June 11, 2008)
“Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Preaching Partners
By Stan Mitchell (June 11, 2008)
“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel, from the first day until now, being confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:4-6).
Another Forty Two Years!
By Stan Mitchell (June 4, 2008)
Rather than making provision for this life, perhaps we should be making preparations for the next!
For What it's Worth
By Stan Mitchell (May 28, 2008)
Jerry McDade and his wife were out walking one Sunday morning when they heard singing so beautiful that they just had to stop and listen. Both were from the Church of England, and had heard beautiful choirs sing. What made this so startling was that it was congregational singing.
For of Such is the Kingdom
By Stan Mitchell (May 21, 2008)
A friend of mine tells of the day he went with a group of people to an old age home, to the ward that cares for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Most of the residents were, to put it as kindly as possible, no longer there. Their stares were vacant, their memory as empty as a Montana prairie.
The Finish Line
By Stan Mitchell (May 14, 2008)
by Stan Mitchell Service to God is not an Olympic sprint, a burst of nerves and adrenaline; it is a long distance run, characterized by planning, dedication, and determination.
Empire
By Stan Mitchell (April 23, 2008)
"Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God" (Psalm 90:2).
Education
By Stan Mitchell (April 23, 2008)
It takes time to develop character. A child takes twenty years (at the very least!) to become a responsible adult.
Are You Sure?
By Stan Mitchell (April 23, 2008)
It's amazing how the things people say do not always match up with reality. Consider the person who begins a statement with the words, "I may be wrong, but..." Usually he really means, "There's no way that I could be...
Upstaging the Boss
By Stan Mitchell (April 16, 2008)
Worship is conducted on His terms alone, or it is not worship.
There's Something About Mary's Son
By Stan Mitchell (April 9, 2008)
Somehow the carpenter’s shop did not seem to be the destiny of Mary's son!
Not Yet
By Stan Mitchell (April 2, 2008)
Delay is not denial. Waiting for the proper time is not idle waiting, nor is it empty.
Weather Forecasting
By Stan Mitchell (March 26, 2008)
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Journal from Jail
By Stan Mitchell (March 22, 2008)
Is Philippians really the “Vanna White” of Paul’s epistles? Is it merely the lightweight amongst heavyweights such as Romans and Galatians?
What Happens in Tough Times?
By Stan Mitchell (March 19, 2008)
Healing takes time. Whatever you suffer from - whether it is physical illness, loneliness or the effect of your own mistakes, know this; rebuilding takes place in nature as in life, one twig at a time.
Honest Pay for Honest Work
By Stan Mitchell (March 12, 2008)
There should there be a difference between the way a Christian and a non-Christian employer treats his workers.
You Can Smash the Barometer, But You Can't Stop the Storm
By Stan Mitchell (March 5, 2008)
Rather than heed the message, he had grown angry with the messenger. Destroying the barometer, however, did nothing to halt the storm.
Spiritual CPR
By Stan Mitchell (February 27, 2008)
There is nothing more humbling than to realize that we cannot help either ourselves or our families. But it is in those times that we are reminded of the power of God.
Aiding and Abetting
By Stan Mitchell (February 20, 2008)
When there is a war going on, it is hard to remain friends with both sides.
He's the Exception to the Rule
By Stan Mitchell (February 13, 2008)
If everybody on the freeway considered himself the exception to the rule, there would be mayhem and slaughter. I wonder what life would be like if everyone thought he was the exception when it came to the words that he used?
Dear James
By Stan Mitchell (February 6, 2008)
Who wins when friendships are broken? Who is better off when a marriage breaks down? What is gained by a church breaking apart?
Wise Guys and Wise Persons
By Stan Mitchell (January 30, 2008)
The Bible does not mean to be insulting when it calls someone a "fool." Such a person is not a buffoon, or a moron. He is simply not wise by God's definition.
Words Gone Wild!
By Stan Mitchell (January 23, 2008)
He is suggesting that vile and venomous words are the product … of a vile and venomous heart.
Can Someone Get the Key?
By Stan Mitchell (January 16, 2008)
Unkind words, gossip, or angry, caustic accusations have the momentum of a mountain of runaway mine truck.
Justification by Faith Alone
By Stan Mitchell (January 9, 2008)
Scripture, not theologians, should shape our theology.
Only the Talented and Rich Need Apply
By Stan Mitchell (January 2, 2008)
They will see what extraordinary things I can do with such ordinary people.
Well, Suppose
By Stan Mitchell (December 26, 2007)
The wonder is that the Prince of all the earth invites us to sit with Him!
Disqualified!
By Stan Mitchell (December 12, 2007)
If you think that this verse does not apply to you, that may be the very sign that it does!
Taking Another Look
By Stan Mitchell (December 5, 2007)
So how would you characterize your study of God's word? Do you "look intently" into it?
If Mirrors Could Talk
By Stan Mitchell (November 28, 2007)
Mirrors don't finesse their message; they are undiplomatic, merely reflecting reality. That's what mirrors do.
Wisdom
By Stan Mitchell (November 21, 2007)
When you last begged God for something, what was it? Wisdom? Or something a little more physical, and earthly? Solomon prayed for wisdom to govern God's people. One suspects that his request was something of a surprise to the Lord. ...
The Seduction
By Stan Mitchell (November 14, 2007)
It all began with the desire, the deep-seated longing for something that he knew was wrong. But he could not help it, he allowed himself to be enticed and allured by the seduction. It wasn't long before the seduction had...
When a Blessing Doesn't Look Like a Blessing
By Stan Mitchell (November 7, 2007)
Some are deceived into thinking that temporary gratification of sin is a "good and perfect gift." The pleasures of adultery are undeniable. Revenge can bring quick and cheap gratification. Crushing another's feelings by cruel words and gossip can bring a warped kind of pleasure. ...
The Christian's View of Trial
By Stan Mitchell (October 24, 2007)
The Africans have a saying: "After the rain, come the flowers."
Take Me to Your Leader
By Stan Mitchell (October 17, 2007)
The glory lies, not in the first part ("servant"), but in the second (“of the Lord”).
Counter Cultural
By Stan Mitchell (October 9, 2007)
The Biblical writers were not shallow-minded fashion followers, they were countercultural. To speak for God was to run counter to the thinking of their own day and age.
Could There be a Connection?
By Stan Mitchell (October 3, 2007)
Children are given a Bible to read, and their behavior improves. This is about as shocking as hearing expletives in rap music!
Charmed, I'm Sure
By Stan Mitchell (September 26, 2007)
“I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight.”
Good For the Soul
By Stan Mitchell (September 19, 2007)
Confession is good for many reasons, but perhaps the most important is the reminder to ourselves that we are flawed and in need of God’s mercy
Covenant Breaker
By Stan Mitchell (September 12, 2007)
If we were more conscious of the presence of God in our sexual and marital commitments, we would be more faithful to each other.
He Couldn't Hear, but He Could See
By Stan Mitchell (September 5, 2007)
"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears, because they hear" (Matthew 13:16). We stood outside the door of the apartment, and I was puzzled. "What?" I wondered, "would a deaf man be doing with a door...
Common Suffering
By Stan Mitchell (August 29, 2007)
From Satan’s point of view, that makes Jesus the most dangerous man in history!
Come, Let Us Reason Together
By Stan Mitchell (August 22, 2007)
It is said that the early Christians out-thought their contemporaries.
Come Again?
By Stan Mitchell (August 15, 2007)
As certain as the surf rises in California, or the snow falls in Lincoln, so is his second coming!
Churches That Grow
By Stan Mitchell (August 8, 2007)
The Gospel is too valuable a comodity to be left on the warehouse shelf.
Cheap Grace
By Stan Mitchell (August 1, 2007)
“Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our church. We are fighting today for costly grace.” So said Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German preacher in the late 1930’s. “Cheap grace means grace sold in the market ... the consolations of religion...
A Chasm Wide
By Stan Mitchell (July 25, 2007)
The most dangerous thing in the world is to try to leap a chasm in two jumps.
Comrades in Arms
By Stan Mitchell (July 19, 2007)
And one day, as the song says, we will see our comrades again.
Changing Places
By Stan Mitchell (July 11, 2007)
If we are not Christian in our homes, then we are not Christians anywhere
But is it For Me?
By Stan Mitchell (July 4, 2007)
He was a righteous man, and a priest. He had no doubt read many times the story of the aged Abraham, and God’s promise of a son. He must have thrilled at the angel’s question, “Is anything too hard for...
Starry, Starry Night
By Stan Mitchell (July 1, 2007)
Only man can appreciate how small he is. Only man needs to appreciate how small he is.
Cafeteria Church?
By Stan Mitchell (July 1, 2007)
Churches may attract these kinds of people, but they cannot depend on them to provide the backbone of a growing, serving, preaching community of God's people.
But is it For Me?
By Stan Mitchell (July 1, 2007)
Zechariah believed that God had answered Abraham’s prayer, and Hannah’s, too. He just could not believe that God wished to bless him with a child. Were God’s blessings for him, too?
But I'm Entitled to It!
By Stan Mitchell (June 27, 2007)
“If some people got all their rights, they would begin to complain about being deprived of their wrongs.” --Oliver Herford Last week a 20-year-old man broke into 85-year-old Grace Newton’s home in southern California. He hit her over the head...
Burning in Our Hearts
By Stan Mitchell (June 20, 2007)
The boisterous crowd fell silent. They had gathered in the summer of 1536 to witness an execution, a man burned at the stake. He was just a little over forty years old, an Oxford scholar, and a felon facing the...
Father's Day
By Stan Mitchell (June 13, 2007)
It was the peppery Erma Bombeck who once said of her father, "I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say, 'I'm going off to work now'; and I put him under the bed."...
Bought at a Price
By Stan Mitchell (June 6, 2007)
We don’t make demands on churches and on Jesus; he makes demands on us! We don’t negotiate our terms of entrance into the church; he dictates them!
Slip Slidin' Away ...
By Stan Mitchell (May 30, 2007)
Do you remember being deeply embarrassed by an explicit "love scene" in a movie? Do you remember when someone would say, “Hey, guys, none of that language please, there’s a lady with us”? Of course these scenes are commonplace now.
Birds in a Cage
By Stan Mitchell (May 23, 2007)
One day a boy was walking down the road when he saw a man with a large birdcage full of birds. Intrigued, the boy asked: “Where did you get all those birds?” “Oh, all over the place,” the man said....
Belonging
By Stan Mitchell (May 16, 2007)
“Children who have strong perceptions of closeness and trust with significant adults are very resistant to peer pressure.” So says Stephen Glenn, author of “Raising Children for Success.” Inner city gang members, researchers tell us, join a gang in order...
Being Right
By Stan Mitchell (May 9, 2007)
The two hardest words to pronounce in the English languare are, "I'm sorry."
Being Brief
By Stan Mitchell (May 2, 2007)
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11) President Calvin Coolidge was renowned for being a man of few words. One evening he was at a dinner party when a lady approached him:...
Smart and Beautiful Too!
By Stan Mitchell (April 25, 2007)
A man turned to his wife and said, "How can you be so incredibly beautiful and as unbelievably stupid at the same time?" "Well," his little darling replied, "It's God's will. He made me incredibly beautiful so that you could be attracted to me, and unbelievably stupid so I would be attracted to you!"
Beauty is
By Stan Mitchell (April 25, 2007)
Did you hear the Fairy Tale about the ugly duckling … who grew up to be an ugly duck? What about the beautiful princess who slept for a hundred years until she was awoken by the kiss of a …...
Change: The Secret
By Stan Mitchell (April 20, 2007)
We must understand that Christianity is not a moonlight, and it is not an occupation; it is our preoccupation,
Be Thou Faithful
By Stan Mitchell (April 18, 2007)
"Be faithful, even to the point of death and I will give you a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). Becoming a Christian means making a commitment. I know that sounds like a statement of the obvious, but it needs to be said. Think how the early Christians suffered, how the flames seared their flesh, how the lions tore them limb by limb, how the rats ran over their feet while they shivered in damp dungeons for their faith. ...
This is the Day
By Stan Mitchell (April 11, 2007)
"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). You might remember the children's classic where the little boy was having a "mean no good bad terrible day." How do you...