Sound Words

Worry It is human nature to be concerned. Health, finances, relationships, children and plans consume our thoughts and our time. We wonder about present circumstances and the future implications of decisions. We plan, forecast and analyze in an effort to predict and control outcomes. Doing so without considering God is arrogant on our part. “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make…

Worship The first allusion to worship occurs in Genesis chapter four where we find “Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.” (Genesis 4:3-4 NKJV) Knowing that Abel’s offering was the result of faith we rightly conclude that he was acting in obedience to God’s commandment. (Romans 10:17) Following the birth of Enosh to Seth, son of Adam and Eve, “men began…

Youth Oh, to be young again! How many times has that thought crossed our mind or have those words crossed our lips? There are so many reasons to cherish youth. The early years of our existence on this planet are typically filled with health and happiness. Children have unlimited energy, enthusiasm, and optimism. They are quick to laugh, eager to love and quick to forgive. Children are the perfect example of godly character. “Then Jesus called a little child to…

Respect Mankind has tremendous capacity to surprise. Perhaps I have become disillusioned living in proximity to a sizable city where manners and courtesy are in short supply. Gracious grammar has been replaced with curt and casual replies. “Thank you” has been replaced with “no problem”. “I’m sorry, that was my fault” is now “my bad”. The lack of respect is most apparent while commuting. That experience can range from frustrating to downright terrifying. My preference is for a more peaceful…

Zeal To have zeal is to have great energy or enthusiasm. That energy is usually directed toward a cause or area of interest in our life. Such was true of the Apostle Paul. “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death,…

A Self-made Man Benjamin Franklin is the quintessential “self-made man.” He was a successful inventor, scientist, musician, and author. In his spare time, he helped found a country and then serve as her diplomat. Not bad for a kid who was born into a poor family and only receiving two years of formal schooling. The key to Franklin’s success was his drive to constantly improve himself and accomplish his ambitions. Early on in his life, Ben Franklin set a goal:…

Preparation Life takes unexpected turns. We respond in disbelief and typically observe that we were not prepared for the situation. It is difficult to prepare for the unknown. After all, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” It is impossible to prepare for every possibility. God does not want man to live in a constant state of worry about the trivial aspects of living. “Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your…

God is not a Republican Sometimes we have to write what we ourselves need to hear. So here it is, for me as much as anyone. God is not a Republican. And what’s more, I don’t think Jesus would be, if he were here today. Nor a Democrat either.  Before I go further, please understand I am NOT saying we shouldn’t vote, or join a political party, or be a responsible citizen, or hold office, or try in all the…