Sound Words (Page 20)

WISDOM Benjamin Franklin said, “After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser.” If only there were a way to obtain wisdom without suffering. If only there were a way to learn humility without falling. What if we could know the right course without taking the wrong one first? What if we could always say the right thing instead of causing others pain? How different would our lives be? How different would the lives of our family, friends and neighbors…

The Devil in Pop Culture The devil has been an interesting figure in pop culture over the years. In medieval times the devil is depicted as something grotesque to be feared. In the paintings of that era, he is depicted as a half man- half goat hybrid or a lizard person. He is even painted literally eating sinners alive. In the renaissance era we see a small shift in the view of Satan. In the year 1667 we got “Paradise…

A Faithful Witness Have you ever been asked to recount an event which you have observed? Perhaps you have been called on to testify at a trial. In either case there is an expectation that you will truthfully describe the events that you have witnessed. “A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.” (Proverbs 14:5 NKJV) The Mosaic law forbade false witness. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16 NKJV) This…

Priorities It is now Thursday evening and I have this article to write and a weekly bulletin to publish. Two sermons need to be finished. Welcome slides and readings have yet to be updated in PowerPoint. I still have obligations to my employer. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has presented an unending list of challenges in my son’s purchase and registration of a pickup truck. I promised to help my in-laws Friday night and Saturday. No pressure, right? Ordinarily this would…

Work Mondays have become the universal symbol representing dislike for work. Transitioning from a traditional weekend of rest, recreation and worship to focused endeavor can be challenging. “It feels like a Monday” is a common response to the question, “How are you today?” regardless of the weekday on which the question is posed.  While some dread work, many are absorbed in it. Some are so deeply invested in their work that they have no identity outside of their occupation. Others…

This World is Not My Home This world is an astounding place. Immense oceans, majestic mountains, enormous canyons, and fertile plains exist in an abundance of vibrant colors. The planet is populated with living things which are alike in kind but distinctly individual. This is true of snowflakes, grains of sand, blades of grass and of people. God is due the credit for all of it. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 NKJV) “The…

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…