Knowing God is the very foundation of a growing relationship with Him. He delights when His children learn more about Him when they study the Bible. His Word tells us that He is…
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Knowing God is the very foundation of a growing relationship with Him. He delights when His children learn more about Him when they study the Bible. His Word tells us that He is…
The Carthage Bulldogs football team — the undefeated and No. 1 ranked team in a 4A Division II — have simply been incredible through 13 games this season.
Excited to see Hawthorn Clabaugh Patterson House renovations
Gratitude to God not only honors Him but is good for us (Psalm 92:1). This Thanksgiving, here are 10 reasons we should always be grateful for the Lord’s blessings. Gratitude…
Aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to make us unfruitful and useless. The secret to living a productive life is not found in a pill, a drink or an exercise routine, but in heeding what the Lord says. God is the One who ultimately determines the number of our days, but we have the respo…
Jeremiah is describing “Bad government! Bad leadership!” as revealed in Jeremiah 23:1 6. Those responsible to lead Israel in God’s path were ones responsible for Israel’s plight.
As I started walking towards the Beckville Ladycats’ locker room following their season ending five-set loss to Iola in a 2A Region III semifinal match-up last Friday at Longview High School, it was a walk I wasn’t looking forward to making.
Here’s a little secret that all God’s children should know. The key to a joyful and productive life is found in 8 essential attitudes.
A great day is coming: a great and terrible day. For some it will bring vindication and joy, for others destruction and distress. Jesus joined his prediction of the Temple’s destruction with a description of the coming of the Son of man, as indicated in Luke 21:5-19. There was a popular song…
Do you remember the last time you felt discouraged? None of us want to experience this painful emotion, but so many situations in life can make us feel hopeless. Whatever the cause, the most important issue is how we respond to the situation. Let’s consider how the Lord would have us respond…
Our scriptures, Isaiah 1:10-18, are pointing to the immorality of insincere worship. The hypocrisy of religious practice separated from faithful living has far reaching effects. We fail to nurture our soul when we fail to integrate worship with holy living. Further, such hypocrisy does untol…
Can you believe Thanksgiving is upon us already? After my sweet stepdad came into our lives, we enjoyed a big pan of his cornbread dressing at the annual family gathering. He’s in heaven now, but Mother says she doesn’t suppose he would mind my sharing his recipe with all of you. Hope you enjoy it!
What do you want people to remember about you? If you’re a believer, the greatest compliment you could receive is the recognition that you walked with God. To walk with God means to keep Him at the center of our lives.
Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was considered to be a traitor and cheater, along with all the other tax collectors. The crowd questioned Jesus’ association with Zacchaeus, as revealed in Luke 19:1-10. You will notice a change in Zacchaeus, who promised to give to the poor and to repay those he …
At some point in our lives, we all face fearful situations. But if we yield to what we know is wrong, our lives will be filled with entanglements and trouble. Instead of being frail Christians who make our decisions out of fear, let’s become followers of Christ who hold firmly to God’s stand…
Let’s put things in perspective. Why are we, as a nation, in the shape that we are in? How did we get here? Think of the unbelievable things that we are facing today! I don’t mean to imply that these are the only matters we need to concern ourselves with. If you had been to as many funerals …
If you feel like you’re the only person to ever struggle with temptation, think again. Ever since the beginning of the human race, people have been losing the battle for self-control.
The parable found in Luke 18:1-8 is about an unjust judge and the persistent widow. It teaches the disciples to “always pray and not lose heart.” The question behind the story is whether God hears and acts. Is God faithful and responsive? Yes! God is faithful. When Jesus returns, will he fin…
Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:1-14, is encouraging his young colleague Timothy to “rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands” (v. 6). Paul said of his own faith, “I know the one in whom I have put my trust, I am sure that he is able” (v.10).
I know the weather channels all said that the fall season officially began a couple of weeks ago, but it’s been a little slow about arriving at my house. Maybe these recipes will encourage it to show its face.
Believing the negative report, the children of God refused to enter the Promised Land.
Brett Favre is a Hall of Fame football player but at the same time is among the lowest scum of the earth as allegations of impropriety continue to rise.
Did you hear about the man who was voted “the most even-tempered man” of the community? They said, “He’s mad ALL the time!” Glad I’m not that man! However, I could get a few votes once in awhile. Hugh Fulford, writing in the Magnolia Messenger, titled his article, “I Am MAD!” I even texted h…
The story of the rich man (Dives) and the poor beggar (Lazarus) is portrayal of the reversal roles, as indicated in Luke 16:19-31. The reversal of the fortunes of the rich and the poor is a primary theme of this lesson. Success stories that tell about someone’s move from rags to riches aboun…
What exactly is courage? Biblical courage is a quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to meet the challenges of life with fearlessness, calmness and firmness. Courage is fear that has said its prayers, and it fights to the end.
God wants all persons to be saved, as revealed in 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Christ gave himself as a ransom for all. Paul was appointed to be “a teacher of Gentiles.” The lesson calls us to be universal in our prayers. The mercy of God leads us to include everyone in our prayers for salvation. It pro…
The U.S. needs a 9/11 Memorial Flag
Paul’s life was an amazing example of perseverance through dangers, suffering and threats of death. According to 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, he experienced imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks and dangers from travel, weather, robbers, the Jews, the Gentiles and false brethren. His goal was to sp…
Paul, who was Saul, recalled his former conduct and how he had once blasphemed, persecuted, and insulted Jesus, as indicated in 1 Timothy 1:12-17.
Friend, tell me what is wrong with the following: energy independence, securing our borders, saving babies, tough on crime, fair elections, school choice, protecting our constitutional rights, stopping genital mutilation of kids, putting parents first or putting America first?
The parable of potter and clay, in Jeremiah 18:1-11, tells of a vessel that was spoiled. The clay was not discarded but reworked. For the prophet, it symbolizes the relationship of God to the house of Israel. How good it is to have that which is spoiled remade into something beautiful and go…
So does your yard look like a jungle now? After months and months of drought, we finally got the prayed-for rain. All at one time!
How do you feel about student loans and debt being forgiven? It really isn’t “forgiven” but “transferred” to taxpayers! And what’s ironic is that the majority of taxpayers have no outstanding student loans, or if they did have student loans they got jobs and paid off their debt. Our kids did…
After Moses died, God gave Joshua the task of leading His people into the Promised Land. Although Joshua had been trained by Moses and had worked under him, the thought of replacing Moses and taking responsibility for these people must have filled Joshua with fear and trembling. Joshua also …
Practical expressions for love are suggested, in Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16. Our faith is not simply a decision we can give only passing notice. In being a Christian, we become open to the possibilities of God’s power in our lives. Christ called his disciples not only to agree with a theological …
The news was quickly spreading. People loved the new Teacher in Galilee, and now He was coming to Nazareth. It was a Sabbath day when He stood up among them and began reading from the book of Isaiah. But wait. They knew that guy. Wasn’t that Joseph’s son? He grew up with them. What was their…
What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, as indicated in Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-19. Substance is the ground beneath you. The faith of Abraham who “set out, not knowing where he was going” (v. 8) secured the promise. Later, he risked that promise when he was ready to offer up his…
Weather. Can’t do a thing abut it but hope and pray. It’s talked about more than probably any other subject. I realize no one can accurately predict the weather 100 percent of the time, maybe at no time. The closest I’ve ever heard of was an elderly gentleman in South Texas. He was downright…
Last week, we looked at the importance of clearing our hearts of any known sin and neutralizing our desires. Now, let’s consider some more biblical advice for how we can make wise decisions.
We should “Lay aside sin, which clings so closely, and ... run with perseverance” as indicated in Hebrews 12:1-2, 12-17. Being a true Christian involves dedication, hard work and being true to the Lord. We are to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run the race of life w…
Life is composed of a series of decisions, which is why it’s important to have a plan for making wise choices. The Bible is filled with verses about prayer and discovering God’s will. If we follow a plan based on God’s Word, we’ll make decisions wisely and avoid the difficulties and heartach…
Paul concludes his message of Justification by faith in Galatians 3:23-29. The law, like a “custodian” or “guardian,” had been the means of salvation until Christ came. Baptism in Christ sets aside all divisions. “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no…
Sometimes, when we think about fearing God, we feel like we might lose out on the good things in life. But the truth is there are many blessings that come with acknowledging God’s sovereignty and power. Here are a few reasons why reverencing the Lord is a very good idea.
A heresy taught that Christ was just another intermediary through whom humans could communicate with God. The Creator and creation were considered separate. Paul, in Colossians 2:6-15, contrasted this tradition and its elemental spirits for the universe with the sufficiency of Christ. He off…
Do you have a garden this year? Maybe you just have one tomato plant in a pot out on the patio, or maybe you’re into large-scale farming. Perhaps you have a generous neighbor who shares the extra zucchini with you.
What does it mean to fear the Lord? Should we be terrified of Him, or does it mean something else? If we are lost and living in sin, we have a good reason to be afraid of God because we are not right with Him and are destined for judgment and condemnation. But if we are His redeemed people, …
Solomon’s goal was to show that earthly possessions and accomplishments are ultimately meaningless, as indicated in Ecclesiastes 1:2,12-16. Only the pursuit of God brings real satisfaction. Although written thousands of years ago, these words from the book of Ecclesiastes speak just as power…