When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

(author unknown) When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I …

The Lifeline

(author unknown) After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's minister slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the preacher told the congregation that the guest minister …

Letter From a Pastor’s Daughter

(author unknown) I'm a pastor's daughter. I have seen first hand the beauty and pain involved in a life called ministry for almost thirty years. I remember the first time I heard someone say something bad about my father. He and I were working, assembling music in his office on a late afternoon, when I …

Six Vital Certainties

(by J.C. Ryle) 1. Life is short and uncertain. 2. Death is sure. 3. Judgment is inevitable. 4. Sin is exceeding sinful. 5. Hell is a dreadful reality. 6. Christ alone can save you.

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

(by Thomas Brooks) Walk by the rule of Scripture.Don't vex or grieve the Holy Spirit.Pursue heavenly wisdom.Resist Satan's first overtures immediately.Strive to be filled with the Spirit.Remain humble.Maintain a strong and constant watch.Maintain communication with God.Fight Satan in Christ's strength, not your own.Pray much.

Soul Nudges and Heart Tingles

(by Heather Burke-Cody) I was thrift shopping for dorm stuff. The cashier appeared to be one of the most unhappy, maddest people ever. I was six people deep in the line and it seemed like she got more and more exasperated with each passing customer. She was especially incensed when one of my unmarked items …

Our Young People Need Our Help

(by Fred Santana) Parents, please read! With our youth soon heading off to college, it is critical that we are aware that up to 70% leave the church after high school. I know this number is alarming but it’s important to understand the reasons for it, and the actionable steps needed for prevention. Please evaluate …

A Cathedral Welcome

(author unknown, posted at Coventry Cathedral) We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable, or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You're welcome …

The Presence of God

(By H.A. Ironside) Have you not often heard some servant of God expounding the Word in such a way that it touched your heart in wonderful power and blessing? Perhaps you said, “I’ve read that passage over and over again, and yet I never saw it like that before. I don’t understand how it is …

Church is Hard

(by Jacob Waldron) Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgment. Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of an entire body. Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world. Church is hard for the girl who looks like she …