"For no one can lay any other foundation than?Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw.
I Corinthians 3:11-12 (NLT)
Athens has forever been known for its magnificent buildings, Greek culture and its philosophers and educated men. The past two weeks much gold, silver, and bronze in the form of medals has been distributed at the Summer Olympics in the beautiful seaside city of Athens, Greece.
'A woman's house is her castle'. And you just don't bother a woman's castle. I'm speaking from a woman's point of view. Many of us have things we cherish, and want to keep. We put them away, and forget we have them. But, we still don't want to part with them. They are discovered by a husband, who means well, and is sparked into a cleaning mode. He says he's going to throw them away. If I protest, then, he says he'll find a time when I'm gone, and get rid of them. And, at times, he's done that very thing. You can call me a pack rat, but, I was brought up with the notion that everything is useful, as long as it's not worn out. Why throw it away? We weren't rich when I was at home, but, we were taught to take care of all our things. I have toys that I had when I was a child. I've kept toys that look like new that belonged to our children. Now, our grandchildren play with those same toys. I see no reason to get rid of those things.
The waitress placed a large bowl of salad in the middle of the table and handed plates all round. Spence and I chatted with our friends for another few moments, while the waitress poured tall glasses of water, then we bowed our heads, closed our eyes and thanked God for the food we were about to eat and the friendship we could enjoy. It was a common blessing, something that is as ordinary to Christians as breathing. As we dished up the salad, our friend Bob said, "We should have prayed like they do in China." My first thought was, how could it be so different? Then Bob explained.
A Hurting Word...
Now we all know it was MR. Noah who built the ark and bossed the ark--with the Lord's help, of course!! But it's Mother's Day, and we also know that behind every successful man, there's a woman somewhere, putting in her two cents' worth, and making it all happen! (They could have used us in the recent NBC production of "Noah's Ark," don't you think?)
Most of us are aware that NBC, in its recent mini-series, took great liberty and license with the Biblical account--and *I* was, not behind, but in front of that TV set, having "mama fits" as most Christians did, with the unbiblical way this classic Bible story was portrayed. And so, on behalf of Mrs. Noah, I intend to put in MY two cents' worth, set the story straight, and have a little fun too!
Acceptance Weekly devotional by Barbara Sanders Everyone wants to feel wanted, to be accepted. Many spend a lifetime trying to gain acceptance in one way or another. They worry about what people might think of them, as if the clothes they wear, the house they own, the car they drive, their 'higher education', or where their children attend school is the meter through which people gauge them for acceptance.
Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.
Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site. Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"