What Do You Do With The Mad That You Feel?
In 1969, Fred Rogers addressed a frustrated, tired, and angry U.S. Senate subcommittee concerning funding for PBS educational TV. His calm demeanor and earnest reasoning stands in sharp contrast to everyone in the room. Yet it was a song that Mr. Rogers wrote and quoted that won the day. “What do you do with the mad that you feel when you feel so mad you could bite? When the whole world seems oh, so wrong, and nothing you do seems…
Philippines Mission Letter: August 2023
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May the Lord’s grace be a constant source of inspiration and hope in your life. Last month, our youth group did something special. They came together for an activity that improved their singing skills and strengthened their friendships. They realized that singing not only enhanced their individual abilities but also deepened their sense of togetherness as a group. Moreover, during this activity, our youth group had a lot of fun and shared laughter,…
“Hitching Your Wagon to a ‘Mad’ Man”
Pro 22:24-25 – Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Nathaniel Philbrick wrote a book called, The Last Stand, in which he described George Custer with the following words: “Custer did not drink; he didn’t have to. His emotional effusions [outbursts] unhinged his judgment in ways that went far beyond alcohol’s ability to interfere with clear thinking.” Imagine following a man…
The Cost of Following Jesus
The cost to follow Jesus is high! It will cost all our love. Jesus said the great and first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Mt. 22:37-38). The second, like it, “love your neighbor as yourself (Mt. 22:39). If we want to learn from Jesus, we must learn to love like Jesus loved! It will cost all our life. “Whoever does not bear his own cross an come after me cannot…
For the Students (Disciples) (Part 2)
Students in school and disciples of Christ (cf. Mt. 28:18-20) desire to look at life the way God looks at life. Consider carefully some of God’s thoughts on life: Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 20:19 – Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:22 – Do not say, “I will repay evil”;…
For the Students (Part 1)
School is about to start! Summer routines fade and students will find themselves in all sorts of new situations. God desires for His children to walk in wisdom, especially toward those who are not Christians (Col. 4:5). How can we make the best use of our time and walk wisely in school? Consider these Proverbs: Proverbs 3:30 – Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 10:9 – Whoever walks in…
Keep Your Eyes on the Cherubim!
Some of the most fascinating creatures mentioned in Scripture are the cherubim. Cherubim are angelic beings that appear at very significant places throughout Scripture. Pay special attention to these creatures when they are mentioned — they tell an important story. Cherubim were at the Garden of Eden “So God drove out the man, and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree…
Bring Christ Your Broken Life
When I visited Ukraine several years ago, I was impressed how beautiful everyone looked on the street and in the community. Men were wearing their finest suits and polished shoes, and women were wearing their most beautiful dresses, designer heels, and name-brand accessories. When I asked one of my Ukrainian companions about their wealth and how everyone looked so stylish, he mentioned to me, “It’s all a show. These people have only a few sticks of furniture in their houses…
I’m Okay With Being Weak
Moses had a speech problem, but God was with him (Exodus 4:10-12). Joshua became the national leader of a homeless people, but God was with him (Deuteronomy 31:23). Gideon was from a weak clan and the least in his family, but God was with him (Judges 6:15-16). Jeremiah was a young, fearful man who couldn’t speak well, but God was with him (Jeremiah 1:4-8). The Israelites were decimated and deported by the Babylonians, but God was with them (Jeremiah 30:8-11).…
“God is the God of Peace”
God told Moses to tell the priests how to bless God’s people in Numbers 6:23-27. The blessing we know, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” The Jewish commentary says that the priests performed this blessing daily in the temple. The blessing was the priest performing it (v. 23), but it was God who was…
Slow to Hear, Quick to Speak, & Quick to Wrath
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. – James 1:19 It is amazing how many people get this verse so wrong. Stephen, often regarded as the first Christian to die for his faith concluded his sermon about the hardness of hearts of the Jews. Just before they stoned him, the Bible says they “cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with…
Philippines Mission Letter: June 2023
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May the Lord’s love, protection, and grace always safeguard and bless each one of you. Despite the challenges we face, working in the Lord’s kingdom always brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. With the courage, strength, and opportunities given by the Lord, we continue to share God’s message of salvation. We feel honored to share the Scriptures and their meaningful messages through the family development sessions and moral recovery program initiated by our government.…