Bridge Builders

  What does it take for us to hear God’s voice?   Are we prepared to listen?   He speaks through His word, through the preacher and through mature saints.   The friends and acquaintances we choose may play a role in the vehicle God uses?   God is preparing a word for us.   Here are my sister-in-laws’ thoughts on the matter. God sends people into our lives for many reasons, and in many cases, it is in response to a need we have — whether it’s now, or yet to come. No relationship happens in the Kingdom of God by circumstance or without reason, whether it’s to provide friendship, help us through a season of difficulty, provide wisdom or inspire us to stand strong in our faith when we feel weak and unsure. Throughout Scripture we are instructed to choose our friends wisely, because with godly friends comes godly wisdom — just when we need it most.   Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is ...

It’s the heart.  It’s not the strong arm or the accuracy of a 65% pass completion rate.  It’s not the ability to view the field and read the defense.  It’s not that Tony Romo holds the Dallas Cowboys team record of the most games with a least 300 passing yards or his 100 million dollar contract. My problem with Romo dawned on me this morning, one day after the Thanksgiving game.  The difference between Dax Prescott and Tony Romo is not the stats, their passing mechanics or athletic ability.  It’s all about heart. Colossians 3:23-24 23  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for [ a ]  you serve the Lord Christ. Absent heart felt effort, our work lives, family relationships, friendships, worship and ministry are ineffective, unenthusiastic and seldom rewarding.  The successes we seek are fleeting and seldom commiserate with...

Death and disease claimed almost half the inhabitants of Plymouth, Massachusetts.   Entire families had been lost that first winter.   They had settled half a world away from relatives and country.   There would be no one coming to the rescue. Yet, in the midst of devastation they God provided a ram in the bush.   Native American Indians shared their knowledge of using dried fish remains as fertilizer.   The Pilgrim’s crop flourished allowing food supplies to support them through another harsh winter.   Despite devastation behind them and the unknown looming ahead, they invited the original Americans to join them in a Harvest Celebration.   One wonders, why give thanks and praise after having lost so much and no guarantee of future success?   1 Thessalonians 5:18 18  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Last year, maybe you lost a family member, or suffered through a job layoff, a friend...

Picky eaters are the bane of a parent’s existence.  Nothing suits their fancy.  Their list of acceptable foods rarely rises above five.  Macaroni and cheese generally makes the list but then the kind of cheese used might be unacceptable. My name is Linda and I was a picky eater.  I spent hours at the dinner table refusing to clean my plate.  No way was I going to consume Brussels sprout or slimy okra.  My mother prepared healthy, well balanced meals but that was beside the point.  I decided what would enter my mouth.  Maybe that’s why I was such a scrawny, anemic kid.  I should have eaten what was served. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Picky listeners must be the bane of a Pastor’s existe...

Every time I see the sign, I grimace. Really, slim for life.  No one is slim for life.  How can you guarantee the same body type will remain the same for any length of time?  To be honest, I have not checked out their website or spoken to their representatives.  I do not have to.  They are in business to sell wishful thinking.  It may work for a year or two but given time the body will revert back to what it knows best.  Eventually, good eating habits fall by the wayside, exercise routines sputter and monthly gym dues only benefit the gym.  I know, it’s depressing but there are truths in life that cannot be ignored.  Night follows day, the sun sets in the west, all men die and over time, weight returns.  There is another truth we must all confront.  The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23 23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise God, there is a remedy...