As it crystallizes more snowflakes latch on until it becomes too heavy and gravity takes this small mass of snow to the ground.

For generations snow would fall in this particular region of the world. Eventually layers of ice would build up until the weight of the thick glacier sheet would slide off the side of a cliff and splash in the waters below.

From a snowflake, to glacier, to an iceberg at last— now adrift on the ocean. As years would pass it grew closer to warmer seas shrinking in size. In just two weeks it would melt into the surrounding waters. That’s what happens to most icebergs, but this particular one wouldn’t melt before going down in history.

The ancient iceberg would be hit by a massive ship. The infamous Titanic– hit by an accident thousands of years in the making. It all started with a single snowflake.

We’re all building something. Every day we scheme, think, and make decisions that contribute to a final outcome. 

Paul echoes this in Galatians.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

(Gal. 6.7-8)

Three Quick Lessons 

1.     A person gets out of life what he puts into it— this life and the next.

2.     I’m either working towards my own destruction,

3.     Or I’m working towards an eternal life in the presence of God.

There should be hope found in each hour,
a blessing with each breath,
because to die now—
is life after death.

May we always be mindful of what we’re sowing, and always thankful for the patience and grace of our God.

Dale Pollard

“How would this have helped?” you ask. Samson had a truly unique relationship with God. He was a Nazirite from birth, which meant (in part) that a razor never touched his head. Judges 16:17 tells us this element of his vow was the means through which God imbued him with immense strength. As long has Samson stayed faithful to his vow, God’s Spirit would rush upon him when the time was necessary, and he would display this power. Thus, Samson’s long hair was a very real reminder of the relationship he had with God. It was a reminder of where Samson’s direction, purpose, and guidance were to come from. It was the kind of trait that could have refocused Samson to the ways of truth and morality had he only taken a moment to run his fingers through his hair when temptations surfaced.

Today, none of us has this exact unique relationship with God. However, it doesn’t mean that ours is not special. He is still the source of our spiritual strength, guidance, and purpose. Like, Samson, though, we may struggle with regular temptations that get the best of us. In those times we need to be able to “run our fingers through our hair” as a reminder of the relationship with the Divine that we are trying to preserve. For us, that “long hair” may be a special memorized verse that brings us back to focus. It could be a special object we carry in our pocket, or maybe a song we sing to ourselves. Whatever the trait or object, the interaction is meant to pull us out of a temptation fog and clearly choose to follow God at all times.

Being a man or woman of God does not make us immune to sin’s power. If anything, it might mean the Devil comes at us with that much more vigor. Having a special token, memory, or action that keeps us centered on God’s will could be an immense help in our walk of faith. Samson could have run his fingers through his hair. What could you do?

Cory Waddell

From an empty void God created the world and everything in it. He did so with the creativity of His mind and with the power of His spoken word.  “Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1,3). “Then God said” is often recorded in the creation account. (Gen.  1:6,9,11,14,20,24,26).

The Psalms declare, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made…For He spoke and it was done.” (Psm. 33:6,9). It was pointed out in Hebrews that God made a nation from a barren, childless, Abraham, “and calls into being that which does not exist” (4:17). God’s word remains powerful today, the “word of the cross” of Christ, “to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). Oh! The power of God’s word to take our old man of sin and to create in us a “new creature” in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). Mankind; from nothing, something!

-Dennis Doughty

What a lonely position Elijah was in – one man standing for truth while hundreds opposed him. Yet Elijah was right, and the multitude was wrong. When God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah’s sacrifice, it became unmistakably clear that truth is not determined by majority opinion. God’s faithful servant stood alone, but he stood with God.

This has often been the case for God’s faithful servants. Noah preached righteousness while the whole world ignored God (Genesis 6:5-8). Micaiah stood alone against 400 flattering prophets who told king Ahab only what he wanted to hear (1 Kings 22:6-14). Jeremiah was mocked and persecuted for declaring God’s word to a rebellious nation (Jeremiah 20:1-2,7-9). The ultimate example is that of our Lord Jesus who was rejected by many who loudly professed devotion to God.

Faithful Christians should not be surprised when the same thing happens today. Those who insist on teaching the pure truth of God’s word are often criticized, isolated, and misrepresented — not only by the world, but even by their own brethren. Paul warned Timothy that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). Truth makes people uncomfortable when they are determined to follow their own desires instead of God’s will.

One danger should be noted. We must never assume that being unpopular automatically means we are faithful.  But when Christians humbly and lovingly teach the truth of God’s word, opposition should not discourage them. Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you… for my sake” (Matthew 5:11).

Elijah once thought he was completely alone, but God assured him there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Likewise today, faithful servants of God are never truly alone. Most importantly, the Lord stands with those who stand for His truth.  We must never compromise God’s word for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The majority crowd may be large, loud, and even appear ‘religious’ — but truth still belongs to God and His faithful servants.  Think!

– by Greg Gwin

Some practical measures for keeping peace include the following:

1. DO NOT START A QUARREL! Proverbs 17:14 says, “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.” While it is true that there are principles of truth that must be defended, argued and contended for (Jude 3, Philippians 1:17), MANY quarrels among brethren are over things that have not even been revealed in Scripture. Others involve judging hearts and motives by appearance, instead of judging with righteous judgment (as Jesus instructed in John 7:24). This kind of strife should be nipped in the bud! We must simply “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2 Timothy 2:23).
2. DO NOT SPREAD TALES! Nothing fans the flames of strife more effectively than gossip. Conversation that is seemingly well meant can provide fuel to a fire that would otherwise die out. When a brother begins a conversation (or e-mail message) by asking, “Do you know what brother so-and-so said about you?” he may mean well, but what follows is usually combustible! “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Proverbs 26:20).
3. LOVE YOUR BROTHER. “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.” (Proverbs 10:12). It is amazing how easy it is for folks to tolerate the faults of their loved ones, family, longtime friends, etc., while at the same time refusing to tolerate similar or lesser faults in those outside their circle of friends. If we could learn to show love, without prejudice or partiality, we might find a lot less to pick at in others (cf. 1 Timothy 5:21).
4. FORBEAR . The instructions given in Ephesians 4:1-3 for “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ” include “forbearing one another in love” (KJV). According to Strong’s Dictionary “forbearing” means to “put up with, bear with, endure, suffer”. Some have the idea that they “don’t have to put up with” anything from a brother in Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you are being unjustly mistreated, “putting up with it” and taking it patiently is one of the truest marks of a follower of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:20-21). Suffering real or imagined injustice from a brother is a sad excuse for causing strife. It’s an excuse Abram would not use, and neither should we. We might learn to be more forbearing if we would stop and realize how much we need others to “put up with” us! “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” (Matthew 7:12).

– by Steve Klein

He approached the on-ramp to an Interstate highway in Milwaukee County, but a “Road Closed” barrier stood in his way.  He decided that didn’t apply to his rugged truck, so he moved the barrier off to the side and proceeded on his way.  The fresh concrete the barrier was meant to protect was more of a match than he anticipated, and photos of his truck axle-deep in the concrete testify to his stubbornness.  Large machines were required to free him.  We’re guessing the repair bills for his truck and for the damaged road work will be substantial.

Something about sitting behind a steering wheel brings out the worst in many people.  Traffic safety signs are ignored as people decide to blast past their warnings.  Many manage to escape consequences, but many others, like our friend in the cement pit, aren’t so lucky.

Each of us are “sitting behind the wheel” of our life and stubbornness is a problem we all experience to some degree.  “Pride” is a word the Bible uses: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Many in Judah in the 7th century B.C. were ignoring God’s warning signs.  The prophet Jeremiah tried to reason with them: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the ways and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.’  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16).  Not many years passed until they were stuck in their sins and the Babylonian Empire served as God’s instrument of punishment.  Pride kept them from paying attention to God.

“Preach the word!” Paul wrote to his young associate Timothy, “for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine … they will heap up for themselves teachers, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).  Instead of stopping at the “Road Closed” barriers, such people power forward into dangerous territory and are soon stuck in sin.

Stubbornness is made stronger by thinking we won’t be detected when we ignore barriers.  Moses can help us avoid such a delusion: “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sins will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).  That’s always true of sin –  we will be found out eventually.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copyright, 2026, Timothy D. Hall

The word of God is powerful. As the writer of Hebrews
says, His word “is living and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12). It pierces the heart
(Acts 2:37). It illuminates the path that we should walk
(Ps. 119:105).

The word of God is powerful enough to train us in every
good deed. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may
be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”
(2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no way that God could tell us
specifically every good work that is possible. The book
would simply be too long for us to read or comprehend.
However, in the word of God, we have the principles that
we need for life and every good work. It equips us for
everything that is good. For example, Jesus teaches us that
the greatest command is to love the Lord our God with all
that we have; and the second greatest is to love our neighbor
as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). But then He adds this simple
statement: “On these two commandments hang all the Law
and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:40). Everything that we do is
based on our love for God and our love for our fellow man.

If we are going to fully unleash the power of the word
of God, we must use it properly. We must study it daily
(Acts 17:11). We meditate on it “day and night” (Ps. 1:2). We
must “rightly divide the word of truth,” using it in the proper
context (2 Tim. 2:15). But the only way we can use the word
of God effectively is if it is written in our hearts. When
Moses was preparing Israel to enter the Promised Land, he
said, “And these words which I command you today shall be
in your heart” (Deut. 6:6). He goes on to tell them that they
should teach them to their children; and they should talk
about them throughout the day (Deut. 6:7-9). Today, the
word of God must still be written in our hearts (Heb. 8:10).

There will always be those who challenge us in our faith. They (Satan) will want us to give up on God; and they will
do whatever they can to get us away from Him. We must
rely on the word of God for the answers to these challenges.
Early in His ministry, Jesus faced Satan in the wilderness
(Matt. 4:1-11). In three different ways, Satan tempted Jesus.
Each time, Jesus responded by saying, “It is written…” in
order to help Him deal with temptation, Jesus trusted in the
word of God. If Jesus trusted in the word of God, we also
ought to trust in His word.

With everything that is going on in our lives, we must
always be ready for the battle we face with Satan. The only
way to truly be prepared is to put on the whole armor of
God, and to arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit.

-John Voss

Did you know that the treasurer’s homeland was known as the “Kingdom of Meroe”? The remnant of the once-powerful Kingdom of Kush ruled over even their Egyptian neighbors for a time. If you recognize the name “Kush,” it is because Noah had a grandson named “Cush” (cf. Genesis 10.6-8; Daniel 11.43). The “Ethiopians” are Cush’s descendants.

The “Kandake” line of queens ruled over Meroe. It is known as “Candace” in English Bible translations. The sequence of queens is likely named Candace, a famous empress who ruled the Kushites during Alexander the Great’s conquest. She was a well-known military general and tactician. According to legend, Alexander refused to invade “Nubia” for fear of being defeated by her.

The Ethiopian eunuch, as treasurer, would overlook an impressive treasury. Meroe was a prosperous kingdom due to her trade with the Romans and African tribes from Africa’s western grasslands. They traded with the Romans for gold and other sub-Saharan products until the third century AD. Meroe maintained prominence after their trade with the Romans declined in the early third century due to her ability to smelt iron. Meroe’s workers’ tools and weapons were sought after by her neighbors. Meroe eventually fell from grace and was conquered by her southern neighbor, Axum. This formerly independent state is now an integral part of Sudan.

Meroe’s inhabitants worshiped Egyptian gods and a few gods of their creation. Someone proselytized people in the region at an unknown point in antiquity. According to the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, Jews were living in lower Egypt just before Judah and Benjamin’s Babylonian captivity (cf. Jeremiah 44.1ff). God foresaw those fleeing south to avoid the Babylonians and warned them against their actions (cf. Jeremiah 42.19ff). The treasurer is an example of someone who converted to Judaism. There remain adherents to Judaism in the region today.

What distance did the treasurer go to worship God? Meroe to Jerusalem was about 3,000 miles round trip. So, the treasurer was devout. And consider that once in Jerusalem, the Old Law prohibited his entry into the Temple proper because he was a eunuch and forbade entry. Thus, his desire to be close to God was strong!

Though we do not know the treasurer’s name, we know some of the Meroitic men’s surnames. Arkinidad, Amanislo, Pakheme, Shorkaror, Teritegas, and Yesbokheamani were some of their names. Such names are foreign to the English-speaking ear. It’s possible that the treasurer’s name sounded strange to Philip as well.

What happened to the Ethiopian treasurer after he became a Christian? The treasurer returned to Meroe and converted Queen Candace and many of his fellow Meroites, according to Irenaeus and Eusebius, two Christian writers of the second century AD. They also stated that the treasurer was a martyr dying in Ceylon after preaching the Gospel throughout Arabia Felix (i.e., Yemen). Though we cannot verify the information of Irenaeus and Eusebius, it is consistent with the character introduced on the sacred page.

Brent Pollard

In Isaiah 61:1-3, the prophet is writing of the Messiah and His coming deliverance of those who have been captive, to mend the brokenhearted, and to bring good news to the afflicted. The Lord deliberately distributed His Word in order for us to saturate ourselves daily in the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18). As an oak of righteousness (cf. Isaiah 61:3), we need to follow 3 basic principles during the duration of our lives. 

An oak tree needs to maintain proper nutrition for survival. The average mature tree will use up to 50 gallons of water a day. Just as a tree relies on its root system for intake of this moisture, we must daily ingest God’s Word as if our life depends upon it…and it does! The 50 gallons of water is taken in just for daily survival. We’re not even talking about how to fend off fires, beetles, and deliberate cuttings. You see, unlike the oak, we make a conscious decision to remain strong and upright for the Lord. We must take the initiative to feed our minds with the Bread of Life for proper defense and to be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

 Another great quality about the oak is its yearly production of seed (acorns). Though it may take 20 years before it begins producing acorns, a mature and healthy oak tree is always increasing its yearly production of seed. As mature Christians, we should strive to increase our delivering of God’s Word (seed) to the lost (Matthew 28:19-20). The typical oak can produce 10,000 acorns in the span of its lifetime. As we take notice of the apostles, evangelists, disciples, children of God in Scripture, we don’t see them declining in delivering God’s message because someone rejects the message (seed). Instead, they press on until their life is over. So, too, is the oak tree. Its production never declines (it may slow down when it reaches 100, but never declines) in yearly production as long as it maintains maturity.

 Finally, we need to recognize that our steadfastness for the Lord during our lifetime is because of our Savior and His sacrifice. We shall glorify God through proper righteous living and praising His Holy Name. The life of an oak tree is remarkable when studied about, but the oak tree is just being…an oak tree. That’s what an oak tree is and does. So must we be as obedient followers of Jesus. We need to be Christians acting like…Christians. That’s what Christians do. Jon Warnes

Jesus’s sacrifice was to free us from this evil world we live in. Romans 8.22-25 says, “We know that everything God made has been waiting until now in pain like a woman ready to give birth to a child. Not only the Earth, but we also have been waiting with pain inside us. We have God’s Spirit as the first part of his promise. So we are waiting for God to finish making us his own children. I mean we are waiting for our bodies to be made free. We were saved to have this hope. If we can see what we are waiting for, that is not really hope. People don’t hope for something they already have. But we are hoping for something we don’t have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently.”

The whole purpose of Christianity is to anticipate Jesus’s return, and help the rest of the world face that day prepared. Paul reminded the Galatians that they weren’t saved by any old human way. The only legitimate source of truth and hope is God.

Gary Pollard

The spiritual man’s diet should include words of faith, as Paul told Timothy (1 Timothy 4:6). Those words can only be found in the word of God. Paul declared, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Timothy was taught those words by his mother and grandmother from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15-17). He “carefully followed” the teachings of Paul. He had seen him hold true to the doctrine despite persecutions and knew God had delivered the apostle from all the difficult times brought on by unbelievers (2 Timothy 3:10-11).

A good spiritual diet excludes false, worldly stories (1 Timothy 4:7a). Men chosen to be pastors over God’s flock were expected to hold God’s faithful word tightly and be ready to use it to stop those who would speak against the truth and convict those who spoke in a way contradictory to their own and others’ good (Titus 1:9-11).

Herod the Great destroyed the genealogies because he could not trace his ancestry back to Abraham, resulting in many misleading stories and arguments over those lists of descendants. Timothy was urged to avoid those arguments, instead focusing on the true doctrine which would lead to edification (1 Timothy 1:3-4). Unfortunately, Paul also said men who would not remain true to the words of faith and warned of their desire to hear only what pleased them (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The one who would remain a faithful child of God must reject such worldly stories and cling to the word of God.

God’s child needs to exercise himself to godliness because “godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8). That is why Jesus taught as He did during the sermon on the mount: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The one who follows Christ realizes there are things of eternal significance which must take priority over even the closest of relationships on this earth (Matthew 19:29).

We can know we are following the truth since Jesus’ life on earth and sacrificial death on the cross, had numerous eyewitnesses to support its truthfulness (2 Peter 1:16). Jesus revealed through John the importance of remaining faithful to death (Revelation 2:10). Knowing these things, the believer’s first priority should be devoting himself to practicing those things set forth by God in his word. His regular exercise regimen will include deep meditation upon the truth so as to avoid those things which would destroy his faith and jeopardize his eternal home (Psalm 1)!

Timothy’s father in the faith urged him to, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one who has passed the test. Be a worker who has nothing to be ashamed of. Interpret the message of truth in the proper way” (2 Timothy 2:15 IEB). The apostle included both the good diet of properly interpreting God’s word and the exercise of working as it directs so God will approve of our actions. Let us all strive to follow those same instructions.

by Gary Hampton

So I paid for her food.

I moved up and she leaned out the window, looking all crazy at me, because the cashier told her I paid for her food. She was embarrassed.  When I got to the second window to retrieve my food, I showed both receipts and took her food too!  I paid for it, so it’s mine!  Now she has to wait even longer.  She is going to learn today!”

Rom 12:19 – “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath (of God): for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.”

But Have You Ever Considered That: — Moses was busy tending his flock when God called him to service. Gideon was busy threshing wheat when God called him to service. David was busy caring for his father’s sheep when God appointed him king. Nehemiah was busy serving the king when he decided to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Peter and John were busy fishing when Jesus called them to follow Him. We do not find God using the lazy or idle. He goes to those who are already at work and busy. Consider Saul of Tarsus.

Take Note, Brethren: — It takes time to teach a class or open your home to hospitality, or to write a card of encouragement, or have a home Bible study, or to serve as an elder or deacon. Those that are busy doing those things have families, jobs, hobbies, and commitments just like everyone else. In fact, you will find those that are very busy in the Kingdom of God have to fight time commitments, juggle their schedules, sometimes miss activities they like to go to just like everyone else. There are times they feel pulled in more than one direction. But they have found some things that others fail to see. They have found that being busy in the Kingdom of God is worth the sacrifice they must make. They are making a difference and what they are doing is a good work. They have found that making time for the Kingdom teaches their children a valuable lesson. You don’t do everything you want to do first and then if you have any extra time, find something to do for God. You make time for God. You work your schedule to include God. You make time for the work of the Lord. The Lord found time to die on the cross for us. The Lord finds time to bless us and answer our prayers.

There are many busy folks in the Kingdom. You are making a difference and we are thankful for that. Being busy is not an excuse for not doing what God wants of us.

– by Roger Shouse

Russians used to put frogs in their milk buckets. That seems strange at first, but frogs secrete an antibiotic liquid from their skin that keeps milk from spoiling. To get the measure of calcium that’s in an 8 ounce glass of milk, you’d need to eat 7 oranges, 1/4 cup of broccoli, or six slices of bread. In a recent report, the countries whose residents consume the most dairy per capita, win the most Nobel Prizes.

This may seem like a strange list of random milk facts and that’s because it is. It’s almost as if I Googled “strange milk facts.” But there’s a point to all the milk facts. The church at Corinth had problems. There was division. They failed to have unity. Paul wrote to them in an attempt to correct these issues. Because of their problems, Paul had to deal with them like little children. Since they displayed this childlike spirituality, Paul gave them milk because they couldn’t handle meat.

There is a very clear distinction between milk and meat. It is up to us to discern between milk and meat. Our end goal is spiritual maturity as Christians.

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul writes, “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”

When compared side by side, milk and meat are quite similar. Both milk and meat contain high levels of protein. Both milk and meat have fat (unless it’s skim milk aka “white water). This isn’t that surprising since they both usually come from the same source. The content of milk and meat is basically the same.

This principle is true in the world of education. You see this in reading, writing, math, and history. From Pre-K through college the same things are taught but with increasing complexity. In math, the milk would be 2+2 while the meat would be the square root of 10. The milk can be easily understood and the answer isn’t too hard to come up with. 2+2=4. While the meat is harder to answer since the number 10 is not a perfect square which has a number 0 at its unit place. Since the number 10 is an even number but not a prime number, it has 4 multiple factors: 1,2,5 and 10. The square root of 10 would be 1.414×2.236 which gives us the approximate answer of 3.162. Okay enough math. Do you see the difference?

Milk and meat have the same content, but at different levels of difficulty. Spiritual milk contains the same teaching as spiritual meat. The same spiritual nutrition is contained in both. All teachings in scripture, whether milk or meat, comes from the inspired word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). By drinking the milk of the word and eating the meat of scripture, there will be spiritual growth. Whether it is milk or meat it still contains the same basic truths, but at varying levels of difficulty.

With these facts in mind, we can deduce several points:

1. New converts cannot digest meat.
2. Christians must mature and grow from milk to meat.
3. There is spiritually a time and place for both.

   Carl Pollard

The context involves quarrels and conflicts (Jas. 4:1ff). He will tie this practice to the judgment again in James 5:9. James addresses more than mere disagreement, but focuses on how they were disagreeing. It deteriorated into judging their brother. Judging here means “to come to a conclusion in the process of thinking and thus to be in a position to make a decision” (Louw-Nida, 358). This is a micro-step from assigning motives, judging hearts, and second-guessing. The Greek Old Testament uses our word in translating Psalm 50:20, where Asaph says, “You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son.” God strongly disapproved such behavior (Psa. 50:21)!

How might we be guilty of that today, especially in the context of the Lord’s church? What precipitates it, and how can we overcome this damaging tendency? These are important questions to ask and answer. For as long as I can remember, there have been those in the context of group dynamics who seem hard to please and quick to share it. They take aim at others, typically those in positions of leadership and are free to lob criticisms at their actions or decisions.

While this is not always the case, the critical are typically found on the sidelines. They are not usually among the most active workers and work their jaw muscles most of all. They reflect the spirit of the consumer culture, casting themselves as a client to be appeased. The same critical ones are much less likely to be heard praising others, speaking positively and with optimism, or carving out a Barnabas-like reputation as sons or daughters of encouragement (Acts 4:36). Instead, when you see them coming, hear them calling, or notice them texting, there may be part of you bracing for a storm slamming something that meets their decided disapproval.

Is this a spiritually terminal condition? Of course not! But it requires some adjustments of thinking and behavior. It necessitates empathy and love, and with the latter is not “rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged” (1 Cor. 13:5, NLT). It requires taking the focus off of self and pursuing one’s perceived rights and dues. It demands a heart trained in gratitude and appreciation. It relinquishes the feeling that one always must have his or her way. It trusts the judgment of appointed, qualified spiritual leaders like the church’s shepherds. It gives grace where it believes another is wrong. It expresses itself with humility, patience, and kindness.

Paul sums it up well, doesn’t he? “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). It is impossible to obey this and hold onto a critical spirit! Instead, may we let it go for the sake of the peace and harmony Scripture calls us to!

Neal Pollard

Then verse two, “I strongly urge Euodia and I strongly urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the lord.” The word translated “urge” here is something called a petition verb. These were usually used for strong emphasis. There are two in the same sentence in 4.2, suggesting that Paul had been leading up to this the whole time. His examples of selflessness, humility, concern about others, willingness to sacrifice for the good of others, and his examples of other Christians who did what they were supposed to do, all led up to this straightforward conclusion. These two Christian women were evidently in an argument so severe that their salvation was in serious danger (2.12).

But he doesn’t just admonish these women and leave them in awkward silence. He asks a friend to help these women work out their issues because (4.3), “They worked hard with me in telling people the good news, together with Clement and others who worked with me. Their names are written in the book of life.” He wasn’t bullying these two women because of their issues — even as he corrected them, he made it clear that this was done out of genuine love and concern for their spiritual well-being. Because of their evangelistic mindset and excellent work ethic, their names were in God’s book of life.

Paul repeats 3.1 in 4.4 — “rejoice in the Lord always. I’ll say it again — rejoice.” These are also imperatives. How do we fix problems in our congregations? We focus on what we have in common. We serve God and we’re waiting impatiently for Jesus to come back. It’s a lot easier to resolve our differences when we’re united in our goals. We all want the same thing. We’re all equal in God’s eyes.

Philippians 4 has several more imperatives (5-9) — Make sure everyone sees that we’re gentle and kind. Don’t worry about anything. Ask God for everything you need and be content with what you have. Think about what is good and wholesome. Follow God’s teaching.

At the end of Philippians 4 is another familiar verse — “I can do anything with God’s help”. This verse is on a poster at our gym near the weight lifting area (as “Phillippians” ha), and many have this verse on a shirt or tattooed. While it’s certainly innocent and kinda funny, that’s not what Paul’s saying here. To avoid ending the letter on an unpleasant note, he spends time thanking Philippi for all of the ways they’ve helped him. He slipped in that he can be content with or without money, and he can be content with or without enough food. How? Because when it comes to working for God, he’ll make sure we have the strength we need to keep going.

Philippians 4.7 says, “Because you belong to Jesus, God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds. His peace is more profound than we’re capable of understanding.” No matter what happens to us, if we’re working for God we’ll be ok!

Gary Pollard

His name was John. And he is best known for baptizing people. In fact, he is known to history as “John the Baptist.” But the last words we have recorded from him express doubt.

John had been called by God to preach. He had baptized thousands. He had even received divine revelation and confirmation that Jesus was the Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1). But John had expectations—expectations that didn’t match the reality he found himself facing in Matthew 11.

John is sitting in a prison, locked up for speaking the truth to Herod. He has been taken out of the picture, so far as his life’s work was concerned. He’s unable to teach the masses, unable to baptize anyone, unable to point repentant souls to a life of relationship with God. Surely this can’t be part of the plan, he must have thought.

So John, who had already known and proclaimed the truth, sent some messengers to Jesus. He told them to ask one simple question: Are you the one we’ve been waiting for, or is there someone else? In other words, Was I wrong, Jesus, when I told people you were the Messiah? John needed confirmation (and he got it by Jesus’ response). But for the moment, John had doubts.

It’s not wrong to have doubts. But when we have them, we need to be like John and go to the right source for the answers.

-Bradley S. Cobb

Encouragement is an intentional rather than an accidental exercise. In other words, we have got to be looking for ways to do it. I am not sure that it comes naturally to everyone. I believe some have the gift of exhortation and encouragement (Rom. 12:8), but how many cannot be sure for lack of trying? It requires a certain amount of discipline and selflessness to look for people, often outside the spotlight, who are wearily struggling along life’s road.

The word translated “encourage” in the New Testament is, to me, one of the most beautiful words in the Bible. It literally carries the idea of coming alongside someone and put your arm around them, “to ask to come and be present where the speaker is, call to one’s side” (BDAG, 764). Louw-Nida defines it as causing “someone to be encouraged or consoled, either by verbal or non-verbal means” (305).

Back to Mr. Gandhi’s mission, there are always people to encourage, thank, and recognize. What about the custodian, the office administrator, the intern, or the new hire? What about the person who delivers food? What about the introverted, hard worker whose always prompt and dependable but apt to be “invisible”? There’s the lunchroom employees, the teacher’s aids, the bus drivers, teachers, administrators, and the security personnel at school.

This is a fantastic practice in our church life, too. Look for the new Christians, new members, the alone, the elderly, little kids, the socially awkward, the singles, the widows, and, of course, the visitors. Find a tangible way to express gratitude and recognition for them. Perhaps something like placing three pennies in your pocket or three rubber bands on the fingers of your left hand will keep this necessary work at the forefront of your mind.

Yes, the Scriptures command it: “Encourage one another and build up one another” (1 Th. 5:11), “encourage the fainthearted” (1 Th. 5:14), “encourage one another day after day” (Heb. 3:13), and “encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25). But, it may surprise how rewarding and satisfying it is to bless people with some simple, sincere encouragement.

Do you have three pennies? Why not pocket them, then pursue people you can lift with a simple word of joyful cheer? Three such acts a day amounts to over a thousand acts of kindness a year. If we all did that, it would revolutionize our world! Three pennies might not buy much in the world, but they might change a life!

Neal Pollard

• Acts 20:1-4 – “After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.”
• Ephesians 6:21 – “But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.” 
• Colossians 4:7 – “As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.” 
• 2 Timothy 4:12 – “But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.”
• Titus 3:12 – “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.”

In all of these references there is a theme. Tychicus was a servant that Paul could rely on. Paul often described Tychicus as “the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord” and “fellow bond-servant in the Lord.” Paul sent Tychicus from church to church so that he could update them and preach for them. It seems that there was never a doubt in Paul’s mind about Tychicus and his heart to serve the church.

He was a beloved brother in Christ, a hardworking servant, and a man who was faithful to God’s word. Tychicus often gets overlooked in scripture because He isn’t a big name like Paul or Peter or James or John. But His work is the reason many of these churches in the New Testament were able to thrive. The first century church was what it was largely because of Tychicus and His heart to serve the Lord.

You may not be the preacher. You may not have a Bible degree. But it doesn’t take a Bible degree or a preaching school to make a servant. We need more servants like Tychicus. We need people who work behind the scenes, yet on the front line. Those are the kinds of people that kept the church alive and well in the first century, and those are the kinds of people that will keep the church alive and well today. My challenge to you is to be more like Tychicus. Find a need in the congregation and fill it. Be someone the elders can rely on to get things done. Be someone that everyone loves. Be faithful to God’s word. Be a hard worker. Be a servant. Be a Tychicus.

Kolton Ballance

There is nothing wrong with spending time in front of a screen. In reality, we live in a world that is more or less inseparable from technology. It has become natural, sometimes even necessary, to spend a great deal of time in front of a monitor.

However, it is good to remind ourselves that the content in our 7 hours of screen time is often developed and influenced by someone else. Therefore, our 7 hours are potentially full of content that has been greatly persuaded by our over sexualized and agenda-driven society. Our 7 hours are potentially full of content in hearty support of our culture’s degrading morals and values.  Our 7 hours are potentially full of creators, directors, and developers looking to take things one step further to add a “shock value.” This is potentially 7 hours of “bad company” to corrupt our “good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

As we know, we are in control of what we set before our eyes. We can stop watching a show.  We can walk out of a movie  We can look away, change the channel, or close the browser. What we fill our minds with greatly influences the way we talk, think, and act (Luke 6:45). Therefore, since many of us have a screen in front of us for about 7 hours a day, let’s be extra sensitive and careful to place content before our eyes that falls in line with Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Brett Petrillo