Vertical Thought

Archived Article: Courage Under Fire

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 11:32:30 -0400

Do you do what is right and good even if it is difficult? Many today are more interested in personal happiness than personal goodness. Is it possible to have both?

New Article: The Story of the Stars and Matter

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:33:38 -0400

Scientific studies of the heavens and the world around us reveal fascinating details about the earth's history and destiny.

New Article: When a Friend Let's You Down

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:33:15 -0400

A friend is supposed to be there for you through good times and bad. What can you do to restore a friendship?

New Article: United Youth Camps in French Speaking Africa

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:32:52 -0400

Having previously served on the staff of United Youth Camps in the United States, my husband Daniel and I wondered what camp would be like in Togo and Cameroon.

New Article: Answers From Genesis -- part 5

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:32:30 -0400

How do we dispel doubts in our personal lives? The example of a former king is insightful.

New Article: Know No Doubt

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:32:10 -0400

How do we dispel doubts in our personal lives? The example of a former king is insightful.

New Article: Got a Decision to Make? Read This First!

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:31:48 -0400

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by major decisions with no clear answers. This seven-step process can help.

New Article: Where Vampires & Werewolves Don't Exist

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:31:25 -0400

Witchcraft in all its forms is part of the devil's marketing efforts.

New Article: Choosing to Cheat

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:30:59 -0400

Everyone seems to be doing it, so it's not really a problem to cheat in school, is it?

New Article: The World's a Mess--Can You Be Positive?

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:30:40 -0400

There is a way to be positive in spite of troubling news.

New Article: Vantage Point

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 12:30:03 -0400

If you've ever hiked or driven through the mountains, you've probably come to a spot providing a good vantage point from which to see your surroundings. Here you're afforded a panoramic view of where you've been and where you're going. There may even be a sign at such a spot giving a comprehensive or overall perspective.

Beyond Today Commentary: Courage Blossoms

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:23:05 -0400

Your best attitude should show when it's needed the most.

Commentary: "If Today Was Your Last Day"

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:10:31 -0400

Suppose today was your last day. Would you be happy with where everything stands?

Archived Article: Pornography: "Adult" Entertainment Is Definitely Not for Adults--or Youth

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:42:30 -0400

Recent decades have seen an explosion in pornography. It's big business, grossing $10 billion in the United States alone. But that's only a tiny part of the story

Beyond Today Commentary: The Power of Forgiveness

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:57 -0400

Forgiveness is giving up the emotional need to punish someone who has mistreated you.

Commentary: Successful Failure

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:28:37 -0400

The sting of failure presents a great opportunity to find clarity and the motivation to do better.

Archived Article: Don't Leave Home Without It

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:17:04 -0400

Learning about finances is important business for young people. Do you know how to get the most out of your money?

Beyond Today Commentary: American Religion

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:36:37 -0400

Are you seeking the true religion?

Commentary: News? That's Debatable

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:17:05 -0400

As young adults, we live in an increasingly fascinating world that seeks to draw us in with its wisdom, advice, profound technology and constant activity. Are all these things wrong? Of course not! And that's the challenge.

Archived Article: Is the Book Worth Reading?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:06:16 -0400

What do you read and why? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Does it really matter?

Walking Through Fire

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:41 -0400

You can achieve success in today's world. Faith is the key to overcoming challenges.

Beyond Today Commentary: Fatalism

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 13:10:38 -0400

Do you make good choices that lead to a better quality of life?

Commentary: Lessons From the Victory Garden

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:59:46 -0400

ardening allows us to observe up close the cycles of life that God established in His creation. Make this your year to begin gardening.

Archived Article: Understanding the Return of Christ

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:27:34 -0400

People say Jesus will come again, but will He really? How can we know for sure? What does the Bible say conditions will be like when He comes?

Beyond Today Commentary: Vision

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:33:15 -0400

Life works better when you don't lose sight of what is most important.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Enduring to the End

Fri, 29 May 2009 16:47:46 -0400

Preparing for a marathon parallels life as a Christian.

Archived Article: Planning for Life

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:22:52 -0400

In this concluding installment we discuss how to build a support network and why we shouldn't automatically accept limitations others may impose.

Beyond Today Commentary: Headache

Tue, 26 May 2009 08:53:37 -0400

Are you living a life based on principles?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: The Water of Life

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:38:48 -0400

Every day you use it, wash with it and ingest it. It's in the air, on the ground and you can't live long without it. But when is the last time you gave water a second thought?

Archived Article: How to Plan Your Life - Part 3: Make Sure Your Career Path Fits God's Goals

Wed, 20 May 2009 09:04:59 -0400

How can you narrow down the career path to know what direction to head in life? In this issue we'll cover several keys to consider when trying to "narrow the field" within one or more areas of interest.

Video Commentary: Our Unique Humanity

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:51:59 -0400

You are unique because you were created in the image of God.

From the Beyond Today Website.

Commentary: When Less Is More—Reflecting on the Use of Words

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:44:27 -0400

It may seem good to always state an opinion. However, free speech does not mean that we’re obliged to speak freely without thinking ahead. Words are not just empty constructions—they have meanings that affect people.

Archived Article: How to Plan Your Life - Part 2: Finding a Career Path That Fits

Wed, 13 May 2009 10:34:47 -0400

What single item could make the biggest difference in your career success? Many young people today recognize education as that factor.

Video Commentary: Prisoner

Wed, 13 May 2009 10:33:55 -0400

Are you trapped by your own temptations?

From the Beyond Today Web site

Archived Article: How to Plan Your Life - Part 1: Get a Plan

Wed, 6 May 2009 10:52:50 -0400

Where will you be two years from now? What will you be doing? Will you be in high school? Will you be in college by then? What about five or 10 years from now? What do you want to be doing, or have you given it any thought? If you are in the workforce by then, what kind of job do you think you'll have? Will it be a minimum wage job in the fast—food industry, or will you be working at a meaningful and challenging job?

Video Commentary: 3 AM Wake-Up Call

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:54:20 -0400

You can be prepared when trouble calls.

From the Beyond Today Web site

Commentary: Pirate Antiheroes, Ahhrrrrrr!

Fri, 1 May 2009 10:09:10 -0400

Could it be that everything I've learned about pirates from television and movies has been wrong?

Archived Article: A Dating Adventure

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:43:56 -0400

What makes a good date? If you want to get to know someone of the opposite sex, what kinds of activities promise the most fun? Read this article for a few ideas.

Video Commentary: Caterpillars Don't March

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:43:09 -0400

Learn to control your thoughts and actions instead of reacting with an angry need to control others.

Commentary: Stabbed Anyone Lately?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:41:46 -0400

You and I control the sharpest object of all—the tongue. The question is: For what purpose will we use it? Will we strike a piercing blow to the inward parts? Or will we use our tongues for friendship, encouragement and a life-saving infusion of genuine love?

Archived Article: What Is Fun?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:40:51 -0400

Everyone, it seems, has a different definition of fun. If you are trying to live a godly life, how can you determine what is appropriate? How should you define "fun"?

Video Commentary: Obituaries

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:39 -0400

Life works better when you live it with integrity and strong moral fiber.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Twitter to Jesus: What Are You Doing?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:02:42 -0400

If Jesus tweeted, would we follow?

Video Commentary: Easter Lays an Egg

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:18:05 -0400

Does keeping Easter honor God?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Earth Days

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:46:39 -0400

Why are things like littering and improper waste disposal representative of un-Christian behavior?

Archived Article: Why Don't You Celebrate Easter?

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 10:51:06 -0400

Many people mistakenly assume Easter is an integral part of biblical Christianity. For those who know better, how do you explain it to friends and people you meet?

Video Commentary: The Easter Charade

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 15:03:08 -0400

Our world has many religious traditions and customs that we take for granted and never raise a critical examination. But what real sense do the activities of this day called Easter really make after all?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: 11 Known Facts About Premarital Sex

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:47:39 -0400

Should you save sex for marriage?

Archived Article: A Revealing Look at Modesty

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 10:01:15 -0400

Does it really make any difference whether we are modest or not? Surprisingly to many, God's Word does give us guidelines on this important subject that work in the 21st century.

Facebook Fan Page

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:42:19 -0400

Are you on Facebook? Then join the Vertical Thought Facebook Fan Page!

Vertical Thought: April - June 2009

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:41:38 -0400

- Editorial: How Do You Measure Success?
- The Ultimate Goal
- Some Young Adults Are Leaving Church
- The Three-Letter Word No One Wants to Talk About
- Marry the Right Person
- Making the Most of Your Dough
- A Friendship Manual
- Wanna Get High?
- Answers from Genesis - Part 4
- Read What? Taking on the Classics
- Life in Hong Kong
- Sleep: A Key to Weight Control
- In the News...

Video Commentary: Discipleship

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:28:35 -0400

Are you a committed disciple of Jesus Christ?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Tearing Down Our High Places

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:30:30 -0400

What are the "high places" in your life?

Archived Article: A World in Need of Hope

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:30:16 -0400

Many people are searching for real hope in this life, but cannot seem to find it.

Video Commentary: Minute

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:57:24 -0400

Life works better when you realize that time is made up of minutes.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Archived Article: What Does the Bible Say About... The Sabbath Day?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:11:35 -0400

hose who observe the biblical seventh-day Sabbath demonstrate their love for Jesus by obeying His commandments.

Video Commentary: Spiritual Restlessness

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:46:26 -0400

Maybe it is time to seriously examine your faith.

Commentary: Beat Cold Love With Good Video

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:05:45 -0400

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). What did Jesus Christ mean when He used these words to describe the cold love of our society shortly before His return to earth?

Archived Article: Facebook & MySpace

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:05:42 -0400

A Young Christian's Guide to Using Social Network Sites.

Beyond Today Commentary: Learning

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:22:52 -0400

Life works better when you don't presume to know it all.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Archived Article: Forgiving Your Parents

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 09:05:04 -0400

"Impossible!" you say? Even though it's often hard to do, it can be done, and it's well worth the effort. Here's how.

Beyond Today Commentary: The Prodigal

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:14:06 -0400

Made any mistakes lately...what do you do?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Vertical News - March 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:56:20 -0400

“I would rather see a sermon lived than hear one any day.”

This old saying makes the point that what we observe others doing—especially those in positions of responsibility—often has a much greater impact on us than what they may say or teach. Children are great examples of this principle, often emulating what parents do more than what Mom and Dad tell them to do. Of course, grown-ups do the same. When leaders set examples of greed, sexual immorality and aberrant lifestyles, many within society begin reflecting these same wrong behaviors.

One of the more stunning examples of greed in the news recently was the revelation that Bernard Madoff, former chairman of the NASDAQ stock exchange and owner of a large New York based investment firm, was actually running a Ponzi scheme—a fraudulent investment scheme named after one of the greatest swindlers in U.S. history, Charles Ponzi. Upon investigation, Mr. Madoff admitted that his firm had liabilities of more than US$50 billion. Many of the investors were wealthy individuals, major corporation pension funds and charitable institutions who trusted Mr. Madoff with their investment funds. Now they are facing the reality of their money being lost forever.

While this incident drew great attention in the news, it seems that other investment funds may have been run similarly to Mr. Madoff's and likewise cost their investors millions of dollars. Adding to the public outrage against this kind of fraud, we regularly hear reports of company executives who receive phenomenal salaries and bonuses while their companies teeter on the brink of bankruptcy.

Sometimes the impact of a mistake can be lessened when a person admits he or she made a mistake. After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and their newborn son lay dying, his servants and advisers saw him refuse to eat and pray fervently to God (2 Samuel 12:15-20). They knew he was truly repentant for his sin. He didn't have to tell the people around him that he was sorry. They could see for themselves. This type of conduct actually sets a good example for those being governed. They see that even though everyone—even a leader—makes mistakes, the proper course of action is to admit the mistake and then once again live as God commands.

The life of David is a great illustration of both good and bad. Should we then conclude that it doesn't matter if we do wrong? No. David was always quick to repent when his sins were revealed to him. Rather than justifying himself, he acknowledged that his sins were first and foremost against God and His way of life (2 Samuel 12:13).

In this way David set an example of repentance for others to see. He showed that he was not like other kings who demanded of others a life they themselves wouldn't live. God wants us to face our sin, repent and be a man or woman of integrity.

What sermon do we preach by our example? Do people see us doing what we say or just saying? As a reader of Vertical Thought you have already made the commitment to understand how life works and to think vertically as God's Word directs. The next step is to live a positive example for others to see and follow.

As worldly institutions around us fail and the negative examples pile up, our positive example will stand out more and more to that world. Let's remember that we are being watched by others and that they are more interested in seeing a sermon lived than hearing one.

For Vertical Thought,
Dan Dowd
Staff

Commentary: My Plan vs. God's Plan

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:55:45 -0400

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Archived Article: Are You Up for the Challenge?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:38:06 -0400

Life's greatest challenges are in every day decisions! Learning to choose wisely and learning from your experiences can prepare you for a rewarding future.

Video Commentary: Inspection

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:07:17 -0400

Are you quick to notice someone else's problem rather than noticing your own?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Credit Where Credit Is Due

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:40:21 -0400

Who gets the credit for God’s gifts in today’s world?

Archived Articles: Building A Better Relationship With God

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:33:59 -0400

Here are five tools that can help us build a stronger, closer friendship with God.

Video Commentary: Grind and Shine

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:15:15 -0400

Are you in the middle of adversity right now? Use this difficulty to better yourself.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Balancing Faith and Wisdom

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:48:38 -0400

Do you have a proper Christian balance between faith and wisdom? How can you know?

GN Video Commentary: Is This Your Unlucky Day?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:31:17 -0400

True Christianity requires much more than superstitious acceptance of established dogmas. It begins with an honest examination of what we believe and why. It's time to set aside all the superstitions—religious and otherwise—and make sure our lives are built on truth.

From the Good New magazine Web site

Good News Article: Before You Ask Someone to Be Your Valentine...

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:55:53 -0400

Millions send Valentine’s Day cards to express their affection for someone special. But how did this holiday originate? And does Valentine’s Day represent what true love is all about?

From the Good News Web site.

Archived Article: Internet Pornography: A Cultural Plague

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:55:34 -0400

Along with all the wonderful uses of the Internet, there is another use that has been growing ever faster—that of commercialized pornography. But what are the effects of viewing sexually explicit pictures? Is it harmless? Is there any culturally redeeming value in the viewing of pornography?

Video Commentary: Is Valentine's Christian?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:46:49 -0400

Should true Christians observe Valentine's Day?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

GN Video Commentary: Texting, Sexting and the Right Thing

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 12:19:31 -0400

Don't let your family and don't you be taken in by the decaying values of society. Do something about it.

From the Good News Magazine Web site.

Video Commentary: Doldrums

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:39:24 -0400

Are you adrift in the sea of life? It does not have to stay that way.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Good News Online Radio: Valentine, Cupid and Jesus Christ

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:38:47 -0400

Is it possible that the innocent celebration of Valentine's Day supports unbiblical teachings?

From the Good News Magazine Web site

Commentary: The OM_! Phenomenon

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:25:32 -0400

When the moments do come that cause you to react with surprise, shock, humor or pain, avoid the disrespectful slang.

Archived Article: God's Feelings About Emotions

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:37:21 -0400

Why did God give us such a vast array of emotions? Can our emotions help us develop strong connections with Him and our fellow man?

Vertical News: February 2009

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:17:15 -0400

Dear Vertical Thought Reader,

We are in the midst of production of the April-June 2009 issue of Vertical Thought, and I think you'll find it to be an interesting one. We have articles on everything from tips to save you money to an unexpected connection between your sleep and your "shape." Other features include finding friends, figuring out who to marry and understanding a three-letter word that no one wants to talk about.

The main theme is how to achieve real success in life. This subject has been on my mind even after the articles were turned in, so I was very interested to hear about Malcolm Gladwell's latest book, Outliers: The Story of Success.

The Tipping Point and Blink, Mr. Gladwell's previous best-sellers, uncovered the "secrets" of viral marketing and of intuition.

In Outliers, he again employs interesting stories to clarify complex subjects and expose the myths. He debunks the theory of success that claims there are "naturals" who succeed with no effort. But he also takes on the school of thought that extols the "self-made man" who overcomes all obstacles through superhuman effort. In Gladwell's universe, neither is completely true. Even hard workers need support or at least the luck of being born at the right time. And even geniuses need to work hard.

There's not much we can do about luck, but we can apply Gladwell's chapter on "The 10,000-Hour Rule."

He quotes neurologist Daniel Levitin: "The emerging picture from such studies is that ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert—in anything."

Outliers features case studies from Mozart to the Beatles, from chess grand master Bobby Fisher to Canadian hockey stars, from Sun Microsystems' Bill Joy to Microsoft's Bill Gates. By Gladwell's calculations, none of them made it big without first putting in his time—10,000 hours, often spread over 10 years of preparation.

How does this apply in real life? The 10,000-hour rule is shorthand for several principles of success we can all apply in our pursuits. To devote 10,000 hours to something requires goal setting. It also takes focused education, drive and perseverance. The Bible extols these qualities:

"The hand of the diligent makes one rich" (Proverbs 10:4).

"We count them blessed who endure" (James 5:11).

But how does anyone find 10,000 hours to devote to his or her goal? After all, that's about 20 hours a week over 10 years! (Note: We're not saying that God requires at least 10,000 hours in a spiritual task to "master" it, but the principle of setting our goals high and regularly working on them is important.)

Jesus Christ chose as one of His energetic apostles a man called Paul. Paul encouraged us to be wise, "redeeming the time" (Ephesians 5:16). According to Barnes' Notes this means "to rescue or recover our time from waste."

Paul, who wrote half the books of the New Testament, must have known a thing or two about using his time wisely. Interestingly, it took over 10 years after he got his wake-up call from Christ on the road to Damascus before his friend and fellow apostle Barnabas brought him to Antioch to launch his ministerial and literary career. From what we know of Paul's persistence, I'm sure he spent that time in at least 10,000 hours worth of powerful preparation!

Stand by for the next issue and good news about your real success.

For Vertical Thought,
Mike Bennet

Video Commentary: Credit Cards

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 10:52:44 -0400

Do you use patience when it comes to managing your money?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Your Best Investment

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:12:22 -0400

Biblical wisdom is never a bad thing or something to be brushed aside. Its only cost is a little of our time. Cut your losses today and invest in wisdom—read the Bible!

Archived Article: The Hole in Your Heart

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:01:45 -0400

All of us have deep needs we seek to satisfy. Most of the things we try only paper over the problems—they don't solve them. What can fill your yearning?

Video Commentary: Chicago Fire

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:05:32 -0400

Do you react positively to tragedy?

Commentary: Good News in a Bad World

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:35:58 -0400

The best news in history comes from the same reliable source that reminds us to seek good news and develop a merry heart - the Bible.

Archived Article: "Waiting on the World to Change"

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:18:23 -0400

"Me and all my friends,
we're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing,
there's no way we ever could
Now we see everything is going wrong
with the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means to rise above and beat it
So we keep waiting,
waiting on the world to change . . ."

These poignant lyrics from John Mayer's song "Waiting on the World to Change," from his CD Continuum, make a statement about what many of his generation have—a desire to make a difference in a world that needs help. War, terrorism, corruption, disease, pollution and moral decadence abound. It's no secret that we live in a world that has problems— big problems.

Video Commentary: Change

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:41:41 -0400

Life works better when you concentrate on changing yourself.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Get Sick--Get Better

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:34:22 -0400

A study of the Bible shows considerable instruction about how to maintain good health.

Archived Article: You Can Pick Your Friends

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:07:04 -0400

You must take seriously the personal responsibility of choosing the right friends. The good news is that with these guidelines, you can pick them!

Video Commentary: Soap

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:55:51 -0400

Never give up when things go wrong or your life begins to sink.

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: The Value of a Good Name

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:04:22 -0400

Do you have a good name? Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold."

Archived Article: Life is Fragile

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 10:07:06 -0400

It was one of those moments when I felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life?

Video Commentary: A Visit to Yad Vashem

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 11:44:58 -0400

Is there any good news in this world of evil and suffering?

Commentary: So What'd Ya Get?

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 13:58:33 -0400

What did you get for Christmas this year?

January Vertical News: Meeting God

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:40:26 -0400

Approximately 3,500 years ago a shepherd guided his flock to an area in the Sinai desert near a multi-peaked mountain called Horeb, where he expected to find grass for his animals. We don't know whether he found much food for his flock, but history tells us that he found something else that was quite unusual—a burning bush that didn't really burn. Little did the man know that he was about to meet God. This shepherd—a man named Moses—decided to investigate this strange sight. After all, it's not every day that one comes across a burning bush that doesn't burn up (Exodus 3:3).

As Moses approached, God called to him from out of the bush and told him to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (verses 4-5). The ground was holy because of the presence of God, who is holy. God then introduced Himself to Moses saying, "I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses' reaction was to immediately hide his face because he was afraid to look at this supernatural Being (verse 6).

God then began explaining to Moses what He wanted him to do—go back to Egypt, rescue the children of Israel from slavery and lead them to the land of Canaan where He was going to give them their own land. God also told him how to explain all this to the elders of Israel and the king of Egypt.

God then briefed Moses on the opposition he would face and promised to back him up with three miracles—changing his shepherd's rod into a snake and then back into a rod, making his hand leprous and then healthy again, and turning water into blood—to prove that He had indeed appeared to Moses and that what Moses was saying was true (Exodus 3:7 through 4:9).

From this unique introduction to God in the Sinai desert, Moses spent the remainder of his life introducing others to and speaking for this same all-powerful Being. Privileged to be in God's presence on numerous occasions, Moses communicated God's words to the king of Egypt, the Israelites and even to us today.

For us to learn who God is, we don't have to search the Sinai desert for a burning bush. Unlike Moses and the people of his day, we have the Bible—God's inspired Word—to help us learn about Him and what He expects of us.

As we come to understand God, we learn that He wants to have a relationship with us and eventually make us part of His eternal family. In this issue we introduce you to this Being with the hope that you, like Moses, will spend the rest of your life strengthening your relationship with Him.

Vertical Thought: January - March 2009

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:38:43 -0400

- Editorial: Meeting God
- Let Me Introduce You to God
- Barnabas: The Encourager
- Answers From Genesis: Part 3
- What Grandparents Offer
- What Does the Bible Say About...The Holy Spirit
- What Bosses Want
- Wind River Expedition
- When I Grow Up I Want to Be...
- What Would Jesus Do?
- Creating Winning Habits
- In the News...

Video Commentary: The Ten Commandments

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:40:43 -0400

Are you really keeping the Ten Commandments?

Video Commentary: Christmas

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:52:53 -0400

Should Christians celebrate Christmas? The Bible has some surprising answers!

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Pants on Fire

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:09:02 -0400

How honest are you?

Archived Article: How to Choose a Good Movie

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:34:23 -0400

Almost everyone enjoys seeing a movie on occasion. But how does it affect you? More importantly, how do you decide which ones to see?

Video Commentary: Tribal Storytelling

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:27:48 -0400

Find out the benefits of eating dinner together as a family!

Commentary: Overcoming Stuff

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:41:16 -0400

What does God say about stuff and its rightful place in our lives?

Archived Article: Your Truth, My Truth or THE Truth?

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:03:21 -0400

In trying to answer complex moral questions, most people today have embraced the self-empowering myth that whatever they sincerely believe is true. They forget about God and His Word.

Video Commentary: Sermon on the Mount

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 12:03:28 -0400

Are you willing to take the challenge and be a real Christian?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Just Two More Days

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:04:36 -0400

How often do I ask God for just two more days?

Archived Article: You've Got to Stand for Something!

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:29:28 -0400

Many today have embraced tolerance for everything, mistakenly thinking they haven't taken a stand. But no stand is often also a stand. How can you decide what you will stand for?

December Vertical News: My Hero

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:36:22 -0400

What are heroes? What do they do? And do such people really exist?

Video Commentary: Inspiration O-Z

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:59:20 -0400

Take the time to look for God's inspiration around you.

Video Commentary: The Nature of Prejudice

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:29:22 -0400

Are you treating everyone with kindness and courtesy?

Commentary: Higher, Better...More, More, More

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:36:32 -0400

The urge for more doesn't end as soon as you begin to build a relationship with God—it actually intensifies.

Archived Article: It Does Matter Who Your Friends Are

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:05:10 -0400

The Bible tells us that we get to decide whether we'll walk with the wise or flounder with fools. Which will you choose?

Video Commentary: Go and Sin No More

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:19:09 -0400

Start choosing the good and live a better life!

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Lessons From a Teeter-Totter

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:49:14 -0400

Have you ever seen a horse on a teeter-totter?

Archived Article: The Power of Habits

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:49:07 -0400

How do we get to the point where we do what we know we should do? Can this really be done? The answer is "Yes!" Here's how.

Video Commentary: Lost Luggage

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:29:31 -0400

Where do you find your identity?

From the Beyond Today Web site.

Commentary: Tragedy in the Wake of a Leader With No Shame

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:52:58 -0400

History books are filled with descriptions of ordinary men and women who were caught in the wake of leaders motivated by greed, arrogance and, above all, self-preservation.

Archived Article: Why Prophecy?

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:46:29 -0400

Some people spend lots of time digging into Bible prophecy, at times becoming unbalanced. Others say the biblical images of beasts, horsemen and great empires rising and falling has little or nothing to do with the practical side of life, so it's not important. What is the real purpose of prophecy?

November Vertical News: The Challenge of Intellectual Skepticism

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:23:26 -0400

We live in the Age of Skepticism—far more now than ever in the past. Don't let yourself be brainwashed in school or by the secular media or by skeptical friends. Search out the truth for yourself! Make a habit of reading the fine articles constantly coming out with more evidence about intelligent design and the inspiration of Scripture.

Video Commentary: Ears Popping

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:56:39 -0400

When it comes to biblical truth are your ears plugged?

From the Beyond Today Web site.