Category: Stories

Two visitors came to see me, both at the same time, Both were trying to win control of my body, heart, and mind One was dressed quite plainly, one dressed fit to kill, I couldn’t see the battle they were waging for my will. One promised to give fame, friends and riches beyond compare, Anything I wanted, it seemed, and while I was standing there, He showed me how life could be, for a little while at least, I couldn’t see beneath the clothes, to recognize the beast. The other told of hard times, of sacrifice and pain, Ridicule and...

Most of us are really great at being miserable and noticing it. Our backs ache, our feet hurt, someone was cross with us and put us in a bad mood—there are many, many levels of knowing you’re not very pleased with life. What most of us are not good at is noticing—and rejoicing at—those moments when all is well. Little kids in Sunday school often sing, “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.” They all clap their hands and sing with unbounded enthusiasm. Isn’t it great that their genuine happiness can be expressed so freely? Years ago...

Many believers don’t see the importance of regular church attendance. Members of Northend Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle received a special announcement in the mail, listing the many things that will be done for them at church on the following “no-excuse-to-stay-home-Sunday.” According to the pastor, cots will be available for those who say Sunday is their only day to sleep in. Eye drops will be supplied for those who have red eyes from watching late Saturday night TV shows. There will be steel helmets for those who say the roof would cave in if they ever went to...

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark. For instance… Don’t miss the boat. Remember that we are all in the same boat. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Build your future on high ground. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. When you’re stressed, float awhile. Remember, the Ark was...

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He...