THE BIBLE

This book contains: The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to supply you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven is opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

Author Unknown 

I’ve Learned…

  • I’ve learned that, no matter what happens, how bad I have it today, life does go on, and someone else has it worse than I do.
  • I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
  • I’ve learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
  • I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”
  • I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
  • I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you, but if you focus on God, your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
  • I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.
  • I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Author Unknown

AND GOD SAID, “No!”


I asked God to take away my pride,

And God said, "No."

He said it was not for Him to take away,

But for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,

And God said, "NO."

He said her spirit is whole;

Her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience,

And God said, "NO."

He said that patience is a byproduct of tribulation.

I asked God to give me happiness.

And God said, "NO."

He said he gives blessings.

But happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain.

And God said, "NO."

He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

And brings you closer to me."

I asked God if He loved me,

And God said, "YES."

He gave His only Son to die for me,

And I will be in heaven someday because I believe and obey.

I asked God to help me love others

As much as He loves me,

And God said, "Ah, finally you have the idea."

Author Unknown

I Believe in Santa’s Cause

Many years ago the singing group, The Statler Brothers, had a song titled, “I Believe In Santa’s Cause.” As I think about the meaning of that song, I realized that I, too believe in Santa’s Cause.

Santa’s Cause involves happiness for all people. Santa is one who spreads good will. It should be my desire to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Santa wants everybody to be happy. There is nothing negative ever said about Santa. Santa brings smiles, joy, and happiness to everyone he is around. In a world full of violence, bloodshed, and despair, Santa brings joy, peace, and happiness. The Christian should shine and stand out in the midst of a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). The Christian should be the light that is needed to bring happiness to all around.

Santa’s cause involves giving. No one can think about Santa without thinking of giving. This time of year involves giving. Unfortunately many people are getters, not givers. Some love to get, but do not like to give. Giving involves sacrifice. Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Is this our attitude generally around Christmas?

If we did not get any presents under the tree, how would we feel? Perhaps many young children are taught that getting is more important than giving. When we give presents we feel good. How do we feel when we have to give money to a certain cause? Are we stingy or liberal? The giving that Santa represents ought to be a very real part of the Christian’s life year round.

Santa’s cause also involves universal love. Santa looks at children in Afghanistan and Iraq the same way he does children in America. We, too should have a universal love for all people.

The Bible says God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Neither should Christians be biased or partial (James 2:9). This time of year the love for many is shown. From the church that gives baskets to the needy of the community to the individual who makes a special gift to send to someone, universal love is seen in many areas. God’s universal love for the world caused Him to send His Son into a world that was full of sin.

Let us believe in Santa’s cause year round. The thought of spreading happiness, good will and universal love should be part of the Christian’s life 12 months a year. Do you believe in Santa’s cause?

Author Unknown