Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 8, 2009
Traders vs. Investors
We all have seen the effect of those who have given up on the economy.
In his newspaper column called “Market Report,” Bill Barnhart once explained the difference between investors and traders in the stock market.
“A trader in a stock,” writes Barnhart, “is making
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 15, 2009
1938 God Moves In Mysterious Ways
At age 32, William Cowper passed through a great crisis in his life. He tried to end his life by taking laudanum. Then he hired a horse-drawn cabbie, ordering the driver to take him to the Thames, intending to throw himself from the bridge. It was one of London’s
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 28, 2009
SECURITY
Consider this story in relying upon God:
The 3-year-old felt secure in his father’s arms as Dad stood in the middle of the pool. But Dad, for fun, began walking slowly toward the deep end, gently chanting, “Deeper and deeper and deeper,” as the water rose higher and higher on the child.
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THE ARTIST AND THE GARDENER
Both the artist and the gardener begin with contemplation, paying close attention to what is already there.
The gardner looks carefully at the landscape; the existing plants, both flowers and weeds; the way the sun falls on the land, and so on. The artist regards their
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Baptist
WE HAVE THE KEY
Father William Bausch told a story of a boy who one morning had arrived very early at school and waited patiently at the door. Next to arrive was a lady who was surprised that this youngster had arrived so early. "It’s locked" the pupil said as the teacher tried the door. She began
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Methodist
Contributed by Matthew Rings on Oct 18, 2012
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STONING THE PASTOR
I bought some small rubber rocks from DC Works and put them on the chairs before people came into the room. As I opened the message, I asked them if I said anything that was blasphemous if they would stone me. I told them not to be shy and to let me have it. I then introduced
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Presbyterian/Reformed
Contributed by Matthew Oliver on Oct 20, 2012
Christian man Carl Behr of Baldwin, Pennsylvania received a notice on Monday ordering him to remove the 24-foot high illuminated cross he has installed in his front yard and kept lit day and night. But Behr plans to fight the order at a municipal meeting. “It’s all about my faith, and some people
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Episcopal/Anglican
Contributed by Matthew Redder on May 17, 2018
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Some time ago I returned from a missions trip completely full of faith and ready to set the world on fire with the love of Christ. During my first church service back in the states I was asked to close our service in prayer. I joyfully obliged and went whole-heartedly into prayer full of faith and
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Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Matthew Redder on May 21, 2018
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Have you ever shopped at Home Depot? Lowes? Or some other home repair-improvement type store?
If you have you've inevitably seen the piles of lumber tossed aside that are broken, cracked, warped, crooked, or just plain look bad. These piles of lumber go ignored as faithful builders go for the
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Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Matthew Redder on Sep 21, 2018
I love this quote as I believe it is hard for the Christian artist to always understand their place in the church.
Truth be told, artists have an incredible gift and responsibility in the community to illuminate the realities of the Word and of this life we live. Wright puts it well:
"The
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Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Matthew Redder on Sep 21, 2018
The story of Augustine's conversion is an inspiring and amazing one. In my opinion it is a miraculous account of God grabbing the attention of Augustine and speaking directly into his heart through the power of a perfectly timed scripture.
This could be a great illustration about the power of the
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Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 21, 2007
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Guard Your Name
You got it from your father,
it was all he had to give
So it’s yours to use and cherish,
for as long as you may live.
If you lose the watch he gave you,
it can always be replaced.
But a black mark on your name, son,
can never be erased.
It was clean the day you took it,
and a
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 21, 2007
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Probability of Prophecies Fulfilled
In his book, Science Speaks, Peter Stoner applies the modern science of probability to just eight prophecies regarding Christ. He says, “The chance that any man might have ...fulfilled all eight prophecies is one in 10 to the 17th. That would be 1 in
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 21, 2007
Can This Be Christmas?
What’s all this hectic rush and worry?
Where go these crowds who run and hurry?
Why all the lights—the Christmas trees?
The jolly “fat man,” tell me please!
Why, don’t you know? This is the day
For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 29, 2007
Illustration 4300 Star Over Christ’s Birthplace
A Silver Star hanging over the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem was the cause of a war which involved five world powers, lasted three long years, and caused a million casualties as well as a billion and a half dollars. This was known as the Crimean
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 29, 2007
The great British admiral Lord Nelson was known for treating vanquished opponents with courtesy and kindness. After one naval victory a defeated officer strode confidently across the quarterdeck of Nelson’s ship and offered the admiral his hand. With his own hand remaining at his side, Nelson
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Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 29, 2007
Illustration: 1872 Hallelujah Chorus’ Custom
On March 23, 1743, when “The Messiah” was first performed in London, the king was present in the great audience. It is reported that all were so deeply moved by the “Hallelujah Chorus” that with the impressive words, “For the Lord God omnipotent
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