These are quotes which stood out to me, possibly for use in a sermon someday. Their presence here does not mean I agree with them, it merely shows that I might want to reference them later. The default view is five random selections. Use the tag list on the right to view all quotes relevant to that theme.
Four kinds of trouble in life
"You should expect four kinds of problems in life: Trials are designed by God to draw us closer to him and build our character. Temptations are designed by the Devil to draw us away from God and destroy our character. Trespasses are hurts caused by the sins of others. Troubles are usually, but not always, the consequences our own sinful choices.
Proverbs gives us a long list of sins that get us into trouble, such as impatience, dishonesty, selfishness, a hot temper, and even talking too much. It also tells us that wisdom will keep us out of trouble. Anytime we ignore God’s principles, we eventually suffer the consequences. We always reap what we sow.
God has given us the freedom to make choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices. David prayed, "I am surrounded by many troubles ... My sins have caught up with me."
People often confuse these four types of problems, blaming God for the natural consequences of their poor choices or blaming the Devil for circumstances that were actually planned by God. God never tempts us to sin, but he tests our character and faith continually.
When you face a problem, try to determine the source first. Jonah encountered a storm because he disobeyed God. Paul encountered a storm because others disobeyed God. But the disciples got into a storm because they obeyed God! The storms in your life can be a trial, a temptation, a trespass, or a troubling consequence, and each one requires a different respons."
THE SNEEZE
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three students filing into the
already crowded auditorium. With rich maroon gowns flowing and the
traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and moms freely brushed away
tears. This class would not pray during the commencements
----- not by choice but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the
guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and
challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one
asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine ... until the final
speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to
the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then he
delivered his speech. An astounding - - - SNEEZE! The rest of the
students rose immediately to their feet, and in unison they said, "GOD
BLESS YOU." The audience exploded into applause.
The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their
future with or without the court's approval. Isn't this a wonderful story?
Pray Together, Stay Together?
Want a marriage that lasts? Dust off your hymnal. A 15-year study found that couples who went to church once a month were less than half as likely to divorce than non-churchgoers. In the study, 37 percent of those who rarely attended church divorced, while only 14 percent of regular churchgoers parted company.
Researchers James P. Swyers and David B. Larson of the International Center for the Integration of Health & Spirituality found faith had "a strong, beneficial influence on the stability and quality of marriages. Spouses who attend church regularly have the lowest risk of divorce." But if one attends church much more than the other, the marriage is less likely to endure.
Swyers and Larson say churchgoers solve problems more constructively
than church-skippers who are more prone to verbal aggression and
stonewalling. And it doesn't hurt that religious couples see their marriage "as having sacred, spiritual significance." Whether they were of the same denomination didn't seem to matter.
Prayer played a big role: 53 percent of those who prayed about conflicts reported good marital adjustment, compared with 17 percent who didn't seek divine help.
So to shore up your marriage, you may have to cancel Sunday brunch!
When love is gone, there's always justice.
And when justice is gone, there's always force.
And when force is gone, there's always Mom.
Hi, Mom!
-- Laurie Anderson
My dynamite will sooner lead to peace than a thousand world conventions. As soon as men will find that in one instant whole armies can be utterly destroyed they will surely abide by golden peace.
- Alfred Nobel