Brayyd

15 You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers will strike you on the head, and you will strike him on the heel.”   —  Genesis 3:15 (CEV) If you don't believe in God and the Devil, I wouldn't say you're crazy, but you're intellectually malnourished.  —U.S. author, Norman Mailer (1923–2007) The little verse in Genesis, quoted above, serves as something of a springboard for the rest of the Bible.  It condenses the... Read Full Story

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.   —   Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB95) It happened again this past Wednesday night.  My wife and I went to Wal-Mart after Bible classes at church.  We spent a leisurely hour or so shopping, looking at things, getting a laugh out of the way some of the folks were dressed, and generally enjoying our shopping time.  Then we lined up at the... Read Full Story

--  This is an article written at Christmas 2010.  I hope you enjoy it, and that it stirs some thought.  -- B.D. --  10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  —  Luke 2:10–12 (NAS) The Christmas message is... Read Full Story

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!”  —  John 11:33–36 (NASB95)      [This] is often called the shortest complete story in English, supposedly written by Ernest Hemingway. It is only six words long:   "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."      That... Read Full Story

Just today, I read an interesting and well-meaning article titled, " 5 Ways to Keep Peace During Family Gatherings ." It's well-meaning because it comes at a time when families are gathering for the Christmas holidays.  It's interesing because it actually contains some helpful information.  Few of us realize the stress of family gatherings during holidays.  The shopping, cleaning house, preparing for company, cooking, decorating, and everything else that goes into the lead up to Christmas can... Read Full Story

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  —   Colossians 3:17 (NASB95)     Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy, or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly, and have... Read Full Story

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.  —  Titus 2:11–14 (NASB95) What would really... Read Full Story

9 But you are a chosen race , a royal priesthood , a holy nation , a people for God’s own possession , so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people , but now you are the people of G od ; you had not received mercy , but now you have received mercy . — 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NASB95)    Remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a... Read Full Story

13 My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. 14 I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. 15 All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you.  —  Philippians 3:13–15 (CEV) A father was trying to teach his young son to climb tree.  He... Read Full Story

A lady went on a three week vacation. When she returned home she was busy unloading the car when her neighbor stepped out into yard and waved.  The lady shouted to her neighbor, "Did you miss me?"  The neighbor paused with a slightly puzzled look on her face then replied, "Did you go somewhere?" And perhaps that's how my readers will respond to me.  It's been a while since I posted to the blog.  It's also been a while since I sent out articles to my CrossTies email list.  We had some minor... Read Full Story