Topic(s): Priorities, Wisdom

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned to complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor came in with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups—porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite—telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice-looking expensive cups were taken, leaving the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee in most cases. It is just more expensive; in some cases it even hides what we drink.

“What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups . . . and then began eyeing each others’ cups.

“Consider this: Life is the coffee. The jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.”

God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” —Philippians 4:11 

God's Tattoo

Topic(s): Bible Study

There are some cultures that encourage tattoos. These tattoos may have tribal significance. Other cultures may accept tattoos as simply pretty. And some cultures frown upon tattoos that are openly visible for all to see.

What is interesting is that God says He had a “tattoo.” In Isaiah 49:14, the people of Israel say that God has forgotten them. But God says He has not forgotten them. In verse 16 we read, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” God does not have physical hands. He uses this symbolism to make the point that He does not forget His people.

God has His people’s names written on His palms. Most tattoos are on the side of a person’s arms, on the back, or on the legs. If a tattoo is in these places, clothing will usually cover it up. But clothing rarely covers the hands. One’s palms are constantly visible. Whatever is on the palms is a constant reminder.

Is your name written on God’s palms? Do you study your Bible? Do you obey the Bible? If you do not, your name is not written on God’s palms. Make sure God writes your name on His palms. —Mark McWhorter, Wisdom’s Corner

“Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” —Luke 10:20

Good News for Bad Times

Topic(s): God's Sovereignty

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." —Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah was locked up in jail when God spoke to him. Where did he get pen and ink to write from prison? How could he concentrate on listening to God and write words of encouragement when bad things were happening around him? How was he able to protect his writings until he could get them to a safe place? I don’t know.

I know this. In spite of his surroundings, God had good news for him and for the people! In the previous chapter, the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, saying, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:26–27).

My friend, I have no idea where you will be when you read these words. It may be at work; it may be at home. It may be at a time when you are “locked in” by your circumstances. Maybe this week has been one of the worst weeks of the year for you. No matter. When you are tied up doing things you didn’t create or want, God has good news for you. The answer to “is there anything that God can’t do?” is No! Take God at His word. —Adapted from Tom Barnard

Seven Deadly Social Sins

Topic(s): Christian Life

1. Wealth without Work

2. Pleasure without Conscience

3. Education without Character

4. Commerce without Morality

5. Science without Humanity

6. Worship without Sacrifice

7. Politics without Principle

—Author Unknown

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” —Psalm 15:1–2