Topic(s): Christian Life

• If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
• If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
• If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
• If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.
• If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
• If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
• If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
• If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest.

“I have planted . . . God gave the increase.” —1 Corinthians 3:6

If I Were in the Meadow

Brittney Kennedy (age 9), Jacksonville, Alabama

Topic(s): God

If I were in the meadow,
Do you know what I would see?
Hundreds of sunny buttercups smiling back at me.
If I were in the meadow,
Do you know what I would smell?
A skunk, a skunk, oh, no, a skunk!
I have to run, you see!

If I were in the meadow,
Do you know what I would hear?
A wild horse’s cheerful neigh!
Oh, what a perfect day!
If I were in the meadow,
Do you know what I would see?
I would see God’s creation looking back at me.

Should Probably Come More Often...

Topic(s): Children, Humor

A little child in church for the first time watched as the offering was collected. When they neared his pew, the youngster piped up so that everyone could hear, “Don’t pay for me, Daddy; I’m under five.”

“A merry heart doeth good . . .” —Proverbs 17:22

(Serious question: How often are your children in worship? See Hebrews 10:25.)

Do You Believe in the Cook?

Topic(s): Evidences, Wisdom

Sometimes when I’m faced with an unbeliever, an atheist, I am tempted to invite him to the greatest gourmet dinner that one could ever serve, and when we finished eating that magnificent dinner, to ask him if he believes there’s a cook. —Ronald Reagan

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’ —Genesis 1:1

Just for Today

Topic(s): Christian Life

• I will not strike back. If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in that way (Romans 12:19).
• I will ask God to bless my enemy. If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual (Matthew 5:44). I understand my enemy could be a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a stranger.
• I will be careful about what I say. I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip (James 3:1–6).
• I will go the second mile. I will find ways to help share the burden of another person (Matthew 5:41).
• I will forgive. I will forgive those who hurt me (Luke 23:34).
• I will secretly do something kind for someone. I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another (Ephesians 4:32).
• I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. I will practice “the Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12). I will do unto others as I would have them do to me, with everyone I encounter.
• I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged. My smile, my words, my expressions of concern and support can make a difference to someone facing a challenge (Romans 14:19).
• I will take care of my body. I will eat less . . . I will eat healthier . . . I will exercise . . . I will be thankful . . . My body will be a fitting temple for Him who dwells in me (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
• I will grow spiritually. I will spend more time in study, prayer, and meditation. I will retreat from life’s pressures and distractions and seek to learn God’s will (2 Peter 3:18).

Ladder of Achievement

Topic(s): Encouragement

• 100% I Did!
• 90% I Will!
• 80% I Can!
• 70% I Think I Can.
• 60% I Might.
• 50% I Think I Might.
• 40% What Should I Do?
• 30% I Wish I Could!
• 20% I Don’t Know How.
• 10% I Can’t.
• 0% I Won’t. —Family Ties, Cottondale church of Christ

“Seek that ye may excel” —1 Corinthians 14:12