Topic(s): Encouragement

Robert the Bruce became king of Scotland in 1306, when Scotland was at war with England—and not doing too well. Legend tells how Robert took refuge in a cave to hide from the armies of England. While lying on a bed half dozing, he saw a spider trying to attach its web to a ceiling beam. Time after time, it tried and failed. However, on the seventh try, the spider succeeded. Inspired by this display of spider power, Robert went on to engage the English in a series of battles. They climaxed in the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn, at which Scotland won its independence. Maybe like Robert the Bruce, you're in a cave of defeat. If so, “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

How Did She Know?

Topic(s): Humor

While I was working in the men’s section of a department store, a woman asked me to help her choose a white dress shirt for her husband. When I asked about his size, she looked stumped at first, then her face brightened. She held up her hands, forming a circle with her forefingers and thumbs. “I don’t know his size,” she said, “but my hands fit perfectly around his neck.”

“Be kindly affectioned one to another . . .” —Romans 12:10

The Best Way to Pray

Topic(s): Humor

A theologian, a minister, and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby.

“Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray,” the theologian said.

“No,” said the minister. “I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven.”

“You’re both wrong,” the guru said. “The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor.”

The repairman could contain himself no longer. “Hey, fellas,” he interrupted. “The best prayin’ I ever did was when I was hangin’ upside down from a telephone pole.”

“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD” —Psalm 130:1

Male Bashing or Men Bragging?

Topic(s): Marriage

How many faults do I have? Too many!

When Athena and her friends get together and the conversation turns to complaining about things their husbands do, or male bashing in general, Athena refuses to participate. It’s not that she doesn’t have things to contribute, but because she respects me and values our relationship far too much than to air my faults and foibles in front of friends.

Few things are more devastating to a man than to have his wife criticize him in front of friends. We might pretend that we are tough and can handle the intrusion into our privacy, but sharing our defects in front of family and friends really does hurt.

When the “gripe session” gets going, Athena makes it a point to start sharing with her friends some of my good qualities. Usually, it steers the conversation into a positive direction and it helps her friends to also praise their husbands—which in turn helps them to respect and appreciate them more.

Knowing that Athena refuses to belittle me in front of friends makes me love and respect her even more.

Something to think about... —Michael Webb http://www.50secrets.com

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt . . . “ —Colossians 4:6

Five Things You Should Know About Today's Teens (But Would Probably Rather Not)

Topic(s): Youth

• Four out of every five students have consumed alcohol (more than a few sips) by the end of high school.
• In 2002, 53% of twelfth graders reported having used an illicit drug in their lifetime.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youths ages 15 to 20.
• By age 19, two out of every three boys—and girls—have had sex.
• Every year, 3 million teens get a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

—Statistics excerpted from Students Against Destructive Decisions. Web site; www.sadd.org/stats.htm

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth . . .” —Ecclesiastes 12:1

Pride

Topic(s): Nature of Man

Earl Allen told the story of how King Ptolemy decided to commission the building of a huge lighthouse. He ordered Sostratus to construct it. The lighthouse was called “The Pharos.” Ptolemy required that the structure should bear his name, but Sostratus did not think the king should be given sole credit. Nevertheless, he complied and in thick plaster, Sostratus inscribed the name of Ptolemy. Secretly, beneath the plaster, in granite, Sostraus inscribed his own name. As long as the king lived, he saw his name on the building. With time, however, the sea wore away the name of Ptolemy, leaving eventually the name of Sostratus. —J. Michael Shannon

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit”  —Proverbs 29:23