In Proverbs 28:2 , King Solomon points out that with sensible government leaders there is stability. On 12/6/18 NASA launched a space shuttle with experimental worms to study the human aging process. Seriously? Spending tax dollars when faced with what would become the longest government shut-down in U. S. history. Thousands of unpaid federal employees could have used those funds to feed their families and pay bills. What’s in your wallet?

Stephen A. Brown, Marketplace Ministries, inc.

A news company reported a human interest story about a 69 year old lady who used her DNA to identify her birth mother. She discovered the name and address of a cousin who informed her that her mom was 88 years old and living in a nursing home. Their reunion was tearful as her mom shared that she had been told her daughter was still-born, and for almost seven decades, believed her only child was dead. There was no mention of a criminal investigation; but you can be sure satan was at work. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

Hebrews 4:12, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword . . .” In 1921, a New York doctor, Evan O’Neill, operated on himself. Using a local anesthetic, he removed his inflamed appendix. The surgery was successful. In like manner, we need soul surgery. Using the scalpel of Scripture (Sword of the Spirit), we can remove the deadly disease of sin.

Stephen A. Brown, Marketplace Ministries, inc.

Numbers 22:28, Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me three times?”  When America’s Beloved Gospel Singer, George Beveraly Shea, was invited to speak at an event, he asked his dad for advice. His father replied, “Son, God helped Balaam’s donkey to talk, I’m sure He can do the same for you.” When we are given the opportunity to talk, ask God for help; His Holy Spirit will give us His words.

Stephen A. Brown, Marketplace Ministries, inc.

John Winthrop, Governor, Massachuetts Bay Colony, in a letter to his church, wrote, “We must delight in each other; make the conditions of others our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together as members of the same body, to keep unity in the bond of peace.” The lyrics of a Christmas song, “Peace on earth, goodwill to man” will be a reality when the Prince of Peace returns. Until then, let us claim Ephesians 3:14, “For He is our peace.”

Charles “Chuck” Colson was Attorney General for President Nixon. He was sentenced to prison for his part in the WATERGATE scandal. Chuck came to Christ while in jail, and upon his release, formed a prison ministry. While visiting inmates, he noticed one man in an unclean cell in the fetal position. Chuck shared the gospel with the man, and told him to say aloud the name of Jesus daily. Upon his return visit, Chuck noticed the man’s cell was clean. When asked about the change, the man replied, “Jesus lives here now.”