My laptop computer runs on a battery for a while, but after while the little green light begins to blink and a beeper begins to sound.  When this happens it means the energy on my laptop is almost depleted and if I desire to keep using my computer I have to supply it with more energy from somewhere.  I can have all the self-confidence in the world that my computer will not go dead, but if I ignore the warning signs and don’t do anything about it – it will die.  I can be the most optimistic person around and I repeat to myself “my computer will not go dead” yet if I ignore the warning signals the laptop will stop working regardless of my optimism.
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     We don’t operate on spiritual batteries, but in yourself you only have so much internal energy regardless of your desire.  We need God to strengthen us with power through His Spirit-filled words (Eph. 3:16-17).  We get a jump start and are charged up every time we get into God’s Book.  There is a noticeable difference when you are consistently reading the Bible.  The religious problems in the world are not caused by people reading different translations; the biggest problem is that many read no translation.  There is no wonder why people who are not reading the Bible lack the power provided by God to live a fruitful Christian life.

Clark Tatum

Did you know that a bag of M&M’s contains 37% browns, 20% yellows, 19% reds, 9% oranges, 8% greens and 7% tans? I am sure you have always wanted to know this illuminating revelation. Not many years ago I heard the news the M&M’s company were bringing back the red colored M&M’s. I felt foolish when I heard that news since I never knew the reds had left.
 
Counting my M&M’s and separating the percentage of colors in a bag seems so trivial and has had little effect on my happiness. Yet, I find myself asking do we often waste precious time and energy giving attention to other trivial matters while neglecting the truly important matters of life?  Matters like loving God and loving one another (Matthew 22:37-38). Matters like seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
 
The spiritual enemy is always trying to bog us down and get us off track with all sorts of things that keep us from maturing in the faith, fellowshipping with brethren and spending quality time with our families. God wants to bless us beyond anything we can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20), but He will not do it if we get sidetracked from the truly important things in life. Jesus asked, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Clark Tatum