Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Have you ever had anyone to your house you really didn’t know? Have you ever invited a perfect stranger over for a cup of tea, or lunch, or to spend the night? Debbie and I are often in a town where we’re strangers. We have experienced hospitality that, many times, has turned out to be a mutual blessing.
One of the hallmarks of the early church was their hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, we find this: “Don’t be forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Pray for discernment – you do need to be careful. But, there just might be a blessing waiting, too.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
In 1970, country singer Lynn Anderson had a hit with “Rose Garden.” It starts “I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.” You may have heard the phrase “life is no bed of roses.” Troubles are a part of living in this world, for sure. But those of us who follow Jesus has someone who helps us through those troubles. Just being a Christian can bring about troubles in contemporary culture – not just in places hostile to Christianity, but often in America, a formerly Christian-influenced society. Jesus gave us hope when he said: “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Training a dog is hard work. It takes time, consistency, determination, understanding. It may not be fun, but it’s well worth the effort. An untrained dog is a big pain in the neck; but a well-trained dog is a delight. So it is with people. Adults that are poorly-trained as children can be a big pain in the neck, but well-trained children become adults who are good to be around.
God knows this, my friend. That’s why he inspired Proverbs 3:11-12, which says, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary at his correction. For whom the Lord loves, he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
At some time or another, we all do things we really don’t want to do. Why? Because we have to. It’s an endless list, like ‘get up early for work,’ ‘be kind to an enemy,’ ‘pay taxes,’ ‘eat something unpleasant.’
Jesus did that, too. The night before He died on the cross, He actually asked God to make another way to save mankind. But He went anyway. Why? In Hebrews 12:2, we find out why. It says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
A carpenter friend of mine has arthritis so bad that he can no longer use a screw gun. He has to direct his workers where to place the screws and even how much pressure to apply. He says it’s like he’s doing carpentry through other men. There are people who say the Bible was written by men, so it couldn’t be reliable as the word of God. But just as my carpenter friend worked through others to accomplish his tasks, so God spoke His Word to us through the men He directed by the inspiration of His Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God. Men wrote what God wanted us to know.” We can rely on that, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Fishing is a wonderful sport. I love eating fresh, natural food from God’s creation, but even if I’m not catching anything, it is exhilarating just being out there. You never know what is biting, or even if you’ll catch a fish at all. That’s what it’s like sharing Jesus with people. You never know who’ll accept your words and who will reject them. But just being able to tell people about how amazing Jesus is makes the telling exciting.
Jesus said, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17). Those first people Jesus called forsook their nets and followed him. He is still calling people today. Are you ready to follow Him?
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
When I was a little boy, my parents provided food, clothing, and a place for me to live. But it wasn’t until I had a family of my own that I saw things beyond the bare necessities that they did for me. I had a deep love for my children which caused me to want to do nice things for them. I planned trips, bought presents, played games – all the good things that are born of love. All sorts of things they couldn’t imagine. That’s the way it is with your heavenly father. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). You can’t even imagine what good things God has in store for you.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
I love to hear the wind whistling through the trees, especially in Winter. The fir and spruce are especially enchanting to me. Hearing the sound and watching the branches moving back and forth, brings to mind something Jesus said to a very prominent Jewish leader. He was speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit in John 3:8 when he said: “The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound of it, but you can’t tell where it comes from and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” My friend, if you are born of God’s spirit, let Him lead you where He will.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
“The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). God wants to show who He is to this and every generation. He does this through people just like He used people to put His Word into writing. He uses ordinary people like you and me.
The requirement for God showing Himself strong through us is to have a heart that seeks after him. “Perfect” in this verse means complete, whole, friendly toward God, made ready. My prayer is that your heart is wholly given to God and made ready for Him to show Himself strong through you.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Have you ever wondered, with so many people talking about peace and desiring peace, why is there so little peace in the world? I mean, here we are in the modern world – there have been wars throughout history, why haven’t we gotten beyond the fighting thing? Even in families there’s still fighting and fussing.
Listen to what Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Peace with God through Jesus Christ gives us calm assurance in any situation, friend.