In today's world, it seems there is little time for a personal relationship with God.

Status quo is Latin for “the state in which.” Maintaining the status quo means doing nothing to change the current state of things. But simply retaining the status quo doesn’t take into consideration that living in society means interacting with people. Some are good and some not so good. We may need to improve ourselves—reeducate ourselves, seek new employment or move to a better location. Change is a certainty in life. The status quo cannot be held. It will either get worse or, by strong effort, we can make it better.

How do you feel about the stage of life you’re presently in? Are you happy with who you are and what you have done? Would you be ready to meet your Maker today if that were required of you (Luke 12:20)? We are all sinners, which is our human status quo. God offers more through Jesus Christ. He offers a way to get out of this mess and into a whole new life. Taking God’s offer means putting forth an effort that shows we truly want to live God’s way of life. Life can end very quickly, and simply retaining our status quo will not suffice. It does not have to end that way—God offers us everything new. Change your status quo!

The significance of the bread and wine commanded by Jesus Christ.

Should babies be baptized? What does the Bible teach about baptism?

When the New Testament refers to the new man or new creation, what is it talking about?

Anyone who has been confronted by a large hill while on a long hike can tell you that waiting or resting will not cause the hill to shrink. A mountain does not get smaller because we wait for the size to decrease. The only way that we get closer to the top of a hill is by taking one step at a time. An amazing transformation takes place as we climb the mountain ahead of us—it appears smaller until finally we are on the top.

Do you have hills that are waiting for you to climb? Start today. Take the first step and the second step. Look ahead to the goal, not to where you have been. We may need to rest from time to time, but waiting for the hill to get smaller is a dream that will not come true. The Bible shows us the beauty and benefits of climbing that narrow and high road in Psalm 16:11. That view is from the top, not from the bottom of the hill.

Maybe it's time to take a closer look at Easter—and instead learn about the biblical Passover, with its wonderful meaning. It can easily be found in the pages of your Bible.

When life seems to be nothing more than sifting through manure, remember, it may be a bit smelly, but it is also an opportunity from God for personal growth.

Why does the world seem to be crumbling into chaos? Can the forces of anarchy be restrained so we can solve our problems?

Are Islam and Christianity just different ways of approaching the same God or are they religions in conflict?

It was the comments made by those introducing the nominees and the acceptance speeches of the Oscar winners that surprised and pleased me.

Have you ever heard the words “I don’t feel like it”—or used them yourself? Somehow we seem to have slipped into thinking that if we do not feel good, we are off the hook for doing something that is good.

One of the first rules of achievement is that you do not have to feel good in order to do something good. Ask any mother who is exhausted—that is, exhausted until she hears the cry of her baby. She may not feel like responding, but she will every time. Mothers prove the point that feeling good is not a prerequisite for doing what is good. Achievement and accomplishment are reached by rolling up our sleeves and working. Forget about not being in the mood or not having the ambition. That will result in things not getting done at all. Excuses are just that—excuses. They are usually an explanation for failure.

In life there will be many times when we will not "feel like it." That has little to do with doing it. When a job needs doing or someone needs a little help, then that should be the motivation for doing what is needed. When something good needs doing—just do it!

Do you really know why Jesus had to suffer and die? What should the Passover mean for Christians today?

When Saul consulted the witch (medium) of En Dor, was it really the prophet Samuel that appeared?

Does the Bible support one race or ethnic group above another?

Have you ever come to the end of the day and rejoiced in the complete and total luxury of just being able to climb into a warm and comfortable bed? There are few feelings as beautiful as drifting off immediately into a peaceful and restful sleep. That is the result of having done something. Truly completing hard work results in a weariness that demands rest.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little of much.” But the verse continues with a contrast: “But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.” Solomon knew the worry and mental turmoil that could trouble those who focused on schemes to gain or maintain wealth. And there is a weariness of the mind that comes from unproductive sources. That sort is not the kind that brings a sense of achievement and completeness.

Next time you get the feeling of being weary from hard and productive work, take just a moment to relish the thought of falling into that wonderful bed and blissful sleep. You have earned the rest!

How many times have you reacted in anger only to find out later that things were quite different from what you originally perceived?

In a society where morality and integrity are often lacking, learn how you can choose to always do what is good and right.

How can you save your marriage? Build a happy marriage by applying some simple principles.

Frightening as these events are, we know from the Bible that earthquakes won't end soon.