DISCIPLE

by J. Kerr Duff (1899-1983 The fact that the following article was written many years ago when television was less corrupt and before VCR's and the widespread availability of videos, makes the counsel given even more pertinent for us today than when it was originally written.      There are many perils which threaten the spiritual well-being of the believer in these last closing days. Some of these dangers are apparent and can be easily discerned, while others are like sunken rocks which cannot be readily seen, but are for that very cause all the more dangerous.      Such a menace to the Christian is to be found in television (TV) which Satan exploits for the accomplishment of his own sinister ends. No one will deny that it is a most wonderful invention and some items in the programs are ...

A. W. Tozer (note: Tozer wrote this in the 1950's. One can only wonder what he would think and say of today’s world with wireless internet, cell-phones, constant connection, mp3 players, and all the other technologies that provide constant entertainment and amusement, stunt spiritual growth and produce busy, impotent, worldly Christians. If we were to update the title of the article for today, we would remove the world “almost.”) “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business...That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without... ”     1Thessalonians 4:11-12     We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity!     Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible, multiplying distractions and beating us down by destroying our solitude.     "Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still" is a wise an...

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of u...