Plan to Produce Back in 1839 James Espy claimed that rain could easily be produced by heating the air. But his plan to saturate parched farmland by building great log fires across vast stretches of the American West never materialized— for which Espy’s contemporaries were probably grateful! Later in the 19th century a new theory … Continue reading “Rain”
Race
Forgetting the Prize It is a most lamentable thing to see how most people spend their time and their energy for trifles, while God is cast aside. He who is all seems to them as nothing, and that which is nothing seems to them as good as all. It is lamentable indeed, knowing that God … Continue reading “Race”
Quit
Shortest Major League Baseball Career The record for the shortest major league baseball career probably belongs to a member of the old Brooklyn Dodgers, a pitcher named Harry Hartman. He was a gifted young ballplayer whose day of glory arrived in 1918 when he was called up from the minors to pitch against the Pittsburgh … Continue reading “Quit”
Quiet Time
Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar, a great man of prayer, had three rules: 1. Not to speak to any man before speaking to Jesus; 2. Not to do anything with his hands until he had been on his knees; 3. Not to read the papers until he had read his Bible. Keith L. Brooks, Essential Themes, … Continue reading “Quiet Time”
Quick Thinking
Saved His City Greek philosopher Anaximenes accompanied Alexander the Great on his expedition against the Persians, in the course of which Alexander’s forces captured Lampsacus, the birthplace of Anaximenes. Anxious to save his native city from destruction, Anaximenes sought an audience with the king. Alexander anticipated his plea: “I swear by the Styx I will … Continue reading “Quick Thinking”
Questions
Resources • Integrity of Heart, Skillfulness of Hands, Charles H. Dyer & Roy B. Zuck, editors, (Baker Books; Grand Rapids, MI, 1994), pp. 108ff • “Twenty-four Questions the Disciples Asked Jesus,” J. L. Meredith, Meredith’s Big Book of Bible Lists, (Inspirational Press, NY; 1980) pp. 338-340 • “Eighteen Questions the Religious Leaders Asked Jesus,” J. … Continue reading “Questions”
Quarrel
No Time for Kicking A horse can’t pull while kicking. This fact we merely mention. And he can’t kick while pulling, Which is our chief contention. Let’s imitate the good old horse And lead a life that’s fitting; Just pull an honest load, and then There’ll be no time for kicking. Bits and Pieces, May … Continue reading “Quarrel”
Quality
Quote • Mind, it is our best work that He wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think He must prefer quality to quantity. – George MacDonald Source unknown
Qualifications
Timber Quality • Presidential Timber – Leaps tall buildings with a single bound. • Vice-President Timber – Must take running start to leap over tall buildings. • Timber – Can leap only over short buildings or medium buildings with no spires. • Deadwood – Crashes into building when attempting to jump over them. • Toothpick … Continue reading “Qualifications”
Pardon
Pardon for Dead Hero An item in the May 2, 1985, Kansas City Times reminds us of a story you may be able to use in an evangelistic message. The item had to do with the attempt by some fans of O. Henry, the short-story writer, to get a pardon for their hero, who was … Continue reading “Pardon”