Stay connected with the latest updates to the Vertical Thought Web site. Access weekly commentaries and new articles written for teens and young adults pursuing to live a Godly way of life. http://www.verticalthought.org/vertical-thought-rss.htm http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:58:21 -0400 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:57:56 -0400 FeedForAll v1.0 (1.0.1.0) How long must you wait for justice—and will the penalty actually be fair? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_fair-justice.htm Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:57:56 -0400 We have to decide between believing people who are still struggling to understand the world's complexities or believing the God who designed them. What will you choose? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_who-knows.htm Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:02:30 -0400 Safeguard your mind (conscious and subconscious) against the Devil's inception and hold fast to the roots of God's truth found in His living Word, the Holy Bible! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_the-power-of-inception.htm Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:05:35 -0400 It's impossible to find time for everything. What do you give up when your schedule gets tight? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_rest-for-the-weary.htm Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:39:25 -0400 Will there ever be a time when there will be no more disabilities? The answer is, Yes! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_when-canes-wheelchairs-will-be-museum-pieces.htm Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:59:40 -0400 Instead of evaluating ourselves based on how our own actions stack up to God's standards, we simply compare how we're doing with those around us. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_grading-on-a-curve-danger-of-comparison.htm Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:45:13 -0400 Modesty--outward and inward--matters to God. Remember that no matter the circumstances, we are modeling a way of life. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_where-does-modesty-matter.htm Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:18:40 -0400 In a world that seems increasingly intent on shifting the blame, reflect on your Christianity and try another tactic: No matter who is to blame, admit your mistakes, take them to God and seek His forgiveness. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_shifting-the-blame.htm Fri, 9 Jul 2010 10:39:14 -0400 God wants us to realize the great power of this little planet--and His immeasurably larger power as earth's Creator. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/c_the-power-of-the-earth.htm Fri, 2 Jul 2010 13:40:55 -0400 What's the difference between lust and natural attraction? How do we control our minds when we see a beautiful girl or a handsome guy? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/natural-attraction-or-lust.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:39:16 -0400 In the heady world of male-female relationships, how can one know the difference between love and infatuation? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/difference-between-infatuation-love.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:38:54 -0400 Some don't think it matters whom one dates. What about you? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/big-deal-about-dating.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:38:34 -0400 Why is this genre of literature so appealing to women? Is it harmless fun? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/girls-and-romance-novels.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:38:15 -0400 How can you know in advance whether someone will become an abusive mate? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/love-run-amok.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:37:57 -0400 Why do we believe, contrary to young-earth creationism, that the heavens and the earth are significantly older than the 6,000-year history of man? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/defense-ancient-universe.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:37:40 -0400 If you've explored this question, you've probably encountered conflicting messages—even among those who believe in the Creator. What does the Bible indicate? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/how-old-is-the-earth.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:37:20 -0400 Even if you remove material from a Web site, it is cached by search engines and Internet archives. Once you post a picture, a video or text, it is out there, and you cannot get it back. Ever! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/caught-on-facebook.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:36:57 -0400 You may have heard the warning, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." Here's how to avoid mistakes. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/how-to-make-good-first-impression.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:36:36 -0400 Just as teachers prepare lesson plans for their students, God, through His feasts, provides a lesson plan for humanity. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/gods-feasts-answer-big-questions.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:36:11 -0400 Your lifetime challenge is to become the type of person that is worthy to be a godly partner with someone who possesses all of the qualities you desire in a mate. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt28/preparation-with-purpose.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:33:17 -0400 What are our individual fears? Whether logical or not, we all have them. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_they-are-gone.htm Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:01:53 -0400 As we watch countries and powers go through major upheaval and changes, we wonder, how will our modern world's situation end? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_a-world-with-just-a-pillow.htm Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:23:58 -0400 Being sons and daughters of God--and reaping the rewards that come from that--means more than just not hating those who do us harm. It means actively loving them and praying for their good. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_pray-for-you.htm Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:41:21 -0400 God has simply done some things that are beyond our ability to figure out. Some things work because God made them that way. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_how-do-bones-grow.htm Fri, 28 May 2010 10:41:37 -0400 Have we ever considered that our mike is always on? We may not have a literal microphone clipped onto our collar, but our words are still being broadcast to those within earshot. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_mike-is-always-live.htm Thu, 20 May 2010 16:44:56 -0400 Are you going to buy an expensive Sony Playstation? Would you believe a good book can be far more valuable? Benjamin Franklin said, "The great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by false estimates they have made of the value of things." http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/ym02/stuff.htm Wed, 19 May 2010 10:55:40 -0400 How do we face the obstacles that inevitably present themselves in our lives-a difficult class, losing a job, an illness, maybe financial difficulties? Do they beat us down or do we choose the attitude we take toward them? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_spoonful-of-sugar.htm Fri, 14 May 2010 09:45:12 -0400 When you believe God created the heavens and earth, what strategies can you use when confronted with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/ym01/classroom.htm Wed, 12 May 2010 10:34:37 -0400 If we want more time, we must plan for the time we have. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_elusiveness-of-time.htm Fri, 7 May 2010 14:46:21 -0400 Believe it or not, the end of the world has been discussed for millennia. In fact, 2,000 years ago the disciples asked Jesus for some inside information. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_volcanoes-earthquakes-2012.htm Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:46:19 -0400 Is there something we as Christians and vertical thinkers can learn from exams? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_exams-pass-fail.htm Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:13:58 -0400 Deep down inside everyone likes to break rules. But is doing so really in our best interest? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/ym01/rules.htm Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:50:35 -0400 To value what we have and thank God for it is to show respect for God. No matter the state of the world, our citizenship in God's eternal Kingdom can never be taken away by man--this is the most precious freedom of all! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_freedom-basic-gratitude.htm Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:07:20 -0400 Not knowing who you are can be frightening, unsettling and disheartening, but knowing who you are is a powerful thing! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_can-you-identify.htm Fri, 9 Apr 2010 10:43:37 -0400 Technology can easily distract us from certain meaningful endeavors in our Christian walk. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/c_watch-weep-warn.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 17:27:08 -0400 One measure of greatness is the impact a person makes on the world http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/how-will-jesus-impact-you.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:38:31 -0400 Most people understand that Jesus died for our sins, and the details of His illegal crucifixion are well known. But few know that after Jesus' death His identity was stolen! Many well-intentioned believers have fallen for the deception. Are you also a victim? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/jesus-christ-victim-stolen-identity.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:38:01 -0400 The central teaching of Christianity is being challenged as more skeptics question Jesus' existence and choose their own destiny apart from God and the Bible. But proving Jesus' existence isn't difficult. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/proof-jesus-actually-existed.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:37:40 -0400 The pressure to conform is relentless. Everything seems to be against those who want to live in obedience to God. How can we resist? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/countering-media-influence.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:37:13 -0400 God's intent is to have His people live what they believe and not merely preach it. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/serving-in-middle-east.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:36:51 -0400 No one likes to be excluded, but it happens often in our society. Here is valuable information to help you know how to respond to the problem of cliques. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/coping-with-cliques.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:36:34 -0400 Unearthing the Mysteries of the Plagues http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/heart-of-stone.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:36:03 -0400 Just as teachers prepare lesson plans for their students, God, through His feasts, provides a lesson plan for humanity. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/gods-feast-answer-big-questions.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:35:38 -0400 Getting involved in service activities and organizations while in college, in addition to serving in our local church congregations, helps lay the foundation for lifelong service. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt27/godly-service-more-than-membership.htm Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:35:20 -0400 It is not just atheists who need God. Humanity throughout the ages has needed God. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_need-for-god.htm Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:39:57 -0400 Learning about yourself can make your life happier and healthier. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt25/discover-unique-gifts-talents.htm Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:37:03 -0400 Suffering, sickness, pain and death are realities in this present evil world we live in. But there is a future world coming—the Kingdom of God—when all suffering, sickness, pain and death will be abolished. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_layla-grace-live-again.htm Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:32:36 -0400 There is a way to be positive in spite of troubling news. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt24/world-positive.htm Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:13:20 -0400 If you want to make money, you have to do real work with a real product rather than making doubtful bets with borrowed money. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_financial-alchemy.htm Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:20:56 -0400 It seems most people today don't really know what "sin" means. Two biblical festivals can help us understand why God considers sin so bad. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt23/sin.htm Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:46:05 -0400 Staying motivated is often a challenge when we're constantly facing trials. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_try-again.htm Fri, 5 Mar 2010 12:05:29 -0400 In fact, I'd like you to meet the whole family. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt22/introduce-you-to-god.htm Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:50:15 -0400 Although extreme winter storms can sometimes create havoc with roads, is there some benefit from this unique element of God's creation, besides skiing and sledding? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_snowmageddon.htm Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:08:34 -0400 All humans—including you and me—have an incredible potential that goes far beyond our physical lives. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_tim-tebow-abortion-human-potential.htm Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:08:39 -0400 The plight of the sick, poor and hungry makes us long for the day when a real utopia will spread around the earth! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt21/end-hunger-disease.htm Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:45:06 -0400 God's Word is quite clear that one cannot just decide to be a Christian, one has to be invited! http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt20/who-is-a-christian.htm Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:30:34 -0400 Fashion is on every girl's mind. Wanting to look your best is part of our nature, and admittedly it makes us feel really good. But is there a balance between being modest and trendy? Is it even possible to be both? Does God care about how we look? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_barbie-girl.htm Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:43:28 -0400 Surprising to some, Scripture includes many references to singing and musical instruments being played in worshipping God and in everyday life. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt19/music.htm Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:27:49 -0400 If you try to hide behind a coffin of gold in order to impress others--no matter how beautiful the outside is, it doesn't change what's inside. http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/commentary/inside-the-gold-casket.htm Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:52:59 -0400 Peace can't be found in your life until you recognize the problem lies within you. Learn how to be a peacemaker. http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/archive/?Title=Resolving-Conflict-in-Your-Life-&ProgramID=bt103 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:52:26 -0400 Golf icon and celebrity Tiger Woods was recently caught holding the tail of an extremely destructive "tiger" the sin of adultery. No one escapes this "tiger" unharmed. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_adultery-taking-a-tiger-by-the-tail.htm Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:12:38 -0400 Opinions abound, but let's see what the Bible has to say about the roles of men and women. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt18/difference.htm Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:11:01 -0400 Has your signature let God know where you stand? http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/commentary/john-hancock.htm Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:32:09 -0400 Are troubles in your life unbearable? Do you believe God has left you in the dark? Discover the comforting answer. http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/archive/?Title=When-God-Doesnt-Make-Sense-&ProgramID=bt124 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:31:44 -0400 How do we handle delayed gratification in the workplace? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_dilbert.htm Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:16:55 -0400 Can atheistics "prove" there is no God? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt17/debate.htm Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:31:44 -0400 Ask God to help you press on and discover new things in His Word! http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/commentary/discovery.htm Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:00:19 -0400 Even with abundant food supplies why do the poor starve? Learn what you can do and discover the ultimate solution. http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/archive/?Title=World-Hunger-What-Can-You-Do-&ProgramID=bt126 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:42 -0400 What is the value of time? Like currency, perhaps the best measure is in how it is spent. What kind of benefit are you receiving from how you spend your time? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/c_time-television-treasure.htm Fri, 8 Jan 2010 13:01:39 -0400 People's inability to get along with others is a spiritual problem that modern education can't solve. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/vantage-point.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:09:04 -0400 Is it really worth it? Yes, indeed! Here's why. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/education.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:08:46 -0400 It's not that difficult when you know how to do it. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/finding-good-professors.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:08:23 -0400 You may be smarter than you think. You just need to know what type of "intelligence" is being considered. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/seven-types-intelligence.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:08:00 -0400 Having some encouragement and guidance can make a big difference in your life. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/finding-mentor.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:07:46 -0400 Some people don't realize that the Bible speaks of kissing. Do you know the three different types it mentions? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/three-important-kisses.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:07:23 -0400 These 10 questions can help you gauge the godly potential of your relationship. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/are-we-right-for-each-other.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:06:25 -0400 How do you know whether you have it or not? How can you survive it? http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/sibling-rivalry-causes-cures.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:06:10 -0400 Here are more frequently asked questions about Genesis, the book of origins. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/answers-genesis.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:04:38 -0400 I thought I knew exactly what I was doing, but my trip to Spain yielded some unexpected results. http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt26/spain-trip.htm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:04:07 -0400