: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Incidental Encounters with Withdrawn From Christians
By Paul R. Blake

            Last week, a devout sister in Christ from Northeast Ohio asked the question below. In the recent past, I was asked a similar question by two Christians here at Tomlinson Run. It seems clear to me that this issue is disconcerting more than a few conscientious children of God. I will attempt to answer it to the best of my understanding of the word of God in a manner designed to encourage obedience while at the same time without being unduly harsh.

            Question: “I recently had experiences with brothers and sisters in Christ inviting withdrawn from Christians to birthday parties, graduation parties and the social dinner after a funeral. I stand virtually alone in not attending or leaving once I realize the circumstances. Would you consider a meal after a funeral in this same category? I believe that I do, but would attend a funeral if a disciplined Christian were there, just not the meal to follow.”

            Answer: Let me begin with the qualification that anytime a disciple's conscience demands that he must forgo an activity, he must follow his conscience. Sometimes a conscience requires more than the word of God demands, and therefore one must heed the conscience or risk sin. Having said that, consider...

            Without doubt, the Christian sins when he invites an unrepentant withdrawn from disciple to a meal where others will be, for this reason: he violates a command of God no less binding than the command to be baptized. In addition, he sins by putting other Christians at risk by creating a situation where they may be led to sin. He needs to grow some courage and inform the disciplined person that they are withdrawn from, and until they repent, faithful Christians cannot enjoy a social meal with them. It is tragic that so many professed Christians value their relationship with the erring disciple more than their relationship with God, and therefore seldom hesitate to include withdrawn from persons in social meals. I find it shameful that Christians would intentionally put others in an uncomfortable and awkward position this way. And the excuse, “I am eating with him to encourage him to come back,” is actually based on the foolish and false sophistry, “Let us do evil that good may come.”

            However, what of the Christian who comes to a social meal only to discover that an unrepentant, withdrawn from person is present? It must be understood that the very nature of violating the command not to eat with the disciplined requires intent. One has to purpose to validate the withdrawn from person by intentionally eating with him. Or, he can resolve to avoid conflict and discomfort with the disciplined person by purposing not to keep the command. In both cases there is intent to disregard a command of God. One who attends a funeral luncheon, goes to a restaurant, or goes to a social function and accidentally encounters a disciplined person did not intend or purpose to meet with him to eat with him. It was not his intent to validate this person. It is an incidental encounter. There is a difference between this and one who meets a disciplined person for the purpose of eating with him. When he does so purposefully, he sends the message that he is validating him against the will of God. On the other hand, one who accidentally encounters a disciplined person is not purposing to validate him, and is not viewed by observers as having done so. But, should an observer point out that there is a disciplined person present, one should consider at this point that the potential exists that he could be sending an unintentional validation message.

            1Corinthians 10:23-29 states: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well -being. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; for the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness. If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. But if anyone says to you, This was offered to idols, do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness. Conscience, I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?”

            The point is, you may understand that an accidental encounter with a withdrawn from person in a social setting may not be sin, but others with a more tender conscience may not know that. So, if you are informed that this is the case, you must act in such a way that protects their conscience.

            When I go to a funeral luncheon, I am there to support and encourage the grieving family. I do not concern myself about an incidental and unintentional encounter with a disciplined person. I eat with the sorrowing family. However, if someone points out that there is a disciplined person present and they seem genuinely concerned, I do not eat for his sake, as per the text cited above. I hope this answers your question.

Not Thinking About Myself

            “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being” (1Cor 10:24). Dr. Karl Menninger of the Menninger Clinic was asked, “If someone felt a nervous breakdown coming on, what would you suggest that he do?” He replied, “If you feel a nervous breakdown coming on, I would urge you to find somebody else with a problem -- a serious one -- and get involved with that individual, helping him solve his problem. In helping him to solve his problem, in reality, your own problem is going to disappear. You're no longer thinking internally. You're no longer letting things gnaw at your stomach. You're no longer getting disturbed about yourself because you're not thinking about yourself. You're thinking about others.” Let us seek the well being of others and thereby help ourselves.

A Moments Wisdom

August 15, 2010

A Changed Morality In America
By Kent Heaton

Lincoln and Stanton

Christ’s Birth and Death

A Moments Wisdom

* Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.
* Glory built on selfish principles is shame and guilt.   
* You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
* In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior. * It is awfully important to know what is and what is not your business. * The best job goes to the person who can get it done without passing the buck or coming back with excuses. * The meanest, most contemptible kind of praise is that which first speaks well of a man, and then qualifies it with a "But."

Why Do Your Best?

Before…

Toothless in Hell?

Inside-Out Again

A Moments Wisdom on God

Why Do Your Best?

  "Why should I try to do my best? No one else is doing his best or even cares." How would you answer this person who was encouraged to do his best? Anytime we say a person ought to do a thing, there should be some good reasons for such an admonition. The following points stress why we should be the best for our heavenly Father.
1) That's all you can do. God hasn't called on you to be more than you can be or do more than you can do. Just do your best!
2) Because of the alternative to not doing your best is doing your worst. This is obviously not desirable. " Whatsoever thy hands find to do, do it with all thy might" (Ecc. 9:10). This proves that God expects our best.
3) Because of the results of not doing your best. It places a stumbling block in front of others.
4) Because a lost world deserves to see the best life we can live for the Lord. We must let our lights shine before men so they will glorify our father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
5) Because we are created in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27). This places a unique responsibility upon our shoulders.
6) Because of positive results. People will take knowledge that you have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).
7) Because you will develop good habits from being the best for the Lord.
8) Because the church deserves the best effort you can put forth (1Cor. 12:12-30).
9) It brings happiness and peace of mind. There is a good feeling in knowing you have done your best for the Lord.
10) Because it will influence others to go and do likewise. So, Do Your Best!

Before…

  There was a girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told him, "If I could only see the world, I would marry you. One day, she received a pair of donated eyes. When the bandages came off she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
   He asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl looked at him and saw the he was blind. The sight of his empty eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of having to look at them for the rest of her life moved her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left in tears. A number of days later, he wrote to her saying: "Take good care of your eyes, my Dear, for before they were yours, they were mine."
   This is often how the human mind works when one's life conditions change. Only a very few remember what life was like before the change and the ones who always remained by their side in the most painful situations.
   Before you say an unkind word, think of someone who cannot speak.
   Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone with nothing to eat.
   Before you complain about your spouse, think of someone crying out to God for a life companion.
   Before you complain about your life, think of someone who went too early to heaven.
   Before whining about the distance you have to drive, think of someone who must cover the same   distance on foot.
   Before you complain about being tired of your job, think of the unemployed and disabled who wish they had your job.

Toothless in Hell?

  A gospel preacher was preaching on Heaven and Hell. After painting the glories of heaven, he began to cover the terror of hell. Over an over he mentioned, "weeping and gnashing of teeth" "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Finally an older lady in the audience cried out, "I don't have any teeth!" A silence fell over the preacher and the audience. After a moment, the preacher raised his hand and a pointing finger, shouted, "Teeth... will be provided!"

Inside-Out Again

 The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then in turn change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature. (Ezra Taft Benson)

A Moments Wisdom on God

* Some people always sigh when thanking God.
* God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame.
* The robe of flesh wears thin, and with the years God shines through all things.
* If God simply handed us everything we want, he'd be taking from us a great prize -- the job of  accomplishment.
* God does not want your cleverness -- or your ignorance.
* Men to whom God is dead worship one another.
* They say God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.
* God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road.
* Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
* Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.
* Prayer is not the moment when God and humans are in relationship, for that is always. Prayer is taking the initiative to intentionally respond to God's presence.
* I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. No matter what, he wants us to be happy, not sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?
* God doesn't have to put His name on a label in the corner of a meadow because nobody else makes meadows.
* There are two kinds of people: those that say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'
* Begin to weave and God will give the thread.
* The universe is but only one of God's thoughts.
* Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed.
* A cynic is a man who, upon smelling flowers, looks around for a coffin.
* It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

Parents Who Are Christians
By Irvin Himmel

Malchus' Ear
By Greg Gwin

Parents Who Are Christians
By Irvin Himmel

    It is obvious that parents have an obligation to feed, clothe, love, protect, and care for their offspring. A newborn human is about as helpless as any creature could be. Parents who are Christians have responsibilities which extend far beyond temporal provisions. There is an area of spiritual care, training, growth, and development that demands special attention.
    Parents who are Christians have an obligation to set a good example before their children. That includes a godly home life—no drugs, no tobacco, no strong drink, no profanity, and no fussing and fighting. A good example means godly living in the home, on the job, while on vacation, during recreational activities, and in all other situations. A good example includes regular attendance at Bible classes and church services. It also includes honesty, fairness, willingness to admit wrong, and readiness to forgive.
    Parents who are Christians have the responsibility of disciplining their offspring. Mischievous acts that may be dismissed as “cute” in the little ones can be quite annoying to others. Those “cute” little capers, if unchecked, can establish a pattern that turns into a nightmare by the time the child is a teenager. Discipline must start early. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
    Parents who are Christians should teach their children right priorities. Which comes first, your personal interests or the Lord’s work? Which is more important, a child’s solving a math problem or preparing a Bible lesson? The principle taught in Matthew 6:33 is learned quickly by a child who sees that basic truth demonstrated by his mother and father. Your child needs your help in establishing the correct sense of values.
    Parents who are Christians are responsible for bringing up their children to be Christians. Put your child in the tiny tots’ class on Sunday morning and teach him to sit still during worship. If you do not train him, who will? Tell him some of the great stories in the Bible. Those historical narratives about Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Moses, and others will do him more good than nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Drill him in Bible facts. Make him conscious that there is a wealth of material in the Bible. Teach him about God and Jesus Christ. Some fathers leave the spiritual training to the mothers. But the Bible says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Daddy cannot shift his responsibility over to mother. The spiritual training of a child calls for the best efforts of both parents. Christians who are parents have much for which to be thankful. Children are “an heritage of the Lord” (Ps. 127:3). But the responsibilities of parenthood are serious. In today’s wicked world, it is not easy to bring up children in the nurture of the Lord. However, it can be done.

Malchus' Ear
By Greg Gwin

    Christians are often disappointed and discouraged when they fail to convince their unbelieving friends and relatives to accept the truth from the Scriptures. They ask questions like: "How can they ignore the evidence?" and "It's so obvious, why can't they see it?" These are good questions. We understand your frustration. We agree -- it is not logical for people to ignore the abundance of available proof.       Do you recall the occasion when Judas brought a band of armed men to arrest Jesus?  Peter, thinking to defend Him with force, drew out his sword. Each of the gospel writers describe him cutting off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest. Jesus rebuked Peter, and Luke tells us that He proceeded to heal the severed ear (Luke 22:51). Think about that a minute! In the presence of this mob of angry conspirators Jesus worked a miracle. They saw it! Yet still they proceeded to participate in the events that led to the unjust murder of God's own Son.       We remind you of this simply to illustrate that prejudiced men have always ignored evidence that contradicts their predetermined positions. If the Scribes and Pharisees could see the many miracles of Jesus and still call for his crucifixion, we should not be too surprised when men today reject the plain truths of God's word.       But, there is another, more positive lesson to be learned here. Jesus said in John 10:18, "No man taketh (my life) from me but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." In healing Malchus' ear, Jesus proved His point. By working that miracle He showed that He had unlimited power to save His own life, but He refused to use it. He died willingly for our sins. What a Savior! -- Via The Beacon, May 18, 2010

The Way of the Cross

    "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1Cor. 1:18).
    Officer Peter O'Hanlon was patrolling on night duty in northern England some years ago when he heard a quivering sob. Turning in the direction that it came from, he saw in the shadows a little boy sitting on a doorstep. With tears rolling down his cheeks, the child whimpered, "I'm lost. Take me home." The policeman began naming street after street, trying to help him remember where he lived. When that failed, he repeated the names of the shops and hotels in the area, but all without success. Then he remembered that in the center of the city was a well-known church building with a large white cross towering high above the surrounding landscape. He pointed to it and said, "Do you live anywhere near that?" The boy's face immediately brightened. "Yes, take me to the cross. I can find my way home from there!" (From Bible Illustrator) Indeed, the way of the cross leads home.

A Moments Wisdom

* Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy those are who already possess it.
* It is pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness; poverty and wealth have both failed.
* Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.
* The actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
* A preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past.
* It is never too late to be who you might have been.
* Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.

Christendom And Christian
By Kent Heaton

  Words are the vehicles that exchange thoughts descriptive of the perceived meaning in any given circumstance. Throughout the centuries of man's history words have defined his place with his fellow man and with Jehovah God. Often words have changed in their meaning and importance. Words define who we are.
   The word "Christendom" is a word that describes "the part of the world where Christianity prevails" (Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). The idea of Christendom is where all Christian people are considered as a group. The word "Christian" means "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ; a disciple" (ibid). It would seem that while Christendom is not a common word in the language of the masses that more people profess to Christendom than to the ideals of being a Christian. Being under the umbrella of Christendom suggests a passive view of ones place in relationship to Jesus Christ while taking on the name of being a Christian demands a devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
   Christendom does not demand allegiance but rather appeals to a general acceptance of Jesus Christ. There are many people who believe that Jesus is real and that he walked among men two millennia ago. They may even go so far as to accept the idea that he is the Son of God. But to commit ones life to the principles, teachings and commands of Jesus Christ is far beyond the scope of what they are willing to do. There were disciples of Christendom in the days of Jesus.   "Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:42-43).
   Jesus demanded separation! His teachings were not for the faint of heart nor the uncommitted. Believing in Him was not enough. To be a disciple of Christ demanded loving the praise of God over the praise of men. Living the life of a Christian requires being different from the world (Romans 12:1-2). Paul exhorted the Corinthians to live separate (2 Corinthians 6:11-18) and come out from among the world. Ironically, Satan wants us to have a faint sense of Christ in our lives but without commitment. The young man in Matthew 19 wanted eternal life without obligation. We find often in our lives the ease of simply living under Christendom and not living as a Christian.
   The word Christian is found three times in scripture (Acts 11:26; 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16). It is Peter's use of Christian that shows the striking difference in what people perceive the disciple of Christ to be and what the Lord expects. The context of 1 Peter 4:16 begins in verse 12: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you." He goes on to describe the life of a Christian as one that is "reproached," "blasphemed," and who "suffers" and judgment beginning "at the house of God" (verses 13-17).
   Living with a veneer of Christ is not enough. To be a follower of Jesus Christ takes more than a passive title describing a generic system of belief. True Christians are those people who bear a cross, fight the fight, run the course, walk worthy of the calling, confess the name of Christ before men, crucify themselves, separate themselves, sanctify themselves and do the will of the Father in Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Be a Christian as God desires disciples to be. Live for Jesus. Serve the Lord. Do the will of the Father.

Wisdom from a Warrior

  "We have too many men of science; too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. Man is stumbling blindly through a spiritual darkness while toying with the precarious secrets of life and death. The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living." (General Omar Bradley, Armistice Day Speech, 1948)

Thelma's Fourth Husband

  Thelma was an energetic, outgoing person who took life's little setbacks in stride. However, when she was widowed at the age of 75 for the third time, she went into a state of gloom and sadness that just wouldn't go away. She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't go out; she seemed to care for nothing anymore. In despair, her children finally put her in a senior assisted living facility until the time would come that she would pass away, too. Instead, she gradually began to take an interest in life. Daily she went from room to room, visiting and talking with the residents who were bedfast. She organized and directed activities, and encouraged all of the seniors to get involved at some level.
   In appreciation, the nursing home threw a large surprise birthday party for Thelma when she turned 80. During the birthday dinner, she noticed a new man sitting at the end of the table, and she started to stare and to become very quiet. All through the meal, and the cake, and the presents, she kept looking at this fellow as if she had seen him before, but forgotten who he was. Eventually, she got up and walked over to him and said, "Pardon me for making you so uncomfortable. I just couldn't help staring at you all evening. You look so much like my fourth husband."
  "Fourth husband!" he said. "How many times have you been married?"
  "Three," she replied, with a smile spreading across her face.
   The wedding was a few weeks later.
   Three lessons taught by Thelma:
   1) Regardless of our environment and circumstances, we can find a way to make life meaningful. (Phil. 4:11)
   2) We find our greatest joy and fulfillment when we are serving others. (Mark 10:45)
   3) Take advantage of opportunities. (Matt. 9:37-38; Col. 4:2-4; Acts 17:16, 34)

A Moments Wisdom

* It is impossible to break out of God's will without breaking into God's judgment.
* The light that shines farthest shines brightest nearest home.
* Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
* It is a sad religion that is never strong until its owner gets sick.
* Meeting house keys open the door to a successful week.
* A friend is one who can put his finger on our faults without rubbing it in.
* You can't change the past; but, you can ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future.
* A man can be judged by the things at which he laughs.
* Wild oats take something out of a man's life that no system of crop rotation can restore.
* God is more interested in making us what we ought to be than in giving us what we think we ought to have.

A Handful of Faithful Children of God
By Joe Blake 

“He Died for Me”

Beauty Aids

A Moments Wisdom

A Handful of Faithful Children of God
By Joe Blake 

            In 1943 a group of about twenty-five people rented a place for assembly and began meeting in the Pughtown School which only had one room and a small supply room. The supply room was used for the children’s Bible class, taught by Alvin Nuzum. The church at Orr Street in Weirton, WV began the work at Pughtown. They held tent meetings to accommodate the people because the school room was too small.
            In 1954 the member’s purchased the building for the sum of $1,500.00. The brethren engaged in the transaction told the Frankfort Springs Presbyterian Association that they would move the building as soon as possible. They did not understand that they had purchased the land along with the building. Prior to the purchase of the building, the congregation had bought two building lots on Route 8 near Pughtown, to which they planned to move the building. They decided to leave the building on the property in Pennsylvania. This decision caused some dissention among some members of the congregation because they thought the church should not move out of Pughtown, but they worked it out in a peaceful way.
            One Sunday evening before services, Ted Hanlon, Paul Blake, and I were walking down the parking lot together, when Ted was about to open the door, he saw a note on the door. The note had a scripture written on it: Matthew 15:13 - “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Someone was not happy that the building had been sold.
            No doubt there were hurt feelings among some of the Presbyterian people who attended here in the past. Their grandparents, fathers and mothers, uncles, other family members, and friends were part of the Presbyterian church that attended here in the past. I spoke with a man from this community, and he told me that he didn’t understand why his people didn’t take a stand against the Presbyterian organization when they decided to close the doors.
            One Sunday evening before services, an older couple came to the building and told Gay and me that they had attended here when they were children. They came into the building to look, but they would not stay for services. I understood that they also were not happy with the decision to close the door. Gay has a good friend in her nineties. She came to services with us one time. She stated that she attended services there with her grandmother years ago and was glad to get to come back.
            After the Orr Street congregation sent some of their members to Pughtown to  start a work there, the rest of the church there purchased a lot on West Street and built a meeting house in 1950. Ted Hanlon preached the first sermon in their new building. Later the West Street started a new work on Weirton Heights at Marie and Guy Street, which later moved to Pennsylvania Avenue becoming the Weirton Heights Church of Christ. Later, the West Street congregation purchased lot and built a meeting house on Colliers Way, where the continue to meet to the present day. In 1971, the church at Tomlinson Run helped begin a new work at New Cumberland Heights, where a building was purchased and remodeled for the brethren there.
            And to think that it all started with an handful of faithful children of God worshipping in the basement of a house in Weirton, determined to spread the gospel. It is sad that two of these congregations are no longer faithful to the Lord, but I am sure God will not forget the Orr Street brethren for their good works many years ago.

“He Died for Me”

            "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:6-8)
            During the Civil War in the United States, a farmer named Blake was drafted as a soldier. He was deeply concerned about leaving his family, because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence. The day before he was to leave for the army, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. "Blake," he said, "I've been thinking. You're needed here at home, so I've decided to go in your place." The farmer was so overwhelmed that a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute. Charlie went to the front-lines and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed in the first battle. When the farmer heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode out to the battlefield. After searching for some time, he found the body of his friend. He arranged to have it buried in the churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after the services. On a piece of marble he carved an inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the hammer on the chisel tears fell from his eyes. He placed the marker on the grave of his devoted substitute. Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: HE DIED FOR ME. (From Bible Illustrator)
            God's penalty for sin is death, but God, through His love and mercy, allowed another to die in our place. Let us give thanks for God's unspeakable gift.

Beauty Aids

          A dear old lady was asked what she used to make her complexion so beautiful and her whole being so bright and attractive.  She answered:
            "I use for my lips, truth;
             I use for my voice, kindness;
             I use for my eyes, compassion;
             I use for my hands, charity;
             I use for my figure, uprightness;
             I use for my heart, love;
             I use for any who do not like me, prayer."

A Moments Wisdom

He who gives only when asked has waited too long.

Some people preach by the bushel and practice by the pint.

If you want to keep your head up, you have to have backbone.

Sometimes how well you sleep may depend on how little you lie.

The road to ruin is always “easy” to take; it will be more difficult to travel.

The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on his tiptoes.

Raising Good Citizens
By John Rosemond

“If Any Will Not Work, Neither Should He Eat” (2Thes. 3:10)

“Fret Not Thyself”

A Moments Wisdom

Raising Good Citizens
By John Rosemond

            Many parents hope their kids will learn to be good citizens when they go to school; others believe that signing them up for a Scouts program will do the trick. What many parents don't realize is that good character is learned in the home. The "3 Rs" of good citizenship -- Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness -- are the bedrock of good character. A solid moral and ethical foundation supports the development of compassion, integrity, commitment, selflessness, and all of the other attributes that constitute the "good neighbor."
            Teaching Respect: Respect for others is the linchpin of good citizenship. Instilling a respectful attitude in a child requires that discipline, when necessary, be delivered resolutely, yet calmly; that the child's point of view be taken into account when making family decisions; and that parents' actions be consistent with their words. These actions simply provide what has been called a child's first right, good government.
            Teaching Responsibility: A community cannot thrive without citizens who are willing to ask, paraphrasing President John F. Kennedy, not what the community can do for them, but what they can do for the community. Children acquire this sense of social responsibility if they are not overindulged and if they are consistently expected to contribute to their families. Overindulged children never really learn that it's better to give than to receive. Children who aren't expected to perform daily chores are in danger of believing it's possible to get something for nothing. Unfortunately children who don't do chores are usually also overindulged, and vice versa. This combination is devastating to a child's healthy character development.
            When it comes to giving to children, parents should be conservative. Hearing the word "no" on a regular basis helps children learn to postpone gratification, tolerate frustration, and set long-term goals, all necessary attributes of good citizenship.
            By age four, a child should be performing household chores on a daily basis. As the child grows, those responsibilities should increase so that by the early teen years the child is capable of carrying out just about any task. The more productive a child is within the family, the more productive a citizen the child will become.
            Teaching Resourcefulness: This third "R" of good citizenship involves learning to tough it out when it comes to challenge. It was this frontier spirit that made America great, and it is just as important today as 100 years ago.
            Parents can help children develop an "I can!" attitude by setting reasonably high goals and then providing the support and encouragement needed to reach those goals.                     A second aspect of resourcefulness is imagination. The more opportunities a child has for creative play, the stronger the child's imagination becomes. Parents need to provide plenty of opportunities for free play, and also see to it that the benefits are not canceled out by an excess of television watching, which is an inert and passive activity and does not encourage creativity.
            Remember, children don't learn good citizenship skills from baby-sitters, electronic or otherwise, but from their parents.

“If Any Will Not Work, Neither Should He Eat” (2Thes. 3:10)

            You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help little men by tearing down big men. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. (Abraham Lincoln)

“Fret Not Thyself”

            The little words "fret not" occur three times in the thirty-seventh Psalm, and each time they are followed by that other word, "thyself," showing clearly it is an injury we inflict on ourselves. (For real deliverance from worry, try Phil. 4:6-9)
            Psalm 37:1, 7-8 - “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity… Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it only causes harm.”

A Renewed Life

            Do you feel that your spiritual life is lacking in depth and dedication? Are you displeased with your rate of spiritual development? Any Christian who so desires may experience renewal. The important question is how? Where do I start? Here are some suggestions:
            1. Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself. Spiritual progress cannot be made until a need for improvement is seen.
            2. Carefully determine the areas in your life where you need to make changes and begin now to make them.
            3. Do a thorough job of repenting. Let godly sorrow do its healing work. Where sin has been of a public nature, let a public confession be made.
            4. Make a definite place in your life for daily worship. Do not neglect prayer and Bible study for any cause. Never be too tired or too busy to spend some time alone with God.
            5. Deliberately narrow your interests. You must decide what is most important to this renewed life and invest your time accordingly. There are many activities and projects which use up time and energy but bring you no nearer to God.
            6. Begin immediately some definite labor for Christ. Be sure that time is devoted each week to the Lord's work.
            7. Trust the Lord. Begin to expect a resurgence of spiritual power and joy. (James LeFan)

A Moments Wisdom

The attempt to silence a man is the greatest honor you can bestow on him. It means that you recognize his superiority to yourself.

Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.

He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.

Blessed is he who does good to others and desires not that others should do good to him.

We cannot hope to spread brotherhood abroad until we practice it at home.

            What is a Christian supposed to be like? If you ask the average person in the world, they may suggest that a Christian is any “church-goer”. Some have an opinion so loose that it includes anyone and everyone; others have determined a standard so incredibly tight that it hedges out even willing souls. We must cut through the clutter and get to a more reliable source of information. We need to put aside the guess work of men and seek God's answers.

            There is a passage of scripture that answers our question. In truth the majority of the New Testament is the guide for a Christian’s completion. A good place to start is with the inspired writings of Peter.  In Peter’s first epistle we can read "As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word" (1Peter 2:2). This passage tells us to emulate a baby’s desire for milk, with our desire for God's word—this is to all Christians not just babes in Christ. So, in essence, to be as we should be, we would need to develop a strong desire for God's word.

            There are several examples of what Christians should be like in this short epistle. For now, we will focus our attention on 1Peter 1:13-15. In verse thirteen, and the two that follow, we are going to be admonished to become, "as we should be".

            Our first admonition, "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober."  Just what is Peter asking us to do? We don't normally use this term "gird."  When you hear "gird" I want you to think of the more common terms "gather" and "tighten."  This term “gird” used to be much more common. There was a time when women, and some men, voluntarily inflicted themselves with the use of “girdles”. They were a stiff undergarment that was tightened around the mid-section to make its wearer appear thinner. To “gird up” is to gather and tighten. The readers in the first century, and Peter himself, knew exactly what “to gird up” meant since they all wore clothing that resembled very long loose night shirts.  When they intended to move about during the day they would gather the looseness of those garments at their waist with a belt so as to free their feet from tripping on the material.  So where is the lesson in this? The parallel would be to gather up our loose thoughts and tighten them in, so that we might think soberly. In other words gather your mind and focus. A Christian is constantly focused. It is easy to lose focus and wander away so purposely reset the focus of your mind and all your intentions today.

            I found your note on the door the other day. I just imagine that you came by to see why we were not at the services last Sunday. Well, I feel that I should explain so there will be no misunderstanding. You know that one thing we will never do is miss church without some kind of a real good reason.

            Last week was the birthday of the sister of my wife’s sister-in-law (by her first marriage). We never miss attending any birthday in either of our families. So we just had to be out of town. We left here in time to go to worship over there, but they had early services at 10:30. Is it scriptural to have them earlier? Well, anyway, we did not get to go that morning. We planned to return early enough to make the evening services, but the children raised such a ruckus that we stayed until 7:00 PM. The services started over there at 7:30, but we had to leave in order to keep from staying out too late with the kids.

            Preacher, it would do you good to be out on the road on Sunday morning sometimes. It would give you some idea as to how careless the world is about worshiping Christ. Many of the people we passed had boats behind their cars. Now you know they could at least have gone to services first. Think of all the money they spent for motors, boats, and supplies. I wonder if they ever thought of giving some of that money to the work of the Lord?

            Don’t worry about us; I’m convinced that we should leave our contribution here at home. We gave the new members across the street our $2.00 to put in for us. I hope that they see it pays to be a regular and liberal giver and attend the services regularly.

            We will see you Sunday. Oops, I forgot! Deer season opens next week. But after that we will see you every Sunday. (Signed: I.M. Weak)

God Belongs in the Center

            In the early chapters of Numbers, we are treated to a layout of the camp of Israel. Three tribes camped on the east side (2:1- 9), three on the south (2:10-16), three on the west (2:18-24), and three on the north (2:25-30). In the center of the camp, the Levites were to set up the tabernacle (2:17). Why is this important? It means that God was at the center of the camp, and God was to be their focus, at the heart of everything Israel did. Dads, what about your camp? Is God set up at the center? Is He the focus of all that you are trying to accomplish with your family? Do your children understand that He comes first in all that you do? (By Rusty Miller (via The Beacon, December 29, 2009)

It Just Slipped Out ... Of What?

            When excusing themselves for uttering profanities or curses, the kind of words which should never escape our mouths (Eph. 4:29), many will say, "I'm sorry; it just slipped out."  But what did those corrupt words slip out of, exactly? Jesus explained, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matt. 12:34-35). That is to say, bad words don't "slip out" of good hearts; they come from bad hearts. Therefore, "Purify your hearts!" (James 4:8). (By Bryan Matthew Dockens (via The Beacon, October 6, 2009)

A Moments Wisdom

Blessed is the man who does not speak until he knows what he is talking about.

Many physical giants are spiritual runts.

Master selfishness or it will master you.

High station in life is earned by the gallantry with which appalling experiences are survived with grace.

The attempt to silence a man is the greatest honor you can bestow on him. It means that you recognize his superiority to yourself.

Money and success don't change people; they merely amplify what is already there.

Love is what is left in a relationship after all the selfishness has been removed.

One Nation under God: The Forgetfulness of America
By Chad Carter

            “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do.” These words of Woodrow Wilson accurately describe the need for Americans to “remember” their nation’s heritage. It is not an accident that America is the greatest nation that has ever existed. And, if America is to remain “great” we must “remember” what it was that made her great and re-apply those principles to the America of the ‘90s. (now 2010 – t.t.)

            The foundation upon which our founding fathers built this nation was a belief in the Almighty God. They were confident that God was blessing their endeavors as they forged the most prosperous nation in all history. They prayed that He might guide their efforts and acknowledged that God was responsible for their success. And they used His word as the basis for the value system they established. America’s reliance upon God can be traced all the way back to the year 1492. History records that when Columbus discovered this land, he planted a cross in the new soil, and kissing the earth, he took possession of this continent for God.

            History also records that the majority of the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620 were devout believers in God. They boarded the Mayflower in hopes of shaking the Church of England and settling in an area where they could worship God in the way they believed the scriptures taught. They were the first of many settlers who came to America seeking religious freedom.

            Then, on July 4, 1776, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence to bring into existence the United States of America. The closing words of the document declare: “With a firm reliance on the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

            Truly, God was at the center of the American experience. Our laws and institutions are based upon the teachings found within God’s Holy Bible. Our coins and currency bear the motto: “In God We Trust.” Our patriotic songs recognize the hand of God in the fortunes of America. And, our pledge of allegiance describes America as “…one nation under God.”

            The prominence of God in the heritage of America cannot be denied. Yet, America in 1992 (now 2010 – t.t.) is suffering from amnesia. For the most part, we have forgotten God’s central role in the founding of our nation. And, we have also forgotten God is the only one that can sustain our nation in the generations to come.

            A history teacher once asked a disinterested student, “What are the two greatest problems in America today?” The student answered, “I don’t know, and I don’t care!” And to the surprise of the student, the excited teacher replied, “You are absolutely right!”

            The United States faces many difficult problems. Yet, the most dangerous problem of all is that there are too many citizens who neither “know” nor “care.” They may understand that America is the greatest nation in all the world. But they do not “know” what has made America great. And they do not “care” what it will take to perpetuate greatness for future generations.

            Man’s nature is such that he is prone to be forgetful of God. In particular, when things are going well, it is easy for individuals (and even nations) to forget that God is the giver of all prosperity. They may even deceive themselves and image that their blessings are the result of some virtue of their own. All too often success leads to a feeling of self-sufficiency and God is forgotten in the process.

            If we review the history of the rise and fall of Israel in the Old Testament, one principle is quite obvious; when Israel acknowledged the authority of God, their nation was blessed; and when they turned away from God, their nation suffered reproach and was ultimately destroyed.

            The same principle can be applied to any nation. For example, consider the American experience. It is true that most of our founding fathers were not Christians. Nonetheless, they did acknowledge God’s authority and based their early documents and laws upon scriptural principles. God blessed their efforts and lifted America to a position of world prominence.

            Like Israel, America has experienced valleys where the remembrance of God would be diminished. America is currently in one of those valleys. Our nation is moving farther and farther away from Christian values – the same values upon which our nation grew strong. The question is, “What will in take for the America of 1992 (now 2010 – t.t.) to be awakened to the need for God?

            Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” If America is to be reawakened, it must be through the activity of good men and women; it must be through Christians. Christians cannot afford to sit idly by and let the evil of America take over. We must actively pray to God for the return of America back to righteousness. We must actively keep ourselves unspotted from the evil of our nation. We must actively teach our children to remember their creator while they are young. We must actively influence those with whom we associate to turn from their evil ways. By reaching upward to God, inward to ourselves, and outward to our fellow man, the Christians of America will be able to turn our nation back toward God.

            America was not formed as a nation apart from God, but a nation under God. May history record that it was the influence of Christians in the 1990s (2010 – t.t.) that turned our nation back on the path to respecting the authority of God. (Chad Carter Athens AL - via “The Sower” - Sept-Oct. 1992)

Resolutions

            "When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23).

            A reportedly true story is told about a school principal who, at the end of the year, encouraged all his teachers to write out their resolution for the new year. He promised to post these on the faculty bulletin board so that all could benefit from them. When the resolutions were posted, all the teachers crowded around to read the suggestions from their co-workers. Suddenly one of the teachers erupted in a fit of anger. "Mine is not here! He's purposefully left mine off the board. He doesn't care about me. That just shows how little I'm appreciated around here!" The principal was shocked. He had not intentionally left anyone's resolution off the board. He rushed to his desk and found the missing note under a pile of papers. He immediately proceeded to post it. The resolution read: "I resolve not to let little things upset me anymore."

            To make needed "resolutions" is a worthwhile endeavor, only if we are willing to keep them. Let us purpose in our hearts to cleave to the Lord.

Praying for the Country

            A couple was touring the capitol in Washington and the guide pointed to a tall, benevolent gentleman, as the congressional Chaplain. The lady asked, “What does the Chaplain do? Does he pray for the Senate or the House?” The guide answered, “No, he gets up – looks at the Congress, then prays for the country."

A Moments Wisdom

There are two sides to every question; and, if you want to be popular, take both.

A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.

Even the darkest hour is but 60 minutes long.

Judge Not
By Rick Duggin

The Diary of a Bible

Falling Asleep

Is Truth Essential?

Could It Be…?

A Moments Wisdom

Judge Not
By Rick Duggin

            How often do you hear someone trying to salvage an unscriptural position by quoting Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged"?  If nominal Bible students know any passage, it is this one.  This verse, like all other scripture, is TRUE, but it is much misunderstood.  Many assume ALL judgment must be left with God... under no circumstances may a man judge anyone for anything.  What is wrong with this usual view of the passage?
1. It is a self-defeating position.  One who judges another as wrong because he judges another, does exactly what he condemns.  He is like the man who argues that it is wrong to argue.
2. It would negate our judgment by God. If the first part of Matt. 7:1 is absolute (under no circumstances may we judge), why is the second part not absolute (we will never be judged)?
3. It contradicts other passages. "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Never assume a position in one passage that contradicts another.
4. It would prevent us from following the example of Christ and His apostles.  Matthew 6:2-18 teaches us to judge others.
5. It contradicts the context. Carefully read verses 5,6,15-20 to see if we can obey these things without forming judgments.
6. It would permit and encourage excesses in evil and false doctrine.  We could not correct our children, our friends, our society, or our brethren for any kind of sin. 1Cor. 5 shows what Paul thought of this view;  how do you judge it?

The Diary of a Bible

January: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks. I'm now forgotten.
February: My owner used me for a few minutes last week. He had an argument and was checking references.
March: Grandpa visited us. He kept me on his lap for an hour, reading 1Corinthians 13.
April: I had a busy day. My owner was appointed a leader of something and used me. I got to go to church the first time this year...Easter Sunday.
May: I have a few grass stains on my pages. Had some early spring flowers pressed in me.
June: I look like a scrap book. They have stuffed me full of clippings. One of the girls got married.
July: They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we're off on a vacation. I wish I could stay at home, as I will have to stay in this thing for a month.
August: Still in the suitcase.
September: Back home again, and in my old place. I have lots of company. Two "True Stories" and four "Funny Books" are on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they are.
October: They used me a little today. One of them is sick. Right now I'm all shined up and in the center of the table... I think the preacher is coming.
November: Back in my old place.
December: They are getting ready for Christmas. I'll be covered under wrapping papers and packages.

Falling Asleep

            "And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 6:59-60)
The above verse says that when Stephen was stoned, he "fell asleep." Our English word "cemetery" comes from this same Greek word which means "the sleeping of the dead." To label "death" as "falling asleep" is a wholesome thought about death rather than the usual harshness men associate with it. Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." Rev. 14:13 says, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.'"
There have been many unjust killings since the beginning of the world as was Stephen's. The thing, however, that made Stephen great was not that he was unjustly murdered, but that he died in the Lord. Let us proclaim along with the prophet of old: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!" (Num. 23:10)

Is Truth Essential?

Truth Came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Jesus Came to Bear Witness to the Truth. (John 18:37)
Truth Makes One Free. (John 8:32)
Truth Sanctifies. (John 17:17)
Truth Purifies. (1Peter 1:22)
God’s Judgment Is According to Truth. (Rom. 2:2)
Everyone that Is of the Truth Hears the Voice of Jesus. (John 18:37)
It Is God’s Desire that All Men Come to the Knowledge of the Truth. (1Tim. 2:4)
Those Who Do Not Obey the Truth Will Be Lost Forever. (Rom. 2:8-9)

Could It Be…?

…that people reject the Bible — not because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them?
…that some brethren do not attend various worship periods and Bible study classes because Christ is not really their “first love?”
…we utterly abhor the violence going on in the world, yet do not think twice about what our families entertain themselves with on television and at the movies?
…that some brethren honestly see no connection between commitment, attendance, and involvement?

A Moments Wisdom

He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
The Bible never suffers from neglect, but those who neglect the Bible do.
If we stand for truth and right during the day, peace of mind is ours when we retire at night.
Counting time isn’t half as important as making time count.
Wise men learn from the mistakes of others; fools insist on learning from their own.
To have friends you must pay the price — be one.

One Solitary Life
By Thomas Thornhill

The Happiest Child in the World
By A. C. Grider

A Moments Wisdom

One Solitary Life
By Thomas Thornhill

“He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years, he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He was only thirty-three when the tides of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race, and the leader of mankind’s progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.” (Author Unknown)
Surely we owe this Christ a debt that cannot be paid by material things. We can say a lot, but words mean little without individual allegiance and personal convictions. What does He mean to YOU as an individual?
Following Christ means more than just acknowledging that He lived. It means at least three things. First, it means one must Make A Choice. After Paul told king Agrippa that God, through the prophets, had foretold “that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles” Acts 26:23. Agrippa was forced to make a choice. Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (v.27). Agrippa’s choice was to say, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (v.28). Almost has never been sufficient. Pilate was faced with a similar dilemma when he allowed the people to crucify Christ. He was unwilling to choose Christ over popularity (Matt. 27:17-26).
Secondly, following Christ means one must Make A Change. Acts 11:26 “…And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” From the day of Pentecost people could see in the disciples of Christ a change of life. By their conduct even the enemies could only say “…and they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Later, Paul wrote of this change to the Ephesian Christians, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct the old man, which grows corrupt, according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph.4:20-24).
Thirdly, to follow Christ means one must Accept A Challenge. Peter writes to the followers of Christ: “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you … On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1Peter 4:14-16). When challenged, Christians must not fear. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
A choice, a change and a challenge! All three must be made and met in order to truly understand, follow, and serve the One Solitary Life.

The Happiest Child in the World
By A. C. Grider

Did it ever make you sad to see a child happy? It did me! Yes, the other Sunday, I saw one of the happiest children in the world and I nearly cried. And, every time I have thought of it since, I have had to fight back the tears.
The little fellow comes to services with his mother. His father isn't a member and rarely comes. Now there is nothing in this world to this boy like his Daddy.
Well, on this particular Sunday, the little boy ran ahead of the rest and entered the church building where I was greeting people in the vestibule. He came running up to me, face aglow, with his hand outstretched. He clasped my hand, but he didn't say "hello" or "good morning." There was just one thing on his mind; just one thing that seemed to matter. He said, "Brother Grider, my Daddy came with me today!"
I wish the fathers and mothers of every child that comes to Preston Highway could have seen and heard as I saw and heard that child last Sunday. I just know it would have helped the members to be better fathers and mothers. And I am sure it would have had effect upon non-members.
You only have them for a short time, Mom and Dad. Swift passes the time when that child will look up to you in wonder and exclaim, "I want to be just like you!" If you postpone faithful service to God until the children are older, you have in all likelihood lost your opportunity to bring your children to the Lord. Parents, what pattern are you setting for your children with your life? Non-Christian friend, these things may not be important to you today; but one day, these matters will consume your heart with regret.
Mark 8:36-37 - “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? "Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” What are you giving in exchange for the soul of your child? (Preston Highway Bulletin, 10-6-60)

A Moments Wisdom

Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
May we never climb so high in our own estimation that we lose sight of the way to heaven.
People seldom become famous for what they say until after they are famous for what they do.
It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.
I only have three faults: what I say, what I do, and what I think.
If you neglect another day, you have a day more to repent of, and a day less to repent in.
Let God completely control your life and you'll always be in the right place at the right time.
Pitch the Good Book to your child while he is young, and they won't throw the book at him when he is older.
Idol worship is often done during idle time.
When death knocks, you will come as you are.
Haste is usually to save minutes, after hours have been wasted.
God is the only one in a position to look down on others.
If you think of this world as a place intended simply for your happiness, you might find it quite intolerable; think of it as a place of training and correction and it's not so bad.
It takes both hands to lay hold of eternal life; you will have to let everything else go.
A thankful heart speaks more eloquently to God than the most persuasive tongue.
It is not enough to do good; one must do it the right way.

Discover the 90/10 Principle

Funny Isn’t It

Changing Course

Rules For A Happy Married Life

A Moments Wisdom

Discover the 90/10 Principle

            The 90/10 Principle can change your life by changing the way you react to situations. What it means is: 10% of life is made up of what happens to you, but 90% of life is decided by how you react. This means we really have NO control over 10% of what happens to us. You cannot control a red light. However, you can control your reaction. Do not let people fool you. YOU can control how you react.
            Let us use an example: You are having breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what has just happened.  What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, your turn to your wife and you criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish her breakfast and getting ready to go to school. She misses the bus. 
            Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 45 miles per hour in a 30 mph speed limit zone. After a 15-minute delay and a $60.00 traffic fine, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you realize you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible and it continues to get worse and worse. You look forward to going home. When you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your wife and daughter. Why? It was all because of how you reacted that morning at the breakfast table.
            What caused the bad day? Did the coffee cause it? Did your daughter cause it? Did the policeman cause it? Did you cause it? The answer is, you caused it. You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.
            Here is what could have and should have happened: Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say: “It is okay, honey, you just need to be more careful next time.” Grabbing a towel you go upstairs and change your shirt. You grab your briefcase, and you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. 
            What a difference! There were two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended differently, but why? The difference was your reaction. You really have no control over 10% of what happens in your life (the coffee). The other 90% was determined by YOU--your reaction.
            Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and headaches. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 Principle. It can change your life! Enjoy it. It only takes willpower to give ourselves permission to make the change. Absolutely everything we do, give, say, or even think is like a boomerang. It will come back to us. If we want to receive, we must first learn to give. This reminds me of the Golden Rule that Jesus gave to the world: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Contributed)

Funny Isn’t It

Changing Course

            "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." (Acts 3:19)
            For years, the opening of "The Wide World of Sports" television program illustrated "the agony of defeat" with a painful ending to an attempted ski jump. The skier appeared in good form as he headed down the jump, but then, for no apparent reason, he tumbled head over heels off the side of the jump, bouncing off the supporting structure. What viewers didn't know was that he chose to fall rather than finish the jump. Why? As he explained later, the jump surface had become too fast, and midway down the ramp, he realized if he completed the jump, he would land on the level ground, beyond the safe slope landing area, which could have been fatal. As it was, the skier suffered no more than a headache from the tumble.
            To change one's course in life can be a dramatic and sometimes painful undertaking, but change is better than a fatal landing at the end. (From Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching, p. 21)

Rules For A Happy Married Life

Never both be angry at once.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
Yield to the wishes of the other as an exercise in self-discipline if you can't think of a better reason.
If you have a choice between making yourself or your mate look good, choose your mate.
If you have any criticism, make it lovingly.
Never bring up a mistake of the past.
Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
Never let the day end without saying at least one kind or complimentary thing to your life's partner.
Never meet without an affectionate welcome.
Never let the sun go down on an argument unresolved.
When you do wrong, make sure you have talked it out and asked for forgiveness.
Remember, it takes two to make a quarrel. The one with the least sense is the one who will be doing the most talking.

A Moments Wisdom

He who is a Christian in little things is not little himself.
Man has the opportunity, but not the right, to do wrong.
Past experience should be a guide post, not a hitching post.
Praise makes good men better and bad men worse.
Many people who claim to be neutral soon show which side they are on.
It is easy to tell one lie; it is hard to tell only one.

What Think Ye of Christ?

Ignatius' Concern for the Church of Christ
By Terry W. Benton

Stealing

Praying For Patience

A Moments Wisdom

What Think Ye of Christ?

            Pharisees, with what have ye to reproach Jesus? "This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them" (Luke 15:2).  
            Caiaphas, what have you to say of Him? "He hath spoken blasphemy" (Matt. 26:65). (Jesus had said in Matt. 26: 64, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.")
            Pilate, what is your opinion? “I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4)
            Judas, who sold your Master for silver, have you some fearful charge to hurl against Him? "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood" (Matt. 27:54).
            Centurion and soldiers, who led Him to the cross, what have you to say against Him? "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54).
            And you, John the Apostle? He is "the bright and morning star" (Rev. 22:16).
            Peter, what say you of your Master? "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16).
            And you, doubting Thomas? "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).
            And Thou, Father in heaven, Who knowest ALL things? "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17).
            Dear friend, what think you of Christ? This is the vital question, for Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). (Adapted from a tract published by Osterhaus Publishing House, Minneapolis, MN)

Ignatius' Concern for the Church of Christ
By Terry W. Benton

            Ignatius of Antioch wrote: “Do not err, my brethren. 114 Those that corrupt families shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 115 And if those that corrupt mere human families are condemned to death, how much more shall those suffer everlasting punishment who endeavour to corrupt the Church of Christ, for which the Lord Jesus, the only-begotten Son of God, endured the cross, and submitted to death! Whosoever, waxing rich 116 and becoming proud, sets at naught His doctrine, shall go into hell. In like manner, every one that has received from God the power of distinguishing, and yet follows an unskilful shepherd, and receives a false opinion for the truth, shall be punished. "What communion hath light with darkness? or Christ with Belial? Or what portion hath he that believeth with an infidel? or the temple of God with idols?" 117 And in like manner say I, what communion hath truth with falsehood? or righteousness with unrighteousness? or true doctrine with that which is false? (from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1-The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Ch.16). Eusebius (Hist. Eccl. 3.36) places Ignatius' martyrdom in the reign of Trajan (A.D. 98-117).
            Ignatius of Antioch (born? -- died (apparently martyred) --110 AD in Rome)   bishop of Antioch in Syria, is known mainly as the author of seven letters that had exceptional influence in the early church. Ignatius recognized the validity of "the Church of Christ" and of men's endeavors to "corrupt" the Lord's Church. He recognized that by "setting at naught His doctrine" and receiving "a false opinion for truth", that men will tend to corrupt the Church of Christ., and as a result they would go to hell. Ignatius knew the scriptures well on this point (Gal.1:6-10; 2 John 9-10). The Church of Christ then and now must not be corrupted. We must be members of the Church of Christ and we must be zealous to keep men from corrupting her. Ignatius was not inspired, but he knew the inspired writings, and he knew that Jesus shed His precious blood for the Church of Christ. Like, Ignatius, we must not be ashamed of the Lord's Church.

Stealing

            "Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 'Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?' This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it" (John 12:4-6).
            Radio personality Dr. Laura told this story that had been faxed to her. Seems as though a father's little boy had been shoplifting from the various stores he would visit with his mom and dad. Determined to put an end to his son's pilfering, the father decided to have a heart to heart talk with his son. In a last ditch effort to get through to his son the father appealed to Matthew 5:30; "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." After having his son read the scripture he sent him to get the large pair of shears that his mother kept for sewing. The son just knew his dad was going to cut his hand off. As he entered the bedroom where his dad had instructed him to go, he saw his father sitting on his bed with all of his pants stacked next to him. Methodically the father proceeded to cut the pants pockets out of each andevery pair of pants the son owned. The little boy had been so frightened by what he thought his father was going to do that he never again stole another thing.

Praying For Patience

            A young man visited an aged saint and asked him to pray that as a young man he might become more patient. The older man agreed to pray. The two knelt together. The older man of God began to pray: “Lord, send this young man tribulation in the morning, and send him tribulation in the afternoon, and tribulation in the evening…” The young man nudged the elder, saying, “No, not tribulation, patience!” “But,” said the old saint, “It is tribulation that works patience.” That’s what the Bible tells us. “If you would know patience, you must have tribulation” (Rom 5:3).

A Moments Wisdom

He who is poor in faith will bankrupt hereafter.
What a person does is the result of what a person is.
A truth worth uttering is a truth worth remembering.
The gem can not be polished without friction, nor a man without adversity.
The best way to escape evil is to pursue good.
You can never find a lost opportunity.
Friends are made by many acts, but they may be lost by one.

Absalom, My Son!
By Archie E. Proctor

Terrorism Surfaces in Local Churches

What Will the Neighbors Think?

A Moments Wisdom

Absalom, My Son!
By Archie E. Proctor

            "And David the king was much moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept; and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! (2Sam. 18:33). 
            Nothing in this world can tear at the heart of a parent who is a faithful Christian more than the spiritual death of a child. It is even more tragic when that child trapped in sin is caught into eternity by death in that condition. All the years of careful, patient teaching, nurturing in the Lord, the many times the precious soul was taken to the assembly of the church to hear the gospel preached and the Bible taught seem to be as nothing. Those patient faithful lives of mother and father lived as best they could, giving an example of how one should be a Christian, seem to have no meaning or effect.
            David knew that feeling many times in his life. The death of Absalom was one occasion.  Going into that upper chamber, he must have recalled the prophet's words, "behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house...," spoken to him by Nathan after David had confessed to the sin of adultery with Bathsheba. Now the consequences of that awful sin had come fully home. The death of an infant son, the murder of his son Amnon by Absalom, and finally, the slaying of Absalom by his general, Joab, all resulted as a consequence of his fall into sin.
            Too often, however, parents of wayward children have done nothing to bring about such a loss of a child, either in sinning themselves or failing properly to teach the child how he should live his life. Yet many times, the guilt that David felt seems to come crashing down on the shoulders of godly parents who have seen that child go astray. To add to the burden, it seems Christians and friends, who should know better, assume that it must have been some failure of character or teaching that let the child go off, and that there surely was something that could have been done if the parents had done this or that.
            Parents in this situation spend many hours in fervent prayer asking for strength, help, and the opportunity to say or do that one more thing that might reach the child before it is eternally too late. Night after night, sleep fades as the parents play the "what if" game in their minds. (What if I did or said this or that instead of what I did say?)  Tears are shed without measure in regret and remorse. The sinning child can never know the burden he places on the heart of that loving mother and father by his actions. 
            What words of comfort can we bring to parents in this condition? First of all, we need to recognize that Proverbs 22:6 is a proverb, not an absolute. Children can be properly trained and still go astray. The Bible gives many examples of this. Perhaps the best known is Solomon. He was faithful in his youth; he asked the Lord for wisdom over wealth or fame or other things.  But in his maturity, he let his wives turn his heart away from God. Faithful Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, yet only one was the son of promise and followed the Lord. Lot is called a righteous and vexed man, yet he lost all of his household to sin, even though he kept himself to serve the Lord. We need to realize that all men must stand before God and make their choice to obey Him. Being raised in the church is a tremendous advantage, but only if the opportunity is used and not wasted.
            When parents have a child gone into error, rather than waste effort and time in regret, they should ask themselves the following questions:
            1) Did he understand the terms of the gospel while he was under our care?
            2) Was he exposed to sound gospel preaching, or did he get "sermonettes" while he was under our care?
            3) Did we have caring, thoughtful Bible study at home on a regular basis while he was under our care?
            4) Was he disciplined when it was needful?
            5) Regardless of how much he did or did not want to come, did we insist on his attendance at every service of the Lord's church?
            6) Did I attend myself at all times possible?
            7) If the elders applied discipline to the case of my child's unfaithfulness, did I approve and do what I could to reinforce the lesson in my child's mind? Did this child know beyond a doubt that I would do so if his behavior required such discipline?
            8) Do I continue to try to talk to my child about his unfaithfulness, and continue to encourage him to serve the Lord, and pray for him always?
            Parents who can answer in the affirmative to these questions may take some comfort in knowing that they did all that was possible to teach this child, and must accept the fact that when he is an adult, he must stand before God and give account of his life. Nothing we do or fail to do at that point will cause him to save or lose his soul; it is between him and his God. (Condensed and reprinted from Guardian of Truth Magazine, June 16, 1994)

Terrorism Surfaces in Local Churches

            Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Satan Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. Their plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
            However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter-terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along. Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ, to return. No Church Is Exempt! (However, you can spot them — if you bin lookin and bin goin). [via the Al Sandlin Report]

What Will the Neighbors Think?

            A few years ago, Congresswoman Edith Green from Oregon and her secretary were on a visit to Moscow on Sunday. When the secretary decided to take a tour of the Kremlin rather than go to worship, the Russian guide said, "Oh, you are an unbeliever!" All the protests Mrs. Green's secretary could make didn't convince the guide, because even a communist knows that Christians go to worship regularly! I wonder what our neighbors think about us when we don't attend.

A Moments Wisdom

Jesus did not die for "the church of YOUR choice.” He died for the church of HIS choice.
Men to whom God is dead worship one another.
They say God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.
God is not a cosmic bellboy for whom we can press a button to get things.
God doesn't have to put His name on a label in the corner of a meadow because nobody else makes meadows.
There are two kinds of people: those that say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.' (C.S. Lewis)
The robe of flesh wears thin, and with the years God shines through all things.
Although God demands a whole heart, He will accept a broken one if He gets all the pieces.
If everyone swept in front of his house, the whole town would be clean.
Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. (Victor Hugo)

Humility
By T. Sean Sullivan

An Alarming Death Notice

The Passing of Someone Else

A Moments Wisdom

Humility
By T. Sean Sullivan

What does it mean to be humble? There are many opinions in response to this question. There are many extremes to the idea of humility; some of which are only disguised pride, and others are so extreme that they would not even allow one to respond to the question. Needless to say, there is a lot of confusion on this matter. Is there a way to know for certain? We know that humility is an expectation of God; therefore there must be a way of gaining the proper knowledge. We will learn in life that humility affects every part of a person’s life: their honesty and integrity, their friendliness, and even their effectiveness as a servant of God. Let’s see if we can come to some defining conclusions about humility. Let’s consider the purpose of humility, then some things that are “not” humility, and finally true humility.
What is the Purpose of Humility? Without humility we have no hope of direction. The wisdom of the Proverbs, teach us to acknowledge God and only then will He direct us (Prov. 3:1-18). The willingness to admit we need Him is the beginning of the relationship that God desires with us.
The humble know they need; the proud refuse help. The proud say, “Who is God to teach me?” Or, “Why should I listen to you?” The humble say, “Who am I without God?” and “I need God’s help”. The proud will not listen and therefore will never find the rewards of God’s word but the humble know they need to do God’s will (James 1:22-25).
We need to be humble because we have nothing without God. His rewards are for those who are humble enough to submit to Him. As we are told in James 4:6, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Then also in 1Peter 5:6, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time…”.
Not Humility: Self-loathing is not humility. Some have come to the conclusion that we are to hate our life to prove our humility. This is an unjustifiable conclusion. God’s word does not call for us to hate ourselves or this life. We should not hate what God has given us (Acts 17:24-27). We should not refuse His advice—to be joyful (John 15:11; Gal. 5:22; 1Thes. 5:16).
Denial of one’s abilities is not humility. Some are afraid to claim their talents—denying their own abilities. This is not what God expects. God wants us to do what we can do, the best we can do it (Rom. 12:6-8). When we use our abilities well, it is not for our pride, it is in recognition of what God has provided—to Him be the glory (1Peter 5:11; 2Peter 3:18)
Empty words are not humility. Talking great swelling words about our humility is not humility. Neither is being hyper-critical of self. Rather we should understand that humility is truly better seen than heard. Some pray and say that their righteousness is as “filthy rags” or that they are “worms”. This is a misuse of Isaiah 64:6 that refers to man’s attempts to justify himself under the Old Covenant— not our current redemption under the New. By saying these things they are denying the great value God has placed on us. God paid a great price to ransom us from our sins (Matt. 20:28; John 3:16). We are not “worms” we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1Peter 1:18-19).
True Humility: Humility is knowing who you are. A real part of God’s creation (Acts 17:26-27). You are the creature—God is the Creator (Psalm 100:1-3). We must know that we need God (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). This attitude was definitely missing in Pharaoh—when he refused to submit to God (Ex. 10:3). His great confidence was in self, saying, “Who is the Lord, that I should hear His voice…?” (Ex. 5:2). This teaches us that true humility is full submission to God.
True Humility is willingness to do God will. If we are going to submit to God and be a doer of His will we must admit our abilities and use them (Eph. 2:10; 2Tim. 3:16-17). We must strive to meet God’s expectations with the highest limits of our ability—this is active humility (Matt. 13:8). The pursuit of active humility is not personal glory—it is willingness to use your abilities for the cause of Christ (Gal. 2:20).
True humility is remembering God. Knowing that without His blessings we could not live (Matt. 5:45). Knowing that without His hope we are lost (Rom. 5:6-10). Knowing that without His direction we cannot make our way home (John 14:6). All that we are; all that we are capable of; is because of God—to God be the glory (1Peter 5:11)
Conclusion: Humility is a trait of character not easily owned. We must work our way toward humility in order to receive the promised rewards of God’s instructions. There are many things that people do, supposing them to be acts of humility. These things cannot take the place of truly acknowledging our need for God. Many are too proud to submit to God’s expectations. Many have prided themselves on coming up with a better way than God. Humility tells us, there is no other way. Today do you know who you are and what you need? Right now is the time to know you are a valuable part of God’s creation and you need to acknowledge your Creator. Will you seek Him now? The opportunity to obey the gospel plan is yours today.

An Alarming Death Notice

We are sorry to announce the passing of Mr. Midweek Services. He died recently at the Neglected Church on Ho Hum Avenue. Born many years ago, he was once strong and healthy. He grew as he was fed on zeal and Bible study. His influence was felt worldwide, and he has rightly been considered as the most influential member of the Church's family. However, in recent years Mr. Midweek Services had been in failing health, wasting away until rendered helpless by stiffness of the knee, cooling of the heart, and a lack of spiritual sensitivity. He was quoted as having whispered some last words about the absence of his loved ones.
We have also been informed that Midweek's wife, Mrs. Sunday Evening Services, has just been admitted to the local hospital. Preliminary tests by Dr. I. M. Unconcerned reveal that the same disease that struck her husband down has now infected her, and has greatly diminished her strength. At this point her disease also appears to be terminal. Her recovery depends upon care and concern. (Author Unknown)

The Passing of Someone Else

The church was bowed in grief this week to learn that one of our most valuable members, Someone Else, had passed away. This death creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Someone Else has been with us for many years. During all of these years, he did far more than a normal person's share of the work. Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results. Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list: "let Someone Else do it." Someone Else was among the largest givers in the Church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference. This beloved member was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing super-human; but a person can only do so much. Everyone expected too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone. Who will pitch in and do the things that Someone Else has done? If you are asked to take a job in the church, we hope you won't reply, "Let Someone Else do it." Now YOU need to pick up where Someone Else has left off. (Author Unknown)

A Moments Wisdom

God planned to make us creatures of character, not of comfort.
God’s promises are always greater than our problems.
What we receive in time we wear in eternity.
Some folks don’t look up until they are flat on their backs.
Daily prayers lessen daily cares.
Lending a hand will make it harder for you to borrow trouble.
The highest reward God gives to us for good work is the ability to do better.

God’s Design
By Paul B. Blake, Sr.

Dinglehoffer's Den

The Worm In The Apple

A Moments Wisdom

God’s Design
By Paul B. Blake, Sr.

Jean and I went to Blackwater Falls for our 35 anniversary, and we went to the lookout above the falls. We looked down at the canyon, at the beautiful high mountains, and at the deep valley. God put trees, and pines, and flowers to cover the mountains. What a beautiful flower garden He made! It was so big, it was breath taking. Looking at this beautiful sight told me something about God’s design. It told me what God likes, what He thinks is beautiful, and what His thoughts are. Then Jean said something to me. She said, “You know God is going to destroy this some day and give us something better. This place is so beautiful. And God is going to give us something more beautiful than this. As the song goes, ‘How Beautiful Heaven Must Be’.” We can’t even comprehend how beautiful Heaven will be. The scriptures say that the streets are pure gold. Stop and think. We have gold down here on earth; so what? Look at gold and what it means. It is just God’s way of trying to tell us how beautiful Heaven is. Gold-pure, Gold-rich, Gold-power, Gold-honor. God gave us gold to show us how beautiful heaven will be. People will kill for or die for gold. So when God told us about Heaven we should seek it and want to go there. We should desire to go there more so than the strong desire some have to seek after gold. We should do anything God tells us to do to obtain it.
On the way home, Jean said it’s like making pattern out of cheap material, then making the pattern out of the best material you have. I was thinking if I could only own all of Blackwater Falls. What a joy that would be! But the scriptures say “if you gain the whole world.” Oh My! If I could own all of that and every beautiful place there is here on earth. I would be something. Wrong! Read the rest of the verse. “And lose your own soul; what doeth it profit you?” Nothing. I could own the whole world, yet if I am lost, I am nothing. I lost it all. There a song, “I sooner be just a poor beggar, than to own all earth riches with no hope of the farther abode.”
Everything God made is perfect. But man has corrupted it. Heaven will be perfect, and it will stay perfect for ever. All of this beauty we see here on earth will not last, it will end. Remember that everything you see, God created it just the way He wanted it. That was His design. If we don’t see beauty in something, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. We just can’t see it. When God created man and women they were beautiful. But who corrupted them? God or man?

Dinglehoffer's Den

(The following is a parody of a men’s business meeting. However, in my opinion and based on my experiences in congregations without elders, it is not too far from the truth. There is Divine wisdom in doing things God’s way, including church organization. Troubled and dying congregations would do well to give up business meetings where “Every man did what way right in his own eyes,” and appoint qualified elders. prb)
Business meetings not always like that. Many times meet, very little business. Been to some that were real clambakes. Met one time to discuss new time for Sunday Evening service. Some wanted earlier; some wanted later. Finally set time to please most. Could rush out to get home for favorite TV program. Employed good reason. If don't have service so visitors can get home for program, "they" won't come. They were thinking of others.
One meeting, brother who lived by stopwatch thought morning services dragged. Said if eliminated one prayer, one song, and unpleasant announcements about sick and infirm; could get out fifteen minutes earlier. Knew his trouble. He chafed because Methodists and Baptists beat him to cafeteria. Didn't object much to cutting song, prayer, and announcements. Saw red when he wanted to cut my sermon. Such a thing is going too far; loved to prolong sermons after that. He squirmed as thought of waiting in cafeteria line.
Hard to keep brethren on subject in meetings. One time discussed helping sister. Case stated: hospitalized three months, husband out of work, she had taught class and was faithful for years. Whole family faithful. "How much hospital bill?" "Three thousand and growing." "Medical costs have increased," said one. "Them doctors gettin' rich," said another. "It's gov'ment that's doin' it," said third. Round table discussion of government, sorry doctors, welfare state, and personal experiences with operations. After cultural exchange, I asked, "What'll you do about her?"
Thoughtful pause. One said, "We've had a lotta expense lately. Can't tell what the future may bring. Suggest we go slow until we see what the budget will stand." Heads nodded at this careful course. "We've got other expenses," said one. Before could stop, they decided to spend three thousand on parking lot, five thousand on new roof, two thousand on air conditioner, and bring reserve fund up to seven thousand in case of bad storm. Decided to send sister twenty-five dollars. Said, "after all, twenty-five here, twenty-five there, soon adds up." Heads nodded. Wise course. Brotherly love. Compassion. Golden rule.
Talked about cracks in floor, painting door, fixing leak in restroom, termiting. "How sound we are!" "Rotten liberals." After an hour in the meeting, brother timidly said, "We need to take some action and allocate some funds to teach the gospel to the lost." Suggestion greeted by earsplitting silence! Throats cleared. "We've discussed enough business for tonight. Suggest we table that for future." Motion seconded. Meeting dismissed. Shouldn't have introduced foreign matter into business meeting. Meeting over. Brethren pleased. Satisfied to know that the Lord's cause was marching on. They had just decided that. (via Gospel Teacher)

The Worm In The Apple

How does a worm get in the apple? Perhaps you think the worm burrowed in from the outside. No, scientists have discovered that the worm comes from the inside? But how does he get in there? Simple. An insect lays an egg in the apple blossom. Later the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then eats his way out. Sin, like the worm, begins in the heart and works out through one’s thoughts and actions. For this reason David once wrote, “create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

A Moments Wisdom

We do not need better methods or more money; we need better men.
If you want to hear about the trouble in the church, ask some ungodly person.
Giving is grace; not giving is disgrace.
People seldom “lose their religion” by a blowout; it’s usually a slow leak.
Moderation in sin is no more possible than moderation in hanging.