8/29/10
PLEASING GOD
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Our highest aim in life should be that of "pleasing God." How do we do this? The answer is by FAITH. Read carefully Hebrews 11:6, "And without FAITH it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must BELIEVE that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Faith is more than intellectual consent that God exists. It is truly believing in God, trusting him fully and then obeying his commands. Note both words "faith" and "believe" occur in our passage, one being a noun the other verb.
What does FAITH do? How does BELIEVING act?
FAITH is a life-style. "But my righteous one shall live by FAITH, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him" (Heb. 10:38). Both Enoch and Noah "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24; 6:9). A way of life.
FAITH obeys God. It is impossible to claim to have a saving faith without carefully obeying God. A FAITH that does not obey is no faith at all. "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also FAITH apart from words is dead" (James 2:26). By "FAITH" Abraham obeyed God when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8).
FAITH makes right decisions, even choosing suffering over treasures. "By FAITH Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:24,25).
Finally, like Abraham our FAITH will be counted as righteousness (Romans 4:22). How wonderful to please God by living and walking in FAITH!
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ 7/25/10
8/22/10
A Traveler’s Guide to Heaven
Accommodations: Arrangements for accommodations must be made in advance (John 14:2)
Passports: Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority (Revelation 21:27).
Departure Time: The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travelers are advised to be prepared to leave on short notice (1 Corinthians 15:52)
Tickets: Your ticket was purchased by a Friend named Jesus. It should be claimed by learning the gospel, believing in Christ, repenting of sins, confessing Jesus, and having sins washed away in baptism (Romans 10:17; Acts 2:38; Matthew 10:32; Acts 22:16). Keep its promises firmly in hand (John 5:24; Hebrews 5:8-9).
Luggage: No luggage whatsoever is needed or allowed (1 Timothy 6:7).
Immigration: All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. There is no maximum quota, so all are invited to come (Hebrews 11:16; Revelation 22:17).
Air Passage: Travelers will be going directly by air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Vaccinations: Not needed, as there are no diseases there (Revelation 21:4).
Currency: Deposits may be forwarded to await passenger's arrival. Make deposits as large as possible (Matthew 6:20-21).
Clothing: A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveler (Isaiah 61:10).
Reservations: Booking is now open. Since departure time is unknown, you should apply at once. If you wait, it may be too late (2 Corinthians 6:2)
To learn more, please consult the Holy Bible.
Arthur Pigman, Evans Georgia via House to House Heart to Heart Vol. 15 #3
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8/15/10
The Parable of a Pencil
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are five things you need to know," he told the pencil, "before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you can be."
One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.
Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.
Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now put yourself in the pencil's place; always remember these five rules and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand, and allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.
By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart. -Author Unknown, Submitted by Frances Shipp via Glad Tidings of Good Things, Jacksonville church of Christ
“And he spake this parable unto them, saying…” -Luke 15:3
Making Missionaries
Otis Keener observed, “Missionaries are not made by crossing the sea but by seeing the cross.” If we truly see the cross as we should, then we will want to reach out to the lost everywhere. The love of Christ constrains or compels us to do so (2 Corinthians 5:14). From Glad Tidings of Good things, Jacksonville church of Christ 3/25/10.
8/8/10
For the Garden of Your Daily Living…
...come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...
Plant three rows of peas:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul
Plant four rows of Squash:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of Lettuce:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be patient
Lettuce really love one another
No garden is without Turnips:
Turnip for meetings
Turnip for service
Turnip to help one another
To Conclude our garden, we must have Thyme:
Thyme for each other
Thyme for family
Thyme for friends
Shared by a member of the Monday quilting group that meets at the building
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8/1/10
How I Know the Bible is the Word of God
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Suppose a vast building were to be erected, the stones for which were brought from the quarries in Rutland, Vermont; Berea, Ohio; Kasota, Minnesota; and Middletown, Connecticut. Each stone was hewn into final shape in the quarry from which it was brought. These stones were a variety of shapes and sizes-cubical, rectangular, cylindrical, and so forth-but when they were brought together every stone fit into its place, and when put together there rose before you a temple absolutely perfect in every outline, with its domes, sidewalls, buttresses, arches, transepts-not a gap or a flaw anywhere. How would you account for it? You would say: “Back of these individual workers in the quarries was the mastermind of the architect who planned it all and gave to each individual worker his specifications for the work.”
So in this marvelous temple of God's truth which we call the Bible, whose stones have been quarried at periods of time and in places so remote from one another, but where every smallest part fits each other part, we are forced to say that back of the human hands that wrought was the Mastermind that thought.
-Dr.R.A. Tory
"The foundation of God standeth sure... " 2 TIMOTHY 2:19
House to House Heart to Heart Vol 15 No 2
Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice! Bulletin Digest 2/10
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7/25/10
COUNTING MONEY OR COUNTING FAITH?
I recently heard an interview with the author, Karen Zacharias, for her recent book, Will Jesus Buy Me a Double-Wide: Cause I Need More Room for My Plasma TV. The book is a critical and sarcastic look at what is commonly referred to as the "health and wealth gospel," or what Zacharias colorfully calls, "golden-calf theology." One example Zacharias spoke of during the interview was of a Christian group that gathered around the statue of the bull in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. Apparently, this group of believers held a prayer vigil, laid hands on the statue, and prayed for America's prosperity shortly after the economic housing crash. While it is not out of scriptural bounds to pray for the welfare of the nation, one has to wonder about the prudence of that prayer vigil which mixes Christianity and capitalism so readily and easily.
I can personally recall another example of such an unhealthy mix of Jesus and money. A couple of years ago I saw a picture on the front page of the New York Times of a church service in Detroit where the congregation had Escalades rolled on to the stage. The minister was pictured with his hands on the Escalades as he prayed for the car industry to recover. The justification for such a prayer service was based on the fact the membership of the congregation contained either many autoworkers whose jobs were being eliminated or being laid off.
Hanna Rosin, in the Atlantic Monthly, wrote an article back in December of 2009 with the provocative title, Did Christianity Cause the Crash? Rosin tells the story of one pastor, Fernando Garay, who also worked as a loan officer for two mortgage companies. Evidently, Garay was not only a spiritual advisor for his congregation, but a financial adviser as well. Rosin writes, “Once, I asked Garay how you would know for certain if God had told you to buy a house, and he answered like a roulette dealer. ‘Ten Christians will say that God told them to buy a house. In nine of the cases, it will go bad. The 10th one is the real Christian.’ And the other nine? ‘For them, there's always another house.’”.
Such thinking from Garay reminds me of Alice in Wonderland's “dodo bird” verdict, where everyone wins and everyone gets prizes. Well, at least the “real Christians” all win and get prizes!
The above examples of the prosperity gospel raise some questions. Is it wrong to pray for economic prosperity, a house, a job, American capitalism and health? Did not Jesus say, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24)? Does “whatever” mean anything? Does not God want us to be happy, wealthy and healthy?
We must be careful that our responses to the above questions are not simplistic, but biblically realistic. The Bible says a great deal about God's involvement in the economic affairs and overall welfare of individuals and nations. One particularly important biblical distinction that ought to be kept in mind is the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. A quick impression as one reads the Bible is that the Old Testament seems to have a generally positive view of wealth, whereas the New Testament has a generally negative view of wealth. The reason for such a shift on wealth has to do with the nature and purpose of each testament. The purpose of the Old Testament is to point to Jesus Christ. Thus, the Old Testament is the shadow of promise of the greater reality and fulfillment to come in the New Testament. Wealth in the Old Testament is a sign of God's future blessing in Christ and the Kingdom of God. Wealth in the Old Testament is never just about the individual's personal well-being. Abraham for instance is extremely wealthy, but his wealth is a sign of God's promise and blessing to come in Jesus Christ. A great scandal in the Old Testament is when a wicked person is wealthy, because the sign of wealth is connected to an unrighteous person, who is not in a faithful covenant to the promises of God.
Wealth in the New Testament loses its symbolic value of blessing, because we read, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3). In other words, we no longer need the shadow of wealth as a sign of future blessing, because the reality of Christ is our blessing. In fact, wealth as a sign of blessing may even now serve as a false sign or a competitive sign to the true blessings in Christ. This does not mean God no longer blesses individuals with wealth, but it does mean that wealth no longer carries the same weight of symbolic blessing it once did. Because Jesus Christ is the true, full, real, and complete sign of blessing, wealth in the New Testament bears a negative connotation. We no longer look to wealth as a sign of blessing, but rather we look to the riches of faith in Jesus. How wealthy or poor a Christian is depends on how much faith or lack of faith one has, not how much coin one possesses. Faith, not the almighty dollar, is the coin of the realm in God's kingdom.
The Apostle Paul states the case this way, “... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:11-13). Jesus Christ makes wealth relative. Being rich or poor is a sign neither of blessing nor of cursing. So the question is dear Saint, are you counting money or are you counting faith?
- Terry Christopher, West Main church of Christ, Medford, OR 6/30/10
Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.
7/18/10
Caged
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A boy with a rusty birdcage walked by a preacher. “What are you going to do with that bird?” asked the preacher.
“Oh, I'm just going to poke sticks at it, shake the cage, throw water on it… fun things like that.”
“What are you going to do after that?”
“I don't know; probably just feed it to the cats.”
“How much do you want for it?” asked the preacher.
“Aw, you don't want it; it's just an old field bird. It doesn't sing or nothin’.”
“How much?”
The boy thought awhile, and then said, “Two dollars.” The preacher paid it. The boy grinned, and pocketed his money. Then he watched to see what the preacher would do with the bird. The preacher just opened the cage and turned it loose. The boy walked away, shaking his head over the craziness of some people.
The minister had something else in mind. Sin has “caged” each one of us and Satan has mankind in his grasp. Jesus asks, “What are you going to do with them?”
“I'm just going to have fun with them. I'm going to tease, them. I'm going to bring heartache and pain into their lives.”
“And after that?”
“Well, when I get tired, I will take them to eternal destruction.”
“I will buy them.” says Jesus.
“You couldn't possibly want them! They will despise You, use Your name in vain and reject You. Then they will kill You.”
“I will give my life.”
Jesus paid the price, and set us free (Ephesians 1:7). Won't you accept His offer on His terms?
-Roger Campbell, Cleveland, Tennessee, House to House Heart to Heart vol.15 No.2
Lite Fare (from House to House Heart to Heart)
A boy and a girl had a date. He thought she was a peach, and he became the apple of her eye. They were soon plum crazy about each other, and in due time became a happily married pair.
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7/11/10
Facing Monumental Decisions
His master, Abraham, had given him total authority in the finding of a bride for Isaac. He swore to the patriarch that he would not seek a wife from among the Canaanites, but would find one among Abraham's relatives in Mesopotamia. He promised that under no condition would he take Isaac back to Chaldea, for Isaac was to inherit the land God had promised to Abraham and his descendants.
It likely took several days, even weeks, before the unnamed servant reached his destination. One can only imagine what thoughts he had as he traveled. But when he arrived in Mesopotamia, he prayed fervently that God would give him success and thereby show kindness to Abraham.
God answered his prayer in a most remarkable way. Even before he had finished praying, the future bride was standing beside him. As it became apparent that God had heard him and he learned that indeed Rebekah was from Abraham's family, "the man bowed down his head and worshipped the Lord" (Genesis 24:26). He was so thankful that God's mercy had been shown to him. There is more to the story (read Genesis 24), but think of the following lessons we can learn:
1. Prayer should be a vital part of the selection of the person anyone is dating or contemplating marrying.
2. Prayer should precede every major decision we make. When faced with crisis, pray!
3. Prayer is heard in heaven and God answers.
4. Prayer that is answered should be followed by a prayer of thanksgiving that God has heard us.
5. Prayer should not be hidden. Don't be afraid to pray publicly because of what others might think.
6. Prayer shaped the destiny of Abraham's family, and it affects the destiny of yours.
-Dan Jenkins Jacksonville church of Christ 7/9/2009
GRAHAM IS RIGHT!
If you follow the news you know that Franklin Graham, son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham, was disinvited from the National Day of Prayer. “Graham's offense was expressing his belief that only Christians have God's ear, that Islam is evil, and that Muslims and Hindus don't pray to the same God he does.”
This writer agrees with Graham and so do most Christians, that acceptable prayers only reach the ears of the Heavenly Father through our Mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples, "whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you" (John 16:23).
Kathleen Parker, in her newspaper column writes: "A survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors, conducted by an evangelical polling firm, found 47 percent agree that Islam is ‘a very evil and a very wicked religion.’”
As society erodes in embracing biblical doctrine, more and more people believe that non-Christians can go to heaven, that there are many ways to God, not just through Jesus.
The Bible is still right, regardless of popular opinion. There is just ONE WAY to God, and to His salvation. Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under
Heaven given among men by which he must be saved" Acts 4:12.
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ 5/30/10
7/4/10
USELESS OR USEFUL
In a short letter with but one chapter, Paul writes to his friend Philemon a believer in Colosse. One of his slaves named Onesimus had apparently stolen from him and then ran away. He met Paul probably in Rome, where Paul converted him and with this personal letter sends him back to his master. Of Onesimus, Paul writes: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was USELESS to you, but now he has become USEFUL both to you and to me” (Philemon 10,11).
The question then can be raised concerning each of us. Are we USELESS or USEFUL in the kingdom of our Father?
To be USEFUL we need to:
Imitate Matthew who faithfully followed Jesus. “Follow me, he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).
Like Barnabas, an encourager and a liberal giver....”Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet” (Acts 4:36,37).
Pray like Epaphras. “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12)
Be like Epaphroditus, faithful unto death. “For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (Philippians 2:30).
Imitate Dorcas who was “full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36).
Are you USELESS or USEFUL to our Lord?
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ, Merced, CA.
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Aspire to Inspire before you Expire! Shared by Norma Townsend
6/27/10
Is Love to Blame?
Have you ever known parents who claimed that they loved their children too much to spank them? Ever known someone who tried to justify having sex outside of marriage because they loved the person? Ever known a Christian who would not rebuke and correct religious error because they loved others too much to hurt their feelings in this way? I submit that in each of these cases, love is being blamed for something that it has nothing to do with.
The Bible plainly teaches that love motivates us to do exactly the opposite of what was described in each of the preceding examples.
Love will cause us to discipline our children. "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24).
Love demands that we abstain from sexual immorality. If we love someone, we are not going to participate with them in an act that will condemn their soul! If we do, we are being selfish, not loving. In Ephesians 5:2-3, God's word explains that walking in love involves avoiding fornication: "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication . . . let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints" (Ephesians 5:2-3).
Love will move of us to rebuke sin and correct error. Love will not allow us to stand idly by and watch those we care about lose their souls by committing sin or believing doctrinal error. Jesus said, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Revelation 3:19). The apostle Paul had strongly rebuked the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 2:4 he explains why: "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you."
The right kind of love will never cause us to do the wrong kind of thing. Love "does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Real love will never be used to justify sin; rather, it will be used to help us identify what is what is right and good. The Lord's will is "that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent" (Philippians 1:9-10).
Love always seeks the most lasting good for the one who is being loved. Momentary pain or pleasure is not love's greatest concern. Love is focused on the eternal welfare of the one who is loved. "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Steve Klein Via The Auburn Beacon, 5/23/10, University church of Christ, Auburn, AL
6/20/10
A Chap Who Thinks the World of Me
To feel his little hand in mine, so clinging and so warm,
To know he thinks me strong enough to keep him safe from harm;
To see his simple faith in all that I can say or do,
It sort o' shames a fellow, but it makes him better, too.
And I am trying hard to be the man he fancies me to be,
Because I have this chap at home who thinks the world o' me.
I would not disappoint his trust for anything on earth,
Nor let him know how little I just naturally am worth.
But after all, it's easier, that bright road to climb,
With the little hands behind me to push me all the time.
And I reckon I'm a better man than what I used to be
Because I have this chap at home who thinks the world o' me.
“The glory of children are their fathers” -Proverbs 17:6
Jacksonville church of Christ 1/29/09
Character is what you are … in the dark! Bulletin Digest 2/10
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6/13/10
Where is Your Heart?
One of the most amazing sights I have ever seen is Victoria Falls on the Zambizi river which separates Zambia from Zimbabwe. It is one of those sights that words simply cannot describe, and not even pictures can fully capture. On the Zimbabwe side there is another amazing thing, a statue of David Livingstone, and buried under a nearby Mvula tree, part of his remains. According to Wikipedia, when Dr. Livingstone died, Britain wanted the body to give it a proper ceremony, but the tribe would not give his body to them. Finally they relented, but cut the heart out and put a note on the body that said, “You can have his body, but his heart belongs in Africa!”
If your heart were to be buried in the place you loved most during life, where would it be? In your pocketbook? In an appropriate space down at the office? In a baseball or football field? Maybe a better question would be, where is your heart right now?
Jesus said, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:20-21)
So, we all knew that. What if we change it around to say, “For where your heart is, there will your treasure be also.” If your heart is truly “buried with Him” (Romans 6:4) the treasure of your time, your talent, your testimony, and yes, even your pocketbook would gladly and willingly follow!
- - Rudy Wray, Eastside church of Christ, Portland, O
THE SAFEST PLACE
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail or water, because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals. So above all else, avoid hospitals, if possible
But you will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church services! And BIBLE STUDY is safe too. The percentage of deaths during the Bible study hour is even less!
-- Selected. Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ
6/6/10
AND GOD SAID, "NO"
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I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said, "No."
He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
And God said, "NO."
He said her spirit is whole;
Her body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said, "NO."
He said that patience is a byproduct of tribulation.
I asked God to give me happiness.
And God said, "NO."
He said he gives blessings.
But happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain.
And God said, "NO."
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
And brings you closer to me."
I asked God if He loved me,
And God said, "YES." He gave His only Son to die for me,
And I will be in heaven someday because I believe and obey.
I asked God to help me love others
As much as He loves me,
And God said, "Ah, finally you have the idea."
BULLETIN DIGEST 5/10 - Borrowed
5/30
The Right Scent
Consider the scenario when a ewe dies while giving birth to a lamb. The newly-born lamb desperately needs the care of its mother, but that is not possible.
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Why not give the lamb to a ewe that may have lost a lamb about the same time? Among those who care for sheep, it's common knowledge that you can't bond an orphaned lamb with just any ewe. Every lamb has its own unique scent. A ewe recognizes her own lamb by its scent. If a lamb doesn't have the right scent, the ewe will reject it.
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So what can be done with a hungry orphaned lamb?
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This is what shepherds have done through the years. They will take the skin of a lamb that has died in birth and wrap it around the motherless lamb like a sweater. Then the "clothed" lamb is presented to the mother of the dead lamb. The ewe sniffs the lamb, recognizes the scent, and accepts the lamb as her own.
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Due to our sin, you and I don't have the right "scent" to be accepted by the holy God. His eyes are too pure even to look on evil (Habakkuk 1:13). Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and we are left as needy orphans destined to die.
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But God loves us so much that He has provided a remedy to our predicament: He gave His Son-the Lamb of God (John 1:29)-to die on the cross for our sins (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus, the sinless Lamb whose heart and life are a sweet savor to God (cf. Matthew 3:17), took upon Himself the sins of the world, paying the price for them.
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Now you and I can be accepted by God through Jesus (John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). To be accepted by God as one of His sheep, we must be clothed with Christ. We "put on" Christ in baptism (Galatians 3:26-27). Have you been clothed with Christ?
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David A. Sargent, Mobile, Alabama, Via Jacksonville church of Christ 7/23/09
Whoever You Are
Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are perfect.
Whoever you are, there is some work that won’t get done unless you do it.
Whoever you are, there is someone who would miss you if you were gone.
Whoever you are, there is a reason for becoming better than you are.
Whoever you are, there is a place to be filled that you alone can fill.
Jesus emphasized the importance of personal example in His sermon on the mount as he stated, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
Jacksonville church of Christ, 7/9/09
5/23/10
Seek Ye First
When we sing hymn 555, SEEK YE FIRST, we actually sing the very words of Jesus. As part of the famous SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Jesus said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).
Jesus asks us to establish priorities in our lives: His Kingdom must be put first. Here is our Savior's plea that in the affairs of life we place His Kingdom first. Another translation reads: "The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and doing what God wants" (New Century Version).
So in a practical way what does it mean to SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD? Seeking God's rule and God's way of living means:
--- "that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments" (2John 5, 6).
--- that we "grow in the grace and knowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pet. 3:18).
--- that we "seek the things that are above, where Christ is" (Col. 3:1).
--- that we seek purity, knowing Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
--- that we understand that man's whole duty is to "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccles. 12:13).
Are you SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ
5/16/10
Do Not Put on a Gloomy Face
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Most of you probably know the context of this command of Jesus, "Do not put on a gloomy face." It comes from Matthew 6:16 where He was giving examples about not practicing one's righteousness solely for the purpose of being seen by others. He had already used the example of giving to the poor that it was to be done in such a way that the left hand wasn't to know what the right hand (the giving hand) was doing. Prayer likewise was best done in the closet and not on the street corner.
Then, Jesus comes to the subject of fasting, i.e. the total abstention from food for spiritual reasons. He basically instructed one to not let the outward demeanor be reflective of the inward struggle of privation. In other words, keep a smile on your face while your stomach is hurting, Jesus said, "so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret' (Matthew 6:18).
Peter suggested a similar thought when he wrote, "But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing" (l Peter 4: 13). Again, "Keep a smile on your face while you are suffering inside."
When asked about his welfare, one of my good brothers will always respond, "I'm doing great!" Sometimes when he is obviously in pain, he'll still say, "I'm doing great!" Several times he has explained his response to me, "It makes my friends glad and my enemies mad." There's a lot of wisdom in that thought.
Whenever I'm around the Christian who has fairly mastered the display of a joyful composure in all circumstances, I'm truly inspired. I want to be that way! I want to make the choice of life that laughs in the face of adversity and smiles in the presence of pain. I want unending contentment and boundless tranquility in Christ. I want a bounce in my step when my load is heavy. I want my head held high when cares are threatening to pull it down. I want my suffering for Christ to be seen only by my Father while the world doesn't have a clue. I want my countenance to make my friends glad and my enemies mad. I want to walk through life with a smile and not a frown. I want to inspire others to a greater mastery of their own problems. "Do not put on a gloomy face!"
Floyd Kaiser Southwest church of Christ Ada, OK, Bulletin Digest 10/09
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It’s good to remember the teakettle: although up to it’s neck in hot water, it continues to sing.
5/9/10
For You Mum On Mother's Day
I want to tell you Mum
That you’re special to the Lord
And you are valued in His eyes
For no one loves you more
And Mum I want you to know
How blessed you really are
For I know that it was never easy
Those past years were quite hard
But even through the years gone by
I believe that God was there
Reaching out with loving arms
Though we were unaware
And He is still beside you
Longing to be a part
Of all the things that interest you
For you’re special in His heart
For even in the daily struggles
That seems to be part of life
The Lord longs to be involved
And fill the void inside
So Mum on this Mother’s day
I just want you to know
That you were always appreciated
And that Jesus loves you so
© By M.S.Lowndes www.heavensinspirations.com
5/2/10
How Valuable Are You?
It is interesting how we put a "value" on just about everything. Every time we go to a store, we check to see how much the particular item is worth. Items are given their value depending on what it is made from, who made it, how rare it is, what it can do, and several other characteristics. Sometimes it is too easy to look at ourselves and think we are not valuable or important. We can convince ourselves that we are broken, unuseful, and that we just get in the way. This is simply not true!
God gives us several reminders in scripture about our value. He gives special interest in sparrows which are sold for a cent, and yet we are exceedingly more valuable than a sparrow, so He natura1ly shows much more interest in us (Matthew 10:29-31). He tells us that He takes care of all the birds of the air even though they do not work at all, and yet we are incredibly more valuable (Matthew 6:26). He tells us that lilies of the field grow and are clothed beautifully, yet God considers us much more valuable than them and will take care of our needs (Matthew 6:28-30).
Look at some of your characteristics: (1) You were made in the image of God. (2) There is no other person quite like you (3)." God Himself, the supreme ruler of all, specifically made you. (4) He even gave you special talents and thinking abilities which no other animal on our earth can be compared. (5) Beyond all of this, God gave you something so unique and so valuable that it cannot be found in anything else: He gave you a soul. He did this because he wants us to be with Him for all eternity. We are so valuable that He even gave up His own Son to ensure we could be with Him (Acts 2:28). He literally "bought" us because of the value He saw in us (1 Cor. 6:20,7:23; 1 Peter 1:17-19; 2 Peter 2:1 and Acts 20:28).
No matter what deficiencies we may have or ways we may feel insignificant, there is still no adequate way to describe how valuable we really are. God does not want us to dwell on the negative, but to remember that He finds us valuable and has a use for us. Let's look for ways to use our value and not be down on ourselves. Besides, without God, each and every one of us is more worthless than a deck of 37 cards, a cell-phone without a battery, an airplane without wings or a house without a foundation. God saw value in us and it is because of Him that we are valuable in the first place. Let's not be discouraged with ourselves but let's use what we have to glorify God. So, how valuable are you? You are more valuable than anything else God has created in this entire universe! So next time you are feeling down, just keep in mind that You Are Valuable!
Brett Petrillo, Bear Valley church of Christ
God has given us two ears and one tongue. Also keep in mind that He has set a double fence before the tongue: the teeth and the lips. (Bulletin Digest 2/10)
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4/25/10
BEAUTIFUL
A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. "You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint", a boy in line cried.
Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. "I love your freckles," she said. "Not me," the girl replied. "Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful!"
The little girl looked up, "Really?" "Of course," said the grandmother. "Why, just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."
The little girl peered into the old woman's smiling face "Wrinkles", she answered softly.
What a beautiful story of love! How wonderful it is when those who are filled with the wisdom that comes with age can still see the beauty in those who are younger and have much to learn. And how wonderful when those just learning to spread their wings can see the beauty in those who have flown so long they are weary from flying.
"The glory of the young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head." (Proverbs 20:29). With a heart of love, may we see the beauty of God's children both young and old.
Selected BULLETIN DIGEST 4/10 Beech grove church of Christ, Spring Hill, TN
4/18/10
Humble Yourself
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"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." These are the words of James (4:10) as he reminds his readers that God pulls away from the proud and arrogant but draws near those who are lowly in spirit. Jesus had stated of the poor in spirit, "theirs is the kingdom of God".
The story is told of a University professor who went searching for the meaning of life. After many long journeys over several years, he came to the mountaintop retreat of a holy hermit and asked for enlightenment. The man invited the visitor into his humble tent and began to serve him tea. When he had filled the professor's cup, he kept on pouring so that soon the tea was spilling all over the table. At first, the professor watched the overflowing tea in silence. But finally, he blurted out, "Stop! The cup is full! No more will go in!" Where upon the holy hermit replied, "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions, preconceptions, and misconceptions. How then can I enlighten you unless you are willing to first empty your cup?"
The story makes a good point - we cannot learn when we are so full of ourselves. God's light can shine brightly into a heart that has been empted of self. As James taught, God will lift us up if we will bow before Him.
Humility is a slippery slope, when you decide you have it - you just lost it. Humility is not something to be sought for its own value or reward, I suppose it cannot be sought at all. Humility comes to those who are not concerned about themselves. F.B. Meyers said it well, "I used to think, that God's gifts were on shelves - one above another, and the taller we grow, the easier we can reach them. Now I find that God's gifts are on shelves - one beneath another, and the lower we stoop, the more we get!"
Humility, in large part, is my understanding of how big God is and how small I am. It is about how that I (and you) do not deserve the love and blessings He showers us. Humility literally means to make low. It is to see my weakness and frailty as I lift my head toward the God of Heaven.
Steve Norris, Robinson & Center church of Christ, Conway, AR via Bulletin Digest April 2010.
A Poem to Ponder
A candle’s but a simple thing…
It starts with just a bit of string.
Yet dipped with patient hand,
It gathers wax upon the strand.
Until, complete and snowy white,
It gives a lively light.
Life seems so like that bit of string…
Each deed we do, a simple thing,
Yet day by day if on life’s strand
We work with patient heart and hand,
It gathers joy, makes dark day bright,
And give at last a lovely light.
Bulletin Digest 4/10
I have held many things in my hands, and lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still posses. (Bulletin Digest 2/10)
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4/11/10
How Eagles Pick Mates
A female eagle has an interesting way of picking a mate. She will pick up a twig and fly high into the air and drop it. Male eagles will fly beneath her and try to catch the twig. She will do this until a male has caught the twig three times.
The female is testing the male for his ability to catch young eagles as they are directed out of the nest for flight. When it's time for the young eagle to fly on its own, the mother eagle pushes her young out of the nest.
She carries the young eaglets on her back up high into the air and shakes them off. It is the responsibility of the father to swoop down and catch the young eaglets until they learn to fly on their own.
Just as the female eagle is testing the male for his reliability, God will test a believer in his or her faithfulness and dependability. Similarly, in our walk with God we often run into difficult situations that require us to make decisions. These decisions are clear indications to the Father whether or not we can be trusted to move ahead to the next level of responsibility. As the female eagle tests the male with twigs to determine which one would be her choice for a mate, God is testing us through daily decisions to determine which ones He can rely on to be used to build His kingdom.
Chris Harken from Maple Grove, Minnesota USA via Glad Tidings of Good Things 7/9/09
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" Luke 16:10
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4/4/10
HOPE IN THE RESURRECTION
Today the world celebrates the miracle of the resurrection. That is what this Sunday is about: hope, liberation and salvation! The celebration of the resurrection is a chance for us to say, “Yes, Jesus, I believe,” and to grab the hope that He offers.
We should live out the hope of the resurrection daily, rather than once a year. One way to do so is to believe the promises of Christ. “Why are you troubled?” After the resurrection, He says to His friends, “Why do questions arise in your hearts? Touch me and see; because a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you can see I have.” He offers that to us as well.
I find relief in Jesus' reassurance that His resurrection is the real deal! Jesus is real; the resurrection is real; therefore, His promises are real. That means we can trust Him when He tells us that He will be with us until the end of the age.
We can also live fearlessly. In Matthew, an angel appears to “the Marys” at the empty tomb and says to them, “Do not be afraid. for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” Later Jesus met the women and repeated, “Do not be afraid.” Maybe what Jesus is saying here is also for us: to not be afraid. Casting out fear is not an easy thing to do, but if we can, the wonder that He lives will take on new meaning.
And lastly, we can learn to recognize God in everything around. Easter is about celebrating all the people, places, and things in our lives that promote goodness, beauty, and love, because of the hope of the resurrection!
Jesus has risen, brothers and sisters. He is alive.
He is everywhere, and HE WILL BE BACK.
Happy Easter!
Pannell, West Main church of Christ, Medford, OR 4/8/09
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An Important Equation: 3 nails + 1 cross = 4given !
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3/28/10
“APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING”
In the Old Testament Israel was God's vine or vineyard. In the New Testament Jesus is the vine and believers are presented as branches. "1am the vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). Jesus then states that unless we abide in him maintaining that union we can bear no fruit. In fact "apart
from me you can do nothing."
But men do all kinds of things without Christ. But spiritually, we are totally dependent upon a living vibrant union with Christ to do anything of real value for God.
The word "abide" occurs ten times in John 15 (ASV), and describes an unbroken and constant relationship with our Lord. This union is not based on Jewish blood or ancestry or man's good works but with a union with the vine who is Christ.
Apart from Christ, the vine, we can do nothing. We have no hope, no answer to our prayers and no eternal life.
And how do we maintain that union? Through prayer, worship, study, and meditation -living in the word of God. If all we have is profession without practice, words without deeds we will be unfruitful and thus "branches gathered, thrown into the fire and burned" (vs. 6).
We are either dead branches and thus fruitless or fruitful branches that bring glory to God.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
-Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ 10/18/09
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Never look down on anybody else unless you're helping them up.
3/21/10
Doing Your Best
Many years ago in a textile factory there was a sign on the wall which read: "If your threads get tangled, send for the foreman." One woman who was fairly new was a diligent worker, but her threads got tangled one day. She tried to disentangle them, but her efforts only made matters worse. Finally she gave up and called the foreman. He came and looked for a few moments and then asked: "You have been trying to untangle them yourself, haven't you?" "Yes, she replied." "Why didn't you send for me, according to the instruction?" She shrugged her shoulders and said: "I did my best." With much tact, yet, with great insight, he quietly said: "Remember that doing your best is sending for me."
How often in life have we tried to straighten out our own messes, only to make things worse, and certainly not to solve things? We think that a little more human effort, a bit more human wisdom, and a touch of human ingenuity are the solution. But mankind in general and individuals in particular tend to make the same mistakes over and over again. Bad habits remain in place. Errors are repeated. We may even excuse our conduct by saying: "I did my best." Then God gently, yet firmly, reminds us: "Doing your best is calling for me."
Paul did the best that he could do, but it was not good enough. He mused: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate....I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.... Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:15-24). But Paul had learned that to call on the name of Jesus was the best he could do and the solution to his problem (Romans 10:9-13).
BULLETIN DIGEST/ Joel Stephen Williams Crosbyton church of Christ Crosbyton, TX
Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.
3/14/10
Sixteen Things That Cannot Be Done
It is helpful to know our boundaries, so that we do not spend our efforts in attempting things that cannot be accomplished.
1. God's eternal purpose cannot be overthrown (Acts 5:39).
2. One cannot bear good fruit without Christ (John 15:5).
3. No person can keep his sins hidden forever (1 Timothy 5:24).
4. No person can live after the flesh and please God (Romans 8:8).
5. A person cannot love God and not love his brother in Christ (1 John 4:20).
6. A person cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).
7. No one can take anything out of this world (1 Timothy 6:7).
8. After dying lost, one cannot be saved (Luke 16:26).
9. One cannot make God be a liar (Romans 3:4).
10. One cannot enter into heaven by any door but Christ (John 10:1-9).
11. One cannot enter in after the door is closed (Luke 13:25-27).
12. One cannot avoid reaping what he has sown (Galatians 6:7-8).
13. One cannot be justified by the law of Moses (Galatians 3:11; 5:4).
14. One cannot be saved by animal sacrifices (Hebrews 9:22; 10:4-12).
15. Man cannot escape death or the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
16. A Christian who is faithful till death cannot lose his reward (Matthew 10:42; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
Brent Smith, House to House Heart to Heart Vol.15 #1 http://www.housetohouse.com/
Without God, our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday.
Remember, seven days without God makes one weak!
Shared by Della Neavoll
3/7/10
TRUST IN THE LORD
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and He Will make your paths straight"
(Proverbs 3:5,6).
What does it mean to "trust in the Lord"?
It means we "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).
It means we "seek the things that are above where Christ is" (Colossians3:1).
It means we "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15).
It means we "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:12).
It means we "turn away from evil and do good" (1 Peter 3:11).
It means we imitate the godly life of the Old Testament King Hezekiah, who reminded God "Remember O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion, and have done what is good in your eyes" (Isaiah 38:3).
If you want God to "make your paths straight," then "trust in the Lord with all your heart."
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ 8/23/09
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2/28/10
I Will…
Like Paul, forget those things which are behind, and press onward (Philippians 3:13);
Like David, lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence comes my help (Psalm 121:1);
Like Abraham, trust implicitly in my God (James 2:23);
Like Enoch, walk daily in fellowship with my heavenly Father (Genesis 5:22);
Like Jehoshaphat, prepare my heart to seek God (2 Chronicles 19:2-3);
Like Moses, choose rather to suffer, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:24-25);
Like Daniel, commune with God at all times (Daniel 6:10);
Like Job, be patient under all circumstances (Job 13:15-16; James 5:11).
Like Caleb and Joshua, refuse to be discouraged because of superior numbers (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9);
Like Gideon, advance even though my friends be few (Judges 7:7);
Like Aaron and Hur, uphold the hands of the leaders of the church with prayer and support (Exodus 17:12);
Like Andrew, strive to lead my brother to Christ (John 1:40-42);
Like Stephen, manifest a forgiving spirit toward all who seek my hurt (Acts 7:60).
-Author Unknown; House to House Heart to Heart Vol.15 #1 http://www.housetohouse.com/
An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him, “How do you expect to get into heaven?” The boy thought it over and said, “Well, I’ll just run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, ‘For Heaven’s sake, Jimmy, come in or stay out!’” Bulletin Digest October 2009
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2/21/10
It Really Does Make a Difference
Many folks live completely oblivious to God’s commands. They think that it doesn’t matter how one worships, if one worships, or where one worships God, just as long as he/she is sincere. However, the Bible says that God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5), and all who wish to please Him must hold in reverence what He says. Just a casual scan of the Bible will reveal that indifference to things sacred has brought tragedy to many sincere people.
1. It made a difference in things offered. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected but Abel’s was accepted (Genesis 4). Why? “Faith cometh by hearing . . . the word of God” (Romans 10:17), and since Abel’s offering was “by faith” (Hebrews 11:4), we know that God had spoken to them about making an offering. But Cain disrespected God’s word and worshipped in vain. The same thing can happen today (Matthew 15:9); that’s why we must worship God only as He directs (John 4:24). No matter how sincere we may be, obedience to God is required (2 John 9; 1 Samuel 15:22). It makes a difference!
2. It made a difference if Moses struck or spoke. God’s command to Moses was understandable. But Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God had said (Numbers 20). This may seem like a little thing, but we must remember, “It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). It may seem all right to practice things unauthorized in worship, but these things could lead to our spiritual death, for “there is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). It makes a difference!
3. It made a difference to Jesus about which church. He lived in a time and place where there were many religious groups. In the face of criticism, he said: “In vain do they worship me teaching for doctrine the commandments of men” (Matthews 15:9). He could have taken a more politically correct view by saying, “One church is as good as another,” or “There are saved people in all faiths.” But He pushed politics aside and said: “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Just think: if “my car” or “my house” means these things belong to me, then when Christ said “my church” it must mean it belongs to Him. He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27); He is its head (Ephesians 1:22-23); it is His bride and wears His name (Romans 7; Ephesians 5).
So it makes a difference! No matter where one looks in the Bible, he cannot find a single example where failure to worship God as He authorizes was acceptable to Him. The first thing a person must do to be Christ’s disciple is to deny himself (Luke 9:23). This cannot be done by following the paths of least resistance. Search the Scriptures daily to make sure (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). Why? Because it really does make a difference!
—Ferman Carpenter, Austin, Texas
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2/14/10
DO IT NOW
Many years ago I remember reading this statement: "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Words are important. By them we communicate. Words can bless or injure, promote good or incite evil.
Consider the three little words, "God Loves You." Or "I Love You." These words understood and practiced could change the world.
Three more little words that have served me well in life are these: "Do It Now."
How often we postpone what should be done immediately. Can you remember times in your life when you procrastinated, putting things off until you were the loser or fretting about some item that long ago should have been resolved?
In this new year, try this little motto: "Do It Now.' You will be blessed.
The same three little words will bless us in the spiritual realm. Do you need to change your life, repent of your sinful way and turn to God in repentance and baptism? "Do It Now." The Bible exhorts, "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).
Do you need to drop a bad" habit? "Do It Now:
Do you need to begin a regular period of Bible study and prayer? "Do It Now."
Do you need to invite some loved one to worship services or to talk to someone about the Lord "Do It Now."
Clinton Storm, Merced church of Christ 1/24/10
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2/7/10
STARS
In the car this morning I heard a commercial I hadn't heard since I was a kid. The Star Registry was advertising that you could "buy a star" for someone you loved. Apparently they send you a map of some type, you pick a yet "unnamed star" and for a small fee you get to name that star for someone special.
That's right, then from here to eternity that star "belongs" to them.
I remember as a child thinking how cool this sounded! I also remember as a teen thinking how goofy this sounded. Today I had a new thought: How arrogant this sounded! Who is man that we think we have the right to claim a star? Who are we to stake ownership in the infinite creation of God? How arrogant to think we can map the stars, yet alone name them.
Only God can make such a claim. Psalm 147:4 says "He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them." Do you know how big that is? In 1993 scientists said that there were 70 sextillion stars in the visible universe, or some 70 thousand million million million. That’s a 7 followed by 22 zeros! And those are just the ones within range of our telescopes.
Can you grasp that? We serve a HUGE God. SO big in fact that He actually knows the number of stars and has each one named! That puts everything in perspective for me. There are days when I feel so small. There are times I feel alone. There are times that we all feel helpless. But we should not! The God and creator of the stars also knows OUR name and stands behind us, holding us up and pressing us forward.
Next time you look into the heavens on a clear Oregon night and you gaze upon the North Star, the Big Dipper or even Orion, remember who put them there. Remember who named them. Remember how big your God is. And then, remember that He is right there beside you, in your life, and in your heart.
Brian Pannell, West Main church of Christ, Medford 5/6/09
JUST A GLIMPSE
We've all seen poor people begging for money from the rich. How often do you see the rich following after the poor trying to stuff money into the poor's pocket? That's what God has done throughout the ages.
In the New Testament, Zaccheus just wanted to get a glimpse of Jesus. What did he get? Christ's attention, friendship and salvation! All we ask for is a gentle glance - we get God's arm around us! We would be happy being Christ's servant - He makes us His friend. We come staggering home from a pig-pen lifestyle with a broken heart and a well-rehearsed confession, and He gives us a robe, a ring, shoes and a royal welcome. God loves us beyond our comprehension.
Doesn't He amaze you? (from World Bible School: wbschool.org)
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House to House Heart to Heart Vol 15 No 2
Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice! Bulletin Digest 2/10