Gratitude                                                                      October 8, 2023

It has been said, “Thankfulness is a thread that can bind together all the patchwork squares of our lives.”  Life is filled with a variety of seasons and emotions.  There are times of happiness and sadness.  There are times of frustration and relaxation.  There are times of sickness and health.  Yet, through it all, we can find reasons to be thankful.

The life of Jesus is a wonderful example of this.  Did Jesus have a life free of trouble?  Absolutely not.  Think of all the things about which Jesus could have complained.  He lived in a sinful world and suffered in the ways that we suffer.  He wept.  He was hungry.  He was thirsty.  Unfortunately, He dies the horrendous death on a cross.

The Lord’s Supper provides a glimpse of Jesus’ gratitude.  “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'” (Luke 22:19).  Notice Jesus gave thanks for the bread which is intended to signify His body which will be hung on the cross.  Jesus could have been resentful.  But, instead, we see gratitude throughout His life.

Although life is certainly filled with difficulties, the Christian perspective provides a major lens through which to understand life.  This why Paul writes, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14).  The cross and resurrection provide a different view of the world.  We do not grieve as those who have no hope.  Rather, we realize that God is “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).  We live as those who are a “new creature” (II Corinthians 5:17).

Gratitude is about our focus.  When we focus on the ways in which we are blessed, we are appreciative.  On the other hand, when we focus on the ways in which we perceive that we are lacking, we will live with ingratitude.  Every day provides an opportunity to be either grateful or ungrateful. 

Here are a few things that might help us lean toward a life of gratitude:

• Consider taking time every day to note the many things that are worthy of your appreciation.  You might even want to write them down.
• Tell someone why you appreciate him or her.
• Think about a current hardship in life.  Even within the hardship, reflect on something for which you can be thankful.

We have so many reasons to be filled with gratitude.  We just need to slow down to notice them.  When we do, we can’t help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness.

By Bryan Nash (Adapted)

What’s Your Goliath?                                                         October 1, 2023

I came across a video the other day of an incredible scene: two honey badgers battling a pride of six lions.  Although outnumbered, the honey badgers refused to back down from ferocious predators ten times their size.  The lions thought the kill would be simple, but the footage shows the badgers walking away with a bit of a swagger.  The Big guy versus the Little guy.  Recently our Preschool class talked about the story of David and Goliath.  We had a very special guest that night show up.  These kids showed no fear at all.  They lined up their marshmallow stone and aimed their sling shot and took down the giant.  They were fearless.

There are so many lessons from this famous Biblical story in I Samuel 17.

Young, inexperienced David with only a slingshot and a few stones confronted the fierce Philistine Giant who possessed brute strength and advanced weaponry.

Goliath was mocking Israel to engage in battle, but no one was willing to fight.  King Saul and “all the Israelites were terrified.”  Imagine the shock when David stepped up to the challenge.  What gave him the courage that none of Israel’s hardened warriors possessed?

For all of Israel, Goliath dominated their vision.  That’s all they saw.

But David was different – he was fearless.  All he saw was God.

“The Lord will deliver YOU into my hands,” he insisted (I Samuel 17:46).

While everyone else believed Goliath controlled the story, David believed that God loomed larger.  With a single stone to the giant’s forehead, David’s faith was justified.

This world and Satan himself tempts us to believe that “Goliath” directs the story.  We all have a goliath (it’s different for everyone, health, money, doubt, worry, anxiety) and you could even be facing multiple goliaths – just like the Honey Badgers.

What We Cannot Forget:

No matter what we face – God is larger…when He dominates our vision, there’s nothing else left to focus on.

What Goliath overwhelms you these days?  How can the power and presence of God transform your perspective?

You’ve got a problem?  God is bigger.  You’ve got worries or stress?  God is better.

No matter what, God looms larger.  No problem or obstacle is too big for Him.

By Jared Boser

Live Simply                                                                 September 24, 2023

In a world that seems to be more and more cluttered with frustrations, concerns, uncertainties, pain, and hurt from emotional & physical challenges coupled with spiritual obstacles, aren’t we thankful that God only wants us to Live Simply for Him?  His desire is for us to be saved and not live a complicated life.  There is just so much pressure to be successful in our society!!!

According to an article in the New York Post in March of 2018, a study was conducted regarding the “busyness” of American families.  The article begins with the following statement: “American families get just 37 minutes of quality time together per day, according to new research.  A study of 2,000 parents with school- aged children across the country found the extent to which hectic routines take a toll during the work week with the families polled managing less than 45 minutes all together on a typical weekday.  Many families are still struggling for time to properly bond and enjoy each other without distraction.  That might be because 60 percent of parents describe their daily lives as :hectic” and one in four say that the lack of family quality time away from chores, work, school, or TV is a real problem.”  Life is challenging and busy!  We all seem to be so busy that our focus on God has become clouded and we sometimes forget to do what we are commanded.  We sometimes get distracted with the complexity of life that we are not “living simply for Christ.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says the duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.  The text says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this man’s all.  For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

The good news is God’s message for us is not complicated.  His message is not confusing.  His message is comforting.  His expectations are not beyond anything we can grasp!  God is saying, “Be my disciple and stop being concerned with your desires.”  What does God want us to be?  He wants us to be a disciple!  In the New Testament, the word “disciple” is used 269 more times than the word Christian.  The word Christian is an important word….it is a word that Jesus has stamped on us.  But the word used to teach us what a Christian is, is the word Disciple!

We are supposed to be disciplining ourselves to be like our Master; our Savior.  Matthew 6:19-21 says this begins with our focus, our vision, and where we place our energy day in and day out.  The text says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  We need to focus on the spiritual idea of simplicity.  Each day, we are given a choice to choose activities that lead to greater earthly prosperity OR to choose things that lead to greater future eternal rewards.  It is not only about making our life simple.  It is more about simply making our life about the kingdom of God.  We need to focus on our relationship with Christ.  We do this by looking at the example that has been left for us: Jesus!

John 4:34 says, Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”  Jesus was unencumbered by the restrictions associated with life because of His focus on His mission which was to: live simply, be a humble servant, and to please God.             By Allen Jones

Getting What We Deserve                                        September 17, 2023

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing…” (Philippians 2:14)

We often grumble because we don’t have what we want, instead, we should be thankful that we don’t get what we deserve.  The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Since “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), we ought to be ever so grateful that, in Christ, we do not get what we deserve (Romans 8:1).

While modern man seeks to redefine sin and restructure God’s commandments, the Bible clearly says that sin is “the transgression of the law” (I John3:4).  Sin is not determined by popular opinion, but by the word of God.  God rebuked those in Isaiah’s day who called “evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).  Many in our day have been afflicted with the same twisted morality.  This is why we must get serious about discovering what the Bible says about sin rather than trying to make the Bible say what we want it to say.

Being delivered from the penalty of sin involves knowing and obeying the truth.  Jesus said that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  The truth, as it is embodied in Christ and His word, can set us free from the power and penalty of sin.  However, we must accept His word by faith.  Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).  Faith is the means by which grave is appropriated.  Biblical faith is known by its obedience (James 2:18).  Consequently, ours must be a faith that works through love (Galatians 5:6).

Grace is a beautiful concept.  But, it is not cheap.  Neither should it be taken for granted.  Instead, grace must be accepted by means of an active faith.  Grace and gratitude are inseparably connected.  Only those who have been sufficiently impressed by the grace of God will respond with overflowing expressions of thankfulness and love.

Rather than grumbling or complaining about life’s difficulties or hardships, focus instead on the grace of God as it is extended to us through Jesus Christ.  In Christ, we can always be grateful that we do not get what we deserve!

By Glen Elliott

Be All That You Can Be                                  September 10, 2023

As Christians are we being ALL THAT WE CAN BE?  We all have talent that allows us to make contributions to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.  When we don’t utilize our talents we have a tendency to utilize excuses.  Moses struggled with this as well.  We know Moses as a Leader, but he also made excuses:

Exodus 3:11 says, “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'”  Do we sometimes feel we are not qualified?

Exodus 3:13 says, “Then Moses said to God, ‘Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them that the God of their fathers has sent me to them and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ then what shall I say to them?'”  Are we concerned we can’t answer questions when asked?

Exodus 4:1 says, “Then Moses answered and said, ‘But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.'”  Do we doubt God’s directions?

Exodus 4:10 says, “Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”  Do we doubt our skills & abilities?

Exodus 4:13 says, “But he said, ‘O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.'”  Do we simply want someone else to serve?  Do we take the easy way out of service our to our age, our schedule, or feel we have served long enough?

It is easy to find reasons “not” to grow or become complacent on our Christian walk.

I Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  May we always be focused and fruitful!

God cares about results, not reasons (Matthew 28:16-20).

Will you BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE?                            By Allen Jones

Faith or Arrogance?                                           September 3, 2023

When I was growing up, there was a Lay’s Potato Chips as campaign that ran several times.  It had an extremely catchy slogan: “Betcha can’t eat just one!”  As a child, I would think, “Duh!   Of course, I could!”  However, every time I found a Lay’s Original bag in my lunch, I never seemed to find the willpower to give it a try.

We tend to overestimate our ability to resist temptation, don’t we?  Especially when we are sitting in a pew.  It is easy to say, “Amen!” to whatever challenge the preacher gives us.  As he warns the congregation to abstain from a particular sin, we imagine ourselves overcoming such a temptation without any trouble at all.  However, how often do we find ourselves lacking willpower when we are confronted with temptation?

In Daniel chapter one, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego demonstrate the self-control to which we should all aspire.  During the Babylonian captivity, they were chosen to be the personal servants of King Nebuchadnezzar.  To prepare them for this service, the king commanded that they eat the king’s delicacies and drink the king’s wine.  However, Daniel recognized that eating the king’s food would violate God’s law.  So, he and his three brethren refused the king’s meals and asked for a substitute (Daniel 1:8).

Now, Daniel’s request was not that simple.  This meal was part of their preparation to serve the king.  If the chief eunuch gave them something else to eat and it hurt their appearance, the king could execute him (v. 10).  Their defiance was a matter of life and death – not only for themselves, but also for this eunuch!

Daniel and the others were facing tremendous temptation.  If they would go along with the program, not only would they be free of danger, but they would be eating and drinking the best meal in all of Babylon.  How easy would it be for them to just keep quiet and eat?  But that’s not what they did.

How were they able to resist so easily?  Verse 8 tells us, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”  He made a covenant with himself to remain faithful.  Daniel was prepared for whatever temptation would come his way because he already made his mind up.

It is easy for us to nod our heads and imagine the great faith we might muster when met with temptations we’ve never known.  But we will fail if we haven’t made the preparations necessary to face them.  Is our faith a self-gratifying show of arrogance, or do we take temptations seriously and purpose in our hearts to remain faithful like Daniel?

By Robert Lupo

The “church” of Christ with a Little “c”                                 August 27, 2023

Have you seen sometimes when a church of Christ uses a lowercase “c” (as in “church of Christ”) instead of an uppercase “C” (as in “Church of Christ”)?  Why do they do that?  Are they just trying to be weird?

There may be varied reasons why some congregations do this, so I will not attempt to give every explanation for such usage.  But consider this one thought.  Often an uppercase letter is used to designate a title for something-we capitalize the names of restaurants, the names of song titles, the titles for positions that individuals hold in organizations, etc.  Notice that we are capitalizing “titles.”  Does the church have a “title”?

As one reads through Scripture, he will find that God does not give a “title” for His church.  The word “church” itself is not a title but a descriptive term that emphasizes an assembly of called out people.  The church is referred to as “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16), “the church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2), “the church of the living God” (I Timothy 3:15), “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23).  Note carefully that these are not titles that God was instructing to put on signs, letterhead and business cards.  These are designations that emphasize the origin, identity and ownership of this church.

Consider also that the word “church” is used interchangeably with other descriptive terms.  The church is called “the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12; cf. 1:22-23), “the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3; cf. Matthew 16:18-19), “the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13), “the house of God” (I Timothy 3:15), “the flock of God” (I Peter 5:2; cf. Acts 20:28), etc.  Those are other designations that God uses for the church, but those words are not capitalized because they are not titles but descriptions of the same entity.  Just as the designations of “husband,” “father,” “grandfather,””accountant,” “sports fan” are all used to describe one man (but are not capitalized), so the words “church,” “body,” “kingdom,” “house,” “family,” “flock” are used to describe one entity (but are not capitalized).

The names of denominational groups are capitalized because they are titles given to those groups by the ones who originated and organized them.  Jesus Christ, the one who originated and organized His church, never gave a title that it was to wear.  Instead, God uses words that have specific meanings to explain His will and His plan for us.

The “church of Christ” belongs to Christ.  It is not wrong to capitalize “Church,” if someone so chooses, but using the lowercase “c” is intended to use the word in the way that it is used in the New Testament and to focus on the meaning of the word rather than seeing “Church of Christ” as a title.

By David Sproule

When Jesus Doesn’t Come                                                   August 20, 2023

At separate times, both Martha and Mary said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (cf. John 11:21,32).

There a few ways to understand these grief-stricken words.

First, it is likely these were often repeated words around the home: “If only Jesus was here.”  It was common sentiment in that household that life was better when Jesus was around.

Second, there is an acknowledgement that Jesus has the special power and ability to accomplish feats that others cannot.

Third, it seems likely that there is also regret and confusion in these words.  When Jesus was so greatly needed, He was not there.  Why not?  Didn’t He know that they needed Him?  Did He care?  Yet, because they were so confident He loved them, they struggled to understand why He did not do anything about the situation.  Why didn’t He prevent the tragedy from occurring?

We have probably found ourselves in similar situations.  We all hurt and suffer.  It is natural for believers to ask God where He is and why He allows such painful events to transpire (Psalms 13:1; 42:9; 43:2, etc.).

The response of Jesus to these sisters, particularly His response to Martha, is instructive (John 11:23-26).

Their greatest need was not to have their brother back.  Their greatest need was to trust Jesus.

They needed to trust that, as the Lord of life, Jesus would provide for them in ways they did not yet see or understand.

He was always there.  He always knew.

The same is true for us – we must trust Jesus through the pain.  We must acknowledge that He is matchlessly powerful and that life is better when He is involved.  But we must also admit that He is always “here” (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalms 139:1-16).  He blesses and restores in ways that bring Him glory and are often surprising to us.

Let us acknowledge that, in spite of any suffering we may be experiencing, our greatest need is to trust our Lord Jesus who is “here” even now.                By Bart Warren

Showing Our Christianity                                                    August 13, 2023

“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.  And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (II Corinthians 3:2-3)

A fundamental idea of Christianity: It must be shown.

Christianity is not merely some facts to believe (though there are some facts that absolutely must be believed – ex. the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus).

Christianity is not merely some  ideas to understand (though there are some ideas that must be understood – ex. all have sinned and stand in need of a Savior).

Christianity is a lifestyle – it is a life – that must be clearly demonstrated.  The facts that are believed and the ideas that are understood must lead to transformation.  Our lives must be lived in such a way that we make it clear that we know Jesus.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.  And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

“For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” (Hebrews 11:14)

Christianity must be shown.  Let us live then in such a way that we make it clear to whom we belong!

In Luke 4 there is a major focus on who Jesus is and the way people respond to Him.  Obviously, there are both appropriate as well as inappropriate ways to respond to His presence and call. 

It is not only that we must show others we belong to the Lord.  It is also the case that we must show the Lord Himself that we love Him and long to be identified with Him!

Therefore, when we come to know the risen Lord, some appropriate responses to Jesus would be:

1) Praise Him for His powerful message (Luke 4:15).

Jesus reveals insight into ancient prophecies, the keys to heaven and salvation, how to live well, how to properly view life, how to deal with pain, suffering  and anxiety, etc.  This is a message worthy of praise!

2) Become a servant with a grateful heart (Luke 4:39).

The proper response to being healed is gratitude and action.  To fail or refuse to praise God and give thanks for our blessings is unacceptable  (cf. Luke 17:17).

3) Take as many others to Him as possible (Luke 4:40).

When there is a problem (your own or that of others), go to Jesus!

4) Beg Him to stay (Luke 4:42).

Once you have the One with the words of eternal life, don’t let Him go!  Show Him that you know He is the One! (cf. John 6:68).

By Bart Warren

Consider One Another                                       August 4, 2023

At home, we recently took on the task of cleaning out our attic!  Yes, I can hear you groaning as you think about how much fun we had.  Well, it wasn’t all bad.  In fact, when we take time to de-clutter any segment of our lives, we actually feel somewhat liberated because we have created more space and discarded things that haven’t been needed for a long time.  As my wise wife reminds me from time to time when embarking on a challenging project, “The dread is worse than the do!”  She is correct once again!  On this side of it, I’m thankful we did some work in the attic.

In doing so, I reconnected with some old pictures and reopened some chapters in my life.  I now have a “new collection of old pictures” I had forgotten about.  I am reminded of my youthful grandparents, my healthy and loving father who’s strength and smile were visible as he hugged me tight, what it was like to have little kids in the house and I revisited the harshness of life by looking into the eyes of those who would later face grief, loss, and tragedy in their life.  I am a little more older and more mature compared to the last time I looked at those pictures.  It is not news to you, but life is short, challenging, and can be flat out difficult.

We need Christ in our life and we need each other!  When I walk through memory lane, relationships are highlighted, and I see how much we need our friends, family and neighbors.  Now that I’m older, I realize that our names on letter heads, buildings, the desire to amass great wealth, and time spent stockpiling “stuff” is simply vain.  Time spent on the relationships we have and how we treat, talk, and interact with each other should be paramount.

In his commentary on “Considering One Another,” Aubrey Johnson directs us to these verses:

• “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).”
• “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13).”
• “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (I Thessalonians 5:11).”

God has much to say about our relationship with His Son and those we come in contact with.  Looking through old pictures directed me to be more considerate of everyone I meet.  May we act now to strengthen relationships, fix our faults, and seek contentment in Christ as we consider one another.        By Allen Jones