Temporary Versus Permanent
 
In 1895 the city of Leadville, Colorado was struggling to survive. Situated at over 10,000 ft in elevation, the temperatures are below freezing much of the year, along with an abundance of snow and ice. Visitors to the town were rare, and virtually non-existent in the winter.
 
In a desperate bid to save their city, the residents came up with an idea in which they hoped to utilize their frigid climate to promote tourism. They staged a Winter Carnival featuring the largest Ice Palace built in America up to that point in time. Upon completion, the palace measured 450 by 320 feet, with impressive 90-foot towers. It also contained a 16,000 square-foot ice skating rink that could accommodate hundreds of skaters.
 
A throng of paying tourists soon flocked to Leadville to enjoy the amazing Ice Palace. Residents of the city were thrilled with the response, not to mention having a renewed hope for a bright future. Everything went better than planned…….until Spring arrived. In a few short weeks the palace, towers and ice rink melted, and the visitors rapidly evaporated. It soon became apparent that their sole tourist attraction was not only temporary, but could not permanently solve the financial woes of the city.
 
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Sad to say, countless people attempt to do something similar in an effort to rejuvenate their lives. In a quest for long-term happiness, they frequently turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, possessions, or a combination of these. But instead of finding long-term happiness, they discover that the pleasures associated with such things is temporary.
 
Fortunately, Jesus Christ offers a permanent solution in which joy, peace and fulfillment can continue virtually unabated. For those who believe that Jesus is God’s Son, and submit to His commands to repent, confess faith in Him and be baptized, He offers a better life here, and eternal joys in heaven.
 
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
 
Let Your Light Shine in 2025!
 
Dennis

  THE U IN JESUS
                             A poem by Laketa
 
Before U were born or time had even begun,
God placed U in the name of His Son.
 
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't say JesUs and not include U.
 
U are a big part of His wonderful name,
For U He was born; U are why He came.
 
His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
 
Isn't it thrilling and incredibly grand,
He rose from the grave with U in His plan?
 
Stones split open; some graves did too,
Even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
 
Before JesUs left for His upward ascension,
One thing remained for Him to mention.
 
Go into the world and assure them its true,
God so loved the world - Just as I love U.
 
Many great names are spelled with a U,
And every last one needs JesUs too!
 
It all depends now on what U will do,
The world needs JesUs, and it all starts with U.
 
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (Joh 3:17).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Unclaimed Gift
 
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Co 9:15)
 
When it comes to Christmas shopping, we are living in an age of unprecedented convenience. Although most Americans do some shopping at department stores, increasing numbers shop online. In many cases items can be delivered within a day or two.
 
If we are uncertain as to what gift to purchase, most stores offer gift cards. In fact, it's estimated that Americans will spend $30 billion on gift cards this month.
 
The only downside is that some recipients never get around to redeeming these cards. They may remain tucked away in wallets, purses or drawers for months or years. Eventually, they are forgotten and never used. What a shame.
 
There is a far bigger shame, however. God has offered the world the greatest gift imaginable - salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He intends for everyone to learn about and accept this priceless gift. Yet many of our relatives and friends have not yet obeyed the saving gospel. Although God's gift of salvation is within easy reach, it is an unspeakable tragedy that many lost souls ignore or put off obeying it until later. In some cases, God 's amazing gift will never be used.
 
So, let us redouble our efforts to pray for and encourage the lost souls around us to respond to the gospel of Christ while they still can. God’s gift is too valuable to remain unused!
 
“And now, why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Count Your Blessings
 
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm.100:4).


Of all the hymns in our songbooks, none expresses the joy of thanksgiving better than “Count Your Blessings”. With its true to life lyrics and up-beat tempo (It is NOT to be sung slowly), it is difficult to sing the words without thinking upon the countless blessings we have received from our loving, caring, and benevolent God.
 
The first verse describes a life filled with trials; a life tossed about by the tempests of this world. Such difficulties may leave us tired, disheartened and discouraged. The lyrics then offer a tried-and-true remedy: “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Doing so will not only help us realize how much we are blessed by God, but will lift our spirits, as well.
 
The second stanza speaks of heavy burdens and the cross we may have to bear. But cross bearing is part of discipleship (Luke 9:23). Yet God will not only provide strength to hold us up, He has also blessed us with supportive brethren to help bear our burdens (Gal. 6:2).


The third verse mentions observing the wealthy of the world who seem to have it all. However, as Christians we have something of far greater value than fleeting  riches - everlasting treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).
 
The final section describes a God who is in control of all things (Dan. 2:21). This knowledge is a great source of comfort and encouragement in this seemingly chaotic world. Regardless of what is occurring around us, God’s presence, promises, help and blessings cannot help but sustain us with courage and hope.
 
Above all, the reunions and glorious mansions awaiting us in heaven should fill out hearts with perpetual thanksgiving!
 
“Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

United We Stand!
 
Following the most tumultuous election in recent memory, some Christians have suggested that if Americans would apply several scriptural directives, our nation will become stronger and more united than ever. Scriptures frequently cited include:
 
 
·    SPEAK EVIL of no one – Tit. 3:2.
 
·    DO NOT RETURN EVIL for evil – 1 Pet. 3:9.
 
·    HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, let him cast the first stone… John 8:7. 
 
·    BE PEACEABLE, gentle, showing humility to all men - Tit. 3:2.
 
·    WORK HARD to maintain unity - Eph. 4:3.
 
·    TREAT others as if they are superior to you - Phil. 2:3.
 
·    BE PATIENT with the failings of others - Eph. 4:2.
 
·    FORGIVE as you have been forgiven - Col. 3:13.
 
·    BE WILLING to sacrifice your personal rights for the sake of unity – Rom. 14:21.
 
·    PRAY for each other – Jam. 5:16.
 
·    PRAY for our leaders, regardless of who they are – 1 Tim. 2:1-2.
 
·    LOVE as brothers, be tenderhearted and courteous - 1 Pet 3:8.
 
Who can dispute that compliance with even half of the aforementioned scriptures would make a significant impact in bringing Americans together, regardless of party affiliation?
 
In addition, the same commands will also aid in unifying the Lord’s church. Are you aware that discord and friction between members has caused more congregations to struggle, decline and even close down than virtually all other reasons? Although disagreements between Christians sometimes occur, failure to deal with them with love, patience and humility often leads to resentment and animosity. Division frequently follows. Jesus warned, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation: and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" (Matt. 12:25).
 
That said, reread the 12 scriptures cited above. Make it a point to apply them to your interactions with others in the church. Doing so will have a significant impact in increasing and preserving the unity of the body of Christ.
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

​Is Lunch TOO Important?
 
There is a question that sometimes distracts Christians during the Sunday morning worship service. “Where shall we go for lunch?” As the service continues, some members think about possible options: Arby’s, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Pizza, KFC, Kroger’s fried chicken, leftovers, etc.
 
Should you walk into any given restaurant at noon on a Sunday, you’ll likely see “church folks” answering the question (that may have been on their minds during worship). They might be seen feasting on roast beef sandwiches, tacos, burgers, fries or fried chicken, while sipping soft drinks or iced tea.
 
Before proceeding, let it be known that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a meal at a restaurant subsequent to church services. However, this is a suitable opportunity to consider three salient points.
 
1. None of us (the preacher included), is immune to being distracted as we worship God. Nevertheless, if we notice that our minds are increasingly straying at church services, we need to examine our priorities (2 Cor. 13:5). Being easily distracted is a sign that our focus is faulty. Whether we are worshipping God or doing virtually anything else, we must heed Paul’s directive to “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).
 
2. Our concentration must be especially focused when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Cor. 11:29).
 
3. I recall hearing a waitress comment, “I am glad that many Christians eat out on Sundays. If they didn’t, we’d be forced to close every Sunday.” Think that over for a moment. Would that be a bad thing? Some of us remember a time when the vast majority of stores were closed on Sundays. It was considered “Church Day”. In time, however, increasing numbers of people (including Christians) clamored for stores to open up on Sundays. Due to this, some Christians are now obligated to work on Sunday.
 
Remember – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

​Jesus Yes, the Church No?
 
There is a tragic trend among many religious people in which they claim to be Christians, yet have no desire to attend or even be affiliated with any church. In 2014, a YouTube video entitled “Why I Hate Religion But I Love Jesus” has received 35 million views and counting!
 
The man in the video actually condemns hypocrisy, false teachings and duplicitousness that are common in many modern-day religions and denominations. However, he asserts that he is NOT against the church.
 
Unfortunately, some people have misunderstood his intended message by assuming that he promotes following Jesus wholly apart from any church. These individuals assume that today’s churches are rife with hypocrites and false doctrines, demand blind obedience and are money hungry. If that is true, why would anyone want to be identified with such corrupt institutions?
 
Especially when they can accept God’s grace, love Jesus, live a decent life and go to heaven apart from the church.
 
Although many religions and denominations HAVE wandered far from the straight and narrow road that leads to life (Matt. 7:14), the idea of “Jesus yes, the church no!” is as displeasing to God as hypocrisy, false doctrines and duplicity. Consider the following:
 
·        Jesus Christ promised to build HIS church – Matt. 16:18.
·        The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved – Acts 2:47.
·        Jesus Christ purchased the church with His own blood - Acts 20:28.
·        Jesus Christ is the head of the body, the church – Col. 1:18
·        God made Jesus Christ to be head over all things to the church – Eph 1:22.
·        Jesus Christ is the Savior of the body, the church - Eph. 5:23.
·        God will be glorified in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations – Eph. 3:21.
 
In view of these (and many more) scriptures, any attempt to separate Christ from the church is egregiously wrong. Since God adds us to the church when we obey the gospel and are saved (Acts 2:47), we should say, “Jesus, yes! His church, yes!”
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis