​Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a.....

In January 1971 the late Janis Joplin released a song with the following lyrics,


Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.

Although popular with her fans, the song is a sad parody of prayer, not surprising from a singer involved in drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. When she died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27, she was found clutching a pack of cigarettes and a wad of money.

Even more tragic is the tendency of many people (including some Christians) to think of God as a genie, ready to grant virtually any request. But the God of the Bible discourages such thinking. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Asking God to bless us with a luxury home, expensive car, or a bigger bank account is a symptom of love for the world - NOT good (1 John 2:15-17). A desire for possessions can lead us away from God and down the path of spiritual destruction.

So how can we handle desires for the “good things” in life?
 We should remember that Jesus was poor and homeless, yet without complaint (Matt. 8:20).
 We can pray that God will help us transform our thinking (Rom. 12:1-2).
 We can pray that God will help us develop self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
 We can pray that God will help us learn that contentment with godliness is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6).
 We must remember that we will carry nothing to the grave (1 Tim. 6:7).
 We can be more generous in giving to God (2 Cor. 9:6-9).
 We must remember that what we give (or do) to help others will result in treasures in heaven (Matt. 19:21-22).

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

​Autumn and Time

It's amazing how beautiful and magnificent are the colors of autumn. Bright reds and yellows, some mixed with green, are truly breathtaking, and part of God's handiwork.

The transition from summer to autumn is likewise amazing. Only a few weeks ago (at least here in southeastern Michigan) we had a few daytime highs approaching 80. And now the nights are creeping down into the 30s, and daytime highs occasionally struggle to reach 50.

All of these changes are a product of time, which seems to move faster as we age. Speaking of which, please consider the following pertinent scriptures about time.
 Time was created by God in the beginning (Gen. 1:5).
 God does not keep time as we do (Psalm 90:4; 2 Pet. 3:8).
 Time passes quickly for mankind (Job 7:6; 9:26; James 4:14).

 The time span of our lives is short (Psalm 90:10).

 Time causes our bodies to perish, but the spirit lives on (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

 Time does not change the word of God (1 Pet. 1:25).
 Jesus Christ is not changed by the passing of time (Heb. 13:8).
 Jesus Christ is truly timeless (Rev.1:8; 22:13).
 We must make the best use of our time (Eph. 5:16).

 The time of our ultimate salvation is closer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11).
 Now is the time to obey the gospel (2 Cor. 6:2).


Won't it be wonderful when time (as we know it) ends, and eternity with God, Jesus and all the saints begins in heaven?

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis 

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?

Some people are hard to please. It seems that no matter how much you do for them (or have done in the past), they are rarely satisfied and frequently ask for more.

A know a man of modest means whose grown son constantly asked him for money. In a span of a few years the man gave his son over $5000. One day the man had to turn down his son’s request because the man was himself struggling financially. When he reminded his unhappy son of all the money he’d given him in the past, his son shouted, “So what? I REALLY need the money this time!”

Are we ever guilty of not appreciating what others have done for us? Or of how much GOD has done for us? Or how much Jesus Christ HAS done, IS doing, and WILL do for us in the future? Consider the following:

1. What DID Jesus do for us?
He left heaven and came to earth - Phil. 2:6-9.
He became poor that we might be rich – 2 Cor. 8:9.
He suffered in order to aid us – Heb. 2:18.
He was punished in our place - Isa. 53:5
He gave His life that we might live - Heb. 7:27.

2. What IS Jesus doing for us?
He is in the presence of God on our behalf – Heb. 9:24.
He is making intercession for us – Heb. 7:25.
He is advocating for our benefit - 1 Jn. 2:1
He is preparing a place for us – Jn. 14:2.
He is with us now - Mt. 28:20.

3. What WILL Jesus do for us?
He is coming back for us - 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
He will present us with a crown of life – Jam, 1:12, Rev. 2:10.
He will give us joint ownership in heaven – Mt. 25:34, Rom. 8:17.
He will grant us treasures that last forever – 1 Pet. 1:3.
He will be with us forever – 1 Thess. 4:17b.

We have SO MUCH for which to thank God and Jesus. What have they done for us lately? Everything!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

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​PARABLE OF THE PENCILS 

Prior to shipping a set of shiny new pencils, the manufacturer paused and said, "Before sending you, there are five things you need to know to render superior service." 

1: You can only serve if you allow yourself to be guided by someone's hand. 

2: You will experience unpleasant “sharpening” at times, but this is necessary so that you can render continued service. 

3: You will make mistakes along the way, but don’t despair. I have supplied you with precisely what you need to erase them. 

4:  Although your exterior shine may diminish with use, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. 

5: Strive to leave a positive “mark” everywhere you go. Unused pencils are useless.

The new pencils promised to remember, and were packed with a definite purpose.

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If we as Christians will remember FIVE SIMILAR RULES, God will effectively use us in His service.

1: We can only be of service if we allow ourselves to be guided by the Master’s hand. (“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." Psa. 32:8) 


2: We may experience trials from time to time, but such experiences are needful for us to mature and learn persistence. (“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4)

3: We will make many mistakes along the way, but don’t despair. God will supply us with the blood of His Son, which completely erases them. (“…if we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7, 9)

4: Although our physical appearance will decline with time, it is what’s inside that is important to God. (“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Sam. 16:7)

5: Strive to leave a positive “mark” for Jesus everywhere you go. After all, unused Christians are of little or no use. ("Here am I! Send me." Micah 6:8; "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:16)

Each day will present us with unique opportunities to be used in Lord’s service. May we strive daily to be used by our Master and Lord.

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Thank God For Our Bible Class Teachers

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…" (1 Cor. 12:28)

One of the most important groups in the church is a collection of unsung heroes that pour their hearts and souls into their labors, and often go unrecognized for their efforts. To our Bible class teachers, we thank God for you!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children the BIBLE! There are a lot of people teaching our kids a lot of things, but only a small collection of heroes teaches them the Bible!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children the Bible ONLY! In some churches, class time is filled with games and activities unrelated to the Bible, designed to keep the children entertained. Our teachers focus on God’s word.

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they are some of our hardest working members, spending many hours in preparation, as well as teaching. (NOT counting the time spent arranging and decorating classrooms!)

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they voluntarily take on a difficult task. Can you think of a more challenging charge than teaching young children? The level of commitment (and frustration) involved leads to few volunteers, resulting in teachers being asked to teach without breaks. (HINT: We need more teachers, or even some willing to fill-in for a month or two!)

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they make a difference in our children’s lives! Many of us fondly remember Bible class teachers we had when we were young. Today’s teachers are also making long-lasting impressions on our children, possibly eternal impressions!

Teachers - we rarely show you the appreciation you deserve for your skills, time, effort, headaches, patience and love for our children. But on this day, we remind you that we not only appreciate you, but we cannot do without you!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

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