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Be Consistant!

1/31/2022

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CONSISTENCY     
Trivia question -- Where do 68 million people eat daily, despite having noisy dining rooms (when open), mediocre customer service and generally unhealthy food? McDonald's! In fact, McDonald's is one of the most successful commercial enterprises in history, serving burgers and fries in countries that still lack a Bible in their own language.
   
What’s their secret? Many analysts believe that the #1 reason for McDonald's success is consistency!  Specifically, their burgers, fries, shakes, coffee and McMuffins taste identical whether you visit a franchise in Alabama, Alaska or Argentina. Regardless of your opinion of McDonald's, no one can dispute their consistency. (Isn't it a shame that millions of people that know nothing of Jesus Christ can readily list the ingredients of a Big Mac?)
   
Ages before Dick and Mac McDonald erected the first golden arches, God was the personification of consistency. “I am the Lord; I do not change” (Mal. 3:6). James describes Him as “the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  
   
God never changes. He has always been perfect, and always does what He says He will do. His promises are kept without exception, and His warnings always prove true. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven…" (Psa. 18:30).  
   
If we desire to please God, we must be consistent in serving Him. Paul wrote, "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).  Christians at Smyrna were told, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
   
So, when it comes to our faith and obedience to God, are we more like McDonald’s – consistently faithful every day, everywhere? Or are we like boxes of assorted chocolates -- we never know what we are going to get?
   
I thank God for all of you that are consistently faithful to God, day in and day out! Your heavenly Father is pleased!
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis  `
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I Believe In God, but............

1/29/2022

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RELIGIOUS ATHEISTS? 
  
As most of you know, atheists don’t believe in God; but did you know that there are "religious” atheists? These people claim to believe in God, but their actions tell a different story. Below are a few examples of "religious atheists". 
  
"I believe in God, but...Sundays are my only day off." (These people typically attend services sporadically.) But God says, “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I don't need Bible class." (Many of those with this mindset prefer to spend class time in bed, reading the paper or watching TV.) But God says, “…give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...” (1 Tim. 4:13). 
  
"I believe in God, but...we hired the preacher to visit the sick, shut-ins and backslidden members." But God says, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I'll never forgive ______ for what he/she did." But God says, "…if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:26). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I cannot afford to give anything to His church right now." But God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom" (Luke 6:38). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I constantly worry about making ends meet.” But God says, “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I don't need to be baptized in order to be saved!" But God says, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). 
  
"I believe in God, but...I see nothing wrong with all the denominations in the world!" But God says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God…” (Eph. 4:4-5). 
  
If someone claims to believe in God but refuses to heed His word, he is essentially a “religious" atheist. Praise God, however, for all the TRUE believers who trust and obey! 
  
Jesus, always Jesus! 
  
Dennis
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Mirror, Mirror.....

1/19/2022

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GETTING MORE FROM YOUR BIBLE
 
A preacher and a soap salesman were walking down a city street. As they walked, they noticed how ill-mannered many people were. The soap salesman observed, "Preacher, your Bible must not be very effective; it sure hasn’t helped these folks.” Instead of replying, the wise preacher kept walking. Soon they saw several underprivileged children playing in an alley. They were all filthy, as though they hadn't bathed in weeks. Looking at the salesman, the preacher said, "That soap you sell must be worthless; look how dirty these children are."  The soap salesman retorted, "But soap does no good unless it’s used!”  “Good point." said the preacher. "So it is with the Bible; it does no good unless it is applied!"  
   
********************************************************************  
   
Although most of us readily agree with the preacher, applying God's word can be challenging. The Bible says, “...lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). “Receive" means "to accept completely.”  If we want to benefit from God’s word, we must sufficiently accept it so as to apply it in our daily lives.  
   
James continues, “If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22b-25).  
   
Although we may frequently glance into a mirror, doing so only benefits us when we look closely enough to detect issues and make corrections. It’s the same with God’s word. Sporadic glances do little good. We must make time to carefully read it, and consider our lives in light of it.  
   
James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."  The Bible is more than a just book of information; it is God’s action plan for living. Imagine preparing for work or school, looking in a mirror and spotting a streak of grease on our face. Would we leave without first cleaning up? Reading our Bible without making needed corrections is even more foolish.  
   
Would you like a receive a special blessing today? "He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25).  
   
Jesus FIRST!  
   
Dennis
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Which Direction?

1/19/2022

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LOOK AHEAD!  
   
A man who suddenly lost much of his memory went to a specialist for testing. Afterwards, the doctor said, "You have a hard decision to make. We can do a surgical procedure that will restore your memory, but it may adversely affect your vision. So, what is more important to you – your memory or eyesight?" Thinking it over, the man replied, "I prefer my eyesight because I'd rather see what’s ahead rather than remember what's behind."  
   
****************************************************************************  
   
Most of us have memories of our failures and sins. Some people, haunted by such memories, assume that they are hopelessly doomed. However, such an attitude is not only a symptom of “stinking thinking", it is perpetrated by Satan.  
   
Consider the apostle Paul. He had scores of “skeletons” for which he could have felt perpetually ashamed. To name a few – he assisted with the murder of Stephen – Act 7:58. He traveled to distant cities to arrest Christians – Act 9:1ff. He persecuted the church beyond measure – Gal. 1:13. It was only after doing enormous damage that he finally saw the “Light” on the road to Damascus, and subsequently repented and turned to the Lord – Act 9:3ff.
   
Paul could have easily struggled with guilt feelings for the rest of his life. Fortunately, he chose to focus on something else. “Brethren...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13-14).  
   
Although his past was riddled with crimes against our Lord, he realized that no sin is so great that the blood of Christ cannot erase it. Moreover, no life is so ruined that Jesus cannot restore it and use it for His service. By the grace of God, Christians can leave the past behind and focus on what lies ahead.  
   
Regardless of your past, move forward toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  
   
Jesus FIRST!  
   
Dennis
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All The Way With Jesus

1/10/2022

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ALL THE WAY WITH JESUS!  
   
All the way my Savior leads me, What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.  
   
All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.  

   
************************************************************  
   
Many of us have sung these beloved lyrics many times over the years. However, the amazing incident that prompted these inspiring words adds substantial weight to their message.  
   
The lyrics originated with a poem that came from the grateful heart of Fanny Crosby (blind from youth) after she received an immediate answer to a fervent prayer. One day she desperately needed $5 (nearly $50 in today’s currency), but had no idea where to get it. Following her usual custom, Fanny knelt down and began to earnestly pray about the matter. A few minutes later, a total stranger knocked on her door, and asked if she required any assistance. Moments later, he handed her $5.  
   
“I have no way of accounting for this”, she later commented, “Except to believe that God put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was that it is so wonderful the way the Lord leads me, and I immediately wrote the poem.”  
   
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus"  (Phil. 4:19).  
   
Jesus FIRST!  
   
Dennis
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Who Cares?

1/1/2022

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DOES ANYONE CARE?
 
Several years ago, in a suburb of Sydney Australia, police broke into the apartment of Jorge Chambe, 64, after receiving a call from a concerned neighbor. Unfortunately, the call came too late, as Jorge was found dead in his single bedroom flat. In fact, the call came around 365 days late, as Jorge’s body, in an advanced state of decomposition, had lay dead for nearly a year prior to its discovery.
  
How was this possible? Chambe had no close relatives or friends, and his rent was paid automatically from a bank account that was funded by government welfare payments. Because he generally kept to himself, his lack of activity did not elicit undue concern. The only clue that indicated that something was amiss was an overflowing mailbox, but his neighbors assumed that he was away on an extended trip.
  
Shortly thereafter, New South Wales state Housing Minister Matt Brown asked a sobering question on a local Radio program: "How can it happen that a person can die in such a lonely way and no one know?" 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Although the aforementioned incident is an extreme case, less severe examples of neglect are commonplace. As you read this, scores of hurting, burdened, or lonely people in Milan may be wondering, “Does anyone care?”  This might include members of the church here.
  
As we begin the year 2022, may God help us to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for anyone experiencing need, depression or loneliness. God is keenly aware of such souls (Matt. 10:29-31), and we should be, as well. Moreover, your or I may be the encouragement that God desires to provide for the hurting, downtrodden and lonely.
  
So, stay alert for such people in 2022, and provide as much attention as you can.
  
"…there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it..." (1 Cor. 12:24-26).
  
Jesus FIRST in 2022!
  
Dennis 
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