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  `

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!"  
   
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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

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.  
   
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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

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?" 
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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