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Praise God Anyway!

3/28/2020

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PRAISE THE LORD!
 
The story is told of an elderly Christian woman that was well known for openly expressing her faith in God and His blessings. It was not uncommon for her to stand on her front porch loudly proclaiming, "Praise the Lord, for He is good!"

It so happened that an atheist moved into the house next door. The first time he overheard her daily proclamation of faith, he shouted back in reply, "There is no God!"

Despite his repeated attempts to silence the woman, she was unswerving in her daily affirmations of God and His goodness.

A time came, however, when the woman experienced a period of dire financial need. On this occasion, standing on her front porch, she exclaimed, "Praise the Lord! And Lord, I’m having a hard time right now. Please send me some groceries so that I may continue to praise You!"

The next morning as she walked out on her porch, she noticed a large bag of groceries beside her door. Without delay she exclaimed, "Praise the Lord for hearing my prayer and sending me groceries! God is good!"

Suddenly, her neighbor jumped out from behind a large bush and sarcastically remarked, "Praise who? Let me tell you - God did not buy those groceries; I did! Didn't I tell you that there is no God?"

Without blinking an eye, the elderly saint began clapping and dancing around her porch, proclaiming at the top of her lungs, "Praise the Lord! He not only sent me groceries, HE MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!"


(Revised – “Let There Be Laughter” – Brought to my attention by my wonderful wife, Brenda, years ago.)

It is no secret that the devil and his "supporters" will do their best to discourage and dishearten God's children. Despite their efforts, however, God is immensely greater and He will come to our aid – I Jn. 4:4, Psa. 121:1-2. So even when things appear hopeless, pray to God about it, then look for something for which you can proclaim, "Praise the Lord!"

Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

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Trust...

3/17/2020

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TRUST GOD, REGARDLESS


"He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" (Psalm 22:8)


Several years ago a troubled young man sat down with his minister and candidly admitted, "I trusted God to provide a way for me to get through college. My finances are gone, and I feel like God let me down." The minister wisely replied, "I understand your disappointment, but God didn't let you down. It may be that He has another plan for your life. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what."


Utilizing a few of his connections, the minister assisted the young man in obtaining a scholarship at a different college. While attending that school he met a committed Christian lady that ultimately became his devoted wife. Some time later he and his wife visited the aforementioned minister. During their conversation, the grateful young man said, "You were right. God didn't let me down. He changed the direction of my life in order to help me find the best possible Christian wife. I have now learned to trust God, no matter what."
 
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Psalm 22 prophetically describes many details of the crucifixion of Jesus. The psalmist's words, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue him", were spoken a thousand years later by scoffers that watched as Jesus died on the cross. Little did they realize that Jesus indeed trusted His Father, despite His suffering and imminent death. He believed that God had a plan. Therefore Jesus is the pioneer of our faith, teaching us to trust God, no matter what.


We are now living in the most challenging time since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Some doubt God's love, or accuse Him of letting us down. It's easy to trust God when all is well. But trying times challenge our faith. May we meet the challenge by trusting God and His word, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).


Trust God no matter what. He has a plan.


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis
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The Coronavirus and The Church

3/15/2020

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The Coronavirus and the Church


On Sunday February 16th, much of the evening service of the Milan church of Christ was devoted to praying about the coronavirus (covid 19) - its victims, their souls, their families and the alarming impact of the virus upon China and possibly the rest of the world.


At that point, we had little idea as to how quickly the virus would spread globally, nor its insidious effects on economies, the stock market, people's thinking, habits and decisions. But now that nearly 1500 cases have been confirmed in the United States, the entire climate of our nation is rapidly changing. Cancellations of professional, college and high school sporting events, concerts, parades, commencement exercises, and the progressive quarantining of health and other Facilities may only be the beginning.


Even churches across the country have been drastically affected. Commonly used metallic surfaces such as door handles and communion trays are being covered with fabric or plastic. Multiple tables or stands with hand sanitizer are being placed throughout the buildings. Increasing numbers of congregants avoid shaking hands or embracing others; some are wearing gloves and/or protective masks to services. Thousands are refusing to take communion during the service due to fears of handling the plates. (Many churches are distributing disposable communion kits to alleviate such fears.) In some cases, the evening services, fellowships and even Bible classes are being cancelled until further notice. Many churches are preparing to offer more of their services online.


Although the church of Christ in Milan (along with thousands of other congregations around the world) has not initiated dramatic changes in response to the virus outbreak, the following suggestions are advisable.


1. Pray daily about this pandemic. Pray for the victims, and those who are suffering from the effects, such as loss of jobs, etc.
2. If you are ill, please remain at home until your symptoms disappear.
3. If you are particularly susceptible due to age or other health issues, consider wearing gloves or possibly a protective mask when you attend a service.
4. Carefully observe routine precautions such as keeping your hands washed, using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face, and making certain to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
5. If you are uncomfortable shaking hands with others, just smile and say, "I love you!"
6. Trust in God, no matter what. He will get us through this.


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding..." Pro. 3:5


Jesus, always Jesus!


Dennis
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Period or Question Mark?

3/10/2020

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DON’T INSERT A QUESTION MARK 
God gave Adam and Eve one restriction in the Garden of Eden, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen. 2:16,17). However, the serpent asked Eve, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of every tree of the garden?'" Notice that the devil put a question mark where God placed a period. Because of this deceptive practice, Eve and Adam ultimately treated God’s command like a question.
 
Sadly, this regrettable practice continues. For example,
 
God said, "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day." (Ex. 20:11). Yet men often ask, "Isn’t it possible that God required billions of years to create everything?"
 
God said, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Prov. 20:1). But many ask, "What's the harm in having a few drinks with my friends?"
 
God said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6) Yet many ask, “Why should I remain married to someone that I no longer love?”
 
God said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned”. (Mark16:16). But millions ask, "Why can’t I be saved by faith alone?"
 
God said, “…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. 10:24,25). Yet some Christians ask, "Is attending Sunday School and worship service that important?"
 
God said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16). But the masses ask, "What’s wrong with livening our worship up with organs, guitars, trumpets and drums?"
 
God said, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). Yet many ask, “Why wrong with permitting talented women to preach from the pulpit?”
 
The mistake of inserting a question mark where God placed a period continues to lead people astray. Let's avoid this mistake. If God said it, don’t question; just obey.
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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