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Kindness Counts

4/28/2018

Million Dollar Rudeness Blunder

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted..." (Eph. 4:32)

John Barrier had been a customer of Old National Bank (now U.S. Bank) in Spokane, WA for years. As was his custom, he drove to the bank in October of 1988, wearing his shabby, comfortable clothes. After cashing his check, the bank teller, noting his unkempt appearance, refused to stamp his parking ticket. She informed him that, according to the bank’s new policy, parking tickets would only be validated if customers made a transaction, and check cashing did NOT qualify. Protesting, Barrier asked to see a manager. Moments later a manager appeared and backed up his teller. Barrier then said, “Fine, you don’t need me and I don’t need you.” He immediately closed his accounts and withdrew all his money – OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS – and promptly deposited it at the Seafirst Bank just down the street.

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This is a vital lesson for Christians and the church. Whenever we encounter others - especially VISITORS at our services – we need to treat them with utmost kindness and respect. Not only do they deserve such treatment, they might just return for more.

“Everyone has an invisible sigh hanging from their neck saying, ‘Make me feel important.’ Never forget this message when (dealing) with people” Mary Kay Ash.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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A Sermon I Saw

4/13/2018

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THE POWER OF AN EXAMPLE
(Revised, from The Lehman Avenue Weekly Communicator)

Throughout the years I’ve heard countless sermons that I have forgotten, but one Sunday I SAW a sermon that remains with me to this day. It happened on a cold, snowy Sunday morning in Munich, Germany.

After getting out of bed, I looked out through an icy window at several inches of snow that had fallen during the night. I began wondering whether I should attend worship in those conditions, or stay at home and read my Bible.

Although I knew that the congregation would miss me because I was their only song leader, I would have to walk some distance to catch a bus to the building. I finally decided to venture out, but only because the small church needed a song leader.

While riding on the bus through the slick streets, I noticed two elderly people struggling through the snow, and immediately recognized them. They were Brother and Sister Trollman, a Christian couple that attended every service of the church. Brother Trollman, in his 80’s, was nearly blind. His “guide” was his 78-year-old wife, who was lame in one foot. They lived in a small two-room apartment, barely surviving on a fixed income. Being unable to afford bus fare to the building, nearly 3 miles distant, they walked to church every Lord's Day.

Here I was, headed for worship in a warm bus, but only because of my duty as song leader. And out there, trudging through the cold and snow, was an elderly, handicapped couple determined to attend the same worship due to their love for their Lord.

I was ashamed of myself and my weak love for my God. But that devoted couple, without a word, taught me more about commitment than scores of sermons.

‘I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord."’ (Psa. 122:1)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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64% True Story

4/2/2018

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GOOD STORY, AND ALMOST TRUEPerhaps you have read the highly circulated “Glass of Milk” story. It tells of Howard, a destitute lad, who went door-to-door selling goods so that he could buy food and attend school. Nearly starved, he came to a house and planned to beg for food. When a young woman opened the door, he lost his nerve, requesting a drink of water instead. Sensing his desperation, she brought him a large glass of milk. When he asked how much he owed, she replied, "You don't owe anything." He left the house with a renewed sense of hope and faith in God.

Years later the same young woman became critically ill. After being sent to a large hospital, specialists were called in to study her case. One of them was Dr. Howard Kelly. After hearing the name of the town from which she came, he immediately went to her room. Recognizing her, he vowed to do his best to save her life. After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Later on, when her hospital bill arrived she hesitated opening it, fearing that the amount would be astronomical. When she looked, however, she broke into tears as she read a note on the bill. "Paid in full with one glass of milk! Dr. Howard Kelly”.

Although based on a true story, much of the above was fabricated for effect. For instance, Dr. Kelly came from a well-to-do family and he was on a nature walk when he came upon the house from which he obtained the cup of milk. Although the woman did become ill, it was not critical. And while Dr. Kelly paid much of her bill, he did the same with 75% of his patients.

Lessons?
1. Be careful about believing everything you read or hear.
2. Be careful about sharing everything you read or hear.
3. You CAN believe Gal. 6:10, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Incidentally, if you wish to see a video based on a more authentic story, go to Youtube and search for, "Thai ad sick mom".

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Resurrection - Myth or ?

4/2/2018

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THE RESURRECTION – MYTH OR..?
(REVISED, BY TERRY R BURGESS)

Two prominent Englishmen, Gilbert West and Lord Littleton, had two things in common. Both men insisted that Jesus Christ was an imposter, and that Christianity was a harmful religion that should be destroyed. After discussing strategies to eradicate Christ and Christianity, they decided to focus on the alleged resurrection of Jesus, and the conversion of the apostle Paul. West agreed to disprove Jesus’ resurrection, while Littleton labored to debunk Paul’s conversion.

About a year later, the two men convened to compare notes. To their astonishment, they had not only failed in their objectives, but each had become a staunch believer. The overwhelming evidence of Christ’s resurrection and Paul’s conversion had withstood their hostile intentions and turned enemies into advocates.

This was not the first time that overpowering evidence compelled skeptics to become believers. Are you aware that virtually all of Jesus’ disciples were initially skeptical of His resurrection? Despite the fact that Jesus had repeatedly predicted that He would rise again, it seemed like an empty promise to His followers. After rising from His tomb on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared to a group of women. Had they come to congratulate Him on His resurrection? No, but to anoint His assumed LIFELESS body (Luke 24:1). When these ladies hurried to inform the apostles, they thought the women were telling tales, REFUSING to believe (Luke 24: 10-11). It was not until they saw the empty tomb, heard Jesus speak, noticed His scars and watched Him eat did they honestly believe that He HAD RISEN (Luke 24:36-49).

What about you? Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? If not, examine the evidence, as did West and Littleton. The result may astound you and even change your life!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Kindness Counts

A Sermon I Saw

64% True Story

Resurrection - Myth or ?

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