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Satan's twigs

5/28/2018

Satan’s Twigs
Dear Teenager,

If I had to forsake all other correspondence, I could not afford to neglect you, for there is truth to the adage. "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree", and I love bending twigs. Some of you are bending quite well.

Take your church habits for example. Many of you giggle, whisper and even fall asleep during Bible Class (which discourages your teacher). Others pass notes, text and make faces at babies and toddlers during worship. Several of you are too “sophisticated” to sing, and some who do sing rarely think about the words. But don't worry; many parents don’t notice such behavior, and some apparently don’t care.

I also appreciate the fact that some of you are so “into yourselves” that you ignore visitors and rarely speak to the elderly before and after services. And several of you are doing a great job avoiding fellowships and opportunities to serve others. I commend you for readily “bending” to my desires.

But not all of you are cooperating. I’m talking about those who attend Bible class to learn; who attend worship to…worship; who invite friends to church and other activities. A few of you even pray for the salvation of your friends. What’s wrong with you? Why don't you wise up and just have a good time like the others? Just bend, already!

To all you “twigs” that are bending, I look forward to seeing you in person someday.

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“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. RESIST him…” (1 Pet. 5:8-9)

Jesus, always Jesus,

Dennis

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What If Everyone Is Doing It?

5/19/2018

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BE CAREFUL ABOUT JOINING CROWDS

"You shall not follow a crowd to do evil…” (Ex. 23:2)

Once upon a time a fairly intelligent fly noticed a large crowd of flies gathered on a long piece of paper hanging near a door. Spotting a few of his close friends, he eagerly prepared to join the throng. Just before landing, a bee zoomed by calling out, "Don't land there, stupid! That's flypaper!"

But the fairly intelligent fly shouted back, "Flypaper? Never heard of it. Besides, that many flies can't be wrong, and many of my buddies are there!" In a few moments the fairly intelligent fly landed, joining the crowd…......permanently!

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Crowds are one of Satan’s most effective tools. (He likely invented the praise, “Everybody’s doing it!”) Examples of popular activities include using illicit drugs, having sex outside of marriage, “winding down” at a bar, using profanity and telling “harmless” lies. Despite the fact that God condemns all sinful activities, “crowds” tend to blur the distinction between right and wrong.

A teenager once asked his grandfather, "When you were my age did your generation have trouble with AIDS and other STDs?" His grandfather replied that such problems were rare when he was young. The boy then asked, "What did you use to prevent the spread of such diseases?” The wise grandfather replied, "A wedding ring."

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Pro. 12:15)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Mom & God

5/11/2018

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MOTHERS - PICTURES OF GOD

When we think about the wisdom, strength and protective hand of God, the term “father” may come to mind. In certain respects Christian fathers indeed remind us of our Father in heaven.

In addition, Christian MOTHERS also depict God's love, patience and compassion. For example…

·        The UNCONDITIONAL LOVE displayed by many mothers toward their children may
be the closest thing on earth to God’s undying love for us.

·        The MATCHLESS TENDERNESS that a mother displays in holding her newborn
child is reminiscent of the loving care that God provides for His children.

·        The SINCERE SYMPATHY that mothers show for scraped elbows, knees and
hearts is not unlike the infinite compassion that God has for His suffering saints.

·        The UNSELFISH SACRIFICE that devoted mothers demonstrate towards their
children reminds us of God’s generosity and benevolence to His children.

·        The WARM EMBRACES and SPECIAL KISSES given by mothers to their
children picture the deep affection that God has for each of us.

Thank God for the Christian mothers down here that accurately picture our divine Father above!

“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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A View From The Back

5/6/2018

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A VIEW FROM THE BACK
(By a substitute usher.)

Last Sunday I had the privilege of serving as an usher. In many churches ushers sit in the back to help latecomers find seats, and help with the Lord's Supper. I usually sit close to the front and don't always get a overall view of what occurs during worship, but last Sunday I did.

There is no question that the back of the auditorium is noisier and has more distractions. However I noticed many POSITIVES, including:

Bibles! Nearly everyone brings his or her Bible. This is encouraging, as it reflects devotion to God’s word.

Children! We are blessed with couples that bring babies, toddlers and young children. Although the parents may not hear every word or sing every line, they are teaching their children valuable lessons by bringing them to worship.

Teenagers! We may not have an abundance of teens, but those we have attend worship regularly, including a few whose parents do not come. Their passion for God inspires me.

Singing! Listening to the singing of this congregation helps me understand why the only music authorized in the New Testament is acapella singing. The words are inspirational.

The elderly! I noticed people who have been Christians for 50 or more years, and couples who have been married for even longer. Some of these devoted folks are not in good health, yet attend virtually every service.

Four generations! I saw families with four generations in attendance! What a blessing for great-grandparents to see their descendants worshiping God under the same roof.

Friendships! It is thrilling to see people of varying ages, races, accents and backgrounds come together as a family – the family of God!

There is a lot to see from the back of the building, and most of it is VERY GOOD!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Satan's twigs

What If Everyone Is Doing It?

Mom & God

A View From The Back

Preacher's Corner

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