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Christian Memorial Day

5/30/2021

THE CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL DAY?

Memorial Day commemorates Americans that died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. This holiday was initially established to honor Union soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include all U.S. military personnel that have died in military conflicts involving our nation.

Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Millions of grateful Americans visited cemeteries, stood or wept in silence, and placed wreaths or flowers on the graves of those who had died serving our country. It was not a celebration, but a time of respectful remembrance.

Unfortunately, the significance of Memorial Day has declined for many Americans. It is now considered the “start of summer”, a good excuse for a family trip, spring-cleaning or watching the Indianapolis 500. While there is nothing wrong with these activities, fewer and fewer Americans visit cemeteries or take time to acknowledge the courageous souls that paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom.

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But there is something even more regrettable. Sunday, the Lord's Day, is a “Memorial Day” that surpasses Mondays’ national holiday. This is the day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering and death of Jesus. Today (and every first day of the week) is a sacred occasion that deserves solemn observance.

Unfortunately, millions of Americans (including some Christians) have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is a day to sleep late, work in the yard, play golf, fish or pursue other hobbies. Ignoring the importance of the Lord’s Day is jeopardizing countless souls, leaving them at the mercy of the devil.

Observing Memorial Day is fitting, but honoring God and Christ on the first day of the week is much more so.

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Hold My Hand!

5/30/2021

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Hold My Hand!

"As I travel thru this Pilgrim land there is a friend who walks with me.
Leads me safely through the sinking sand; it is the Christ of Calvary!
This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day to help me do the best I can.
For I need thy light to guide me day and night, blessed Jesus HOLD MY HAND!”

These words, originally penned by Albert Brumley in 1933, have been sung countless times by Christians. The message is timeless. Many of us can remember how comforting it was when a parent would reach down and grab our hand before crossing an intersection or entering a crowded store. Even when we took our first steps in life, the strong, steady hand of a loving parent was readily available to grab our own if we lost our balance.

Spiritually speaking, God does the same for us every day. In Psalm 73:2, David wrote "…as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped." In verse 23 he followed up with these words, "Nevertheless… You hold me by my right hand." What a relief it is to know that when we encounter obstacles, stones or cracks in the path of life, God is always nearby to reach out and take our hand!

We sometimes wish this life would proceed more smoothly, minus the pitfalls, potholes, headaches and hazards. However, it should bring us comfort and assurance to know that, regardless of what lies ahead, God is nearby, extending a strong, steady hand.

Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. (Stanphill)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Our Forever Family

5/16/2021

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“Were part of the family that's been born again; part of the family whose love knows no end;
for Jesus has saved us, and made as His own, now were part of the family that's on its way home.
And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together, heartaches and sighs;
sometimes we dream together of how it will be, when we all get to heaven – God's family!

(Written and composed by Lanny Wolf – 1974)

Those lyrics aptly describe the Lord’s church. The apostle Paul wrote, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the HOUSEHOLD of God…" (Eph. 2:19). Moreover, in 1 Tim. 3:15 he added, "I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the HOUSE of God…"

The Bible reveals 9 obligations that Christians have to the other members of God’s family.

1. We must love one another – 1 Pet. 2:17. (Keep in mind that genuine love must be demonstrated – 1 John 3:18.)
2. We must forgive one another – EPH. 4:32.
3. We must comfort and edify one another – 1 Thess. 5:11.
4. We must provide physical or material assistance to one another – Gal. 6:10, 5:13.
5. We must visit one another – especially widows, shut-ins, the sick and those that require encouragement – Jam. 1 27, Mt. 25:36.
6. We must pray for one another – 1 Tim. 2:1.
7. We must try to rescue those that are going astray – Gal. 6:1; Jam. 5:19-20.
8. We must discipline one another when needed – 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Rom. 16:17.
9. We must strive to inspire and motivate one another when we assemble – Heb. 10:24-25.

Remember – being part of God's family means more than coming together a few times a week for Bible study and worship. It means fulfilling the obligations of an eternal family.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Do Mothers Do Much?

5/6/2021

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Mothers are Irreplaceable!

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” (Prov. 31:10)

A man returned home from work one rainy afternoon and was shocked to find his three young children in the yard, still in pajamas, soaked and playing in the mud. Rushing into the house, he could hardly believe his eyes. The family room was cluttered with toys, coloring books, half-eaten snacks and dirty clothes. In the kitchen, cereal dotted the floor, syrup dripped from the counter, dishes filled the sink, and the refrigerator door was standing wide open.

Panic rising in his heart, he quickly ran upstairs, stumbling over toys and more dirty clothes. He was stunned to see water trickling from the bathroom. Peering inside he saw soaked towels, wet tissue, spilled shampoo and bath toys scattered on the floor. The counter and mirror were smeared with toothpaste.

At this point he KNEW that something was terribly wrong - his wife was extremely ill, or possibly worse. As he dashed to the master bedroom, he was astonished and dumbfounded to find his wife comfortably curled up in bed, reading a novel and snacking on popcorn. She glanced up, smiled, and cheerfully welcomed him home. Incredulously, he exclaimed, “What on earth is going on here?” She winked and calmly replied, “Honey, when you return from work each day, you always ask if I’ve done anything useful around the house. Well, today I didn’t!”

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Although fictional, the above story serves to remind us of the countless important things that mothers do which husbands (and children) frequently take for granted. Let’s make it a point to express gratitude to our mothers for ALL the good they do each day. What would we ever do without them?

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Tough Choice?

5/6/2021

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SHOTGUN OR RIFLE?

Two pioneer hunters were attempting to kill as much game as possible to feed their hungry families. As they approached a small clearing one morning, they spotted a small herd of deer. Each man carried a gun – one had a Winchester repeating rifle, the other a Remington double barrel shotgun. Knowing that they would have only one shot before the deer would bolt, the question immediately arose - "Which gun should we use in this situation?"

The man carrying the shotgun whispered, "I’ll use my shotgun. That way we can hit three or four deer!"

The other men replied, "But we may not bring even one of them down, and they’ll likely escape far into the woods. We’d better use my rifle and get one for sure!"

"We may drop one with your rifle” countered the first man, “but think of all the meat that will get away!"

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Which gun should they use? Experienced hunters know - the rifle. After all, what good is it to hit several deer if you cannot bring a single one down? One is infinitely better than none. And hopefully there will be another day to hunt the remaining deer.

This story helps us to understand the most effective way to win souls to Christ. Far too many use the “shotgun” approach - vague remarks about the Bible, non-specific invitations and an occasional, “God bless you.” While their intentions are noble, they rarely bring others to Jesus.

Conversely, those that are the most successful in leading others to Christ focus on one soul at a time. They select a relative, friend or associate, begin praying for them, and regularly invite them to Bible School, worship services or fellowships. And that’s just the beginning. They also look for openings to talk to them about heaven.

So put away your shotgun and pick up your rifle. Select one person and devote time, energy, and prayers for him or her. Don't give up until they submit to Jesus or move “out of range”. God may use your persistent efforts to win that soul to Christ. But even if not, others lost souls are waiting for someone like you to come along.

“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Christian Memorial Day

Hold My Hand!

Our Forever Family

Do Mothers Do Much?

Tough Choice?

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