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Storms......

6/24/2019

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Storms
 
At various times we will all encounter the “storms of life" - unpleasant trials and difficulties. These ordeals may come in the form of sickness, accidents, financial issues, job or school problems, marriage difficulties, or concerns connected with children, parents or even our beloved pets. One look at our sick list confirms that the “storms of life" abound.
 
Such trials and sufferings will always be a part of living in an imperfect world, brought on by the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden. Unless we are careful, we might even find ourselves counting our problems instead of our blessings.
 
In a world beset by natural catastrophes, disease, political turmoil, economic upheavals and the threat of war, we may sometimes feel alone and overwhelmed by life’s difficulties. However, it will help immensely if we keep the following in mind.
 
God did NOT promise to take away or eliminate our troubles in this world. In fact Jesus alerted His followers that they should expect trials and persecution - John 16:33. He added, however, that His disciples could have peace knowing that HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD.




No matter what is occurring around us, God HAS promised that He will “never leave nor forsake" us (Hebrews 13:5). Moreover, when trials abound, we can obtain comfort and hope through His Word - Romans 15:4. Furthermore, we are assured that NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD which is in Jesus Christ - Romans 8:35-39.
 
When the storms of life approach, as they most certainly will, apply the words of the apostle Peter, “...CAST ALL YOUR CARES UPON HIM; for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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Good News and Bad........

6/24/2019

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Bad News, GOOD NEWS!
 
There is a lot of bad news out there, as reflected on TV and the internet. Senseless mass shootings continue. The rates for violent crime are increasing. The threat of war and terrorism are ever present. The stock market continues its roller coaster ride and thousands of jobs are in jeopardy. If that were not bad enough, each of us periodically faces personal issues including financial, health, family, and relationship concerns. Job was correct when he said, "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward" - Job 5:7.


But the good news is that God loved us enough to send His Son to die on the cross to save us - John 3:16, Rom. 5:8. By believing in Jesus Christ and submitting to Him as Lord, we can eliminate life's biggest problem - SIN and it's unthinkable eternal consequences – Rom. 6:23.


Thus, regardless of what is occurring in the world, in Jesus Christ we have peace and reconciliation with God, a real purpose for living, and the promise of eternal joy and reward in Heaven. This amazing hope enables us to prevail over all the bad news that the world and Satan hurls in our direction. Praise God that His good news is overwhelmingly victorious over all the bad.


"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)


Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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Where Have All The Fathers Gone?

6/16/2019

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WHERE HAVE ALL THE FATHERS GONE?
 
The biblical model of a family consisting of a father, mother and children is no longer the norm in our country. Newer textbooks refrain from depicting two-parent families because they are alien to many children. In some school systems, children with two parents are reportedly asked to invite only one parent to school functions in order to avoid confusing the children possessing one parent.
 
Statistics indicate that in 1960, only 5% of America’s children lacked both a father and mother. By 1980 the number had risen to 18%, and by 2000, 33%. That number now stands at over 40%. In the vast majority of one-parent families, the father is absent.
 
Casting aside biblical standards, thousands of women (and men) consent daily to sexual relationships outside of marriage, often resulting in one-parent homes. Moreover, as divorce statistics mount, mothers (in most cases) are compelled to raise children alone. Many feminists assert that, other than donating sperm, fathers are superfluous, thus enabling them to bear and rear children alone. Lesbian couples also insist that two women can raise children more effectively than a man and woman.
 
Are fathers needed? Absolutely! God’s pattern from the beginning was that of a father, mother and children. Ignoring God’s pattern, however, is devastating America. A popular rap artist who was murdered years ago confessed, “I know for a fact that had I had a father, I’d have some discipline. Your mother cannot calm you down the way a man can. Your mother can’t assure you the way a man can. My mother couldn’t show me where my manhood was. You need a man to teach you how to be a man.”  Hundreds of thousands of current prison inmates couldn't agree more. And the Journal of Research on Adolescence confirms that children without fathers are the most likely to end up behind bars.
 
The world needs fathers. More importantly, it needs Christian fathers.
 
“Honor your FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exo. 20:12, Eph. 6:2-3).
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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Don't Bet On Tomorrow

6/9/2019

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Don't Bet On Tomorrow!


“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jam. 4:14).
 
Are you aware that more than 150,000 people die daily on average? Tomorrow will never come for countless thousands. Moreover the majority of these have no clue that their earthly life is about to end. What if tomorrow never comes for you or me?
 
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT I AM SAVED. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Moreover He commanded us to believe in Him – John 8:24, repent of our sins - Luke 13:3,5, confess His name before others – Matt. 10:32, and be baptized – Mark 16:16. Have you given your life to Jesus and obeyed His commands?
 
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT I AM FAITHFUL TO CHRIST. Revelation 2:10 states, “Be FAITHFUL until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” “Faithful” means to be persistent, steadfast, obedient to the end. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Are you still faithful to Jesus Christ?
 
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I WANT TO BE BUSY SERVING THE LORD. The apostle Paul urged, “…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). He added, “…let us not grow weary while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9) Are you serving the Lord every day?
 
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES I WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT I AM A LIGHT TO MY FAMILY & FRIENDS. Jesus said, "Let your LIGHT SO SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Paul added, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Do I want my loved ones to follow the example I am setting for them?
 
We need to be prepared for the possibility that tomorrow may never come. Are you? If not, do something about it TODAY!
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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First Things First

6/1/2019

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FIRST THINGS FIRST
 
I once heard some good advice about starting the day off right. “Since the first 90 seconds sets the tone for the rest of the day, begin each day with a smile!”
 
Over the years I’ve encountered numerous people that begin their days with similar rituals. One man begins his day by enthusiastically clapping and exclaiming, “It’s going to be a great day!” Another goes from his bed to his knees, earnestly thanking God for another day of life. I've heard of others that spend their day by thanking God for 10 blessings.
 
Even King David apparently observed a similar ritual. “O God, You are my God; EARLY (first thing in the morning) will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for you in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name."  (Psa. 63:1-4)
 
If you want to begin each day in the best possible way, try doing one the following immediately after waking:
  • Count your blessings! Thank God for the day, His grace, His word, your salvation, family,
health, home, heat, food, job, etc.
  • Read a Psalm or Bible passage related to gratitude. (Try Psalm 23, 37, 42, 46, 56, 100,
117, 136, 139, or 145.)
  • Spend a few moments telling God how much you love, need and appreciate him.
  • Sing a song of praise to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
 
“Since the first 90 seconds sets the tone for the rest of the day, begin each day with God in mind!”
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis
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