HUMAN SACRIFICE
 
“Ahaz…did not do what was right in the sight of the LORD his God, as his father David had done. But he…made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out from before the children of Israel.” (2 Kings 16:2-3)
 
One of the vile practices of ancient Baal worshippers was child sacrifice. Although carried out by different means, one practice was particularly heartless. A roaring fire would be built inside a large idol, and a pagan priest would place a naked infant onto the red-hot hands of the statue. The screaming, convulsing child would burn to death in a few moments.
 
God repeatedly warned His people against imitating the cruel practices of the Canaanites. Moreover, the Israelites were to maintain strict separation from them and their wicked customs. Unfortunately, many Israelites (including several kings) mimicked some of their vile religious rituals. The aforementioned incident is a graphic example.
 
Such practices appall us today. We wonder how anyone could be so heartless as to burn an innocent child to death in the name of religion. Before pointing fingers, however, we might examine our own behavior. For example, how much time do we allow our children to spend in front of a television or computer screen, I-Pad, smart phone or game system as compared with the amount of time they spend reading or listening to God's word, or attending Bible classes?
 
Although not all television shows, videos, games or computer programs are evil, they are capable of becoming “altars”. If we permit our children to spend too much time in front of them, they may ultimately end up “burning” in a lake of fire and brimstone – Rev. 21:8.
 
As Christian parents, God expects us to make sure our children spend as much time as possible before HIS “altar” – the word, Bible classes, worship, and service activities. The more time they spend at God’s “altar” while young, the less likely they are to “burn” later on.
 
“…fathers…bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!



Dennis

WD 40 Can Clean ALMOST Anything
(Based on a recent Wednesday Devotional)
 
Although not marketed as a cleaner, WD-40 purportedly removes stickers and adhesives from glass, plastic, counter tops and containers. It removes chewing gum, tar and Silly Putty from most surfaces. It cleans the tracks in sliding windows or drawers, and removes scuff marks from shoes. It also eliminates sticky build-up on scissors and stubborn grime from barbecue grills. WD-40 removes lipstick from anything, Kool-Aid and tomato stains from carpet and fabric, and scum from fiberglass showers. It even pulls hair dye out of towels, and makes piano keys gleam. WD-40 also cleans brass and silver, and keeps them from tarnishing. (Just remember to wipe off any visible residue. *Ask Don Jones.)
 
As amazing as WD-40 may be as a cleaner, there is one “stain” that even it cannot touch - SIN! Neither can any other cleanser formulated by man. Nor can any amount or regret, tears, good works or heartfelt confessions.
 
There is only one effective treatment for sin. “In HIM we have redemption through HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…” (Eph. 1:7) In the words of Robert Lowry,
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus!
 
Sin is a blight that will doom you to hell – Rev. 21:8. Only the blood of Christ can save you. Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16) 
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

HELP BEFORE YOU HONK
(Revised, from the Jackson Street Church of Christ)
A woman struggled vainly to start her car after it had stalled in traffic. An impatient man in the car behind her soon laid on his horn, as if the noise could coax her car to life. Exasperated by his impatience, she finally walked back to his car and said, "I’ll make a deal with you. If you will start my car for me, I'll be happy to honk your horn for you!"
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Tragically, most congregations possess members that are better known for “honking” than helping. Although most “honkers” have never have preached a sermon, taught a class, led a song, or served as an elder or deacon, they are “experts” on how it should be done. Though they rarely propose a new idea or promising plan, they are the first to criticize those who do.
“Honkers” need to be aware of 3 important Bible admonitions.
1. “Do all things WITHOUT COMPLAINING and DISPUTING, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Phil. 2:14-15)  “Honkers” invariably DIM the light of the church. The church should be free from such!
2. “Do NOT GRUMBLE AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, brethren, lest you be CONDEMNED. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9)  We will be held accountable at the judgment for our “honking”. Some may even forfeit their salvation for doing so!
3. "JUDGE NOT, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, YOU WILL BE JUDGED; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Matt. 7:1-2) Be careful about “honking” at others. Otherwise we may receive some severe “honking” at the judgment.
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Anyone driving a car will be honked at occasionally. But this should RARELY occur in the church. If you feel the urge to “honk”, FIRST try to HELP. Who knows? You may just help someone “restart” his or her “engine”.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

WHERE CAN WE BE SAFE? 
Numerous studies have been conducted over the years to determine both the safest and most hazardous places to be. The conclusions of these studies are nearly always the same. Other than war or riot zones, the most hazardous places include the following:
 
Traveling by car, truck, SUV or motorcycle - 20% of all fatalities occur while traveling.
 
The home. Nearly 20% of all accidents occur at home, particularly in bathrooms or stairways.
 
Hospitals. Being a patient in a hospital for more than 48 hours greatly increases the risk of acquiring staff or other serious infections. There is also a risk of receiving inappropriate medications or treatment.
 
Walking or biking in residential areas. 16% of accidents happen to pedestrians or bicycle riders within the city limits.
 
Traveling by plane, train or ship. 15% of all accidents are connected with these forms of transportation.
                       
Hunting, particularly during firearm season.
 
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What are the safest places? Two places in particular head the list.
 
1) A Bible class. The odds of sustaining serious injury or death are less than 1 in 20,000.
 
2) A worship service. Less than 1% of all deaths occur during a church service. [The few fatalities that occur are typically related to pre-existing conditions.]
 
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What can we learn from this? ATTEND BIBLE CLASS & CHURCH AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE!
And where can we go when Bible classes or worship services are not in session? As the song says, “Where could I go but to the LORD.” Stay in the word, in prayer or following in the steps of Jesus. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” (Psa. 46:1-3)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!



Dennis

DO YOU UNDERSTAND? 
The story is told of a 3rd grade Sunday school teacher who taught her class to pay attention in worship, especially during the sermon. During morning worship that day, one of her students who was seated near the front was chattering away with a friend. Irritated, the teacher instructed the boy sitting beside her, "Please go up and tell him that if he does not quit talking RIGHT NOW, I’ll personally escort him from the auditorium.” A few minutes later, the stunned preacher paused mid-sermon when the obedient boy walked up on stage and delivered the message….to him!
 
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Many of us can probably recall situations, some humorous, in which we misunderstood instructions. While selling door to door during college, I was told that eligible prospects had to be 18 and employed. I knocked nearly 50 doors before I finally encountered a person that was exactly 18 years old.
 
Sadly, many people misunderstand some of Jesus’ instructions because they fail to consult all pertinent passages. One example is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Some boldly assert, “I stand on John 3:16 ALONE for my salvation!”  To do so, however, they must disregard Luke 13:3 & 5, Matt. 10:32 and John 3:5, in which Jesus stresses the necessity of repentance, confession and being born of water and the Spirit – baptism.
 
In the bible, the verb “believe” usually represents “a state of absolute trust as EVIDENCED by compliance, observance or obedience.” Thus Jesus statement in John 3:16, “...whoever believes in Him...” implies submission to all His commands, including repentance, confession and baptism. Claiming to “stand on John 3:16 ALONE for…salvation” is tantamount to misunderstanding His message. True understanding of Jesus’ teachings only occurs when we examine all pertinent passages. 
 
“Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you UNDERSTANDING in all things.” (2 Tim. 2:7)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis