PULL THEM TO SAFETY!
 
Two young mountain climbers were attempting to negotiate a sheer cliff face on the Teton mountain range in Wyoming. Near disaster occurred, however, when the lead climber placed his hand into a crevasse and felt a sharp, jagged stone cut into his fingers. Losing his grip, he promptly fell to the end of his safety line, but a carabiner (special metal clip) then failed, leaving him dangling upside down, disorientated and helpless. Fortunately, his partner and close friend (“Two ARE better than one” – Ecc. 4:9) swiftly came to his friend’s aid, shouting words of encouragement and reassurance. Although the rescue required hours of careful, grueling work, he finally pulled his grateful companion to safety.
 
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As Christians, there are times when you and I are needed to pull fellow Christians from the perilous cliffs of willful sin, spiritual stupor or unfaithfulness. At this moment we have struggling brothers and sisters that desperately need our attention, concern and encouragement to restore them to the safety of God’s fold. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that this is an important part of our service to God.
 
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).
 
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
 
God’s word also reminds us to “look out not only for (your) own interests, but also for the interests of others (Php 2:4).
 
So, let’s begin contacting members who have not attended our services for some time (or attend infrequently). They may have lost their spiritual grip, and are helplessly dangling between God and the devil. Remind them that we love them, care for them, and desire to be in regular fellowship again.
 
Who knows what might result if each of us makes just one call, sends one text, or makes one visit of encouragement to those struggling souls who are waiting to be pulled to safety?
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

CHANGING LEAVES & CHRISTIANS
 
As autumn approaches, many of us welcome the cooler temperatures (just ask my wife) and the changing of the seasons. This reminds us of God’s assurance to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night Shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22).
 
Along with the changing weather comes the stunning magnificence of autumn colors. We marvel at the bright reds, oranges, yellows, and all hues in between as the trees prepare for the approaching winter.
 
As you know, the changing seasons are part of God’s marvelous plan, previously referenced in Genesis 8. During the summer, these same leaves provide oxygen for us to breathe, along with  shade from the heat. But as they progress through their cycle, the leaves change color, fade, fall, and eventually decay back into the earth. Come spring, we anticipate the arrival of countless green buds appearing on the bare trees.
 
Consider how our lives correspond to this cycle. While young, we are typically active, energetic and productive. As the years pass, changes begin to occur in our stamina, productivity and appearance. In time, we arrive at our final days, followed by our bodies being laid to rest in the soil. But not forever. Jesus assured us that “the hour is coming when all that are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).


Whatever “season” you find yourself in today, be thankful to God that you are still alive. And when the time comes for the body of a faithful Christian to “fall from the tree”, a glorious, eternal spring awaits in heaven!
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

Demise of Sunday Night Worship?
 
Traditions come and go. One such tradition in American churches is the Sunday evening worship service. It’s unclear when the tradition started, but records indicate that churches have been holding evening services for well over 100 years.
 
Over the past 50 years, however, there has been a steady decline in terms of Sunday evening attendances. Even in strong, thriving churches, the numbers of Christians returning for Sunday night worship are typically less than 50% of those attending morning services. To make matters worse, following the COVID-19 pandemic many congregations have permanently discontinued evening services.
 
Sadly, some Christians are relieved that they no longer need to feel guilty about missing Sunday night worship while enjoying other activities. More than a few parents rejoice that they can relax on Sunday nights while their children play or watch TV.  Some preachers are thankful because their study and lesson preparation has been reduced by 40 to 50%.
 
Meanwhile, Christians that cannot attend Sunday morning services miss out on worshipping God with their brethren. Believers that look forward to attending every service are likewise deprived of worshipping God on Sunday nights. Visitors to the area are dismayed to find vacant parking lots and locked doors.
 
Unless more Christians take Matthew 6:33 seriously (“Seek first the kingdom of God”), Sunday evening services may become the exception, rather than the rule. Or may eventually no longer occur at all.
 
So, what guidance does God give us concerning the “demise” of Sunday evening worship? “…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much THE MORE as you see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:24-25).
 
Returning to worship God on Sunday nights is not always easy or convenient, but I have never regretted doing so. How about you?
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis