​Autumn and Time

It's amazing how beautiful and magnificent are the colors of autumn. Bright reds and yellows, some mixed with green, are truly breathtaking, and part of God's handiwork.

The transition from summer to autumn is likewise amazing. Only a few weeks ago (at least here in southeastern Michigan) we had a few daytime highs approaching 80. And now the nights are creeping down into the 30s, and daytime highs occasionally struggle to reach 50.

All of these changes are a product of time, which seems to move faster as we age. Speaking of which, please consider the following pertinent scriptures about time.
 Time was created by God in the beginning (Gen. 1:5).
 God does not keep time as we do (Psalm 90:4; 2 Pet. 3:8).
 Time passes quickly for mankind (Job 7:6; 9:26; James 4:14).

 The time span of our lives is short (Psalm 90:10).

 Time causes our bodies to perish, but the spirit lives on (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

 Time does not change the word of God (1 Pet. 1:25).
 Jesus Christ is not changed by the passing of time (Heb. 13:8).
 Jesus Christ is truly timeless (Rev.1:8; 22:13).
 We must make the best use of our time (Eph. 5:16).

 The time of our ultimate salvation is closer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11).
 Now is the time to obey the gospel (2 Cor. 6:2).


Won't it be wonderful when time (as we know it) ends, and eternity with God, Jesus and all the saints begins in heaven?

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis 

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?

Some people are hard to please. It seems that no matter how much you do for them (or have done in the past), they are rarely satisfied and frequently ask for more.

A know a man of modest means whose grown son constantly asked him for money. In a span of a few years the man gave his son over $5000. One day the man had to turn down his son’s request because the man was himself struggling financially. When he reminded his unhappy son of all the money he’d given him in the past, his son shouted, “So what? I REALLY need the money this time!”

Are we ever guilty of not appreciating what others have done for us? Or of how much GOD has done for us? Or how much Jesus Christ HAS done, IS doing, and WILL do for us in the future? Consider the following:

1. What DID Jesus do for us?
He left heaven and came to earth - Phil. 2:6-9.
He became poor that we might be rich – 2 Cor. 8:9.
He suffered in order to aid us – Heb. 2:18.
He was punished in our place - Isa. 53:5
He gave His life that we might live - Heb. 7:27.

2. What IS Jesus doing for us?
He is in the presence of God on our behalf – Heb. 9:24.
He is making intercession for us – Heb. 7:25.
He is advocating for our benefit - 1 Jn. 2:1
He is preparing a place for us – Jn. 14:2.
He is with us now - Mt. 28:20.

3. What WILL Jesus do for us?
He is coming back for us - 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
He will present us with a crown of life – Jam, 1:12, Rev. 2:10.
He will give us joint ownership in heaven – Mt. 25:34, Rom. 8:17.
He will grant us treasures that last forever – 1 Pet. 1:3.
He will be with us forever – 1 Thess. 4:17b.

We have SO MUCH for which to thank God and Jesus. What have they done for us lately? Everything!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

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​PARABLE OF THE PENCILS 

Prior to shipping a set of shiny new pencils, the manufacturer paused and said, "Before sending you, there are five things you need to know to render superior service." 

1: You can only serve if you allow yourself to be guided by someone's hand. 

2: You will experience unpleasant “sharpening” at times, but this is necessary so that you can render continued service. 

3: You will make mistakes along the way, but don’t despair. I have supplied you with precisely what you need to erase them. 

4:  Although your exterior shine may diminish with use, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. 

5: Strive to leave a positive “mark” everywhere you go. Unused pencils are useless.

The new pencils promised to remember, and were packed with a definite purpose.

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If we as Christians will remember FIVE SIMILAR RULES, God will effectively use us in His service.

1: We can only be of service if we allow ourselves to be guided by the Master’s hand. (“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." Psa. 32:8) 


2: We may experience trials from time to time, but such experiences are needful for us to mature and learn persistence. (“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4)

3: We will make many mistakes along the way, but don’t despair. God will supply us with the blood of His Son, which completely erases them. (“…if we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7, 9)

4: Although our physical appearance will decline with time, it is what’s inside that is important to God. (“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Sam. 16:7)

5: Strive to leave a positive “mark” for Jesus everywhere you go. After all, unused Christians are of little or no use. ("Here am I! Send me." Micah 6:8; "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:16)

Each day will present us with unique opportunities to be used in Lord’s service. May we strive daily to be used by our Master and Lord.

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis