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Thanksgiving A to Z

11/27/2021

THANKSGIVING - A TO Z (Revised and adapted, from the Jackson Street Church Of Christ)

Although things will not perfect Because of trials and pain,
Continue your thanksgiving and Do not seek to blame.
Even when things go wrong, Fierce winds begin to blow,
God is ever present; Hold tight His truth you know.
Imagine life without Him, all Joy on earth would cease;
Keep thanking Him for all the things His Love imparts to thee.
Move out of "Camp Complaining"! No weapon that is known
On earth can match the Peace that God can yield alone.
Quit worrying about the future, Redeem the time instead.
Start every day with gratitude; Thank God for what's ahead!
Until we see Him coming Victorious in the sky,
We'll run our race with gratitude, eXalting God most high!
Yes, life has its burdens and some days will be bad, but...
Zion is up there waiting, where forever we'll be glad!

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“…let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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I Am Thankful For......

11/21/2021

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I THANK GOD FOR YOU!

As we approach what has been called “the most scriptural of holidays" – Thanksgiving, it is only appropriate that I thank YOU, the wonderful members of the Milan Church of Christ. Since my arrival 13 years ago, many of you have gone the second mile to make me feel appreciated, needed and loved.

Below are a few examples of the things you do to show me that I make a difference as your preacher.

Your support and encouragement to my wife, Brenda.
Your prayers for my marriage, ministry and health.
Your complements on my lessons and Bible classes.
Your concern and prayers for my son Dennis II, my brother Jim (& his wife) and my

sister, Kathy.
Your prayers for our safety when we are traveling.
Special gifts & treats (such as Christmas sweets, corn on the cob, jams, Zucchini &

pumpkin bread).
Your encouraging notes, cards and calls.
Your warm handshakes and loving embraces.
Your invitations to join you (or your family) for special occasions.
Your willingness to tolerate my failings with few complaints.
Your willingness to assist me in my ministry whenever needed.
And much more…



As your preacher, I’m one of the most blessed men on earth. Thank you for making me feel that way.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy…; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart…” (Phil.1:3-6)



Jesus, always, Jesus!

Dennis

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Give Me The Good News

11/13/2021

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Bad News, GOOD News!

There’s an abundance of bad news these days as reported by local, national and international news agencies. The pandemic continues to adversely affect our nation and world. Violent crime is up. The threat of war and terrorism remain. Prices for gasoline, food and most other goods are climbing. The stock market continues its roller coaster ride. On top of all that, each of us periodically faces financial, health, family, and relationship challenges.

Job was right when he said, "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble" Job 14:1.

But there is overriding GOOD news to also take into account. The news that God loved us enough to send His Son to die on the cross and pay the price for our sins - John 3:16, Rom. 5:8. By believing in Jesus Christ and complying with His commands to repent, confess His name, and be baptized, we can eliminate our biggest problem – SIN - and it's horrendous consequences – Rom. 6:23, Rev. 21:8.

In Christ Jesus we have reconciliation with God, help in trying times, a purpose for living, and eternal bliss in Heaven. This expectation enables us to prevail over the bad news that we hear or experience from day-to-day. Praise God that the GOOD news is far superior to the bad.

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

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Thank God for Devoted Mothers!

11/5/2021

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Thank God for Devoted Mothers!

One Sunday, following a sermon on the importance of sharing the gospel with others, a distraught young mother responded. Through her tears, she told me how unworthy she felt as a Christian. She explained that rearing her children at home required most of her energy and time, thus she was unable to be as involved in church activities as she wanted. Moreover, strong sermons on Christian duty (such as the one I had just preached) made her feel particularly guilty.

It was only then that I realized that I had overlooked the crucial role that mothers play at home. Although Jesus commanded His followers to share the gospel with others (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16), it had not occurred to me that Christian mothers comply with Jesus’ command whenever they teach their children about Him. Truth told, some of the most successful soul winning takes place during the daily interactions between mothers and their children.

I then assured this mother that she had nothing for which to feel guilty or inadequate. She was already busy with one of the most important jobs on earth - teaching her children about God and His Son.

I remember hearing another preacher relate a similar experience. Following a strong sermon on Christian service, he was invited out to lunch with a young Christian family. Although the husband had a job that routinely required overtime, he managed to be active in a few church programs. His wife, however, spent the majority of her time caring for their three young children, including an infant.

During the meal the wife asked the preacher if he was familiar with 1 Sam. 30:24, "But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike". She explained that King David insisted that the "home guard" be rewarded equally with those who fought at the front. She went on to say that, although she was not very active in church programs, she felt that her priority was to take care of her children and teach them about God and Jesus. "My work may not be as prominent as that of others, but I feel that I am faithfully serving the Lord, just the same." The red-faced preacher could only reply, "AMEN!”

Mothers - do not allow anyone to make you feel guilty for not doing more for the church while you are rearing your children to follow the Lord. In a way, you are doing the most important work in the kingdom!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Thanksgiving A to Z

I Am Thankful For......

Give Me The Good News

Thank God for Devoted Mothers!

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