The Healing Power of Gratitude
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psa. 136:1)
Modern studies continue to confirm what Scripture has taught for thousands of years: a thankful heart is a healthy heart. Gratitude reduces stress, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, strengthens relationships, and even increases life-spans. Long before researchers discovered these truths, however, the Bible declares, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 17:22). Thankful people, after all, are generally more joyful than others.
Why does gratitude act like “good medicine”? Because it shifts our focus from what is wrong to what is right, from what we lack to what God has given, from earthly struggles to heavenly hopes. Even in hardship, we can be thankful for God’s presence, His grace, His promises, and His ability to bring good out of difficulty (Rom. 8:28).
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, let us yearn for the healing, strengthening, Christ-centered habit of gratitude.
‘In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”’ (Luk 10:21).
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis

The Grace of Helping Others
One of the most inspiring characteristics of the Lord’s church is its compassion for those in need. From the earliest days of Christianity, believers understood that faith and love must be active, not idle. When famine struck Judea, the disciples in Antioch immediately determined to send relief to their brethren (Acts 11:27–30). Each one gave “according to his ability,” showing that generosity is not measured by how much we give, but by the love that moves us to give.
Throughout the New Testament, Christians are urged to “do good, to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). The apostle Paul described giving as an act of grace — a reflection of the very heart of Jesus, “that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Cor. 8:9). When we open our hearts and hands to others, we reveal the very character of our Savior.
Today, as we participate in Orphan Sunday, we are following the same pattern of love shown by those early disciples. Every gift given in the name of Christ — whether large or small — meets real needs, brings comfort to the hurting, and brings glory to God. May we give cheerfully and gratefully, remembering that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
Dennis

Honoring Those Who Served

“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)

As Veterans Day approaches, our hearts should be filled with gratitude for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. They have stood in harm’s way so that we might live in safety and freedom. Many have sacrificed years away from their families; some have given their very lives. Truly, we owe them a debt we can never fully repay.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 13:7 that we are to “render… honor to whom honor” is due. While this passage speaks broadly of our duty toward those in authority, it also reminds us of a broader Christian principle: to give sincere respect and appreciation to those who serve others selflessly.

When we honor our veterans, we reflect the heart of Christ Himself, who said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). As Christians, we should also remember that we, too, are soldiers — enlisted in the Lord’s army, fighting not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Eph  6:10–13).

May we express our heartfelt thanks to all who have served, while recommitting ourselves to faithful service in the cause of Christ, our Commander and King.

Be a light for Christ in 2025! 

Dennis

BE CAREFUL LITTLE TONGUE WHAT YOU SAY…
 
The wise man wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Prov.18:21). He meant that the words we speak have both the power to heal or destroy.
 
The apostle Paul stressed that we should use our tongues to help or encourage others – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).
 
Conversely, James repeatedly warns us against using our tongues to hurt, demean or disgrace others - “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law” (James 4:11).
 
It will help immensely if we avoid beginning any sentence with the following:
 
·        “Did you hear what ________ did the other day?”
·        “I was shocked when I heard that ________ shops at Cannabis stores!”
·        “I think it’s terrible that ________ received another citation for speeding!”
·        “Just between us, _________ needs to bathe or shower more often.”
·        “Don’t tell anyone else, but I saw ________ purchase booze at Walmart yesterday.
·        “This may not be true, but I suspect that ________ may be in trouble with his parents again.”
·        “I probably shouldn’t say this, but ________ acted as if he had been drinking the other night.”
·        “Rumor has it that ________ is getting a divorce.”
·        “I would never have dreamed that ________ is a chain smoker!”
 
It is one thing to correct someone that is heading down the wrong path, but another thing to tell others about it.
 
“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Pro 11:13).
 
Be a Light for Christ in 2025!
 
Dennis