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Praise God Anyway!

3/28/2020

PRAISE THE LORD!

The story is told of an elderly Christian woman that was well known for openly expressing her faith in God and His blessings. It was not uncommon for her to stand on her front porch loudly proclaiming, "Praise the Lord, for He is good!"

It so happened that an atheist moved into the house next door. The first time he overheard her daily proclamation of faith, he shouted back in reply, "There is no God!"

Despite his repeated attempts to silence the woman, she was unswerving in her daily affirmations of God and His goodness.

A time came, however, when the woman experienced a period of dire financial need. On this occasion, standing on her front porch, she exclaimed, "Praise the Lord! And Lord, I’m having a hard time right now. Please send me some groceries so that I may continue to praise You!"

The next morning as she walked out on her porch, she noticed a large bag of groceries beside her door. Without delay she exclaimed, "Praise the Lord for hearing my prayer and sending me groceries! God is good!"

Suddenly, her neighbor jumped out from behind a large bush and sarcastically remarked, "Praise who? Let me tell you - God did not buy those groceries; I did! Didn't I tell you that there is no God?"

Without blinking an eye, the elderly saint began clapping and dancing around her porch, proclaiming at the top of her lungs, "Praise the Lord! He not only sent me groceries, HE MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!"

(Revised – “Let There Be Laughter” – Brought to my attention by my wonderful wife, Brenda, years ago.)

It is no secret that the devil and his "supporters" will do their best to discourage and dishearten God's children. Despite their efforts, however, God is immensely greater and He will come to our aid – I Jn. 4:4, Psa. 121:1-2. So even when things appear hopeless, pray to God about it, then look for something for which you can proclaim, "Praise the Lord!"

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Trust...

3/17/2020

TRUST GOD, REGARDLESS

"He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" (Psalm 22:8)

Several years ago a troubled young man sat down with his minister and candidly admitted, "I trusted God to provide a way for me to get through college. My finances are gone, and I feel like God let me down." The minister wisely replied, "I understand your disappointment, but God didn't let you down. It may be that He has another plan for your life. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what."

Utilizing a few of his connections, the minister assisted the young man in obtaining a scholarship at a different college. While attending that school he met a committed Christian lady that ultimately became his devoted wife. Some time later he and his wife visited the aforementioned minister. During their conversation, the grateful young man said, "You were right. God didn't let me down. He changed the direction of my life in order to help me find the best possible Christian wife. I have now learned to trust God, no matter what."

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Psalm 22 prophetically describes many details of the crucifixion of Jesus. The psalmist's words, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue him", were spoken a thousand years later by scoffers that watched as Jesus died on the cross. Little did they realize that Jesus indeed trusted His Father, despite His suffering and imminent death. He believed that God had a plan. Therefore Jesus is the pioneer of our faith, teaching us to trust God, no matter what.

We are now living in the most challenging time since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Some doubt God's love, or accuse Him of letting us down. It's easy to trust God when all is well. But trying times challenge our faith. May we meet the challenge by trusting God and His word, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).

Trust God no matter what. He has a plan.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

The Coronavirus and The Church

3/15/2020

The Coronavirus and the Church

On Sunday February 16th, much of the evening service of the Milan church of Christ was devoted to praying about the coronavirus (covid 19) - its victims, their souls, their families and the alarming impact of the virus upon China and possibly the rest of the world.

At that point, we had little idea as to how quickly the virus would spread globally, nor its insidious effects on economies, the stock market, people's thinking, habits and decisions. But now that nearly 1500 cases have been confirmed in the United States, the entire climate of our nation is rapidly changing. Cancellations of professional, college and high school sporting events, concerts, parades, commencement exercises, and the progressive quarantining of health and other Facilities may only be the beginning.

Even churches across the country have been drastically affected. Commonly used metallic surfaces such as door handles and communion trays are being covered with fabric or plastic. Multiple tables or stands with hand sanitizer are being placed throughout the buildings. Increasing numbers of congregants avoid shaking hands or embracing others; some are wearing gloves and/or protective masks to services. Thousands are refusing to take communion during the service due to fears of handling the plates. (Many churches are distributing disposable communion kits to alleviate such fears.) In some cases, the evening services, fellowships and even Bible classes are being cancelled until further notice. Many churches are preparing to offer more of their services online.

Although the church of Christ in Milan (along with thousands of other congregations around the world) has not initiated dramatic changes in response to the virus outbreak, the following suggestions are advisable.

1. Pray daily about this pandemic. Pray for the victims, and those who are suffering from the effects, such as loss of jobs, etc.
2. If you are ill, please remain at home until your symptoms disappear.
3. If you are particularly susceptible due to age or other health issues, consider wearing gloves or possibly a protective mask when you attend a service.
4. Carefully observe routine precautions such as keeping your hands washed, using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face, and making certain to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
5. If you are uncomfortable shaking hands with others, just smile and say, "I love you!"
6. Trust in God, no matter what. He will get us through this.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding..." Pro. 3:5

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Period or Question Mark?

3/10/2020

DON’T INSERT A QUESTION MARK
God gave Adam and Eve one restriction in the Garden of Eden, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen. 2:16,17). However, the serpent asked Eve, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of every tree of the garden?'" Notice that the devil put a question mark where God placed a period. Because of this deceptive practice, Eve and Adam ultimately treated God’s command like a question.

Sadly, this regrettable practice continues. For example,

God said, "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day." (Ex. 20:11). Yet men often ask, "Isn’t it possible that God required billions of years to create everything?"

God said, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Prov. 20:1). But many ask, "What's the harm in having a few drinks with my friends?"

God said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6) Yet many ask, “Why should I remain married to someone that I no longer love?”

God said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned”. (Mark16:16). But millions ask, "Why can’t I be saved by faith alone?"

God said, “…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). Yet some Christians ask, "Is attending Sunday School and worship service that important?"

God said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16). But the masses ask, "What’s wrong with livening our worship up with organs, guitars, trumpets and drums?"

God said, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). Yet many ask, “Why wrong with permitting talented women to preach from the pulpit?”

The mistake of inserting a question mark where God placed a period continues to lead people astray. Let's avoid this mistake. If God said it, don’t question; just obey.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

All The Way

2/26/2020

ALL THE WAY!

All the way my Savior leads me, What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

Many of us are familiar with these lyrics, having sung them many times through the years. However, the origin of these inspiring words serves to intensify their meaning.

The lyrics are based on a poem that came from the grateful heart of Fanny Crosby after she received an immediate answer to a fervent prayer. One day, she desperately needed $5 (roughly $45 in today’s currency), but had no idea where to obtain it. Following her usual custom, Fanny knelt down and began praying about the matter. A few minutes after beseeching God for help, a stranger appeared at her door and asked if she needed any assistance. He than handed her $5.

“I have no way of accounting for this”, she later commented, “Except to believe that God put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was that it is so WONDERFUL THE WAY THE LORD LEADS ME, and I immediately wrote the poem.”

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Did You Know..... Part 2

2/19/2020

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE (Part 2)
DID YOU KNOW…
Adam’s name is from the Hebrew word a-da-ma, which means “the ground.”
The word “disciple” (or disciples") appears over 250 times in reputable translations.
The word "believer" (or “believers”) appears 3 to 5 times in reputable translations.
The word “Christian" (or “Christians") appears only 3 times in reputable translations - Acts 11:26, 26:28 and 1 Pet. 4:16.
The word "Grandmother" appears only once in the KJV Bible - 2 Tim. 1:5.
Dogs are mentioned 14 times in many Bibles, but domesticated cats are omitted.
The longest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 119.
The shortest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 117, with just 2 verses.
The longest verse in the Bible? Esther 8:9.
The shortest verse in the Bible? “Jesus wept” John 11:35.
The longest word in the Bible? “Mahershalalhashbaz" (Isaiah 8:3).
In 1631, a publishing company published a Bible with the typo “Thou Shalt Commit Adultery.” (Only 9 of these Bibles, known as the “Sinners’ Bible,” are known to exist today.)
Who reads the Bible? Women are more likely than men, older people are more likely than younger, and African Americans are more likely than other races to read the Bible.
John Wycliffe produced the first translation of the entire Bible into English. Following his death his corpse was exhumed and burned as punishment for doing so.
William Tyndale produced the first printed edited of the New Testament in English. He was later burned at the stake for doing so.
China is not only the largest producer of textiles and manufactured goods in the world; it is also the largest producer of Bibles.
The most replicated paintings of all time are Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" .
The Bible has inspired more song lyrics than any other book in the world.
The Bible is the only divinely inspired book that reveals the way to heaven –
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” Jn. 5:39.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” Jn 14:6.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Very Interesting......

2/17/2020

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE (Part 1)
DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The Bible, the world's best-selling book, is also the world's most shoplifted book.
Nearly 7 BILLION Bibles have been printed since 1815.
The full Bible has been translated into 532 languages. It has been partially translated into 2,883 languages.
Over 100 million copies of the Bible are sold or distributed annually around the world.
Worldwide, over 190 Bibles are sold or distributed EACH MINUTE.
The word “bible” is from the Greek ta biblia, which means “the scrolls” or “the books.” The word is derived from the ancient city of Byblos, which was the official supplier of paper products to the ancient world.
The Bible was originally written in 3 languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.
40 men wrote the Bible over a period of approximately 1500 years.
The first word in the Bible is “In” – Gen. 1:1; the last is “Amen” – Rev. 22:21.
There are 66 books in the Bible, 39 in the Old Testament & 27 in the New Testament.
The shortest book in the Bible is 2 John.
The longest book in the Bible is Psalms.
The longest Word in the Bible is "Mahershalalhashbaz" - Isaiah 8:1
The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 - "Jesus wept.”
Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not contain the word, "God."
Methuselah is the oldest man on record: 969 years - Genesis 5:27.
The second oldest man is Jared – 962 years, followed by Noah – 950 years.
The raven is the first bird mentioned in the Bible – Gen. 8:7; the second is a dove – Gen. 8:8.
THE ONLY PERFECT BOOK ON EARTH IS THE BIBLE – “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” Psalm 119:160

(To be continued....)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Are You Distracted??

2/5/2020

Eastern Airlines Flight 401

“These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." Matt. 23:23

On the evening of December 29, 1972, Eastern Airlines flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing 101 people. But what made that tragedy even more appalling was that it was easily avoidable.

While preparing to land in Miami, the co-pilot noticed that a light bulb on the instrument panel was malfunctioning, and he tried to replace it. Unsuccessful at his attempts to do so, the pilot placed the aircraft on auto-pilot as he tried to assist the co-pilot. In the process, the auto-pilot was inadvertently disengaged. As the pilot and co-pilot worked to replace the defective light bulb, the plane descended and subsequently crashed.

Can you imagine? 101 people died because more attention was given to a defective light bulb than to safely flying and landing a commercial jet. Yet as incomprehensible as that is, far worse mistakes are made every day.

In fact, some that are reading this article may be unwittingly "descending towards destruction" because you have become so focused on worldly things that you are neglecting spiritual matters. Millions of non-Christians (as well as many professing Christians) are so busy attending to jobs, schooling, sports, entertainment, hobbies or the social media that God, Jesus and the Bible are compelled to “take a back seat". Tragically, many of these distracted souls will be unaware of their peril until it is too late. They will find themselves face-to-face with God, totally unprepared .

Brethren, don't get so caught up with the cares and riches of this world (Matt. 13:22) that you lose sight of your eternal destination. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

All Aboard.......

1/31/2020

ARE YOU "ON-BOARD"?

Speaking of his death, Paul wrote, “…the time of my departure is at hand..." (2 Tim. 4:6) Although our “departure date” is unknown, it may come at any moment. Are you ready? Studying the following "Trip Information" will help.

BOOKING: Arrangements must be made in advance, preferably today (2 Cor. 6:2).

I.D: Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the desired gate unless their names are recorded in the official log book (Rev. 21:27).

DEPARTURE DATE & TIME: The date of departure is unknown. All travelers are advised to be ready for departure at any time (Matt. 25:13).

TICKETS: Jesus paid the full price on the cross. However, you must receive it by believing in Him, repenting of sins, confessing faith Jesus, and being baptized (Acts 2:38; Matt. 10:32; Acts 22:16). You must also hold on to your "ticket" (Heb. 3:6).

LUGGAGE: No luggage is permitted (1 Tim. 6:7). Everything you will require will be furnished upon arrival (1 Pet. 1:4).

MEANS OF TRAVEL: All travelers will be going by air (1 Thess. 4:17).

VACCINATIONS:  None required, as the desired destination will be disease free (Rev. 21:4).

CURRENCY:  Non-perishable assets can be forwarded to await the passenger's arrival. Deposits are made by giving generously and serving others (Luke 6:38; Matt. 6:20-21).

CLOTHING:  A glorious and durable wardrobe will be provided (2 Cor. 5:2-4).

RESERVATIONS: Tickets may be obtained at any time. Since the departure day is unknown, everyone should obtain a ticket as soon as possible (See “Tickets” above.). Procrastinators may be too late (2 Cor. 6:2).

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, consult God’s word (Jam. 1:21).

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

Can We Earn.....

1/22/2020

Earning Our Way to Heaven?

Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, once said, “I am telling you, if there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in…I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close.” He apparently said this in view of his tireless crusades against obesity, smoking and gun control. (I wonder if he mentioned anything about his faith in Christ?)

Mr Bloomberg's comments may seem presumptuous and arrogant to Christians, as well they should. According to the Bible, "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"  Eph. 2:8-9. Isaiah observed that our righteous works are as filthy rags in the God's sight – Isa. 64:6. Moreover, Jesus declared that we are unprofitable servants even when we do everything God asks of us - Luke 17:10.

But before criticizing Mr Bloomberg, we should examine our own thinking. Do we ever assume that we will be admitted to Heaven because we:
·        Attend church three times weekly?
·        Give generously each Sunday?
·        Read our Bibles daily?
·        Pray several times a day?
·        Help the poor?
·        Are a faithful husband, wife, father, mother, father, etc?

Don't misunderstand - obedience to Jesus, including doing good works, demonstrate genuine faith - Jam. 2:14ff. But heaven isn’t a matter of attainment, it’s a matter of atonement - 1 John 2:2. Salvation does not occur because of the good we do, but because of good that Jesus did when He died on the cross in our place - 1 Pet. 2:24.

None of us will enter heaven because God owes it to us. We will enter because we truly believe that Jesus Christ paid the debt that we can never pay ourselves - 1 Pet. 3:18.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis