All Categories

Lord, Won't You Buy Me a.......

11/26/2022

Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a.....

In January 1971 the late Janis Joplin released a song with the following lyrics,

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.

Although popular with her fans, the song is a sad parody of prayer, not surprising from a singer involved in drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. When she died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27, she was found clutching a pack of cigarettes and a wad of money.

Even more tragic is the tendency of many people (including some Christians) to think of God as a genie, ready to grant virtually any request. But the God of the Bible discourages such thinking. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Asking God to bless us with a luxury home, expensive car, or a bigger bank account is a symptom of love for the world - NOT good (1 John 2:15-17). A desire for possessions can lead us away from God and down the path of spiritual destruction.

So how can we handle desires for the “good things” in life?
 We should remember that Jesus was poor and homeless, yet without complaint (Matt. 8:20).
 We can pray that God will help us transform our thinking (Rom. 12:1-2).
 We can pray that God will help us develop self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
 We can pray that God will help us learn that contentment with godliness is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6).
 We must remember that we will carry nothing to the grave (1 Tim. 6:7).
 We can be more generous in giving to God (2 Cor. 9:6-9).
 We must remember that what we give (or do) to help others will result in treasures in heaven (Matt. 19:21-22).

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Exercise Your Gratitate

11/23/2022

THE THANKFULNESS EXERCISE

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

In the above passage the Apostle Paul challenges Christians in three ways:

1. Rejoice always! While this is easy to do when things are going well, how about when we are struggling with one or more issues? However, if we remember that God has promised to work everything out for our good (Rom. 8:28), it becomes easier.

2. Pray without ceasing! Paul does not mean that we should spend every waking hour in fervent prayer, but to pray consistently and persistently. No day should pass without prayer!

3. In everything give thanks! Again, it’s easy to be thankful for the good things in our lives, but “everything" includes the "not so good" things, as well. Don’t misunderstand - I doubt that Paul meant that we should be thrilled about everything that happens in our lives. However, we can LEARN to thank God for virtually anything.

Doing so requires PRACTICE. It’s like exercising your body. Paul practiced thanking God so often that he did so even while chained to the wall of a prison. No matter how bad the situation, Paul always found something for which to thank God.

So where do we start? A great exercise is to “Count Your Blessings” when you begin your day. Don’t get out of bed until you have thanked God for five or more specific things. If married, have your spouse do the same. (Don’t forget to include the kids!) And if you repeat this exercise before retiring at night, you will soon find that you are thanking God for virtually everything!

“Therefore by Him 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 FIRST!

Dennis

Ready For A Thief?

11/23/2022

Ready for a Thief?

One of modern society's necessities is that of physical security. Small businesses spend up to $10,000 for security systems, along with monthly fees up to $300 to mitigate the possibility of theft. Some fairly modest homeowners pay $1,000 for home systems, along with $50 monthly fees.

Aside from such elaborate systems, many of us install deadbolts and video doorbells to deter thieves from breaking into our homes. Moreover, virtually every modern vehicle comes standard with a burglar alarm.

And don't forget the threat of bank, credit card or identity theft. Although LifeLock and similar companies can help, none of them guarantee that one's sensitive financial data is 100% safe.

The bottom line is that despite the aforementioned security measures, it's impossible to prevent all thefts or predict when thieves will strike.

Jesus was well aware of this in His day. In fact, He employed the thief as a metaphor to describe His second coming and the end of the world. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only (Matt. 24:36-44). He went on to say if the master of the house knew when the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into (v.43). He concluded by saying, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (v. 44).

To avoid being unprepared, we must be ready and watchful at all times for the coming of our Lord. Paul warned, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thess. 5:6).

As long as we are faithful to Jesus and stand ready for His return, we can watch with eagerness for that great day
(John 14:1-4). It IS coming. Are you ready?

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Always your servant in Christ, Dennis

Being a Sheep Can Be Great

11/23/2022

Being a Sheep Can Be Great!

The 23rd Psalm may be the most popular chapter in the Old Testament. It is a song of comfort and assurance based on the competence, compassion and guidance of the Lord - the ultimate "Shepherd.”

During His ministry, Jesus frequently employed the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep in connection with His loyal followers and Himself. In doing so, He provided His followers with many wonderful assurances. Several examples are below:

 Jesus is deeply concerned for those without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36).
 Even ONE sheep is worth saving (Luke 15:1-7).

 Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20).

 Jesus is the Good Shepherd for sheep from all nations (John 10:16).

 The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

 The Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name (John 10:3).
 The Good Shepherd watches over His sheep (1 Pet. 2:25).
 The Good Shepherd will never abandon His sheep (Heb. 13:5).
 The Good Shepherd gives His sheep abundant life (John 10:10).
 The Good Shepherd will separate His sheep from the goats at the judgement

(Matt. 25:32-34).

We are exceedingly blessed to be sheep of the Good Shepherd. Praise God and Jesus Christ forever!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Truly Scary......

10/26/2022

TRULY Scary Facts
(Revised and adapted, by Kevin Harrington, East Foothill Church of Christ)

Like it or not, Halloween is here. Children are excited as they get their costumes and bags ready.

Some Halloween traditions are cute - pets dressed up as people, infants dressed up as pets, plus an infinite variety of innovative costumes. And then there are the “scary” aspects of Halloween - yards resembling cemeteries with life-like "zombies", skeletons, ghosts and vampires. Plus "haunted" corn mazes, barns, houses, movies and the like. By November 1, however, even the scarier aspects of Halloween quickly fade.

However, here are a few TRULY scary facts to be aware of year-round:

Fact #1: All of us are sinners. Paul reminds Christians in Rome that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). It doesn’t matter how good we’ve been, we have sinned. Many people do not like to admit this to themselves. They prefer to think that they are essentially good, even better than most. But the fact is that we have all messed up - badly. We aren’t perfect or nearly so. We all do wrong.

Fact #2: There are consequences for virtually every mistake and sin we commit. Again, Paul warns the Romans that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). That means eternal death. The vast majority of people NEVER think of death as being the consequence of sin, but it is. Those who continue in sin will one day face eternal death in hell.

Fact #3: There is GOOD NEWS! We don't have to die eternally and suffer in hell! Paul reminds the Romans that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). When we accept Jesus as God's Son, confess our faith before others, repent of our sins, and are baptized into Christ, Jesus removes the consequences of ALL our past sins.

In Jesus Christ, we have true hope. He IS the answer for the truly scary things in life. Instead of fearing eternal death, we can live in full expectation of being with Jesus forever in Heaven. Prase God!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Time

10/17/2022

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..................................?

10/11/2022

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

Pencils.....

10/11/2022

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.

*******************************************************************************************

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

Thank God for..................

9/30/2022

Thank God For Our Bible Class Teachers

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…" (1 Cor. 12:28)

One of the most important groups in the church is a collection of unsung heroes that pour their hearts and souls into their labors, and often go unrecognized for their efforts. To our Bible class teachers, we thank God for you!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children the BIBLE! There are a lot of people teaching our kids a lot of things, but only a small collection of heroes teaches them the Bible!

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they teach our children the Bible ONLY! In some churches, class time is filled with games and activities unrelated to the Bible, designed to keep the children entertained. Our teachers focus on God’s word.

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they are some of our hardest working members, spending many hours in preparation, as well as teaching. (NOT counting the time spent arranging and decorating classrooms!)

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they voluntarily take on a difficult task. Can you think of a more challenging charge than teaching young children? The level of commitment (and frustration) involved leads to few volunteers, resulting in teachers being asked to teach without breaks. (HINT: We need more teachers, or even some willing to fill-in for a month or two!)

We thank God for Bible Class Teachers because they make a difference in our children’s lives! Many of us fondly remember Bible class teachers we had when we were young. Today’s teachers are also making long-lasting impressions on our children, possibly eternal impressions!

Teachers - we rarely show you the appreciation you deserve for your skills, time, effort, headaches, patience and love for our children. But on this day, we remind you that we not only appreciate you, but we cannot do without you!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis

Beware of Fire!

9/14/2022

Beware of FIRE!

Wildfires have again ravaged thousands of acres in the western U.S. In addition to the staggering loss of property and wildlife, the toll on human lives has been even more tragic. In order to mitigate the threat of additional fires, hundreds of announcements, warning signs and burn bans have been implemented in many areas. Even smoking outdoors is frequently prohibited. Violations can result in prison terms, not to mention huge fines.

Just as fire departments and forestry services have posted and stand ready to enforce such warnings, the bible warns of a far more serious fire hazard. Below are a few examples of these warnings:

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God - Psa. 9:17.

Fiery vengeance awaits those who do not know or refuse to obey God – 2 Thess. 1:8.

Many people choose the wide gate and broad road that will lead to a fiery end - Matt. 7:13.

Those who cruelly refer to others as fools are liable to hell fire - Matt. 5:22.

Those who refuse to help others in need will go away into eternal punishment - Matt. 25:41, 46.

The unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and liars will be cast into the lake of fire - Rev. 21:8.

Unfruitful branches (Christians) will be cut off and burned - John 15:5-6.

Anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire - Rev. 20:15.

The fires of hell will never be extinguished - Mark 9:43-44.

Those who end up in hell will be tormented day and night forever and ever - Rev. 20:10.

The good news is that a fiery future can be avoided through the gospel of Jesus Christ. By believing in Jesus, repenting of sin, confessing faith in Jesus and being baptized, a person is set free from sin and the fires of hell. He or she can then live as a child of God, enjoying countless spiritual benefits and looking forward to an eternal home in heaven.

Are you a faithful Christian? If not, heed the warnings!

Jesus FIRST!

Dennis