GETTING MORE FROM YOUR BIBLE
 
A preacher and a soap salesman were walking down a city street. As they walked, they noticed how ill-mannered many people were. The soap salesman observed, "Preacher, your Bible must not be very effective; it sure hasn’t helped these folks.” Instead of replying, the wise preacher kept walking. Soon they saw several underprivileged children playing in an alley. They were all filthy, as though they hadn't bathed in weeks. Looking at the salesman, the preacher said, "That soap you sell must be worthless; look how dirty these children are."  The soap salesman retorted, "But soap does no good unless it’s used!”  “Good point." said the preacher. "So it is with the Bible; it does no good unless it is applied!"  
   
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Although most of us readily agree with the preacher, applying God's word can be challenging. The Bible says, “...lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). “Receive" means "to accept completely.”  If we want to benefit from God’s word, we must sufficiently accept it so as to apply it in our daily lives.  
   
James continues, “If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22b-25).  
   
Although we may frequently glance into a mirror, doing so only benefits us when we look closely enough to detect issues and make corrections. It’s the same with God’s word. Sporadic glances do little good. We must make time to carefully read it, and consider our lives in light of it.  
   
James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."  The Bible is more than a just book of information; it is God’s action plan for living. Imagine preparing for work or school, looking in a mirror and spotting a streak of grease on our face. Would we leave without first cleaning up? Reading our Bible without making needed corrections is even more foolish.  
   
Would you like a receive a special blessing today? "He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25).  
   
Jesus FIRST!  
   
Dennis

ALL THE WAY WITH JESUS!  
   
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.  
   
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Many of us have sung these beloved lyrics many times over the years. However, the amazing incident that prompted these inspiring words adds substantial weight to their message.  
   
The lyrics originated with a poem that came from the grateful heart of Fanny Crosby (blind from youth) after she received an immediate answer to a fervent prayer. One day she desperately needed $5 (nearly $50 in today’s currency), but had no idea where to get it. Following her usual custom, Fanny knelt down and began to earnestly pray about the matter. A few minutes later, a total stranger knocked on her door, and asked if she required any assistance. Moments later, he 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 FIRST!  
   
Dennis

DOES ANYONE CARE?
 
Several years ago, in a suburb of Sydney Australia, police broke into the apartment of Jorge Chambe, 64, after receiving a call from a concerned neighbor. Unfortunately, the call came too late, as Jorge was found dead in his single bedroom flat. In fact, the call came around 365 days late, as Jorge’s body, in an advanced state of decomposition, had lay dead for nearly a year prior to its discovery.
  
How was this possible? Chambe had no close relatives or friends, and his rent was paid automatically from a bank account that was funded by government welfare payments. Because he generally kept to himself, his lack of activity did not elicit undue concern. The only clue that indicated that something was amiss was an overflowing mailbox, but his neighbors assumed that he was away on an extended trip.
  
Shortly thereafter, New South Wales state Housing Minister Matt Brown asked a sobering question on a local Radio program: "How can it happen that a person can die in such a lonely way and no one know?" 
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Although the aforementioned incident is an extreme case, less severe examples of neglect are commonplace. As you read this, scores of hurting, burdened, or lonely people in Milan may be wondering, “Does anyone care?”  This might include members of the church here.
  
As we begin the year 2022, may God help us to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for anyone experiencing need, depression or loneliness. God is keenly aware of such souls (Matt. 10:29-31), and we should be, as well. Moreover, your or I may be the encouragement that God desires to provide for the hurting, downtrodden and lonely.
  
So, stay alert for such people in 2022, and provide as much attention as you can.
  
"…there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it..." (1 Cor. 12:24-26).
  
Jesus FIRST in 2022!
  
Dennis 

CHRISTIANS & CHRISTMAS
   
For centuries there has been an ongoing debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas, especially since the holiday has Catholic roots. Although many Christians decorate trees and lawns, send cards and exchange gifts, others have nothing to do with the holiday and even refuse to say, “Merry Christmas”. The following article (condensed) by the late defender of the faith - Gus Nichols, may shed light on the question.
   
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FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS  
   
There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th. But He was born. He came down from Heaven to seek and save the lost. (Luke 2:8-12).  
   
We can rejoice in Christ on December 25th just as on the other 364 days of the year. We (should not) cease to be happy in Jesus at Christmas. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). This (means) Christmas (and) all other days.  
   
Instead of revealing the date of Christ’s (birth), God has revealed the day on which He was raised from the dead — the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47).  God…wants us to celebrate this day. It is…called the “Lord’s Day”. (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7)  
   
(Yet)…there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday called Christmas. We may give and receive gifts on December 25th or any other day of the year. In fact, we should “rejoice with them that…rejoice” (Rom. 12:15) at Christmas or any other time.  There is not enough happiness in the world anyway.  
   
Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find 2000 years (later) that the world wants to celebrate His birth.  
   
Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by virgin birth.  We shall, therefore, go on teaching His truth (daily, including) Christmas.
   
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Personally, I am thankful that billions of people around the world turn their thoughts to Jesus on the 25th of December. Moreover, I enjoy the lights, songs, and snacks – especially cookies! Regardless of your feelings about Christmas, avoid judging others for their feelings, unless they are promoting error.  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis  

Letter To God  
   
“Dear God,  
   
This is Billy again. I know that you are busy, but I have an important favor to ask. Would you make Sunday come on a different day?  If you do, I think my mom and dad will come back to church.  
   
You see, they always tell me that they are too tired to get up for church on Sunday.  
   
Dad works hard during the week, and on Saturday he plays golf or goes bowling, fishing or hunting. He says that Sunday is the only day left to mow the lawn, wash the car, shovel the driveway or get a long nap.  
   
Mom is no different.  She likes to go to the stores and shop on Saturday. On Sunday she vacuums the floors, washes the dishes and dusts everything. Then she takes a long nap.  
   
Even though they are tired, they usually stay up late on Saturday nights to watch TV and eat popcorn.
   
I really want them to go to church on Sundays so that I can go, too.  Whenever I ask them, they promise to start back to church soon, but ‘soon’ never seems to come.  I am worried because we do not pray together like we used to, and I think my dad lost his Bible.  
   
So can you make Sunday come on a different day?  Then maybe we can go to church like we did before. I really miss church.  
   
Love,  
   
Billy  
   
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

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  

​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