TRUST & PUSH! ­
 
A man had a dream in which Jesus led him to a massive rock. He told the man to push against the huge rock with all his might, and repeat every day. Still dreaming, the man obeyed. Day after day he pushed for as hard and long as he could. But because the rock never budged, the man walked away at the end of each day feeling like a failure.
 
Satan soon approached and whispered, "You’ve been pushing against that rock day after day without success. Your mission is hopeless, so why try?" These words disheartened the man even more. He thought, "Why am I killing myself over this? My efforts aren’t accomplishing a thing! Perhaps I should quit.”
 
At that moment His Lord again appeared. "Lord," he said, "I’ve tried with all my might to do that which you asked, but I haven't budged that rock an inch! To this Jesus replied, “I told you to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. But I did not command you to move it. You have faithfully obeyed my command.”
 
“But”, the man retorted, “Why did you ask me to do something which proved to be useless?” “Useless?” Jesus said, “Notice that your arms are robust, your back strong, your hands hardened, and your legs powerful. By obeying me your abilities now far surpass that which you possessed before. Most importantly, however, you persisted in obeying Me, regardless of the outcome. Well done!”


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Although we may not understand why Jesus asks us to do certain things, rest assured that obedience is the important thing – 1 Sam. 15:22. Although we may not always observe fruits from our efforts, God is using us for His purposes. So, no matter what happens, KEEP PUSHING!


“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21)


Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis

Growing Fruit That Lasts


Every gardener understands that healthy fruit does not appear overnight. It requires good soil, sunshine, water, attention, and time.


The same is true spiritually. Paul reminds us that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23). These superb qualities do not simply happen by accident. They are produced as God's Word is sown and takes root in honest hearts.


That is one reason Vacation Bible School is so valuable. While many think of VBS as a children's activity, it is actually an opportunity for the entire congregation to participate in planting seeds that can bear fruit for a lifetime. Every Bible lesson taught, every song sung, every Scripture memorized, every encouraging smile, and every act of kindness helps point young hearts toward Christ.


Adults benefit from VBS as well. An adult Bible Class is offered every night. This class promises to remind us of Bible truths we sometimes overlook. Think of it as an additional opportunity to study God’s word, which in turn deepens our faith. And what adult is not heartened by the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of children?


Perhaps years from now a faithful elder, preacher, missionary, Bible class teacher, or devoted Christian will look back and remember a lesson first learned during Vacation Bible School. We may never know all the fruit that grows from four nights of faithfully teaching God's Word.


As our Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow, let each of us pray, attend, invite others, volunteer where we can, and encourage every child. God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-7), but He asks us to plant and water.


May this year's Vacation Bible School produce fruit that remains for eternity.


Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!


Dennis

Doing Nothing - the Worst Option
 
Charles Swindoll relates the story of an isolated tribe in South America whose people were dying at a relatively young age for an unknown reason. Medical specialists were eventually sent to the area in an effort to ascertain the cause. Following a painstaking investigation, the explanation was determined. A dangerous disease was transmitted by the bite of an insect that lived within the walls of their adobe homes. Equipped with this knowledge, the medical authorities presented the tribe with three options:
1)    Move to another area where the offending insects did not thrive.
2)   Burn down their homes and rebuild them with materials that would not attract the insects.
3)    Use powerful insecticides to rid their homes of the deadly insects.
 
Surprisingly, the tribe decided to do nothing, and continue to die prematurely.
 
 
Tragically, this appalling example is not unique. For instance, many of us are aware of people that persist in harmful, self-destructive habits like drinking or abusing drugs, despite the fact that they continually struggle with health, emotional, family, job or legal issues.
 
Far more tragic, however, are the multitudes that continue in a lost condition. This especially applies to those who have been repeatedly exposed to the gospel of Christ, but choose to
do nothing. Or those who previously obeyed the gospel, but are no longer faithful to Christ.
 
In such cases, DOING NOTHING is the worst possible option. The Bible says, “…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam. 4:17).
 
Our time on earth is short and uncertain - James 4:14. If you are not right with God, please DO SOMETHING today.
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis

True Independence!
 
July 4th marks the date, in 1776, on which our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring our freedom from England and our determination to be a free and sovereign nation.  Accordingly, we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.
 
For 250 years the United States of America has stood as a symbol of freedom to oppressed peoples around the globe. Moreover, we have repeatedly defended not only our freedom from oppressors, but that of other nations, as well.
 
Unfortunately, the blessing of freedom is frequently taken for granted. We would be wise to remember that our nation was not always free,and that winning (and preserving) our independence has cost the lives of 1.3 million men and women. Moreover, there are powers both without and within that are determined to see our independence come to an end. We must stand vigilant against such enemies.
 
More importantly, however, our beloved Independence Day pales in comparison with “Independence Day (from the guilt of sin)."  This occurs when a sinner hears and believes the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1), confesses Christ as God's Son (Matt. 10:32), repents of sin (Acts 17:30) and is baptized for the remission of sins (Act 2:38). At that moment the blood of Jesus cleanses him from the guilt of all past sins (Acts 22:16).
 
Moreover, he is “delivered…from the power of darkness and conveyed…into the kingdom of the Son” (Col. 1:13). As long as he remains faithful to Christ, he is assured of eternal life in heaven (Rom. 6:22; Rev. 2:10).
 
No earthly independence even comes close. Have YOU been set free from your sins by the blood of Jesus? If not, then why not throw off the shackles of sin, and obey the gospel TODAY?
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
 
Dennis

The Father Who Ran
As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).
One of the most touching pictures of fatherhood in Scripture is found in Luke 15. We often call it the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but it could just as easily be called the Parable of the Loving Father.
After wasting his inheritance in reckless living, the younger son finally decided to return home. He expected rejection. He deserved punishment. Instead, he found a father that never gave up on him. A father that was still watching, waiting, and hoping.
Jesus tells us that while the son was still a great way off, "his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).
What a beautiful picture of a father's heart! He never approved of his son's rebellion, but he never stopped loving him. He longed for restoration and reconciliation rather than revenge.
Godly fathers understand this balance. They teach truth, establish boundaries, and correct wrongdoing. Yet they also show patience, forgiveness, and grace when repentance occurs.
Our heavenly Father demonstrates this perfectly. As long as this world stands, He longs for His wandering children to come home. He never ceases to watch, wait, and hope. And He is still willing to run to them.
This Father's Day, we honor those fathers who have sought to reflect the love, patience, and compassion of our Heavenly Father. Their influence is one of God's greatest blessings.
Growing Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis

More Than Free Items
"What shall we do then?" He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise" (Luk 3:10-11).


As our Giveaway Day approaches on June 21, hours of preparation will be required to collect, sort, organize, and display the items that will be available to our community. We need as much help as possible to make this event a success.


However, while clothing, household goods, books, toys, and other items are important, they are not the most valuable things we have to offer. The greatest gift we possess is the good news of Jesus Christ.


For that reason, I encourage every member to pray for this event. Pray for favorable weather. Pray for the initiative to help. Most importantly, pray for the souls who will walk through our doors. Some may be searching for assistance. Some may be lonely. Some may be discouraged. Some may be carrying burdens that no one else can see. God knows every heart, and He may use this event to place someone in contact with His people at exactly the right moment.


I also encourage everyone to extend eager hospitality. A warm smile, a friendly greeting, and a kind word can make a lasting impression. Many visitors will form their opinion of the church not from a sermon they hear, but from the way they are treated by the people they meet. Let us strive to make every person feel welcomed and valued.


As visitors leave, we should seek opportunities to place useful materials into their hands. Information about the congregation, invitations to worship services, Bible study opportunities, or other encouraging literature may open doors for future conversations about spiritual matters.


Remember - Giveaway Day is not merely an opportunity to distribute possessions; it is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ. The items we give away may help someone for a short time, but the influence of genuine Christian kindness can last forever.


Let us pray, serve, encourage, and welcome. May God bless our efforts, and may He receive all the glory for any good that comes from this event.


Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!


Dennis

WILL YOU HELP?
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).


A STORY ABOUT EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, & NOBODY.
 
Volunteers were needed to assist with a special church activity.
 
Everybody assumed that somebody would do it.
 
Although anybody could have done it, nobody did.
 
So, somebody got angry, because it was something that everybody could do!
 
Then everybody got upset because somebody should have done it, but didn’t.
 
Alas, anybody could and should have done it, but nobody ever did.
 
Because everybody assumed that somebody would.

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“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

I thank God for the members of the church in Milan that can always be counted on to help when assistance is needed at fellowships, bereavement meals and other activities. However, the number of those who unfailingly volunteer is very limited. How about you? Please take a look at the signup sheets on the bulletin board. We really need your help. And don’t forget - God will bless you for doing your part.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb 6:10).
Building Faith That Sticks in 2026!

Dennis

For Whom Did You Pray Today?
 
“The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:15-16).
 
If you look at the contents of most church bulletins, you’ll invariably find a list of people in need of prayer. Many of these folks are sick, battling serious diseases such as cancer or other ailments. Some are hospitalized with illness or injury. Still others may be shut-in or in nursing facilities. Some may need prayers of encouragement as they go through grief or challenging times.
 
Many of these prayer lists are quite long (ours, for instance), with some names remaining on the list for months or possibly years.
 
Do we care about the aforementioned people? Of course! However, if we are not careful, we may become so accustomed to the long list of names that we limit our prayers to certain ones while omitting others.
 
As James stated in the aforementioned passage, Christians should continue to pray for one another, especially those that struggle will sickness (physical & spiritual).
 
That said, I’d like to issue the following challenge. Once a week, commit 20-25 minutes to praying for EVERY person listed. Believe me, this will bless others more than you imagine.
 
What a privilege is to go to God on behalf of others! Remember, we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). For whom did you pray today?
 
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026! 
 
Dennis

A CRUCIAL MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day is intended to honor the sacrifice of the 1.3 million men and women that died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Tens of millions of grateful Americans visited cemeteries, stood at attention, saluted, wept, and/or placed wreaths or flags on the graves of those who died while serving our country. In addition, many, if not more Americans faithfully attended Memorial Day parades, saluting as Veterans marched or were wheeled by. It was not considered a celebration, but a time of grateful and respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the significance of Memorial Day has declined for many Americans. It is now considered the unofficial start of summer, an excuse for a family trip, spring cleaning or watching the Indianapolis 500. While none of these activities are wrong, it is tragic that fewer and fewer Americans take time to acknowledge the courageous souls who gave their lives to preserve our nation and freedoms.
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Yet there is something considerably more lamentable. Sunday, the first day of the week, features a memorial that far surpasses Monday’s national holiday. This is the day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering, bleeding and death of Jesus Christ. Sunday is a hallowed day that deserves the earnest attention of every Christian.
Unfortunately, too many Christians have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is a day to sleep in, work in the yard, campout, play golf, fish or pursue other interests. Disregarding the magnitude of the Lord’s Day by devoting time and attention to less important pursuits displays irreverence towards God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Observing Memorial Day is definitely appropriate, but honoring God and Christ on the first day of each week is crucial for faithful Christians.
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7).
Building Faith that Sticks in 2026!
Dennis