Updates from November, 2009 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Mike Riley 10:35 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My greatest joy of late is the area wide singing that took place at the Montana Street congregation yesterday (November 29, 2009). We had approximately 162 members of the church show up from all areas of El Paso, despite rainy conditions. The song service was in both Spanish and English. Refreshments were served after the service.

    Thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with members I had never met, and talking to members that I hadn’t seen in quite a while. Definitely an inspiring and faith-building event enjoyed by all!

     

  • James M. 10:18 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Fund in memory of Helen Gray 

    I’m pasting the information here from the Facebook page, so it can be accessed by everyone.

    The Brothers of Zeta Eta Theta (ZHO) have set up a fund in memory of Helen Gray the daughter of Brian and Kristy Gray.

    This is open to ANY and ALL brothers and sisters that would like to give to this lovely family…not just Brian’s ZHO Brothers. (More …)

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:48 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Is There a New Testament Pattern? 

    It is claimed that there isn’t a pattern in the New Testament that tells us how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in the work and worship of the Church. However, they fail to understand that the human mind naturally thinks in terms of patterns.

    God gave explicit directions in the Old Testament and there is absolutely no indication that He would get to the New Testament and throw open the doors to anything that man could conceive of to do?

    When has God ceded all authority to man?

    God did give us instruction and guidance in the New Testament as to how to serve Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, et al). But, why wouldn’t He, if that is how we think?

    For more on the New Testament pattern see here, and here and here

    What sighted person has not stared at clouds or wood paneling and tried to perceive patterns in the designs? Who does not seek structure in the movies, novels, articles  and conversations that we engage in?

    Here are some quotes from the secular world that show clearly the innate human need for patterns: (More …)

     

    • Mike Riley 10:42 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Richard,

      You stated: When has God ceded all authority to man?

      Answer: Never.

      In fact, Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18-NKJV; cf. Colossians 3:17-NKJV).

      • Richard Mansel 2:52 am on December 1, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Absolutely.

  • James M. 7:40 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Finally! I bopped out my article today at Forthright Magazine, as I sweltered in the heat and fought that wet-rag feeling and mental lethargy that the high temps bring on. You judge if I was successful or not, with Get Out of My Life!.

    I’m trying to decide if it’s going to be useful or not, and I got the feed installed on my personal website, but my FriendFeed account is up if you have any use for it. I couldn’t get it to list the Forthright site, however. Perhaps a sign it doesn’t like the Moveable Type software, who knows?

    The Daily Nudge asks our greatest joy of late. Mine would have to be having my wife and daughter with me, after a lonely weekend. They went on a women’s retreat and I was left staring at two dogs who wanted their biscuits which I couldn’t find and discovered we didn’t have. Good thing I didn’t get devoured by these ferocious beasts. I’ve taken hits for it, but I’ll say it again: pets ain’t family. So my joy was to have the ladies of my life restored to me.

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:21 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Simplifying the Process 

    Most of the Biblical doctrines that people claim are too difficult to understand are actually concepts that they have no problem with in everyday life. Everyone understands only having one right answer when it comes to a secular subject. But when asked to apply this simple fact to the Bible, their brains become scrambled.

    Everyone knows why patterns are necessary but when the subject arises in terms of the New Testament, the very idea becomes hopelessly confusing. Being under one covenant at a time is so simple that a small child can understand it. But frame the same concept in a Biblical sense and the greatest minds in the religious world turn to mush.

    These truths prove two things: First, the fleshly human mind will rationalize anything that contradicts its desires. Second, Satan’s lies are phenomenally successful.

    Let us not allow Satan to cloud our minds and obscure the glories of God’s Word (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7).

     

  • Daniel Haynes 4:26 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My greatest joy of late is rediscovering the powerful teaching and encouragement derived from Christ’s assembly singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of song!

     

  • Richard Mansel 4:22 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Abstinence Education 

    The Cybercast News Service reports:

    An independent task force assembled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  to issue recommendations on the best way to teach teens how to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases has reported that “comprehensive risk reduction” programs are more effective than abstinence programs, even though the CDC will not release the data the task force used to reach its conclusion.

    Supporters of comprehensive sex education in public schools have a greater agenda of sexual liberation, which is manifested in a host of aberrant lifestyles.  When sexual barriers fall, society begins to crumble as a study of history will discover.

    Parents need to be teaching their children about sex education so these young people will be prepared. God invented sex and completely supports it within the confines of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). When Christian parents fail to teach their children to be sexually pure and healthy, they do them a dangerous disservice and can bring great harm to the family for generations.

    People criticize Abstinence Education in schools because they fail to understand the bigger picture that is required for it to be successful. When Abstinence is taught and young people have sex anyway, it is seen as evidence of the inherent futility of the program. Yet, if they would understand that Abstinence Education does not happen in a vacuum and that there are many complications that occur, they will be less critical of abstinence and more so of society, as a whole. It will work if we will live righteously as a nation.

     

    • Mike Riley 10:52 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Richard,

      Some folks think the concept of abstinence is unhealthy and impossible, but the inspired writer Paul, didn’t think so (1 Corinthians 9:27-NKJV; cf. Romans 6:11-14-NKJV; Romans 8:13-NKJV; Colossians 3:5-9-NKJV).

  • Richard Mansel 3:45 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My greatest joy of late is renewed health after being sick for much of 2009.

     

  • Weylan Deaver 3:01 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Clare Boothe Luce,   

    “The truth is that very little can be done by government to shore up the family, although a great deal can be done and has been done to hasten its collapse.”

    Clare Boothe Luce was U.S. ambassador to Italy under President Eisenhower, and served on President Reagan’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. The above quote is from a 28 May 1978 speech, as reproduced in the December 2009 Townhall magazine, p. 75. And she is right. Government cannot force people to behave morally. But it can create an environment which fosters immorality, and that is what we have today.
     

  • James M. 1:56 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    We’re after more information about a tragic accident in Ala. Paula Harrington tweeted:

    Pray for the Grays from Faulkner. Lost their 3 yr old in car accident. Mother in serious condition.

    When we get some more info, we’ll post the story to BrotherhoodNews.com.
    Also, word has it that the son of a Christian couple in Ribeirao das Neves, near Belo Horizonte, in Brazil, was recently assassinated. We’re working on getting more details on that as well.

     

    • Randal Matheny 2:32 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      About the Grays’ accident, Dean Kelly has given us permission to use an article he adapted for BNc. Now on the site.

    • Mike Riley 4:09 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      This is indeed a tragic story. We’ll be praying for the family, asking the Lord for His provision of healing and comfort.

  • James M. 9:08 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    50 things to expect in heaven 

    As promised, here is a segment of Don’s email from last night. Reading through this list gave me a stronger desire to obey the Lord in order to see those gates swing wide open and to hear that wonderful welcome into the eternal home of God. Here’s Don …

    50 Things We Might Expect in Heaven, by Don Petty

    1. We will all know God.

    2. Jesus will be our brother.

    3. It will be a place where we hold all truth in common with those around us.

    4. There will be no hospitals, jails, insane asylums, or retirement homes. (More …)

     

    • Mike Riley 10:25 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I’m looking forward to Number 22: There will be no one in poverty, and no anxiety and dread of payments or bills or debts.

  • Richard Mansel 4:31 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Time management is my greatest challenge. Being blessed with certain abilities means that I need to be utilizing them for the glory of the Lord. Yet, life intrudes and complicates the tasks ahead of me. I try to do better, but lately, it has not been working. I have two writing projects that are languishing in my mind. They need to be put on paper. Maybe a new day will move me closer to theses goals.

     

  • James M. 12:25 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Read on my personal website my short Sunday review of meetings at SJCampos & Taubate, with a picture of our guest speaker at latter. (We work with two congregations on Sundays.) Plus a small celebration.

     

  • James M. 9:58 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Our function in heaven 

    Don Petty, of the Lewisville TX church, sends out a weekly email on Sunday nights to the 70, encouraging us to consider how to turn around the decline in the American church. He’s given me permission to share portions of it with you. Don was a vocational missionary in Iraq back in the 1970s. He was on the team that developed Tostitos.

    Tonight Don sent out “50 things we might expect in heaven,” which I’ll share tomorrow, but tonight, I’d like to post a piece from last Sunday’s mailing, about what our function in heaven will be. Something of a fun exercise for the Christian.

    What will be our function in Heaven through eternity? Have you ever pondered that question? Have you ever wondered if there will be work for us to perform? Would it be like God as we know Him to leave us aimless, without something productive to do? What might that be?

    Will there be some further kinds of creation(s) God will perform? Another earth or type of earth with living beings? And will he offer them a way … and judge them?

    Will we be involved in any further creative work God would do?

    Okay … I can’t answer those things. But I like to wander through the portals of Heaven wondering and imagining, praying and hoping.

     

    • jimnewy 12:07 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Those are some good questions posed by Don. I have often wondered myself of these same questions. Will there be more than what He has revealed. On the other hand I figure if He had revealed more then there would be those that wanted to go to heaven to obtain all the blessings of an afterlife, not because they love Him and serve Him while here on earth. Will be looking forward to the 50 things we might expect in heaven.

  • Laura 9:11 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    We had a most excellent lesson this morning on the meaning of being “unequally yoked with unbelievers”. Many people think Paul is discussing marriage, and there is no doubt that one can be unequally yoked in a marriage with a non-believer. However, as was pointed out, the context is not discussing marriage. In fact, marriage isn’t even mentioned. The context is discussing the need for Christians to come out of the world and be holy. The conclusion of the matter is that one can be unequally yoked in any relationship in which we allow the other party to have power over us such that we sin. We are not to enter into such relationships, nor are we to remain in such relationships. What are some ways a Christian can be unequally yoked with unbelievers in the world today?

     

    • jimnewy 12:16 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I was once a business partner with a non-Christian. Things went well for quite some time. Then overtime there were small things that caused me to question this relationship based on an unequal yoking. Most of this was on the way money was being used. Eventually because of my protesting, hiding the checkbook from him, the bank taking his signature off the account, he resigned and dumped the business on me. I later got out of the business myself. But I often wondered if God didn’t bless this business because I had chose to partner with a non-Christian.

      • Laura 12:30 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        That is one of the relationships the brother discussed. His conclusion ( and I tend to agree) is that such is not inherently wrong, but can be or become wrong. The example he gave where it would be wrong was if a non-believing partner had the power to and made the decision to sell alcohol (if the business agreement granted such power). In such a case, the Christian would be profiting from the sell of alcohol and, perhaps against his will, engaged in the selling of such. That would be an unequal yoking. A Christian must remove himself from that relationship, unless he can change it somehow.

        A similar situation I believe we need to be on the look out for is these “employment agreements” that many employers require their employees to sign. While the intent of these agreements is to protect the company from theft of proprietary information, some of the agreements go too far in granting power over the employee, even after the employment is terminated. We should read all such agreements very carefully prior to signing.

  • James M. 3:49 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My greatest challenge as a child of God is to resist the desire to see immediate results from my efforts. I tend to get discouraged when I don’t see things happening and people changing. I’m what Brazilians would call, in this area, imediatista, one who lives for the moment or thinks of what’s happening in the present without looking to the future.

     

    • Lee Parish 8:27 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I too struggle with patience in this way. I want broken things fixed, people who are hurting well, and sinners converted right now. I also struggle with allowing my plans to come to culmination. I want the things that should happen next week to happen now.

  • Mike Riley 3:13 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My greatest challenge as a saint is to remain faithful in a sinful world. This is why I’m thankful that God has provided the means through which our faith can be strengthened (Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 10:24-25).

     

  • jimnewy 2:13 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    My greatest challenge as a saint the fellow saints that disappoint me. It is very sad and depressing to me when I see and hear my fellow saints do and say things they should know not to say and do. Ignorance can surprise. The challenge is to overcome shock and surprise in order to admonish and edify before the opprotunity passes.

     

  • jimnewy 2:07 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    New Blog Entry 

    http://jimnewsted.preachersfiles.com/2009/11/29/idolatry-and-sorcery/ is a link to my blog. The sins of idolatry and sorcery are not mentioned much in sermons yet they are mentioned in Ga. 5:20-21. It might surprise you how they are related today.

     

  • Ron Thomas 12:48 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    THANKGIVINGS REFLECTIONS

    Reflecting upon the works of the Lord (in history), people find strength, and the lonely heart finds a home. Time and again we are exhorted to pay attention to our individual history; let us learn from the mistakes in the past that we can live a more peaceful life. David, earlier, tried to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem only to have a disastrous situation come upon him. David learned a dreadful lesson, he was angry and then afraid. No doubt, after reflection, he learned that the Lord is to be praised, and not lightly treated (1 Chronicles 15:13). David had the Lord foremost in his mind; on an even earlier occasion, when his men all but turned on him, it was to the Lord that he sought comfort (1 Samuel 30:6). David had personal experience from which to draw; we, too, should draw from our own personal experience and praise the Lord for His works.

     

    • Randal Matheny 10:08 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, I think that personal history is why Abraham could hope against hope when he got the command to offer his son Isaac. He already knew what the Lord had done for him, had a whole collection of personal experiences with God that gave him certainty that he would make good on his promise to make of him a great nation through that promised son. I need to recuperate in my own personal history such experiences of seeing God move and act to strengthen my own hope and faith and provide still more reason to praise him. Thanks!

      • Ron 10:18 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks, Randal.

        With respect to Abraham, we discussed him in Bible class this morning and the kind of faith he had (Rom 4). In GN 12, what did Abraham have to draw from? Whatever it was (or was not), he answered the Lord’s call. Abraham’s faith is to be ours (Romans 4:22-24).

        As I pay bills, I feel like I have NOT Abraham’s faith! All the more that I need it.

  • Laura 12:25 pm on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    My greatest challenge as a saint is holding my temper when I see people willfully lying, cheating, etc… as if there is nothing wrong with it. Saints are supposed to exhibit self-control and peace. We need to learn controlled-righteous anger and sin not. We aren’t to let the sun go down upon our wrath. That’s a tough one.

     

  • Ron Thomas 11:54 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Melancholy   

    My greatest challenge is not in the failings of others, it is in my own. My greatest joy is not in the strength of others, it is when I can look back on the day and not note failings of my own. This sounds more melancholy than it actually is, but it is why I like John 6:68-69 so well.

     

  • James M. 10:21 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Yesterday, the Daily Nudge asked the Fellows what was their favorite Bible verse. Today we ask what their greatest challenge is as a saint of God.

    Remember: at some point or another people will disappoint you. God, never. He is faithful, the God who cannot lie, the Lord who always keeps his promises and serves as our blessed hope. We may not, like Abraham, know how he will fulfill his word, but we know that he will do it.

    As you worship the Lord with his people on his day, may you be a blessing to many as you encourage and uplift others by your presence, by your voice, by your steadfastness, by your Amen.

     

  • jimnewy 2:17 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:3-5 “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” There was a time in my life when I repeated this verse to myself constantly. I still carry a copy of it in my check book. Still to this day I study a portion of God’s word and reflect on it each and every morning. It surprises me how much I have grown in God’s ways than my own, when I think about it.

     

  • Mike Riley 12:19 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    The World Needs Leaders 

    Just came across this blog this afternoon on Twitter. This gentleman (Chris Brady) defines leadership:

    Leadership is not a subset of management theory or political theory or business theory. It is central to all human activity. There are always those individuals who dare to stand up to injustice, stand in the gap of need, and stand on principle. They use what they have, where they are, to fix what they see as being wrong. They improve things, move them along, and contribute to the overall picture by their individual actions.

    That is leadership.

    Chris goes on to say:

    And we need it now from individuals everywhere.

    As Christians in the Lord’s kingdom, we can certainly “Amen” that statement!

    Now comes the most soul-searching question of all:

    Will you respond?

    Brethren, not only does the world need leaders, but the church of our Lord needs leaders as well.

    Let us pray that God will provide church leaders willing (quoting from this gentleman’s article) “to stand up to injustice, stand in the gap of need, and stand on principle.”

    Now the question is, “Will we as members of the Lord’s church respond?”

     

  • Laura 8:19 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Fox News is having a special on Joel Osteen at present. His wife, called his “co-pastor”, just said, “God is not harsh. God is not condemning.” No scripture was provided to back up this claim. Why?

     

    • Richard Mansel 8:48 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      There isn’t a passage to support it, as you know. It is a classic liberal fantasy.

      • Daniel Haynes 11:53 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Out of curiosity, do you know what the context was that led up to this statement?

        • Laura 12:38 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink

          The feature was discussing Joel’s success and comparing his “style” with that of various denominations (but not by name). He acknowledged to the interviewer that there were others with different styles and that some disagreed with his ways. He stated that he liked to bring a positive message to give people hope, or something to that effect.

    • Mike Riley 8:54 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      The Osteens are promoters of a social gospel, telling folks what they want to hear, rather than what God wants them to hear (1 John 4:5-6).

    • Trae Webb 9:14 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I don’t know what Bible people who say this read. It certainly isn’t the same Bible that we read. My Bible states, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die…” (Ezekiel 18:23.)

    • jimnewy 2:07 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      In today’s society liberal progressives, whether political or religious, ignore consequences. Their messages are all positive and upbeat, ignoring facts and consequences. Look around. Our children are being educated without being allowed to fail. There is no such thing as evil. Sin don’t exist. The list could go on and on.

      There is always to sides to most everything. A positive and a negative. Poeple like the Olstens ignore the negative, build on the positive, dupe the people and enjoy the profits.

      • Laura 2:15 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Woe to them that call good evil and evil good. – Isaiah 5:20

        • jimnewy 2:18 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink

          Amen!

  • James M. 7:40 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    I’m often encouraged and instructed by Don Ruhl’s twice-daily email devotionals. They’re short and to the point. Here’s one from this afternoon.

    The Power of Humility
    By Don Ruhl

    Since we should submit to one another, clothing ourselves with humility, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5), Peter made this conclusion, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

    Humility is one of those many things in life that produces the opposite of what we expect. As people of the world, we think that humbling ourselves before others will humiliate us and hurt us, but Peter assures us that it has the opposite effect. Since God works in your life, He will exalt you when you submit to others and be humble.

    Try it and see what happens.

    You can receive Don’s devotionals by sending an email to this address and then replying to the confirmation request.

    Don should be logging some of his wisdom here on FR as a Fellow before long.

     

  • Daniel Haynes 5:47 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    One of my favorite Bible verses is Galatians 2:20 because Paul understood the redemptive work of Christ as being personal. He uses seven personal pronouns in this one verse. To know that the redemptive act of Christ is personal, living in an impersonal world, means more to me than words can express.

    “Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”

     

    • Kathie 10:01 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Galatians 2:20 is also MY favorite verse, I’m glad to see it is yours. For over 10 years I have used it in my signature
      “I’m a Galatians 2:20 Woman.” It gives me an opportunity to tell others about the verse.

      • Daniel Haynes 11:43 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Kathie,

        Glad to know that it is your favorite verse too. I suppose it is fair to say it was yours before it was mine. God bless.

  • Mike Riley 4:56 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    To me, some of the most edifying verses in all of Scripture are found in Romans 8:28-39, where the apostle Paul talks about our victory over persecution, the forces of evil, and even death itself. For the faithful Christian, nothing can ever separate us from the love of God and Christ – a truly beautiful and inspiring section of Scripture.

     

  • Mike Riley 4:40 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    A good man is not a perfect man; a good man is an honest man, faithful, and unhesitatingly responsive to the voice of God in his life.

    John Fischer
     

  • Richard Mansel 4:32 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    John 14:1-6 because it is the impetus for a life lived to the fullest. We know that we shall win and that Christ will come and retrieve us and we will not have to wander and worry about finding our way home. He is the way, the truth and the life and the only way to the Father. Amen.

     

  • James M. 4:29 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Glad to have Ron plugged in and contributing. I was privileged to experience his hospitality recently and to enjoy a conversation between us two preacher-types.

    Today’s header: if you know who’s birthday it is today (supposedly), you might get what the pic represents. Comic book version. I won’t be changing the header pic every day, though, so don’t get used to it.

    Proverbs 28:17 impressed me last night: “If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him” (ESV). That last phrase is frightening. Some actions put people beyond the pale. I pray I never pass the point of no help.

    Today on the Daily Nudge, seen only by the Fellows, I ask their favorite Bible verse and the reason behind it. Prov. 28:17 isn’t mine, by the way.

     

    • Lee Parish 8:32 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I know! I know! (supposedly)

    • Randal Matheny 1:12 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Today, according to one website, is John Bunyan’s birthday. He wrote Pilgrim’s Progress. The header pic is a comic book version of that work.

      • Lee Parish 2:04 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        I see you have already changed the header. I like the new one better :). The Pilgrim’s Progress is quite the famous work.

        • Randal Matheny 2:09 am on November 29, 2009 Permalink

          Yes, after I’d put up the comic book version of PP, I wasn’t terribly pleased with it, but left it there. Now that we’re in the 29th UTC, I decided to change it before my bedtime, which is fast upon me. I’ll leave this for a few days, I suppose. Have a blessed First Day.

  • Ron Thomas 2:42 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    Hard Sayings (1)

    Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land. The LORD of hosts has sworn in my hearing:”Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant. For ten acres of vineyard shall yield but one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield but an ephah.” (Isaiah 5:8-10)

    There is a balance between ambition that is ungodly and trying to improve one’s status in life. Paul said that a love of money is a “root of evil,” and by that he meant that when money is the goal of the person, much evil is done. Those who have money as their goal might have an inclination to trample people in order to get it. Relationships that are precious are now strained, and the only this left in the strainer is “cold cash.”
    The Lord was very dissatisfied with His people Israel, and through Isaiah, He told them He would tend to this matter in a way that would be most disagreeable to Israel. Israel took no notice of the Lord’s warning and, I suppose, that is a vile consequence of misplaced priorities. It is a bad thing to not hear the Lord; it never turns out good for those who don’t hear. RT

     

  • Ron Thomas 2:41 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
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    My favorite Bible verse is John 6::68. No matter how smart one thinks he is, no matter how educated one is, there is still only one place to go. “Where could I go, but to the Lord?” A favorite hymn as well.

     

  • James M. 1:21 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Albania, ,   

    Marty Knight sent this email yesterday:

    We’re happy to announce that the 2010 Romania-Albania Missions Conference is just around the corner. The dates for the event are January 8-10, 2010 and the conference will be held at the Prestoncrest congregation in Dallas, Texas. The Ovilla church of Christ will co-host the event with Prestoncrest.

    Please note that the website address has changed slightly from a “.com” address to a “.net” address. We apologize for any confusion that this may create, but we found it necessary to change hosting providers.

    The conference website is now at: http://www.romaniaalbaniaconference.net

     

  • James M. 12:41 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , toolbars   

    Online Bible resources multiply daily, but this appears to be one worth some attention. I’m not one to give up valuable monitor space, so I tend to dislike toolbars. But the Tyndale House toolbar seems to offer a lot of options. I’ve downloaded it, and plan on taking it for several test drives before I decide to leave it or delete it, but I suspect it’ll become a fixture. And, yes, you can hide the toolbar when not using it.

    These folks are ahead of the curve: the toolbar works in IE, Firefox, Flock and Safari.

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:32 pm on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Meditations on Thanksgiving 

    As Thanksgiving begins to fade away like the dwindling leftovers, here is a fresh, piping hot dish from Mike Brooks to chew on. Enjoy.

     

  • James M. 10:26 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    More on gratitude 

    Just read over the Streetsboro OH church bulletin, in which one power verse was highlighted.

    Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Heb 12:28 ESV).

    Of all the blessings God gives, this is the greatest. I mentioned to a Facebook friend that, without redemption and hope of eternal life, all the other blessings are nothing but the meal before the execution.

    Have read an article, just today, recommending we give thanks for the (U.S.) Union, along with a remembrance of Lincoln’s sacrifice, and another urging us to give thanks for … retailers. For those of us who believe in the free enterprise system, I suppose that’s not too far-fetched, at the same time we caution against materialism.

    No one ready to venture what is the header picture? Something you’ll see lots of on Black Friday.

    I was pleased to see the positive reactions to the FR yesterday on our launch. We hope to keep providing fodder here to make it a place to keep coming back to. If I can just find those Fellows who said they’d join in.

    Have a great evening and weekend.

     

    • Lee Parish 10:37 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      I don’t know what that header is Randal, but I do know how grateful I am to God. He has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3).

      • Randal Matheny 10:49 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        That’s an amazing verse, isn’t it, Lee? I use it on the Brazilians a lot. We’ve got it all in Christ. I’m still trying to let the truth of that sink in.

        I’ll probably leave up the pic through most of tomorrow, but before I call it quits tonight I’ll spill the beans. But I’m four hours, at this time of year, ahead of U.S. Central Time. So I’m not much longer for this day.

        • Lee Parish 11:23 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink

          One of my favorites. At times I am guilty of overvaluing the small blessings. I was just enjoying an Oklahoma sunset, which to me is a blessing, and I am grateful for it. However that sunset, and this computer, and this country are all blessings that pale in comparison to Christ. “We’ve got it all in Christ,” AMEN!

        • Randal Matheny 12:15 am on November 28, 2009 Permalink

          And now, the answer you’ve all been waiting for: the header picture is of shopping bags, duly cropped to fit the site’s requirements. The original has a feminine hand securing the handles of them all.

          Last for today: I just found out that this week of Thanksgiving was also National Bible Week, so declared by the NBA. But the explanation of the site leaves much to be desired, omitting the main reason for reading the Bible, that of salvation from sin and eternal life. Why you read the Bible is just as important as the fact of reading.

          With that note, I leave you the night, God bless all.

    • Richard 2:55 am on November 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      It’s uh. . .uh. . .brightly colored driedel. There–you have a guess now, but are you sure they’re selling a lot of those on Black Friday?

  • Mike Riley 6:22 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    For Those Using Twitter and Facebook 

    For those of you using Twitter and Facebook, I’ve downloaded and am using TweetDeck.

    With this software, you can post to both Twitter and Facebook accounts all at the same time, plus see constant updates in both accounts.

    It’s a very practical piece of software and it’s free.

     

  • Richard Mansel 5:51 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    The Gravel Hill Church of Christ website has a listing of publications produced by members of the Church of Christ. They have done a great work in providing this list.

     

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