Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.
Benjamin Franklin
Updates from December, 2009 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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Mike Riley
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Daniel Haynes
Let This Be The Year
We usually postpone the very things that ought to be done immediately. As a result, at the end of each year, we find a large deposit of unfinished business on hand. Thus, we enter each new year with the same old problems, weaknesses, failures and fears. Why don’t we determine that [this year] should be different? Let’s make this the year we really “turn over a new leaf” and blaze down the trail of life victoriously. As Jesus so aptly mentioned in Luke 2:49, may we, too, be busy in the Father’s service! Let this be the year… (Read More)
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Timothy
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Daniel Haynes
Thanks, Tim! God bless, brother.
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Mike Riley
Ramnath Subramanian – Thoughts On Our World
Ramnath Subramanian, a sixth-grade science teacher at Eastwood Knolls School in El Paso, writes for the El Paso Times on educational topics every Thursday.
He provides us some wise words of exhortation as to what to teach our children during the upcoming New Year.
Ramnath Subramanian: Our World Could Use More Virtue, Less Waste
In his article, he emphasizes the wasteful mindset that exists in our educational establishment as well as in our country. In his native country, India, waste was virtually unheard of – everything that could be used was used.
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Mike Riley
If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance. Children must learn to identify the forms and content of those traits.
William J. Bennett, author and former U.S. Secretary of Education (b. 1943)
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mark mcwhorter
And for them to best learn them, they need to see them in the parents’ lives.
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Charlotte Pollock
Brother Riley, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writings.
The points made in the quote about teaching our children is so important.
Teaching and exemplifying the traits of a Christian life builds a wonderful foundation for our children. Sometimes, though, I think we take it for granted that they will understand all the why’s and how’s by osmosis.
Making sure that our children understand our motives for the way we live our daily lives, and why we believe what we belive is an important point to me.
After Jesus explaned the parable of the tares, at the apostle’s request, in Matt 13:36, He asked them, in Matt 13:51, “Have ye understood all these things?”. It was very important to the Lord that his apostles truly grasped the meaning of His teaching.
As important as it was to the Lord, it’s equally important to Christian parents to take the time to make sure that our kiddo’s really do understand the Gospel message, that we live and teach, so that they will develop their own faith and know how, and want to live, a life of faithful service to the king.
Keep up the good work.
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Mike Riley
Charlotte, thank you for the kind words of encouragement. They are much appreciated. If you can use any of the articles on my Bible study blog, please feel free to use them as you see fit. I do have articles pertaining to child rearing and parents leading by example.
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Bernard Barton
First of all the adults need to emulate the character traits they want the children to possess because children imitate the traits they see ijn adults: Atheletes, Singers, actors from La la land, Christians in the church and away from the church setting; you and me
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Daniel Haynes
God Is In Control
One of the messages that resonate from “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” is that God is in control! Several clever descriptions from the Apocalypse reveal this truth. (Read More)
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Bernard Barton
I believe thtat God is still in control of His creation even though man is still trying to mess it up. This what keeps me going and not to lose my Faith in God, Christ and the Bible
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Mike Riley
Down Where The Calves Can Get It!
Being an old farm boy, I can really appreciate this article by Brother Jonathan Jones:
Down Where the Calves Can Get It!
He makes a perfect analogy of feeding cows and calves, to the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
We must preach and teach the saving gospel of Christ where folks of all backgrounds can understand it, otherwise we’re just spinning our wheels.
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Daniel Haynes
And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me." But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"
Genesis 39:7-9, ESV
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Richard Mansel
My Challenges in 2010
I have dreams for 2010 and meditations on 2009. Join me as I build sandcastles. Share your thoughts on my ruminations. Feedback is always helpful.
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Mike Riley
Your thoughts remind me of the old soap opera a few years back called “Days of Our Lives” where actor Macdonald Carey would say at the beginning of the show, “Like sands through the hourglass …. so are the Days of Our Lives.”
It is true that time is just as fleeting as the sand through an hourglass. When that last grain of sand runs through the hourglass, our days will be gone here on earth.
Guess that means we had better get up and get busy before that happens! (John 9:4).
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J. Randal Matheny
New Year’s Resolution
The Daily Nudge asked yesterday, and remains today, about the Fellows’ new year’s resolutions, if any. Seems to be a common practice among us, and somebody somewhere has probably traced it back to a Christian origin of seeking to grow and progress more and more in love and faith and good works. I wouldn’t be surprised.
I’m still thinking on mine. My main one tends in the direction of getting the Word into people’s ears and, then, one hopes, hearts. Not only the teaching and preaching, but the reading. I’ve dealt with that in several places here and there on the web. As Paul told Timothy, to “concentrate on the public reading of Scripture” (1 Tim. 4:13 ISV).
We assume since everybody has a Bible that they read it. Bad assumption there. Even today, with the brazillions (heard that joke?) and gazillions of Bibles running out of our ears, its content is not getting into our ears much better than when Scripture was handwritten and the rare copies kept in the synagogue.
Back to resolutions. The New Testament Bible reading schedule I’m touting ends the year with 1-2 Thessalonians. Both appropriate since they talk about the end times and growing and progressing more and more in view of the end.
And from that reading, I offer this prayer for all my friends and readers today:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say” (2 Thes. 2:16-17 NET).
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Daniel Haynes
Amen!
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Glenda Williams
Take One Day at a Time
Over six years ago when my little mother moved in with us following a serious stroke, I looked at my husband, Douglas, and asked how are we going to do this. He said, “Glenda, we’ll have to take one day at a time.” That is all we have, isn’t it? It surely makes life a lot easier to not have to be concerned about tomorrow, but to just concentrate on today.
My friend, Carl S. Sims, preacher of the Main St. church of Christ, Manchester, TN, recently did a workshop for a group of preachers. He told them to take a piece of paper and list the hours in the day in a line. Each hour they were to write down how they spent that hour. At the end of the day they could look and tell how they were using their 24 hours. God wants us to use our time wisely.
Carl Sims is the most disciplined individual I have ever met. He is a soul winner. Just the other day he told me they have baptized 86 this year. We immediately want to know what he is doing, don’t we? He gets up and reads his Bible first thing every morning. He has been reading through the New Testament from one to two times a month for over twenty years. He also reads in the Old Testament. Some days he will have as many as five Bible studies in a day, and some start as early as 8:00 A.M. He uses the Ivan Stewart Three Lesson Bible course. You may contact Carl to receive a FREE DVD of him teaching Christians how to use this study, and learn to do it yourself! The church telephone number is 931-728-3306. Tell him I encouraged you to call and request a copy. You’ll be so glad you did!
Why don’t we set as our New Year’s resolution a goal to get up one hour earlier every day and read nine chapters in the New Testament? In 29 days at that rate we will have read through the New Testament. I like to pray before I start reading and ask God to help me to absorb and understand what I am about to read that I might in some way be a soul winner. May God bless each of you in this new year. May we all use our time wisely.
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Daniel Haynes
Thank you for sharing and encouraging. I just started a new Bible reading schedule that allows one to read the entire Bible in just 88 days. God bless!
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glendawilliams
Wonderful!
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jimnewy
My New Years resolution is to find better time/more time to pray. I have tried to use the morning time to pray after my breakfast or in the evening before bedtime. This seems to be the only time I have that is quiet. But, there are times that other things move into this time, therefore robbing me. Therefore I am resolved to solving this problem.
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glendawilliams
And you WILL solve this problem. May I suggest you do your prayer and Bible reading BEFORE eating breakfast? Feed on the Word first.
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jimnewy
Glenda, I have had that in mind as an option. I thought I would try it this morning, however it didn’t work out. I’ll keep trying it. I am a person of routine or some call it habit. To break out of my usual AM routine is taking some thinking and adjustment. That is not something I usually do the first thing in the moring, or at do well. Thank you for your intrest and suggestion.
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Mike Riley
Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.
Thomas Carlyle, Scottish historian and author (1795-1881)
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J. Randal Matheny
Brotherhoodnews.com updated
Have been working on the BNc site, with a couple of new stories, as well as lots of new links on that page, and a new calendar of events, with three new items there. You can suggest events of regional, national and international interest (hint).
And, if I can get to it by year’s end, a major editorial is in the works for BNc/FMag/TFR, etc. Before the company comes tomorrow.
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Daniel Haynes
Daily Meditations from Scripture
For anyone interested, I send out daily a meditation from Scripture via e-mail. If this is something that you think might help in your Christian walk, join our mailing list
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Randal Matheny
Done. Better be good. ;-)
I always prefer to read from my spiritual family than from those without.
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Daniel Haynes
Thanks, Randal! I’ll try.
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Randal Matheny
I’m sure it will be, Daniel, as it already must be.
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Randal Matheny
I mentioned and reflected on your selection today in my blog post:
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J. Randal Matheny
Audio CC: Cast Your Burden on the Lord
Besides the good lesson with the title above, this is the neatest thing: the audio is accompanied by text, or closed captions. But don’t pause it; I had to do that (the wife was heading out to the fruits-and-veggies store), and the CC got confused. Still a good deal. From our good brother Roy Davison, in Belgium.
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Mike Riley
Here are some Bible-based resolutions from Bro. Nicholas Stacks’ blog that are very practical for the New Year:
Sharpening The Iron: http://sharpeningtheiron.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-new-years-resolutions.html
Note the highlighted letters that spell two thousand ten. That’s using the old noggin!
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jimnewy
I liked the one I found on your blog page. Why not share it with the others here.
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Mike Riley
Jim, if you will scroll down this page, you will find my posted blog resolutions.
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jimnewy
I seen it after I was scrolling down the page. These are very good.
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J. Randal Matheny
Please Welcome Glenda
TFR gains another Fellow today (could Fella be the feminine form?). Glenda Williams, whose name we’re all familiar with by now, after her reading schedule and Bible chart sheet, besides my link to her background story on her blog, has graciously consented to join us as a poster. I only know her through the Internet. And we’ve been in contact for perhaps a year, maybe a bit more. But that’s enough to know what a warm and generous spirit she is. She’ll bring many a Christian grace to the site here. Please say a welcome to Glenda.
Oh, and for those Fellows who I didn’t actually welcome but just threw them out there into TFR, my apologies. We were still in the start-up stage and the rush was on the getting things going. I should have done by you better.
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Ron
Glenda, WELCOME! You will add, in a great sort of way, to the list of the many wise contributers (less one). As Randal was merciful to me in his invite (and allowing me to contribute), he has made a great contribution to all of us with your presence! God bless!
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glendawilliams
Thank you Randal, for your kind comments. I was thinking the other day that we may never meet this side of Heaven, but I consider you a close friend and thank you for all your encouragement. Bear with me as I stumble through a new avenue of sharing those things that pull at my heartstrings.
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Mike Riley
Glenda, Welcome to The Fellowship Room! We are indeed appreciative of a “woman’s touch” in the Room, and look forward to your posts.
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jimnewy
Welcome Glenda. It’s a pleasure to internet meet you. I guess that’s a way to put it as we are not face to face. I look forward to some tidbits from your heart. I shared one of you blog post with my wife when I went to your website as I thought she might be interested it. She like reading a lot o different items, being an asst. librarian. We both thought the sheet chart was fantastic.
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Daniel Haynes
“If You Only Knew…”
First of all, I want to thank Tim Lewis for giving me the idea for this post. As is often the case when one is preaching the Message of God’s Word to an audience, a grain of truth finds its way into a heart in a way that the messenger may not be aware of or even intended. In pointing out the sad truth that some have a hard time believing that God could love them because their sin is so grievous, I was encouraged to think of my own life and admit what I knew to be true, but, like everyone else, sometimes have a hard time remembering. God loves me! Thanks, Tim. (Read More)
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Mike Riley
Daniel, I would like permission from Bro. Bates to link his blog to mine. Could you ask him if that would be ok? Thanks, so much!
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Daniel Haynes
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
Matthew 13:44-46
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Randal Matheny
Good to have the Scripture, Daniel. I’m curious as to what version this is, with the phrase, “on the lookout.” :)
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Daniel Haynes
New Living Translation. I try to be careful with using some of the modern “translations,” but sometimes they really capture the thought. I appreciate that!
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Randal Matheny
I’ve gained a recent appreciation for the NLT. Has its rough spots, but for getting a feel for a book, I like it, especially in the OT.
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Mike Riley
I’ve listed a few resolutions on my blog http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2009/12/17/suggested-new-years-resolutions-for-2010/. However, if I were to reduce all of those down to one resolution, it would be this one:
To be more like Christ, as the apostle Paul so profoundly stated in Galations 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
If I am willing to pattern my life after Christ, I will be spiritually successful this coming New Year.
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Bernard Barton
I plan on using your suggestions for the New Years Resolutions for 2010 in the Peasant Hill Church of Christ bulletin that I put out every week as the preacher for Pleasant Hill Tn congregation
I ask for your permission to use these thoughts-
Mike Riley
Bernard, you may use any of the articles on my Bible study blog as you see fit. That’s what they are there for – to be used for bulletin articles, as handouts, emailed, Bible classes, sermons, etc.
May the Lord richly bless you and the Pleasant Hill congregation this coming New Year!
Mike
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J. Randal Matheny
Re: Internet and Education
Mark and Mike have posted on distance learning and the Internet. OVU hosts an expert speaker Jan. 7 who will address, among other things, how web technology is revolutionizing education. Ought to be an interesting presentation. One wonders if the audio or video will be made available.
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Laura
OABS has been doing Internet-based classes for some time now. As I understand it, the student can even interact with the teacher.
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Mike Riley
Guess we could ask the good professor if his presentation will be online. His email address is on his web page.
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TFRStaff
Outline on Origin of Sin
G. E. Watkins has a new sermon outline on “The Origin of Sin,” dealing with its pre-eden origin, its origin on earth (Eve) and within the individual. For a taste, in the temptation with Eve, he mentions Satan’s three tactics. Here’s one:
Satan implies unfair treatment. It seems as if Satan said to Eve, “Surely God has not given you such an unfair restriction.” Today, Satan is having his way with us when he can convince us that in living the Christian life we are burdened, mistreated and deprived.
Well worth some quiet meditation on how sin thrives among and within us.
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J. Randal Matheny
Reading Material in Airports
This in the last issue of the Streetsboro,Oh., church bulletin, taken from the Fulton County Gospel News, author is Tom Wacaster:
Now, here is the truly disappointing thing about my three hours at O’ Hare. I did not see a single Bible on the shelves of that store, or any other store in that terminal. There were books on the occult, mystic magic, the new age movement, and even the Koran. But not one single copy of a Bible could be found. There were magazines to tempt the sensual pleasures, newspapers that will give you the “truth” on extraterrestrial beings in New Mexico, and “how to” books on desert survival or how to become a contestant on a game show, but no Bible. After less than five minutes perusing the shelves, I decided that my time could be used more profitably by going to my gate and reading from my Bible. For the next two hours I feasted upon the word of God, reminded myself of His great love for me, and read of that heavenly home that awaits the faithful when this life is over. Truly, I can’t think of a better way to have spent three hours at O’Hare.
A sign of the times, unfortunately, that the writer could not find a Bible in O’Hare airport. As it’s very absent from much of American society …
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Bernard Barton
When I travel by Plane All I see in the Airport are people on Computers or cell phone
People don’t even like to talk with each other any more. I like to converse witth other people to find out where they are from and where they are headed. Some times I will talk about politics or even religion
I wouldn’t buy a Bible from these places at the airport even if there were Bibles displayed because they would cost too much and I alawys carry my own Bible anyhow-
Mike Riley
Bernard,
The reason folks don’t like to talk to one another any more at airports (or any other public place) is because of a lack of trust. In my opinion (everyone has one), we live in a “fractured” society (a paranoid society), brought about by a lack of trust. Relationships are built on trust. Now days, who can we trust? Look at the most recent terrorist attack on an airline, and see if what I’m talking about is not true.
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Mike Riley
Randal, I work in the El Paso school district libraries, and I can give an eye witness report that Bibles are no longer present in any library. However, the same books Tom Wacaster talks about can be found there.
Atheism, the occult, evolution, etc. have definitely taken the place of the Bible in our so-called “education” environment. They want to be “politically correct” you know.
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jimnewy
Bill Singleton’s Mission Camboria Reort is On-site
Click Mission Cambodia under Good Works on the right hand sidebar on this page.
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Randal Matheny
For those who may not know where to find it, here’s the link:
http://www.riverroadchurchofchrist.com/SAMPSAACETPasiacam.htm
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J. Randal Matheny
Just got news that veteran missionary to the French-speaking world, S. F. Timmerman, died today at 92. More on this developing story
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Mike Riley
Sad to hear about another faithful soldier of the cross passing away. May the Lord give comfort to his family and friends.
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Richard Hill
Find a Way to Read the Bible that Fits You
A friend in TX helped me find such a way. He said he was reading 1st John. I said that won’t take too long. He informed me that his method was to read it multiple times. His objective–read it 15 or 20 times. I’ve latched onto this idea. It keeps me from getting bogged down, helps me gain new insights each time through and gives increasing clarity on the big picture. Something else I like about this particular method. It likely emulates the way the early Christians absorbed a letter.
Here’s the main thing. Read the undiluted Word of God for all it worth this next year. You and everyone around you will be greatly blessed.
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joepalmer
I do this a lot if I am preach though a book. I read it, I read it and keep reading until I understand it, can divide it in section, and understand the main point of the text.
The late Dowel Flatt reminded all of us that every letter of the New Testament was meant to be read aloud and understood on the first read. I guess I am a little slow so I keep reading.
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mtmcvb
A New Year
Adam B. CozortIf two thousand ten is like two thousand nine,
Opportunities will abound for the Lord’s work to shine.
But if the latter year is not like the first,
Will it be better or will it be worse?
The good news, my brethren, is it does not matter,
For our God will be with us for worse or for better.As we usher a new year in once again,
God will remain with us as He has always been.
However, our God requires action from us.
Will you be counted among those He can trust?
Will you stand with the faithful on the front line of battle,
or will you try to just stand in the back and prattle?As we start this new year the time is at hand,
To present God’s Word to all that we can.
Will you stand faithful and use all your might,
To stand for what is godly, true, and right?
There is no individual God does not want.
None who cannot help with the task from the front.In this new year our task should be clear:
To spread the Gospel both far and near.
Will you resolve to put God first in your life,
Whatever the conflict, whatever the strife?
To resolve to fulfill our Lord’s commands,
Even if it makes you unpopular with friends.The new year approaches, it has reached the front door.
It is time to decide what you will use this year for.
Will you come with me and stand by my side,
To hold up the banner, to fight and not hide?
With God on our side who can stand in our way?
Only ourselves, if we choose not to stay. -
J. Randal Matheny
The New Testament in 2010 for Slow Readers
If daily Bible reading plans seem daunting to you, check this one out. I’ve posted it to my website, since it reflects much of what I’ll be doing in 2010. The big deal on it, though, is that you read one chapter a day, only on weekdays.
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joepalmer
Great Idea Randal
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Daniel Haynes
Ron Coleman’s Mission Report, December 2009
Click here to read Ron Coleman’s latest mission report.
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Mike Riley
The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he’s born.
William R. Inge, American playwright (1913-1973)
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Laura
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about influence, both good and bad, and the domino effect it has. I just found this quote, and it really struck a chord. This is SO true.
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Mike Riley
What does the new year hold? Trying to keep my household above water financially, writing more Bible study articles, and devoting more time to prayer, asking God’s guidance and direction for my life, and the life of my family.
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Daniel Haynes
The next time you think you're perfect. Try walking on water.
Author Unknown
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J. Randal Matheny
New Testament Monthly Bible Reading Schedule
Some ambitious people read the New Testament once a month. Glenda Williams (again, full of ideas and Christian action; we’ve got to get her posting here) sent me this PDF reading schedule, which is basically reading nine chapters a day for 29 days to get the job done. The actual PDF was put together, she says, by Ben W. May of Andalusia, AL. Are you up to this? New Testament Monthly Bible Reading Schedule
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Ron
It is on my schedule already. Hear Robert Taylor say he did this years ago. I followed suit. It is rewarding, but it is tough. Get behind one day and…….
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Richard Hill
I like this! As a farmer the year long reading schedule goes to pot once I get in the field. This year I might adjust it to 2 to possibly 3 months considering the move and all. A big thank you to Ben, Glenda, and you, Randy, for bringing this reading schedule to my attention.
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Mike Riley
Wanted to share this encouraging tidbit from the current “Sword and Staff” publication:
A Bible Bookworm
It is said that Charles Spurgeon found an old worm-eaten Bible on the table at a Scottish wayside inn. Carefully holding it up to the light, he noticed only one hole through which the light shone. One worm, it seems, had begun at Genesis and eaten all the way through to Revelation, and this moved Spurgeon to say, “Lord, make me a bookworm like that.” Such a book-worm never turns into an earthworm, for it will have wings by and by.
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Daniel Haynes
Just before Christmas I bought a book, “The Bible in 90 Days.” I am looking forward to this challenge.
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Richard Mansel
Thanks for this schedule. I’ve listened to the New Testament more than two dozen times over the years. It is a wonderful thing to do. Reading my first nine chapters right now.
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Richard Hill
The New Year Will Bring Changes
In January 1982 we moved into the old farmhouse. In January 2010 we plan to move again if it all comes together. I’m sure getting tired of all this moving. It’s a big change.
Our daughter, her husband, and my granddaughter, will live in the farmhouse. In June they expect to be joined by one more little person bringing our total number of grandchildren to two. We are excited with this change as well.
Our church family continues to grow and mature. Many of our kids have made their way back home, some with spouses in tow. We have been transformed from a little country church concerned about surviving to a small thriving church with great potential. Our young singles, couples and families are proving themselves very responsible and making the most of every opportunity to grow. They are stepping up and stepping into responsible roles across the board. For this we thank God and ask he use our church family to his highest glory. This change and the promise for the new year excite me most.
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Ron
Good to hear the news, Richard. Many more state fair workers – we have to start early, you know! :-)
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Richard Hill
You’re way ahead of me, Ron. Be assured we will be promoting active involvement with the church exhibit. Aside from the benefit to the Lord’s church those teens who take advantage of the opportunity to work the exhibit develop life-long skills that are invaluable to them.
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jimnewy
Bible Chart on Bed Sheet
How neat. Didn’t find a place to comment, but I really like this.
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Randal Matheny
Reply link appeared OK to me on that post, at the top right, as usual. Not for you?
Of course, comments can be made in a new post as well. Just have to say a lot, make them nice and thick in the middle, to justify new post. :)
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jimnewy
Yeah, yeah, I see it now. Sorry I forget where this one is located. I was looking for it at the bottom.
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jimnewy
“What does the New Year hold” is a good question to ask. On one side it makes us wonder what positive things are to be shared and bless us. On the other side we wonder about the negative. Then I think, “What will be, will be”. There are some things I am looking forward to. I am looking forward to by brother Jim Reyna retuning home next month from his 90 day recovery period after is liver transplant. I look forward to continuing to find benevolent people and congregations to help in his financial needs. I look forward to a sister I am close to recovering from cancer. I am looking forward to the passing of a dear brother, He is close to dying of cancer that he has fought for over ten years. Presently I could get a phone call at anytime that he has passed on. I would rather know he is in the arms of the saints in heaven than for him to continue on here in his present condition. As the year unfolds I hope to be back here to relate more.
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J. Randal Matheny
A few links this evening for your spiritual edification and pleasure.
- Here’s what marrying into a missionary family will do to your life. Read Valerie Matheny’s Christmas Chaos.
- Mike Riley has steadfastly declined my several invitations to write for Forthright Magazine. Articles like this one, “Some Things Will Never Change,” keep me praying he’ll give in some day to my insistence.
- You’ll note some different emphases in this article, since Margaret Been is from a different group, but she’s a friend from poetry days when she was an editor and I a poet itching to get published. She writes wonderfully and I loved her point, in “Yet No Matter What ….”
- And, sneaking in under the wire, a little item of mine: Points from 1 Thess. 4:1 on “Walking to please God.”
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jimnewy
Read Mikes article and I agree with your assessment. I also found his “Suggested New Years Resolutions for 2010″ very good. I am looking forward to reading the others.
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J. Randal Matheny
I mentioned Glenda Williams as the artist who drew the sermon chart. She has a blog and besides other interesting posts like her new year’s resolutions about reading the Bible, her account, “I Prayed to Marry a Preacher,” touched my heart. It includes details of her adolescent years. A great read, especially this time of year.
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Ron Thomas
Hard Sayings (6)
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right! (Isaiah 5:22-23)It is not often noticed in Scripture that there is a difference between the words “wine” and “strong drink.” In every case where “strong drink” is mentioned, it is always in the negative; not so with the word “wine.” It is also interesting that the words “strong dink” is translated “beer” in the New English Translation (NET). What is the point? Why is it that some, including Christians, would want to be associated with that which the Lord speaks negatively about? Some, I suppose, just want to be associated with what they consider “happiness” (or a good time) more than they desire to enjoy life in a godly way. It is a struggle for all, but a struggle worth enduring for the life of the saint. I wonder if on Judgment Day those who enjoy their alcohol will desire it then!
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Mike Riley
Ron, Great point about judgment day. Once I was ridiculed by two members of an adult Bible class I was teaching on this subject a few months ago:
I simply told them that there is no individual on earth who can drink “responsibly” because after that first drink, you become “irresponsible” to a certain degree. Then I used the Brown University study to prove my point.
Then there is the point of providing a godly example before others.
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Ron
Thanks, Mike. Your words are very kind. I will check out the links soon.
Ron
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joepalmer
I agree Ron. Even if it was not stated to be a sin there is so much negative associated with the use of alcohol that I can’t understand why one would want to use wine. My biggest practical argument is that theoretically drinking is no different than playing Russian Roulette with your children and grandchildren. There is based on my research a 1 in 6 chance that if you start drinking you will have a drinking problem.
48% of people over 12 describe themselves as drinkers. 7.5 % of the total current population meet the criteria to be considered an alcoholic. That mean if you drink there is a 1 in 6 chance you will become an alcoholic. If you don’t the chance is 0%
Now if you drink statistics show that your kids are more likely to drink. Therefore you are encouraging them play Russian Roulette. Why would you take the chance? Why would you want to be a negative influence on your kids.
For more of my articles please read….http://wp.me/pwTn4-40 or http://www.joepalmer.wordpress.com
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Ron
Thank you, Joe. I appreciate your remarks.
Ron
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Laura
Good thoughts brothers. I’ve often heard my brethren rationalize that drunkenness is a sin, but drinking is not so they can drink socially with their friends. It escapes me how one can be “ready to give a defense for the hope that is within him” while drinking alcohol. One’s mental capacities are so impaired as to not be able to be sharp and quick on his feet.
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Ron
Thank you, Laura. You’re very kind in your remarks. I just sent out you link to the members of the church here in Illinois.
Ron
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Mike Riley
Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures.
Horace Greeley, American journalist and educator (1811-1872)
Timothy are discussing. 
Bernard Barton, 
Charlotte Pollock, and 1 other are discussing. 
glendawilliams and 
jimnewy and 
Bernard Barton are discussing. 
joepalmer is discussing. 
May God be with you and your work and may you lead many to the Lord. my brother is a minister in freemont Cal. he has a book on mormonism that you could use, written by them. I will try to get the name of it and he is supposed to send me a copy, if so I will copy it off for you and send it to you.