Updates from May, 2011 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • John Henson 2:04 pm on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Suffering 

    Many people regard suffering as something bad; it’s something to be avoided. Certainly, suffering is not pleasurable, but it may not be at all bad.

    Suffering may be caused by things we do. It is possible to suffer through our own fault. If one subjects oneself to the bondage of addicting substances, then one may suffer health problems caused by those substances. If one does that which is wrong in the sight of God, then one will suffer the consequences of that disobedience (Romans 6:16, 17).

    But, it is possible to do nothing wrong and suffer. Job, the man who pleased God with his continual obedience, proved this to be true. Job’s three “friends,” Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar told Job he must have sinned since he is suffering. But, often, people suffer without having done anything wrong.

    Continue reading the full article at http://foolforhim.wordpress.com/.

     

     

    • Mike Riley 10:46 am on June 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good words of wisdom from God’s word, John!

      I’m going through some suffering right now with health problems my wife is experiencing, so I can testify to the fact that suffering indeed brings about patience and endurance, among other things.

  • Weylan Deaver 9:49 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    "I am going to maintain that there is no act at all that any man in the Old Testament time or the New ever had to perform in order to be saved. Salvation is received by faith, and faith is the only thing you can do without doing anything."

    Baptist preacher, Ben Bogard, arguing against baptism in the Hardeman-Bogard Debate, p. 93 (ponder the contradiction in his last sentence).

     

    • Weylan Deaver 9:53 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      That’s just one example of Bogard’s striking illogic. Here’s another from p. 97: “If you are baptized in order to become a child of God, you can’t be following Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus Christ was not baptized to make him the Son of God. He was already God’s Son, baptized that this fact might be ‘made manifest.’”

    • Ron 9:56 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      We need more occasions for there to be public discussions. Some may not feel comfortable engaging in this; others should not be engaged in this, but for those who are comfortable and charitable (but fierce), they should pursue these discussions, no matter the format.

      • Weylan Deaver 10:09 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Yes, Ron, I’m a believer in rightly-conducted public religious debates. I was astonished to read Bogard saying his debate with Hardeman was the 227th of his career (p. 94). Assuming it’s not a typo, that’s two hundred and twenty-seven debates!

    • Ron 10:18 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      There was a time when conviction meant something! Of course, this is not to relegate the conviction of those who have not the stomach for public discussions, but, in my view, if they support the endeavor, they are engaged.

    • John Henson 10:53 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Someone who wishes to circumvent the scriptures can’t make a logical argument.

  • Ed Boggess 8:26 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: casserole, chocolates, ,   

    Life is like a casserole! -JAM 

    This is Just-A-Minute. Everyone has troubles: big troubles, little troubles, simple and complicated troubles, financial, marital, health troubles. Troubles come in all sizes, colors and shapes. Forrest Gump said life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’ve got until you bite into it. That might do for Forrest but for most of us there is plenty of bitter to go with the sweet and a box of chocolates is always sweet! So I offer another metaphor: “life is like a casserole!” Casseroles are the king of church pot lucks and I’ve been to my share. The trouble with casseroles is you don’t know what’s in them until it’s too late! Underneath that appealing layer of cheese or crushed crackers might lurk green peas, asparagus or worse! When it comes to handling whatever life serves, don’t risk the casserole; instead as David said, “taste and see that the Lord is good!”

     

  • John Henson 7:52 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Thy Word 

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” (Psalm 119:11).

    How can a person put God’s word inside the mind without memorizing it?

    There is a story from the 19th Century about a courtroom in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that, one day, had no Bible. The court clerk was in a quandary to find one so witnesses could give sworn testimony. The judge said, “Just have the witnesses place their hands on Jones’ head. He’s a member of the church of Christ and those people know enough scripture to be a Bible themselves.”

    True story or not, there’s a truth in it. Years ago, children in Bible classes were required to memorize scripture. People knew many verses by heart, if not whole books of the Bible (yes, it is possible to memorize an entire book of the Bible if you want). Now, however, it’s difficult to find a class requiring memorization. Why?

    How can a person put God’s word inside the mind without memorizing it?

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

     

  • Richard Hill 7:17 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture, Day 3 

    Today’s verse is Romans 1:17

    NET© 1:17 For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”

    NIV© 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

    NASB© 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

    ESV© 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

    NKJV© 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

    KJV© 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written , The just shall live by faith.

     

  • TFRStaff 5:34 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , slovenliness   

    TFT: Building wisely 

    An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family.  He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

    The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go, and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor.  The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials.  It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

    When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.  “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.”

    The carpenter was shocked.  What a shame!  If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

    So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built.  If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

    You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. “Life is a do-it-yourself project,” someone has said.  Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the “house” you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

    (Mat 7:24)  “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

    (Mat 7:25)  “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

    (Mat 7:26)  “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:

    (Mat 7:27)  “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

    “Thoughts For Today To Brighten Your Day”

    From: Glenn, Mercedes & Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:11 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Memorizing 

    I remember when I was in school and I and all the other students were “commanded” to memorize various passages of Scripture. This were graded assignments. I am in the minority, I am sure, but I did not then and I don’t now like the idea of memorizing for the sake of memorization. To a person of “my bent” it is fruitless. It is fruitless because rote memory did (does) not educate me; it only demands of me completion of an assignment. That was how I looked at it (and still do). Because Greek requires much memorization, I struggle. However, to learn it most effectively, memorization is crucial. I have memorized Scripture, but that was the result of intensive study of a text, not just the committing to memory a passage.

    With that said, if I were in position of teaching at a school of preaching would support the practice of memorization. Though it did not work well for me, it might work well for another. In the end, I support this effort at 100 day of memorization.

     

    • Bernard Barton 11:09 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I don’rt believe in mermorization when it comes to the Word of God-I believe in FAMLIARIZATION-1st of all my memory isn’t that good any more and secondly memorizing just means you can quote what you memorize-Familiarization means you are familiar with it and you know what it says and it will remain with you-also being familiar with the Word of God means you are in it and using instead of memorizing phrases, words, etc.-SO-instead of memorizing God’s Word-be familiar with it by using it regularly and often

  • Ron Thomas 5:00 am on May 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Leviticus 16 

    With apologies for my missing yesterday’s post commitment, I resume today.

     

    Chapter 16: (Tuesday, 5/31/2011)

    1. The day of atonement (Yom Kippur). It is a big deal in Israelite history. Israelite teaching on this passage is also connected with the death of the “righteous” Nadab and Abihu. Strangely, the Chumash say that both men were righteous.
    2. Chronology of the command (16:1-2). Aaron’s approach to the mercy seat (16:3-5). Aaron shall offer the sin offering, and Aaron will casts lots over two goats before the Lord (16:9-10). Aaron will make atonement for himself and those of his household, taking the blood and sprinkling the mercy seat (16:11-14). Aaron will do this again with the blood of the goat that had been killed as a sin offering, atoning for the uncleanness of the people in relation to the Tabernacle in whole (16:15-19).  The goat that had not been killed will have all the iniquities of the sins of Israel placed on its head (spiritually) (16:20-22). Aaron will take off garments and put on garments, making a burnt offering to the Lord for himself and the people (16:23-28). This is an enduring statute (16:29-34).
    3. Application: Under the new covenant we understand the significance of atonement. For us the atonement is not in the blood of animals inside of a physical Tabernacle, carrying blood and sprinkling it on a mercy seat. We do have a High Priest, and we do have a mercy seat; our High Priest is the Lord Jesus and the mercy seat is in the throne of heaven. Atonement is “deadly” serious, and when Christians lose sight of its seriousness, they trampled underfoot the Son of God!
     

  • TFRStaff 10:01 am on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    TFT: Memorial 

    A Quick Note:
    As Memorial Day is upon our beloved land, let us reflect with thanksgiving upon all those who are in service roles. Military, Fire & Rescue, Police, Intelligence, and countless other professionals who hazard there lives daily.

    And to the widows and orphans that remain in the wake of the loss of loved ones – we honor you along with their memory.

    God bless You.

    “Just Walk With Me”

    I have a problem.  I want to tell you about it.  No, I really don’t.  I’d rather keep it to myself; handle it alone.  I do think it would be good for me to share it with you, though.  I don’t want to because I’m afraid of what you’ll say or how you’ll act.

    I’m afraid you might feel sorry for me in a way that makes me feel pathetic – like I’m some “poor thing.”  I’m afraid you’ll try to cheer me up.  That you will give me words, or texts or prayers that tell me in a subtle way to stop feeling bad.  If you do that I’ll feel worse (but hide it behind my obedient cheerful smile).

    I’ll feel you don’t understand.  I’ll feel you are making light of my problem (as if it can be brushed away with some brief words of cheer). I’m afraid you’ll give me an answer.  That this problem that I’ve been wrestling with for some time now and about which I have thought endless thoughts will be belittled.  You can answer in a half-minute what I’ve struggled with for weeks?

    I’m afraid also you might ignore my problem; talk quickly about other things, tell me of your own.  I’m afraid too you might see me stronger than I am.  Not needing you to listen and care.  (It’s true, I can get along alone, but I shouldn’t have to.)

    What I’d really like is if you would “just walk with me.”  Listen as I begin in some blundering, clumsy way to break through my fearfulness of being exposed as weak.  Hold my hand and pull me gently as I falter and begin to draw back.  Say a word, make a motion, or a sound that says, “I’m with you.”  If you’ve been where I am tell me how you felt in a way that I can know you’re trying to walk with me – not change me.

    But I’m afraid….You’ll think I’m too weak to deserve respect and responsibility….You’ll explain what’s happening to me with labels and interpretation… Or you’ll ask me, “What you going to do about it?”

    PLEASE, just walk with me.  All those other things seem so much brighter and sharper, and expert.  But what really takes love is to “Just Walk With Me.”

    I’m sure, what I want is people who have a Shepherd as their model.  People who in their own way bring to others an experience of:  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…Yes, even when I walk through the valley, You’re with me (walking with me).”

    -THEOS International Foundation (1975)

    “A friend loves you all the time and a brother helps in time of trouble.” (Prov. 17:17, NCV)

    “Thoughts For Today To Brighten Your Day”

    From: Glenn, Mercedes & Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • Glenda Williams 9:15 am on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Memorized scripture takes the edge off 

    Years ago I memorized John 1:1-5. Recently I spent three hours in a dental chair on two different occasions.

    I’ve never used gas for whatever it does, but only numbing, and on one occasion had front teeth filled without anything. I dared the dentist to hit a nerve! Not really. He didn’t hit a nerve, but I thought he charged more for not numbing me up. 

    Reciting John 1:1-5, and other scriptures, over and over as the dentist worked all those hours helped me relax.

     

    • Leah 2:50 pm on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I’ve used them during panic attacks, esp when I’m driving. For one thing, just reciting them aloud makes me regulate my breathing, and the fact that I can say something tells me it’s panic, and not asthma–it’s hard to differentiate between the two. And the message–well, that goes without saying. I have to have 4 teeth pulled this fall…it creeps me out, but I’ll remember your post. Not so sure I’ll go without drugs, though, lol!

    • Glenda Williams 4:39 pm on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Leah, if you are to have four teeth removed this fall, would you consider them putting you to sleep if they are removing them all at one time? I think I would, or have one removed at a time.

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:17 am on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , memorizing Scriptures   

    Nudge: your experience in Bible memorization 

    Richard H. started this whole ball rolling. So we’ll let it bleed over into a Nudge to ask what has been your experience, from childhood up to the present, with memorizing scriptures. Special challenges or blessings?

    Richard and I chatted a bit last night about our experiences and needs in this area.

    If you’re interested in the 100 Days of Scripture program, see the links at the site where you can sign up to get the verses by email.

     

     

  • Richard Hill 7:14 am on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture, Day 2 

    NIV© Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

    Jon Warnes is sponsoring 100 Days of Scripture (memorizing 1 verse a day, for 100 days!)

    Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192271380818538

     

  • Richard Hill 7:44 am on May 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    100 Days of Scripture, Day 1 

    NIV© James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

     

    • stevelucas 11:44 am on May 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Hey, fill us in….is this a select group of scriptures you have chosen to read over 100 days, or, something else?

      • Richard Hill 6:11 pm on May 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Steve, this was at the bottom of the previous comment by the TFR Staff. I’ll place it here for everyone’s convenience.

        STARTING TOMORROW! [Which is today, Sunday, May 29th.] Jon Warnes is sponsoring 100 Days of Scripture (memorizing 1 verse a day, for 100 days!).

        Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192271380818538

        Since Jon’s site is not a normal one for me and fearing I would forget, I decided to place the verses on TFR. Nothing fancy. Just a reminder to me and everyone else. If you are participating and would like a translation carried by the Net Bible site under their parallel translations I would be glad to include it. If I get overwhelmed I might limit it to 4 or 5 different versions.

        • J. Randal Matheny 6:18 pm on May 29, 2011 Permalink

          Good idea, Richard. VIcki and I are going to do it in Portuguese, wanna include the NVI in that mix? :)

        • J. Randal Matheny 6:21 pm on May 29, 2011 Permalink

          Richard, BTW, if you wanted to do this also, you could send the verse to this email address: post@posterous.com and a site will be set up automatically and people can subscribe to it and receive the verses through that site by email. If you wanna.

        • Richard Hill 10:06 pm on May 29, 2011 Permalink

          Well Randal, NetBible.org does not appear to have any Portuguese translations. Yeah, I know, I was surprised too. Also after spending some time with Posterous.com I’m not sure I’ll be able to make that work either. Sorry to shatter your dreams though I might take another look at Posterous later.

      • J. Randal Matheny 7:32 pm on May 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Those wanting to follow Richard’s posts for the 100 days can get his RSS feed:

        http://fellowshiproom.org/author/1happyfarmer/feed/

    • J. Randal Matheny 8:36 am on May 30, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      For those who are coming to this page from elsewhere, there’s this option to receive 6 versions in your email inbox: http://100scriptures.posterous.com

  • TFRStaff 2:29 pm on May 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Saturday night links 

    BNc asks, “Have we forgotten Japan?“

    The editor shares a poem for the weekend: “Memorial Day,” as well as a spiritual devotional, “Exclusive and Total Commitment.”

    Mike Brooks’s column today reminds us to “Run with Endurance,” and Don Ruhl asks, “With whom do you claim affinity?“

    The Christian Hub features “New blogger touches the heart.”

    Mike Riley ponders a Lance Armstrong interview to consider “Our greatest purpose in life.”

    Steven Haguewood compares prayer to “The Christian 911.”

    Joy Jensen uses a verse you’ve probably never seen applied before to “Some Thoughts About Husbands and Wives.”

    STARTING TOMORROW! Jon Warnes is sponsoring 100 Days of Scripture (memorizing 1 verse a day, for 100 days!).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:33 am on May 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , John Donne, meditations   

    ‘Whensoever mine shall come’ 

    Winter is setting in, it seems. Although the day invites laziness — cloudy, 57º, with a forecast of rain — much needs to be done today. No meetings scheduled, but plenty of other tasks, writing and such. The Maiden is teaching English at a language school on Saturday mornings from 8-11 a.m., so the mornings are quieter. Not that she’s a noisy person, no.

    • The daily devotional is done already. I wish I could keep up the English translation, but that’s down the list of important tasks. Maybe today, who knows? I used to make a bit of a deal about them being translated from the Portuguese, but these days I just stick them on my blog and let it go at that.

    • Last night, I talked to my parents for about an hour. I enjoy catching up with them, grateful to have them in my life still. Keeps me up with the old hometown as well. The other day, while in BK, the retired people’s hangout, they ran into an old school friend of mine I’ve not seen since 1975, when I transferred from Lafe school after finishing the 11th grade. Lots of water under the bridge since then.

    • Yes, I went to the same school, same building, for 11 years, then transferred my last year to Marmaduke High School, into a class three times larger. I thought it was the end of the world. Things have a way of turning out, though.

    • Thanks to Richard M. for the kind review of my book, Choose!. The sequel has gotten gummed up somewhere, but maybe I can brush off that project for another rousing success. After some other items get checked off the list.

    • Many people we know have passed on recently, not to mention the many deaths from the tornadoes, floods, and other disasters that have struck towns and cities around the globe. We pray, we send money, some are able to go and give physical help. Our brief mortality rings in our ears constantly, does it not? But the Christian is not disheartened by it. On the contrary, he can say as John Donne, in his Meditation XVI:

    God hath kept the power of death in his own hands, lest any man should bribe death. If man knew the gain of death, the ease of death, he would solicit, he would provoke death to assist him by any hand which he might use. But as when men see many of their own professions preferred, it ministers a hope that that may light upon them; so when these hourly bells tell me of so many funerals of men like me, it presents, if not a desire that it may, yet a comfort whensoever mine shall come.

    Than with that, what better way to conclude?

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:14 pm on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Memorial Day 

    Posted over on my personal blog is a letter, published in a church bulletin, from nonChristian parents to the congregation where their son was converted. Quite a touching letter and quite the contrast from most reactions of people in similar situations.

    While you’re over there, check out my battle poem as well.

    Last stanza of Grace Noll Crowell’s poem, “Pilgrimage:”

    Then surely, Lord, I can go foward knowing
    That somewhere on the hills the light will dawn,
    And I shall reach it safely if, in going,
    You still lead on.

    Am I in a poetry mood today? I wouldn’t have thought it. But I just listened to Don Williams sing “Till the Rivers All Run Dry.” That ought to stir the hardest heart, no?

    Here’s a stanza, extempore:

    How soldiers suffer, bleed unseen,
    We’ll never know;
    What horrors pass, or hells unclean,
    What demons blow;
    If not for them, defense and shield,
    We’d serve the foe;
    From sacrifice on battlefields
    Our freedoms flow.

    A somber and grateful Memorial Day for us all.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 5:31 pm on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Treehouse updated 

    For those interested, a few more updates have been made the past 2 weeks:

    http://bradd.us/treehouse.htm

     

  • Richard Mansel 5:20 pm on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Review of Randal’s Book, “Choose!” 

    J. Randal Matheny’s book, Choose! pushes us to a better life and I review his good book at my Moving Word website.

    Books come in different forms and serve various purposes. Some books are read, then shelved so they can be retrieved during times of difficulty. Like poems and Psalms, they wrap us in a protective coat and inspire us to persevere. With wisdom and guidance, they offer us a gentle push and help change our perspectives on life.

    Please stop by and read about Brother Matheny’s excellent book.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 2:54 pm on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Divorce after 40+ years of marriage 

    Yes, you read that correctly. I still can’t hardly believe it myself. A couple I know (though not well) divorced recently after being together two-thirds of their lives. He initiated the divorce saying that he hadn’t been happy for a long time; she claims to still love him. Both have obviously failed to consider the other as better than themselves (and evidently this has gone on for years).

    It made me stop and think: Could that happen to any couple? I suppose so. If one leaves their first love mentally, the body will often eventually leave too, I suppose. It’s certainly this way regarding one’s relationship with the Lord. Once a Christian no longer loves the Lord with all His mind, he will drift away in time.

    Dear friends, may we always seek to renew our commitment to the Lord and to our mates! What is strong today will not be so tomorrow if we fall into neglect.

     

    • Mike Riley 3:34 pm on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      This is indeed a sad story to read, however, life is made up of the choices we make. Happiness is a “choice” just as staying with our spouse is a “choice” – no matter what the circumstances. Our choices (or the lack thereof) will determine our eternal destination.

      Something to seriously “think” about!

  • Larry Miles 9:53 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Living For The Lord In the Hear and Now 

    Although we should be longing for the day when the Lord will call us home, we must enjoy what He has for us NOW! Christianity is a here and now religion. Jesus said that He wants us to have an abundant life in HIM. In the last part of Tit. 2:12 He tells us to “live soberly, righteously and godly in THIS PRESENT AGE.”

    We are to live in the world but not of the world (1 John 2:15-17). Christians are to live in this world but not like it or for it. We must never be conformed to this world (Romans 12:1-2) We need to have a mind renewal in the midst of a mindless society.

    Christians must not only renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, they must replace these with positive characteristics. To fight against lust, we must say no to temptation and always say yes to service for Christ.

    Remember, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” We find out how to live for the Lord by reading our Bibles.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:11 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Worry never 

    Saw this on Facebook, posted by an online friend, attributed to Eleanor H. Porter:

    Worry never climbed a hill.
    Worry never paid a bill.
    Worry never dried a tear.
    Worry never calmed a fear.
    Worry never darned a heel.
    Worry never cooked a meal.
    Worry never led a horse to water.
    Worry never done a thing you’d think it oughta.
    We can Phil. 4:1-9

    And my little discovery here: Another don’t-worry poem in a children’s book by David Cory, words of the Big Brown Bear, who apparently needs some winter fat, to Little Jack Rabbit:

    Worry never makes you fat,
    Instead, it makes you lean.
    Never worry for a minute,—
    Worry has the devil in it,—
    Keep your mind serene.

    Other times those, and methinks, in so many ways, better. But we make our own times, our own worlds, in great part, by our spirit of mind.

     

  • Larry Miles 8:40 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    Church of Christ Sermons Page 

      I want to thanks  all  who have  visited  The Church  of Christ Sermons Page and  invite those  who have not to check it  out.

    I  believe that you will find and excellent biblical resource. Let  me know  that  you have  visited the  site; it would  greatly encourage me.  Tell others  about it–Thanks in advance.

    -Larry Miles, Louisville, KY  WebServant

     

    • Steve Preston 9:21 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks for sharing this site Larry. I just got done browsing through it and found an abundance of material worth using.

      • Larry Miles 9:59 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        thanks, Steve- I really appreciate your comments and encouragement– check out my blog at http://larryslines.com I just updated the layout

  • Ed Boggess 8:13 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: brains, ,   

    “Try it, you’ll like it” – JAM 

    “Just try it, it’s not bad!  Go on, try it, you’ll like it!” I remember those words. It might have been green peas, asparagus, or liver and onions! I vowed to never taste them. But the real trouble came when I slept over at Dick Kost’s house. He was my best friend. I remember one breakfast, they had brains and eggs! I was a Post Toasties kid; a “snap, crackle, pop” boy and brains and eggs was no breakfast of champions! I remember Mrs. Cost saying, “Just try it, you’ll like it!’ and Mr. Cost pitched in, “It tastes like chicken!” I still won’t eat chicken! Long ago David wrote, “taste and see that the Lord is good”. These words came at one of the most challenging and troubling times in his life. Yet he said, “taste and see”. I’ve tasted and I can testify the Lord is good! This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • TFRStaff 7:48 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Divine benevolence, ,   

    TFT: Two excellent thoughts 

    “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.” —Archibald Joseph Cronin

    “God brings men into the deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.” -–John Hill Aughey

    (Prov 20:29-30)  The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

    God Bless Our Veterans and First Responders!

    “Thoughts For Today To Brighten Your Day”

    From: Glenn, Mercedes & Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:45 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Christian women,   

    Ireland, women, and baptisms 

    Roy Davison posted a wonderful story on BNc about a new congregation in Ireland. Jody Apple buzzed me about the other new congregation on the west coast, in Galway, and we’ve got a story up about it. The missionary’s last name is O’Rourke; can’t get much better than that.

    Now if we could just get Colin Graham for an update and recent events.

    The Christian Hub now has a section for women. We could still use some suggestions of sites and blogs by women and for women to include in that. Check the About page for the three short but restricting requirements for inclusion.

    You’ve probably seen the big announcement elsewhere, but I’ll mention it here: Rick Kelley’s Baptism365 site is now a partner with BrotherhoodNews.com. We’re blessed to team up with him, since our goals are so similar.

    Today promises good things. As I wrote yesterday on the UPLift/YourDaytoShine twitter: Today will basically be as good as you think it will be. Mind control is your primary task. Strengthening the heart trumps all.

    And a last thought to brace your day, from Quick Bible Truths: Every thing in its place. And, with the gospel, every person in his position. “Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves.” 2Co 4.5

     

  • Ron Thomas 5:03 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Peter 

    What can be said about Peter that has not been said? I don’t know, but as I was reading I reflected on his determination to not deny the Lord. Before his denial, the Lord took him, James, and John out nearby to where He desired to pray. The three disciples were fatigued. They genuinely wanted to stay with Jesus as He prayed, knowing this was a time of great anxiety for the Lord. They had been with Him through the years, and in this stressful time they most surely wanted to be there and support him (not that they knew what to do or say). The Lord returns from His area and time of prayer and finds them all sleeping. He speaks to one, but He speaks to all, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). It was not long after this that Peter denied the Lord.

     

  • Ron Thomas 4:24 am on May 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Leviticus 15 

    1. The chapter of “discharge” is a chapter that declares uncleanness to those who have a discharge, generally speaking (15:1-15). This “discharge” amounts to those identified: an emission of semen (15:16-18), during the menstrual cycle (15:19-24), and an unspecified discharge of blood (15:25-30). All this is associated with keeping anything impure away from the Tabernacle (15:31-33).
    2. Application: There was a woman, a lonely woman who was bleeding for twelve years. Having expended all her money and receiving no physical help, she slowly, quietly comes behind Jesus. She says to herself that He can help her; He does. Overcome with joy, amazement and fear she comes to Him when He calls out. She is reassured and told that her faith saved (healed) her. More than that, though, this woman had a faith to move toward the Lord. How healthy is our faith?
     

  • TFRStaff 4:59 pm on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , King David   

    David’s appreciation to Jabesh-Gilead 

    Good morning again. Our study today is from a little known O.T, event covering just three verses, 2 Sam. 2:5-7. I want to mention this event because we might see it as a surprise. Saul had, for some time, been seeking David’s life. God had blessed David to escape on every occasion. Now Saul is dead. The men of Jabesh-Gilead rescued the body of Saul from the Philistines (read 1 Sam. 31:7-13) and gave it a proper burial. Two things about David’s response to this are noteworthy.

    • David appreciated the respect shown to Saul even though Saul was his enemy. For someone to be our enemy should not mean that we are their enemy. We are to pray for them and do good to them (Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:20-21).
    • David’s appreciation was shown through his stated prayer that the Lord would show kindness and truth to the men of Jabesh-Gilead. Our lesson is that, on every occasion of appreciation, it is appropriate for us to prayer for those to whom we are thankful. The greatest blessing that could be brought upon anyone would be for God to bless their lives to have kindness and find truth.

    I pray that we all are as benevolent to our helpers and friends. Friends, let’s continue to have a gratitude attitude.

    Mike Green, E-bulletin 5-12 David’s Appreciation To Jabesh-Gilead

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 3:11 pm on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Armed Services, ,   

    Military brothers and Memorial Day 

    Senior Airman Jovan Hill, from the Somers Ave. congregation in North Little Rock AR, shares a bit of his experience in his first deployment abroad, with an article in that congregation’s bulletin. Well worth a read for a feel for what Christians go through when serving in the military abroad. Here’s the PDF file: Observer May 29

    In that same bulletin, preacher Oran Burt has a touching article, “Remember the Good Things,” about his father-in-law in WWII in the Pacific — Monday is Memorial Day, after all. Stay calm: he has a spiritual application to his point.

    The Somers Ave. congregation has a lot of military personnel, located as they are near an Air Force base and a large National Guard installation.

     

  • Weylan Deaver 9:42 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    "Dr. Bogard, I appreciate your invitation to come over to the Missionary Baptist Institute and take a course with you, but I would suggest that you come over to Freed-Hardeman College and take a real course in simple English grammar. The Lord knows you need it...If my friend would first learn his mother tongue, he would then have less time to get lost while fooling with Greek words. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and Dr. Bogard has failed to prove it otherwise."

    N. B. Hardeman, "The Hardeman-Bogard Debate," April 1938, pp. 73-74.

     

  • John Henson 9:11 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Camping’s Consequences 

    People make grievous mistakes when they ignore the word of God.

    The forgetting of God’s word is the same whether it is someone who ignores God’s word on some kind of sin, or if his word about the end of the world is ignored. Ungodliness is the result.

    Ron is right to regard the man with sympathy, but not his actions. His actions, so much like religion in general, set aside God’s word for his own personal interpretation. What does 1 Peter 1:21 teach us about that?

    Richard was correct when he wrote, “Mr. Camping crying wolf only desensitizes people to the seriousness of this future event.”  Camping’s doctrine will be a lasting disqualification of religion for many people. For those who teach the truth, that will be a difficult problem to overcome.

    Camping’s false doctrine will cause many to lump those who teach the truth into the same category as Camping. The only thing that can be done about that, however, is to continue to teach the truth to those who will listen and obey God.

    There was an interesting highlight in all of this business. The CBS Evening News quoted Matthew 26:34 in its covering of the “judgment day” passing without incident. Isn’t it interesting that the unrepentant world can find the truth when it wants?

     

  • Ed Boggess 8:30 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Camping, ,   

    End of the world? -JAM 

    Well, May 21st has come and gone and the world still stands. Harold Camping’s prediction that the end of the world would begin on this date at 6 PM raised a furor in the news media but hardly an eyebrow among those who know the scripture. Jesus said, “No man knows the day nor the hour” and Camping is no exception. Camping had guaranteed the results but in the end nothing happened. He had claimed that at precisely 6 PM the end would begin with a huge earthquake that would follow the sun around the earth beginning in each time zone at 6 PM. The tragedy with Camping and others who believe they can outthink God, is every time their predictions are proven false, cynicism grows towards the second coming. But don’t let that happen to you. The Lord has promised and He always keeps his promises. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • Richard Hill 7:07 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: End of the world, , Return of Christ   

    The End Will Come But We Must Listen To God Not Men 

    I feel all the emotions mentioned in the nudge and more. I feel irritation at much of the press as they broad-stroked their coverage of the hyped-up nonevent. Between Mr. Camping and the press Christians who believe the biblical doctrine of the literal return of Christ have been made to look like buffoons. Mr. Camping crying wolf only desensitizes people to the seriousness of this future event. On that great day we will all be called to give an account for the way we have lived. It will be the tragedy of tragedies for many.

    I feel shame. While Harold Camping makes his fevered pitch for a completely erroneous timetable and end time scenario I have not made even a modest pitch to nearly as many as I could have for the truth of the gospel.

    I feel humor is one way to correct some of the problems. I heard the following on the radio, Monday. On New Life Live, Steve Arterburn said don’t try to console Mr. Camping by saying, “Hey Harold, don’t worry, it’s going to be o.k., it’s not the end of the world!” Humor can be a conversation starter that helps us to explore truths with folks.

    And that’s the way I feel on May 26th, 2011.

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:16 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: emotional response, ,   

    Response 

    Replying to the nudge, I had two primary responses. First, my response was toward the audacity of the man and his disregard and convoluted manipulation toward his mishandling of Scripture. That he was a sincere man, I think, no one will doubt. But, as with Paul during a time in his life, this man was (is) sincerely wrong and his life is nearly over! Second, apart from him being a false teacher, I regard the situation with sympathy. He is an old man, and I am sympathetic toward older people, especially those sincerely driven. I have sympathy toward all those that he has led (and continues to lead) astray. How can one not?! Yes, I know, each one is responsible to the Lord for himself, but still…

    I have taken this situation and tried to make some application in my life. I have given myself a responsibility to be sure to oppose error within the pages of the newspaper via the editorial page. In a small community opportunity is afforded me that may not be given to others; I will take advantage of that.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:56 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Another Nudge: Feelings about end-of-world prophecy 

    Here’s another little Nudge for you today: Tell how you felt about Harold Camping’s prophecy of the end of the world on May 21. I can guess what you thought, I pretty much know what you believe. But how did you react viscerally to it? Revulsion? Amusement? Disgust? Concern? So finish this old, psychologist’s statement: I felt (blank) because/when (blank).

    Most psychologists seem to think the emotions rather than the thoughts hold the key to a person’s (what?) maturity, wholeness, wellness. But I assume you are mature, whole, and well. This Nudge is just for a happy little exercise in connecting and pulling you into the Room.

     

    • Steve Preston 8:30 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      More than anything I feel sadness for Mr. Camping. He seems to have a zeal for God but some how has been deceived as to what the truth is. I also feel sadness for those that have followed after his teaching. What if they never have another opportunity to obey the truth? What if Jesus comes again while they are still believing a false teaching? That is hundreds if not thousands of people who will be lost.

    • stevelucas 1:44 pm on May 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      R, Seems I’m running a few days behind (which is probably an improvement). Camping’s comments and the general public’s response to his predictions caused me to take a few moments to reflect on the following questions: Do my actions/comments bring attention to me, or, to the Lord; What will others think of me well after I leave this earth; What will be my legacy; and lastly, Am I living a life where my actions are consistent with my beliefs? It seems when I am able to live moment to moment with eternity in mind, my walk most closely resembles my Saviour.

  • Ron Thomas 5:20 am on May 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Leviticus 14 

    1. The first portion of this chapter portends to the ceremonial cleaning of the one contaminated and now not with a skin disease (14:1-32). The second portion of the chapter deals with a contaminated house of some sort of leprosy, or a “skin disease” within the house (14:33-57).
    2. Application: Does sin dwell all around us? We know the serious effect sin has on our lives, that is, when it is within us (spiritually speaking). What about when it is around us, are we aware of just how serious it is then? Many are not. They think that can play with fire and not get burned. They feel they have inoculated themselves so well that they are quite discerning and careful about the virus that might be floating around that they surely will not catch it. Before long, they are down with it and the sickness is intense. It starts out as an unsettling stomach and progresses to a full-blown flu virus (if you will).
     

  • Ed Boggess 2:05 pm on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Elementary Watson! – JAM 

    Watson dominates! That was the news coming out of Jeopardy’s match of Watson, IBM’s super computer, and two of Jeopardy’s all-time champion contestants. It was man verses machine and the machine won. I suppose that we all figured the day would come, but I’m disappointed that it has arrived. At least it will be awhile before a computer competes on Wipeout. But there is one area where humanity outshines computers – longevity. Today’s computer will be found in tomorrow’s trash. Oh yeah – here’s another: you and I are created in the image of God. No computer can claim that! Because of this, long after every computer and machine has perished, we will continue to exist somewhere: eternal life or the second death.  This is Just-a-minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 12:38 pm on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Christian blogging, , homosexual movement,   

    Progress of the gospel and a potential threat 

    Just listened to the MinistryGeek podcast about preachers and blogging, as another way of speaking the gospel, among other things. Always something of interest on this Wednesday audio broadcast. I enjoy catching it live, when I can, which allows participation in the chat room. Michael Hite, of Bear Valley Institute, Dale Jenkins, preacher at Spring Hill, Tenn., and Caleb O’Hara, preacher in Calif., are the hosts. The podcast is a part of The Equip Network.

    • Catch the great story on BrotherhoodNews.com by Roy Davison about the new congregation established in Ireland … from Belgium. Always inspiring to see how efforts in print and on the Internet contribute to the progress of the gospel.

    • Did I mention the note about the Brazil Supreme Court applying marriage rules to homosexuals? It represents a potential threat to religious liberty. From this foreigner’s perch, looks like judicial activism. Pray this ruling somehow gets overturned, though that’s not likely to happen.

     

    • Weylan Deaver 2:41 pm on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Isn’t it remarkable how technology brings folk together, so that you, in Brazil, can participate with a live program consisting of preachers in three U.S. states, as though they were in the same room, and a Christian in Belgium can help convert an Irishman, who then begins a new congregation, and we read of it in an online “paper” produced by saints on different continents.

    • J. Randal Matheny 3:21 pm on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Absolutely amazing. Whoever could have predicted something like this 50 years ago?

  • Barbara Ann Oliver 9:59 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Routinely Spontaneous 

    I like routine. I like to get up at the same time every day, eat the same breakfast, be at my desk at the same time, have my schedule for the day at my fingertips. And I sometimes can get very aggravated at interruptions.

    But I also like spontaneity.  If someone calls and says, “Hey, do you want to …?”, I am always ready to go, do, see or help!

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 10:02 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I’m a lot like that too. Especially the last part. Had a friend who was always coming up with stuff to do, places to go, and I most always took him up on his proposals.

      • Barbara Ann Oliver 10:06 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        That happens to me a lot here in Costa Rica, since the preacher is single and in his early 30′s. He gets called on to do a lot of off-beat, off-schedule, off-hour things. And he always wants company!

  • Larry Miles 9:51 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Mind Renewal In A Mindless Society. 

    We live  in a society that is  not  tuned into  the  things of God.  The world we live in is in the control of Satan.  It is really a  “mindless society.”  Romans 12:1-2 tells Christians that we are  to be a  people of “mind renewal.”
    Paul speaks to Christians when he tells us that because of our faith we  need to march to a  different  drum than the  world. As I said earlier, the world  marches to the  beat of the  deceiver.  He  is  called the  “god of this  world, (2 Cor. 4:4) and “the  prince of the  power of the  air (Eph. 2:2). It is  reasonable that we, because of our faith, present our  whole self to God. We  need to be a holy people (I Pet. 1:15-16). (More …)

     

    • Larry Miles 9:54 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      This may have been posted sometime in the past, but I thought that it went well with my previous post asking you all to subscribe to the “Renewing Your Mind Spiritually” Newsletter. This is the article that prompted that; really it was Romans 12:1-2.

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