J. Randal Matheny
Richard Mansel
Barbara Ann Oliver
mtmcvb
Weylan Deaver
Mike Riley
philsanders
jajenkins5
Don Ruhl
jimnewy
Richard Hill
Laura
Ron Thomas
TFRStaff
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Glenda Williams
John Henson
Stephen R. Bradd
Larry Miles
Ed Boggess
joyjensen
drkenney
paulaharington
Chad Dollahite
John T. Polk II
Richard S. Reinhardt, Jr.
The Old Cowboy - Roy Coffman
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Just in case someone wants to use any article (or articles) on my Bible study blog relative to Thanksgiving and thankfulness, I’ve consolidated them here: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2011/11/23/everything-about-thanksgiving-and-thankfulness/
Just to let you know that my wife, Nancy, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. This kind of dementia has no known cure and will get progressively worse. My son and I are presently taking care of her.
We solicit your prayers on her behalf.
Brotherly,
Mike Riley
Back in February 1996, over 550 employees were terminated from El Paso Natural Gas Co. I was working as an administrative assistant for the engineering department manager. He was a well-known womanizer. Flirted with just about every attractive woman in the building where we were located.
He knew of my faith in Christ and in the church of the New Testament. He also knew that I deplored what he was doing behind his wife’s back. So, when the came time for cutting employees, I was unfortunately one of them. Even though I told him I would gladly move to Houston, Texas where they were going to move their home offices – it didn’t make any difference to him at all. He wanted me out of his sight.
I firmly believe that he was persecuting me for standing up for what was right according to the Scriptures. I made him feel guilty, but not guilty enough to stop doing what he was doing.
What was even more amazing, was that he claimed to be religious – was a member of a well-known denomination – but obviously didn’t follow their doctrine regarding faithfulness to his wife.
He later was promoted from manager to a vice-president and retired a few years ago as such. Guess those flirting escapades paid off.
I don’t think his promotion meant that, brother. “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction,” Psalm 73:18. On the contrary, you certainly have risen above him in the eyes of people you’ve never met, including me. I’m proud of your determination to overcome!
Thank you brother John, for your wonderful encouragement! If I could be in close proximity of your person, I’d give you a big hug! http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2011/03/30/lets-hug-someone-today/
When I address God in prayer, I usually begin with “Heavenly Father” or “Dear Father in heaven” which denotes the fact that God dwells in the heavenly realm (Deuteronomy 4:39; Joshua 2:11; 1 Kings 8:27,30).
The Hare and the Tortoise is one of my favorite fables:
The hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. “I have never yet been beaten,” said he, “when I put forth my full speed. I challenge anyone here to race with me.”
The tortoise said quietly, “I accept your challenge.”
“That is a good joke,” said the hare. “I could dance around you all the way.”
“Keep your boasting until you’ve beaten,” answered the tortoise. “Shall we race?”
So a course was fixed and a start was made. The hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the hare awoke from his nap, he saw the tortoise nearing the finish line, and he could not catch up in time to save the race.
The moral of the story: Victory does not always belong to the swiftest runner, but to the runner with the most stamina and self-control: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/01/07/running-the-race-of-life-every-day/
Thank the Lord for plodders in the church!
Solomon described outward beauty as being vain (Proverbs 31:30). The NIV translates the term vain as “fleeting.” Both charm and beauty are superficial and temporary. Real beauty originates from the heart (1 Peter 3:1-4) when a woman displays (1) reverence towards God (Proverbs 31:30), (2) a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), (3) being submissive toward her husband (1 Peter 3:5-6).
The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.
Abraham Lincoln
My life without Christ would consist of the same thoughts the apostle Paul uttered:
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
The toughest question I was ever asked, was by an elder in the church before I became a Christian. He asked me, “Have you thought about your soul?”: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/10/05/have-you-thought-about-your-soul/
I was 15 years old at the time, and I had never been asked that question. For some time, my grandmother had been urging me to obey the gospel. After pondering this question in light of Scripture, I came to the conclusion that my soul was indeed in great jeopardy of being eternally lost.
I quickly decided that my soul was far more important than anything else I could imagine. There was no rational reason whatsoever to delay my obeying the Lord in baptism any longer, and thus I was baptized on January 1, 1960.
I’ve never regretted the decision.
The most sensible word I’ve heard lately was from a Twitter post which said:
“Maybe the USA should consider Mexico’s law regarding immigration.”
After reading their immigration laws, it might not be a bad idea:
If folks can put a man on the moon, why can’t they make a ball point pen that writes (every time)?
When I buy groceries and begin to write a check – the pen doesn’t write, or the ink skips where you can’t read the writing. It’s always been amazing to me, that the more simple a thing is, the more complicated man makes it.
Do you think that’s the reason why folks seemingly can’t understand the Bible — because they make something that is relatively simple (the gospel) complicated?
http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/11/05/the-simplicity-of-the-gospel/
It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.
John Wooden
An article from the Amarillo Globe News: http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2011-03-13/local-churches-expand-membership-falls
A quote from the article: “What we need to give people is an experience of the holy, allowing them to come as they are.”
Question: Is allowing folks to “come as they are” giving people an “experience” of the holy?
As most of you know, today is another birthday for me. Actually, I’m celebrating the third anniversary of my 22nd year + 1. :)
There are many Facebook friends that I wrote personal notes to this morning, thanking them for their well-wishes for me on this day.
A person can never have too many friends. I pray that I’ll be a true and faithful friend in return.
Thank you TFR friends for your friendship as well. You are a bright light in an otherwise dark world. May God richly bless you and your work in the kingdom. I’m reminded of the encouraging words of the apostle Paul:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Lovingly,
Mike Riley
Bless you, brother. Thanks for your good work.
Thank you, Richard. Appreciate your good work as well.
Happy birthday, Mike!!
Thank you, Barbara! May you have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday, Mike.
Thank you, Glenda. I appreciate all of the work you do for the Lord.
Happy Birthday, Mike.
Happy belated birthday, brother!
I’m late in getting in my congrats, Mike, but be assured you’re deep in my heart for the blessings you bring.
From a spiritual perspective, the following are some of my observations regarding items or habits no longer in use today (comparatively speaking) as they were three to four generations ago:
1) The Bible is no longer habitually read, studied and used by members of the Lord’s church like it was in the 1940′s and 1950′s (we used to be called “walking Bibles” by those outside the church – http://cedarparkchurchofchrist.org/cpcofc/index.php?n=Articles.2010DailyBibleStudy).
2) Looking at all of the immorality in our society today, we can plainly see that Interest in spiritual values and principles are no longer “in vogue.” If they were, children would be taught these values at home and our society today would be less immoral as a result.
3) Hell fire and damnation sermons are today rarely heard from the pulpit (I grew up hearing these type of sermons on a regular basis back in the 1940′s). And guess what? The Lord’s church grew dramatically.
4) Home Bible studies with others are virtually non-existent today (no time to study, folks say).
5) Personal bible study at home is virtually non-existent today. Too many worldly influences (too many digital “toys”), thus, no time to study.
6) In the 1940′s and 50′s, folks habitually assembled to worship the Lord – so much so, that two to three week gospel meetings were not uncommon (I attended some of them). Today, they are unheard of. If we can get members to come to a three-day gospel meeting, we count ourselves successful.
7) Pews are not being filled today as they were three to four generations ago. The testimony of the “empty pew” is a testimony to our lack of focus on spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/08/09/lessons-from-an-empty-pew/
I could go on and on and on (like the energizer battery bunny), but the above are enough samples to let folks see the fact that spirituality has greatly waned in our country and in the Lord’s church.
What’s the solution to all of the above? Open the Book! (read it and do what it says do – James 1:22-25): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/01/08/lets-open-the-book/
The “Second Dark Ages” was “Satan Loosed A Little” (Rev 20.3; A|D 1959-2004). But that is gone, and still, we see no one with the former good traits that you have merntioned. What is needed to make men seek God is the Fulfillment of Prophecy. It is in the secular news but not in the churches. The 2nd Dark Ages wass ushered in by denial of prophecy and Revelation.
There are too many features to list. Can’t focus on just one. The oceans, the heavens, the moon and the stars all show God’s handiwork (Psalm 19:1): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2011/01/14/the-awesome-ruler-of-sea-and-sky/
We ourselves are a part of God’s handiwork (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) for we (like the hummingbird) are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2007/03/15/the-amazing-hummingbird/
No question about it – our God is indeed awesome! http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/07/25/our-awesome-god/
When I think of an action and a reaction, I immediately think of Galations 6:7-8 (NKJV), where Paul states:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
If we engage [sow] in the immoral vices of this world, i.e., “the flesh” (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galations 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:9-10), we will not inherit the blessings of eternity (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galations 5:21; Ephesians 5:5). But, if we choose to follow [sow to ourselves] the teachings of the Bible that the Holy Spirit has provided for us, i.e., “the Spirit,” we will reap or inherit those eternal blessings that God has promised all of those who love Him (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Note the action of sowing and the reaction of reaping in this principle.
To go along with Galations 6:7-8, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) regarding our giving:
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
The same principle of sowing and reaping (action and reaction) holds true in our giving. If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. If we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully (cf. 2 Corinthians 8).
God’s principle of sowing and reaping (action and reaction) is simple. It’s putting the principle into practice that is difficult for many folks, including those in the Lord’s church.
The personal development truth that I chose is: “There’s no such thing as ‘risk free.’ Everything you do or don’t do has an inherent risk.”
Indeed true.
There’s even a “risk” in being a disciple of Christ: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2006/01/09/the-risk-of-being-a-disciple-of-christ/
The question is, Are we willing to take the “risk”?
My favorite cartoon is Garfield the cat: http://www.garfield.com/comics/todayscomic.html
A close runner up is Dilbert: http://www.dilbert.com/
I’m wondering if anyone in The Fellowship Room has ever heard of the “Restoration Christian Church”? I’ve heard of the Christian Church, but not the “Restoration Christian Church.” The following link comes from a Twitter posting: http://www.faithfulpreaching.com/index.html
Mike, I can’t say I have heard of it, but what I did look at it reminded me of material Gareth Reese (in commentary form).
Thanks for the info, Ron.
I don’t use many commentaries, but the one volume commentary I use the most is Adam Clarke. The one volume commentary by Jamieson Fausset and Brown is a pretty good one-volume commentary as well.
The Bible is about the coming of Jesus as our Savior, His teachings, & our necessary obedience to those teachings in order to attain heaven.
In my view, the most “colorful” (key word) historical figure of all time would have to be Will Rogers, the Oklahoma cowboy whose creed was, “I never met a man I didn’t like”: http://www.willrogers.org/wrbio.html
See also: http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ro-Sc/Rogers-Will.html and Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Rogers
Will Rogers catches my attention because of his “down-to-earth” common sense philosophies and his love of the common man, a characteristic which our present-day politicians need to emulate.
Here’s some of the wisdom of Will Rogers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR_VAirKE9I
This question was tough for me. I have one in mind I might write about, but Will Rogers was a great choice. He’s a personal favorite. He was unique in so many ways and very clever, even wise.
Yes, Will was wise in that he understood what makes folks tick. He understood human nature, both the good as well as the bad. Most importantly, he had a great sense of humor. My grandmother always told me to be very careful around folks who didn’t have a sense of humor, as they might at any time turn and rend me.
When I think of responsibility, I immediately think of our responsibility to lost souls: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/10/01/why-should-we-seek-the-lost/
“Go ye” means “Go me” (Matthew 28:19; cf. Isaiah 6:8).
To me, the most striking phrase of Jesus is, “Have ye not read?” (Matthew 12:3,5; Matthew 19:4; Matthew 22:31; Mark 12:10,26; Luke 6:3).
The religious leaders of Christ’s day had indeed “read” the Old Testament passages that Jesus’ referred to in the above passages, but were more interested in upholding their own “traditions” rather than upholding God’s word (Matthew 15:3,6; Mark 7:8-9,13).
As a result, the Lord called these religious leaders “hypocrites” (Matthew 15:7-8 ; cf. Isaiah 29:13).
Today, our society would call them “reading-challenged.”
“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?”
Robert Browning
An important distinction in my life has been the distinction between good and evil. Many people in our society are woefully ignorant of that distinction (Isaiah 5:20). That distinction can only come about by a daily and habitual study of God’s word (Acts 17:11; Hebrews 5:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:15), as well as an application of it (Psalm 119:33-34).
Yes! Well done, Mike.
Thanks, John!
Like Ron, I still use the “pen to paper” motto as well. I use a 3×5 sheet of folded paper to write my grocery lists on; write my list of songs that I lead on the Lord’s Day; write the library class schedule down when I substitute in the public school libraries; jot down ideas and thoughts for future blog articles.
Here’s a thought-provoking “what-if” question: What if the preacher stayed home? http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2011/02/14/what-if-the-preacher-stayed-home/
I like this. Thanks, Mike.
You are very welcome, John.
My favorite road is the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to SIlverton, Colorado, because of the beautiful scenery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQu2aeCGk-E
Spiritually speaking, my favorite road is the road less traveled: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2009/12/27/choosing-the-road-less-traveled/
What amazes me about Isaiah Chapter 1, is the similarity between our society today and the society that Isaiah found himself in. In Isaiah 1:2-3, the inspired prophet quickly instructs his readers to “Hear….for the Lord has spoken.” One of the major problems of our society today, is that they, like the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, have “rebelled against God” (Isaiah 1:2), closing their ears to the hearing of God’s word (Isaiah 6:9-10; cf. Matthew 13:14-15).
The spiritual condition of that society was deplorable in God’s sight (Isaiah 1:4-6). Their worship to God was vain and empty – hypocritical at best, and God would not hear their prayers (Isaiah 1:10-15).
God offers a solution to their spiritual blindess (Isaiah 1:16-18; cf. Revelation 3:18-22), just as He offers us the same solution today.
The question is, are we as a society willing to “hear the Lord’s voice” and “open the door” to the Lord’s invitation to dine with Him? (Revelation 3:20).
I love the Book of Isaiah. As a matter of fact, I wrote a poem based on Isaiah 53 titled “A Man Of Sorrow”. Check it out, you might like it. Keep sharing, thanks.
My favorite place to sit is my in home library room where I study, write, and post my articles to my Bible article blog.
In the context of Matthew 10, Jesus is telling his twelve disciples what to expect when they go from city to city, preaching the gospel. He explains to them that the world will hate them because of the message they preach – including those of their own household (Matthew 10:16-22). He then tells them to preach the whole gospel without fear (Matthew 10:26-27), the only person to fear is the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28).
In Matthew 10:31, He then goes to to say that the disciples are of far more value than that of mere sparrows, therefore, they are not to “fear” what man can do to them – God will take care of them, even in death (Matthew 10:29-31; cf. Romans 8:28-39; cf. Psalm 116:15; Revelation 14:12-13).
When Jesus rides in our boat, there is absolutely nothing to fear: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/02/05/when-jesus-rides-in-our-boat-2/
Some similarities between the rich ruler and Zacchaeus are:
1) Both men were seekers of Jesus (Lk. 18:18; Lk. 19:2-3).
2) Both men were rich (Lk. 18:23; Lk. 19:2).
3) Both men were willingly receptive of Jesus (Lk. 18:18; Lk. 19:6).
4) Both men were seeking eternal life (Lk. 18:18; Lk. 19:8-10).
Some differences between the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus are:
1) The rich young ruler was not willing to share his riches with others less fortunate (deny himself – Matt. 16:24), in order to have riches in heaven and follow Jesus (Lk. 18:22).
In contrast, Zacchaeus was willing to deny self and share his riches with those less fortunate and restore anything taken by false accusation (Lk. 19:8).
2) The rich young ruler was very sorrowful – but not to the point of sincerely repenting of his selfishness. His was a worldly sorrow (Lk. 18:23; cf. 2 Cor. 7:10).
In contrast, Zacchaeus was sorrowful to the point of sincerely repenting of anything amiss in his life – even to the point of restoring to individuals anything falsely taken. His was a godly sorrow (Lk. 19:8-9; cf. 2 Cor. 7:9-10).
Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.
Lou Holtz, American football coach
I say Amen to that. Adversity may hurt badly when it’s happening, but it’s what we do with the experience that counts. Good quote, thanks.
My favorite idiom is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=religion gives us this definition of religion:
“from L. religionem (nom. religio) “respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods,” in L.L. “monastic life” (5c.); according to Cicero, derived from relegare “go through again, read again,” from re- “again” + legere “read” (see lecture). However, popular etymology among the later ancients (and many modern writers) connects it with religare “to bind fast, via notion of “place an obligation on,” or “bond between humans and gods.”
The apostle Paul must have understood the above definition, “to bind fast,” for he stated on several occasions to “hold fast” (1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Titus 1:9). The Hebrew writer also motivates his readers to “hold fast” (Heb. 3:6; Heb. 4:14; Heb. 10:23).
Regarding the above definition of religion being a “bond between humans and gods,” Paul considered himself a “bondservant” (Gr. a “doulos” – Strongs 1401 – a slave to Christ (Romans 1:1 ASV), Christ being a member of the Godhead whose nature is that of deity.
I lose track of time when I’m doing research for an upcoming Bible study article as well as the writing of an article. The time really does fly when you’re really involved and concentrating on getting a Bible study article posted.
For me, the one main blessing in using the King James Version through the years, has been the ease of memorization. Because of it using the King’s English (the Thee’s, Thou’s, verily, peradventure, etc.), it makes for easy memorization: http://www.songsofscripture.com/King-James-Version.html
Another blessing is the great reverence toward God that the KJV text presents. It’s beauty of reverential expression is unequaled: http://www.solagroup.org/articles/historyofthebible/hotb_0015.html
Here is a history of the KJV: http://www.bible-researcher.com/kjvhist.html
I have a hunch that some people won’t do what they say they will do and many times, I’ve had an incorrect assumption about the behavior of some people. This is what we get for labeling folks: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2009/11/03/lets-avoid-labeling/
Edith, 
Sid Williams is discussing. 
Ron 10:32 am on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
I will certainly do so, brother.
Ron
Mike Riley 2:47 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Thank you, Ron for your prayers and concern. We certainly do appreciate it.
J. Randal Matheny 10:45 am on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Count on it, Mike. Sorry to hear it, we ask the Lord to give you strength.
Mike Riley 2:46 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Thank you, Randal. I’ve been doing a lot of praying lately that the good Lord will restore my wife’s mental processes. All of this is in His hands now.
Barbara Ann Oliver 12:35 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
My prayers are with you and your family, Mike. God bless.
Mike Riley 12:53 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Thank you Barbara, Randal and Ron. Your prayers and concern mean more to me than you will ever know.
Chad Dollahite 1:32 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
So sorry to hear that, Mike; you are certainly in my prayers.
Mike Riley 2:44 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Thank you, Chad, for your prayers in my wife’s behalf. May the Lord continue to bless all of us as we have need.
Richard Mansel 2:13 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
What a tragedy! God bless you dear brother. You have many people who love and support you and your family.
Mike Riley 2:43 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Thank you, Richard, for your words of encouragement. Nancy and I appreciate your prayers.
John Henson 2:22 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Count on my prayers, too, Mike. Your plate has been full lately, hasn’t it?
Mike Riley 2:42 pm on April 27, 2011 Permalink |
Yes, I’m afraid it’s been more than full. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, John.
Edith 7:16 pm on September 22, 2011 Permalink |
Please pray for Heidy Herrera, she’s taking an important exame to morrow that will help her with her career future please pray for her. Thank you