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  • Eugene Adkins 7:17 am on April 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Importance, Member of the body, service   

    Every Member of the Body Matters 

    It’s hard to get some people to realize this fact. Some people look down on others, and others have a hard time looking up.

    Truth be told it’s easy to show how every member matters – just try stubbing your little and insignificant pinky toe and see what the rest of your body thinks about it!

    Believe it or not, the body is affected by every member and every member has an effect on the body. Your influence matters! Our potential is powerful! To be a body we must think of others, and we must not think too highly of ourselves.

    Bible class teachers, greeters at the services, card-senders, evangelists, deacons, elders, the one who cleans up after a meal, the one who invites friends and family to worship, the one who smiles on his or her way into the building, those who support widows and orphans, those who listen for an opportunity to serve, those who give others an opportunity to serve, those who do the things that glorify God and no one finds out about it, those whose public works bring glory to God, those who write, those who read and pass it along, those who serve as missionaries, those who support the missionaries and much more – we all matter!

    But where the rubber meets the road isn’t whether or not every member matters to God, it’s whether or not this matters to us.

    “If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?…Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:15-19, 27)

     

  • TFRStaff 11:08 am on March 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Homer Hailey, service   

     

  • TFRStaff 4:36 pm on September 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , service   

    Who Is Greatest? 

    Tiger Woods may be the greatest natural golfer to ever play. Michael Jordan might be the greatest all around basketball player ever born. Human beings love to use superlatives. Things are great or they are awesome. There is “a great day coming,” yet I had a great day today. The two are not comparable, are they? We men like to compare things: cars, jobs, illnesses, appearances, etc. Our Lord does not use superlatives often. When He uses one, it is important to examine what he is saying.

    In Luke 22:24-30, Jesus uses both the words, great and greatest. He used them in regard to the comparison by which men compare themselves to others. The disciples were arguing over who should be the ‘greatest’ in the kingdom. Jesus sets the criteria for making a judgment about greatness. The person who is great in the kingdom is the person who serves. Among humans, it is usually those with the most “clout” or power. But for God, therefore for us, let’s remember that it is service. Remember that our works follow us. Our works are our service.

    Jesus came as a servant. We must never forget that if we are to “be like Him” we must serve. We must give our time to others, not expect them to give to us. We must expend our energy. We must do whatever lowly task is to be done. We must never tire of serving others. We must never give up being obedient. We must never lose compassion that moves us to help. We must never put ourselves first. Our God has been serving us since before creation as he works tirelessly, sacrificially and unendingly while there is time to save every human soul. As the recipients of His salvation and members of family of mankind, we must serve.

    Make me a servant Lord, make me like you.

    Mike Glenn

     

  • TFRStaff 5:50 am on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service   

    I don’t mind paying rent 

    Oswald Chambers once said: “If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken hearted for we often shall meet more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is love for God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men.”

    Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy in the kingdom of God.

    Romans 8:35-39 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long;We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    “Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn, Mercedes and Lauren Hitchcock

     

  • Eugene Adkins 8:17 am on July 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Foot Washing, , , service   

    Who’s Feet Are You Going To Wash Today? 

    “Then, after washing their feet and putting on his robe again, he took his seat and said to them, Do you see what I have done to you? You give me the name of Master and Lord: and you are right; that is what I am. If then I, the Lord and the Master, have made your feet clean, it is right for you to make one another’s feet clean. I have given you an example, so that you may do what I have done to you. Truly I say to you, A servant is not greater than his lord; and he who is sent is not greater than the one who sent him. If these things are clear to you, happy are you if you do them.” (John 13:12-17, BBE)

    This section of scripture never ceases to amaze me, or at times rebuke me!

    It reconstructs the average idea of what service really is. It reconstructs the average idea of what happiness really is. It reconstructs the average idea of who I am really supposed to be…if I have eyes to see, and ears to hear.

    The lesson has much more to do with helping each other remove the grit and grim from our lives through service than it does with removing the junk between our toes. We are quick to say that we understand this! Do we really? Do we perceive it the way Jesus wanted his apostles to perceive it?

    I must ask myself the question, “Who’s feet am I going to wash today?” Are you willing to ask yourself the same? If not, why not?

    Why are we afraid to get our hands dirty like Jesus did? Share your thoughts if you like.

     

  • Chad Dollahite 1:40 pm on April 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , service,   

    Illustration: On the Way to the Barn… 

    There’s an old story about a farmer who one morning decided to plow the south forty acres.  His tractor needed oil, so he started for the barn to get it, but on the way noticed that the pigs hadn’t been fed.  Near the corn crib was a pile of sacks, reminding him that the potatoes were sprouting.  But, on his way to the potato pit, he passed the woodpile and remembered that the kitchen stove was burning low.  While picking up the wood, he saw that one of his chickens was ailing, so he dropped the wood to doctor the chicken…and so it was till the end of the day, and he still hadn’t oiled the tractor or plowed the south field.

    Is your Christian life like this trip to the barn?  Do you have grand visions of great service that never gets done?  Have you found too many “other things” to do that interfere with your goal of being a productive servant in God’s kingdom?

    The only way you and I will “get to the barn” of Christian service is to get our priorities in order.  The farmer in the story didn’t have any priorities.  He just flowed with the tide of events around him.  Our life contains plenty of “pigs to feed,” “wood to cut,” and “chickens to doctor.”  But, we can’t allow them to get in our way of serving God.  If we will make the commitment and extend our effort, God will make a way for us to “get to the barn.”    —George Miller

    “Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” (1 Kgs. 20:39-40a)

     

  • Chad Dollahite 10:39 am on January 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , service   

    Illustration: Service, Activity 

    “In the battle of life it’s not the critic that counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of a deed could have done it better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high of achievement; and who at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have tasted neither victory nor defeat.”  - Theodore Roosevelt

    What about us?  Are we involved in the Lord’s work?  Are we “in the arena” in the local congregation, or are we the critic standing on the sideline?  Brethren, let’s “get in the arena”!!!

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:09 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , service   

    Pet Blessing 

    In a local church i east central Illinois the FUMC (First United Methodist Church) will conduct its first ever “blessing of the pets. This will occur at a local park, and all pets need to be restrained.

    Convoluted!

    Not surprised, however. When man-made corrupted religion promotes itself to the community such things are done. While the Lord loves all His creation, for whose benefit is this being done? Is your pet important to you? Do you want the Lord to bless your pet? Then go to the Lord in prayer and He will do exactly that. To have a service like this cheapens the nature of the word “service” in such a religious context.

     

    • Stevelucas 10:10 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, along the same thought, have you read or heard of blessing a house or building? First saw it a few years back. Do we have an example of an inanimate item being blessed by God, or rather, is it related to living people? I just did a google search of house blessings and it appears Catholicism has the market on it, based on their website. http://www.thesacredheart.com/bleshme.htm

      It must be time to get off the computer and go do something for the Lord!

      • Ron 5:24 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        That’s incredible! Thanks for the site, Steve.

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:15 pm on May 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service   

    Freud on the light side, &c 

    Yesterday The Missus fixed Eggplant Pizza, and everybody liked it. Thanks to our friend Kimber for the recipe. I recommend it!

    • If you like Freud on the light side, watch the cartoon movie, “Despicable Me.” Cute. OK, so not much Freud. They made the villain Vector look like Bill Gates. Has to be.

    • I preached this morning on “God Is Love,” from 1 John 4:7-11, led singing this afternoon. Friends and coworkers here for lunch. Busy day, good day.

    • Yesterday afternoon, I taught the second part of “Theology of Biblical Pattern.” Still material left over for part three, next month. Among other items, we worked through 1 Corinthians, where Paul mentions several times what he taught in all the churches, and Romans 6, pattern of doctrine. Powerful stuff!

    • Last night it got cold, as in lower 50s, maybe 40s, dunno. I had to get up in the middle of the night and put on another blanket. Supposed to be cold again tonight. Pile on the cover!

     

  • Ed Boggess 9:06 am on March 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service,   

    Is everything a Christian does worship? – JAM 

    I have a bone to pick! It involves a failure to understand the nature of worship and its relation to service. I offer this for your consideration and study. A generation ago no one would have argued that everything a Christian does is worship; service, yes, but worship, no. Why? Because before the spate of modern translations, the KJV was king and Rom 12:1 declared that “presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice” was “your reasonable service”. First to make the change was the RSV: “your spiritual service” (Also NRSV). Others followed in kind: NASV “your spiritual service of worship”, NIV “your spiritual act of worship”, etc. From this single verse the whole idea that everything a Christian does is worship was formed and preached. However, I doubt this is what Paul intended. The words Paul used are “logiken latreian”. The first, from which we derive “logic”, means “thoughtful” and the second generally means “service”, which can include worship but not necessarily. Neither are the usual words for “spiritual”(pneumatikos) or “worship” (proskuneo). The word “proskuneo” occurs 59 times, 24 in Revelation, and it is used exclusively for “worship”. Its root meaning was “to kiss toward” as a citizen bows before the king or a follower prostrated himself before an idol. The word  by its nature cannot be used for thoughtless acts. It requires reverence and is thus worship. Its meaning is clearly demonstrated in 1 Cor 14:25 when the outsider “falls on his face and worships God” or in Rev 4:10 when the elders cast their crowns before God, fall down and worship. What do we learn from this brief word study? We learn that everything a Christian does is service to God, but only that which is thoughtfully presented in reverence and with focus is worship. Cleaning the house is service (Col 3:18) but praying in your closet is not only service, it is also worship. Driving to assembly is service but concerted praise is worshipful service. So then, what do we do with Romans 12:1? Paul meant service presented as worship. This is clear in that he used the OT worship metaphor “present your bodies as a living sacrifice”. But he did not mean that everything you and I do is worship. The key word is “logikon”, “thoughtful”, translated “reasonable” (KJV & NKJV) and “spiritual” (ESV, NIV, NAS). It is service that is offered with reverence and thought. Paul was not talking about everything a Christian does, he was referring to our conversion and its conscious consequences in our lives.

     

    • Stephen R. Bradd 9:07 pm on March 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      You’re right, Ed. I challenge the one who affirms “everything in life is worship” to reflect upon the absurdity of that premise the next time they defecate!

  • John Henson 11:09 am on February 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , more, service   

    We Must Learn To Surpass 

    Sometimes when our brethren come in to discuss the scriptures with us preachers, what breaks out is an hour or more of significant study and not a contest of wills.

    One of my brethren came to me asking about Luke 17:7-10, a little-studied piece of scripture (as far as I was concerned) that, to many people, may not be worthy of much consideration. But, how shortsighted that idea is!

    Jesus tells the story about the slave who is working hard all day in the field. He asks, “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’?” (Luke 17:7 ESV). People didn’t usually extend such grace to their slaves.

    Next, Jesus said, “He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?” (Luke 17:9 NASU). The slave was expected to do the work he did. He has no right to expect a reward for doing his duty.

    Then, Jesus made the application of his story by saying, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done,’” (Luke 17:10). What’s the story, here?

    The apostles would do great things through the power to be given them. What should their mindset be? Should they think that because they have great faith and can do wondrous things that they are better than anybody else? Jesus had challenged them to higher faith earlier in this chapter.

    But, there is the idea here that children of God may begin to think there is a limit to what they should do for the Master. Some believe that. They come to church, primarily to partake of the Lord ’s Supper, because they think that’s all that needs to be done. To them, there’s a limit on what to do for God, and that’s it!

    In his commentary on Luke, William Barclay wrote, “It may be possible to satisfy the claims of the law… nothing can ever supply the claims of love.” Tell me. Have you ever done everything possible to please your mate? I love my wife so much I would deny her nothing I could provide.

    But do we love God that much? Do we love Christ like that? Do we love them so much that there is nothing, small or great, that we wouldn’t do for them? Or, do we serve God by just giving him the “minimum daily requirement?”

    The truth is that, even after we have done everything we can within our power to do for the Lord, we may not sit on our laurels. Nothing can supply the claims of love, our love for God. Jesus said, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 5:20 NASU).

    We must surpass. We must learn to love God that much.

     

    • Mike Riley 11:16 am on February 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good points, Bro. John! Having the mindset of the “minimum daily requirement” is one reason why our jobs are being sent overseas to folks who are not afraid of exceeding expectations. Also, in recent years, the quality of our products have deteriorated because of this mindset. It’s now quantity over quality.

    • J. Randal Matheny 3:26 pm on February 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Very good, John, thanks.

  • John Henson 11:00 am on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , service   

    Done! 

    Preaching and teaching brothers: You need to read this. http://www.dalejenkins.com/done

     

     

    • Steve 12:16 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Though not a full time preacher, I do teach and pastor as an elder. But forget all of that. For I view myself as simply a Christian desiring to serve others in my area. Probably like each of you. So from that perspective, and coupled with our Father’s Word, can we truly ever say “Leave?” Step away from the collective body concern for a moment and consider the significance of this thought for others in secular jobs. Is there a time when a mother should stop looking for a lost or stolen child; a case worker to give up on a juvenile because they have not yet, and do underline yet, responded to their guidance or counseling; a firefighter arbitrarily walk away from a fire because he no longer can handle it himself? Wait, is that what has occurred, we only assist some one based on our standards of help? Now back to Leaving. Are we applying secular thinking to Godly standards? What about God’s standards that suggest “I will be with you always (Isaiah 58:11 or Matt 28:20, to name a few).” For Dale, you must realize two things: first, the global nature of the internet and your words,and second, the local nature of your work. Do the conclusions you draw for Christians where you preach truly apply to congregations throughout the world? For you see, the “church on every corner” status in parts of TN and N. Ala is not a reality to 99.9999% of the world. For most do not have the option to go to such a wide array of coc congregations. Rather, in many communities there is only one congregation, in many counties and states inside and outside of the US, there is only a handful of locations of the Church. We have friends in Montana and other states and countries who travel three or four hours round trip several times throughout the week to be able to fellowship with fellow believers. If we are going about the Lord’s business and bringing souls to Christ, how do we explain to our neighbor that we must travel hour(s) to find fellow Christians with which to study or worship God. So the option to “Leave” is not a realistic or simplistic geographic option for most believers. But still, the bigger question remains, what would God do? As best I recall, there is only one occasion that comes close to resembling your scenario. However, that was more about two missionaries who split up, to go about doing their work in different areas. Does God truly desire when a brother or sister find themselves “at the end of their rope”, or as you word it, ‘done,’ with actions at their local congregation, to simply walk away? Quite frankly, not knowing nor desiring to know the particulars, I’d have more respect for the individual leaving than those who are ushering them out the door. Are brothers and sisters not to resolve the issues with one another (Matt 18, Matt 5, et al )? Can we confidently say we have ever truly exhausted all our means, individually and collectively as a congregation, to help right this brother’s ship? I know that I have failed miserably to be as helpful as I could/should have been in past experiences. And yes, I understand that emotions and attitudes of all involved can be challenging and difficult to maneuver through. However, I am hard pressed to think the Lord deserves any less. And despite all our human imperfections and frailties, did He ever suggest we should simply abandon a brother or sister, tell them to Leave?

      Back to the field….

      • John Henson 12:31 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I don’t believe Dale was asking people to leave their faith, but rather to find a new congregation where they could be useful and fully engaged in the work.

    • Steve 1:13 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John,

      That is the way I understood it also. However, consider your location: how many cocs are there with 5 blocks, 5 miles or 50 miles of your building? If you were to encourage some of your faithful to leave, where would you send them? I know what I am suggesting is not easy as a human with all the emotions we have inside. Consider though, why did this family choose the congregation in which you serve, those many years ago? In all likelihood it was due to similarities, whether in language, culture and/or good Godly preaching. I would rather ask the question, what has changed in the congregation or in their family that has put this individual/family in a position that they have become ‘done?’ I truly believe that God would rather we help the individual/family out of their done status, than usher them out the door. For I have never seen a family leave under those conditions and return. This is not a prodigal son illustration, but rather one in which we are instructing someone to leave. Especially in areas of the country where the church is sparse, but even in other areas, what does that say about God’s people in loving/helping families through tough spots? Again, I write this as someone who has not gone the inth degree to help the done family. And past experiences show they rarely go to another group of believers, they do as Dale unintentionally recommends, they LEAVE the church. Especially in the more un-coc areas in which I have lived, rarely do they leave to find a new congregation where they could be useful and fully engaged in the work.

      As always, I appreciate the writings and discussions in TFR!

      • John Henson 2:13 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I realize this is a hard concept and it isn’t easy, but I think his advice is sound. If people like this continue in the same congregation with this kind of attitude, they’ll influence others. What will the result be? BUT, if they can be effective somewhere else, why shouldn’t they go? Dale does not recommend they leave the CHURCH. Again, as I said in my first reply, they are not being forced to leave the faith or the church. They’re not being forced to do anything except to take a look at themselves and find what they can do to become more faithful to the body of Christ.

    • Steve 4:10 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, I don’t think this is a hard concept to understand, for we see it everywhere, whether in the work place, in high school or universities, and yes, in the church. I’d suggest dealing appropriately with it is the difficult aspect. And yes, I agree “if they can be effective somewhere else, why shouldn’t they go.” But that is so very different than being told to leave. And who is to say that simply a different location will solve their issues? Also, what should this family tell the elders at the new congregation about why they left the former congregation(which was within walking distance but now travel 30 minutes each way), “Oh, because we were told to leave.” How might you respond to that comment as the minister at the new location?

      First though, just so you know, I was a classmate with Jeff Jenkins and Dale Jenkins. And more recently, spent time with Jeff. I think the world of both of them and earthly sorrow yet heavenly joy in the loss of their father. Dale is a great brother who I just happen to disagree with in the article you have brought to TFR. Possibly I am looking at this too much through the eyes of someone who has witnessed the congregational damage done because of his very suggestion. But first, take a look at it from a practical standpoint. Would you please take a moment to answer the few questions I raised in the previous note concerning the practicality of this solution? If you are in the <.1% group with many scripturally sound congregations within a few blocks or so of your building, then the practically thoughts, I'll admit, may not apply. On the other hand, for many new converts, who accepted Christ through a relationship forged by a Christian in your assembly, the CHURCH as they know it is largely the group which meets at that location. I wonder just how many erring brothers got their start due to a well-intentioned brother's suggestion that they leave? And who is to say that a Christian's status is 'done?' Dale's definition, which may place the individual at 100% 'done,' may be only 50% done through the eyes of another member and thus still rescuable to serve in that congregations? Or, my 100% done is only 22% on Dale's scale, then is it just a matter of location for the scale? In fact, in God's eyes, are we ever 'done' enough to be instructed by His Word to leave a location and worship elsewhere? To quote from Dale's article "If you are done then you are doing neither your congregation, your family or yourself a favor. " Brother, tell me where in God's Word a Preacher or teacher is to make such a proclamation about a fellow brother's "doneness"? I am finding myself in the other camp, which says, do everything you can to help the brother. If he decides to make a change, it should be onlyhis or his family's decision, not a fellow attendee suggesting such.

      You know, as a member of the baby boomer generation in America, we had it way too good. Decades ago, a church of Christ building was constructed and it would fill quickly. However, as population births shifted, the economy and relocations soured, and other factors of course, many congregations have not sustained their prior growth rates. In fact, many have locked their doors and joined others. I say all that to simply say we must learn how to get along, how to meet people where they are and together address their issues, how to serve others so they truly do feel welcomed and find it a joy to be amongst fellow believers. I for one do not want to add more names of neighbors to those lists of people who are either driving further to worship the Lord or who no longer call on the Lord. I know this is not easy. But also I know I have not enlisted God's help nearly enough to get the resolution.

      I don't mind being wrong, for I often am, so please help me understand. Is everyone else in this forum ok with telling a brother in Christ to leave a congregation, to go find some other place to worship, regardless of the implications? Probably my greatest concern is answering to the Lord one day when he asks me why I asked the brother to leave rather than help the brother through his difficulties? That is, if after such action, He even feels compelled to ask the question.

      • John Henson 6:50 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Steve, if you have a problem with Dale’s article, then you need to write him about it. You evidently know Dale’s website address, so why don’t you express these problems with him? I’m sure he’ll be glad to have your views, since you evidently know him so well. I’m sure Dale would value a chance to hear your problems with his writing firsthand.

      • Dale Jenkins 9:47 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Hey Steve. There are some good thoughts here. I may not have been clear. My “encouragement” to leave would ONLY be for the good and growth of the individual. I NEVER have in 30 plus years of preaching asked or encouraged even one person to leave where I was preaching. But I have said that if someone cannot serve under the elders and, as in this case, if they are stuck and becoming bitter they must deal with it, bitterness kills the soul. If they can’t they need to be somewhere they can more forward.

        And, yes, my writing shows the region I’m in. I preached for several years in an area where if you wanted to be active you pretty much HAD to be a part of that church. I always thought that was a blessing – it is too easy in the south to jump ship at the first sign of trouble.

        Sorry for the misunderstanding(s). I only want to bless. I don’t mind people disagreeing with me but I do want my feeble writings to help others.

        In His Care,
        d

    • Steve 11:21 pm on December 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, Given your last response, I apparently offended you in some way with one of my comments, for which I apologize. That was never my intention. I thought this was a safe environment to discuss Biblical thoughts, writings and ideas within the Brotherhood, especially those brought to TFR. You suggested fellas need to read it of which I assumed it was ok to comment on its content. You were (and hopefully still is) a friend on facebook from which you have access to my email. I’d recommend email or live talk for any further discussion on this matter. I think it best to discontinue this thread on TFR. Any background mentioned with the Jenkins to let you know that my comments are done so out of love and respect, not in some sniping manner or as someone with a hidden agenda. As I lay my head to sleep this evening, I am at peace with God with what I have written and hope with you also.

    • Steve 12:00 am on December 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Hey Dale, Thanks for adding the thoughts. I could never imagine you suggesting to any brother or sister in Christ to leave the Church or the congregation, that’s why I was puzzled. Also, I love your second paragraph, when you suggest “What do I want to say to the done?” I’m uncertain whether you share these thoughts with “done” or simply wish someone would. For many “dones” it does take a confrontation for them to comprehend their negative shadow cast upon those they love. In many ways, turning a “done” from being well done back to being on fire for the Lord is one of the greatest spiritual highs this side of Heaven.

      Please keep your blessings (writings) flowing for they do bless us readers: either directly to a need or challenge us to reconsider long held positions, both of which only brings us closer in step to the Lord!
      In him, sl

  • Mike Riley 12:28 pm on July 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , luncheon, , service, ,   

    Announcement Procedure 

    At the Montana Street congregation, one of our elders presents the announcements right before the last song of the service is sung.

    The announcements consists of the following:

    1) A prayer list of those members who are ill, in the hospital, or homebound.
    2) An announcement regarding our monthly luncheon on the first Sunday of every month.
    3) The Bible Question Of The Week.
    4) A list of the members who have birthdays or anniversaries during the month.
    5) Any area-wide congregational singing.
    6) Any area-wide gospel meeting.
    7) Needed grocery items for the food pantry.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 3:36 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: footwashing, , , service   

    Daily Nudge: how to wash feet? — and news 

    Today’s text for slow readers is John 13. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. Note especially the first verses. Tell us your thoughts on this passage. How could Jesus, Son of God, wash feet? And how may we today be like him by washing feet? How is it that you wash feet?

    The day started early for me. This after the night ended late. But strength for the day is at hand.

    Got news? Tell about the saints you know.

     

  • John Henson 6:02 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service,   

    When is our moment on the mountain? 

    Going to the mountains in North Carolina was always a favorite vacation for my family. We particularly enjoyed Grandfather Mountain, Maggie Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway all in North Carolina. When it was time to go home, we never wanted to leave.

    But if we were to continue our schoolwork and our lives, we had to come down from the mountain and go back to work.

    In Luke 9, Jesus spent some time on a mountain being glorified and transfigured. Transfigure means to have one’s appearance changed. Even Jesus’ clothes became white. Peter was so impressed with what happened, he wanted Jesus to allow him to build three “tabernacles,” or tents for the Lord, Moses and Elijah. It was then that God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son: hear him!”

    For Jesus, it was time to come down from the mountain. It might have been great to linger in the glorious spotlight, but Jesus was sent to the world to complete his work. So, Jesus decided to leave the mountain and come back down where people needed him.

    Jesus was teaching his apostles an object lesson in what the kingdom meant. Being in the kingdom meant work and service. While the apostles argued about who was going to be greatest in the kingdom (Luke 9:46), Jesus took a child and demonstrated greatness in the kingdom is humbling oneself as a servant. Jesus said, “he that is least among you all, the same shall be great,” (Luke 9:48).

    But, isn’t that what Jesus was pointing to earlier in the chapter when he talked about carrying a cross daily? Didn’t he twice before, in verses 22 and 44, point to the cross and plainly tell his disciples he would suffer and be delivered up into the hands of men who wanted to kill him? But, that was precisely why he came into the world, wasn’t it? He came into this world to give himself as a sin sacrifice for us all.

    Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it,” (Luke 9:24). People hoard their lives, but do not want to lose them. They are not willing to give their lives in the service of God and their fellows. As Christians, we must be willing to spend our lives serving God and people, for that is what Jesus did. If we spend all of our lives in the service of others, are we not like our Savior, who spent his entire life helping us and providing us with forgiveness of sins?

    Isn’t that our moment on the mountain?

     

    • Mike Riley 9:16 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Yes, John, I believe helping others is indeed “our moment on the mountain.”

  • Richard Mansel 11:34 am on April 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service   

    Involvement 

    About a third of our congregation is here to work on Ladies’ Day and to help with the Clothing Giveaway. What a great group of brethren!

     

    • Mike Riley 1:01 pm on April 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, I think that’s great! A working congregation is a productive congregation for the Lord, giving glory and honor to Him. This is what the church is all about. May God bless your efforts today and every day!

  • Mike Riley 11:57 pm on January 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , promoting, service, ,   

    The Twitter Fad Is Over 

    This is the latest article regarding the social network called “Twitter”:

    http://www.itworld.com/mobile-amp-wireless/93692/twitter-fad-over-its-about-time

    The article brings out the fact that only those who are die hard Twitter users remain faithful in using the service.

    A quote from the article:

    “The trend-followers, Oprah fans, curious tire kickers and others have gotten bored or frustrated and wandered away. Meanwhile, the kinds of people who can take advantage of Twitter are really getting into it and getting more out of it.”

    Personally, I like the quick and concise communication concept of Twitter. You can’t “beat-around-the-bush” on Twitter. You’ve got to get what you want said in as few words as possible – not like the never ending talk shows on T.V.

    It’s a very quick and practical way of promoting your congregation’s web site, a personal blog, or any other medium of spreading the gospel of Christ. We need to take advantage of every opportunity and means we have at our disposal in promoting the saving gospel of Christ – Twitter is one of those means.

     

    • Richard Mansel 12:28 am on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I’m enjoying Twiiter. I am finding news is being delivered faster via Twitter than any other outlet.

  • J. Randal Matheny 2:47 pm on January 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , service   

    Ahead: hidden opportunity 

    Leaving around 6 a.m., Wife and I took Daughter this morning to São Paulo, an hour and a half trip, when traffic is clear, to catch the bus to camp. This next week she will serve as a monitor for ages 10-13. The following week she’ll be a camper during the week for ages 14-17. So she’ll stay at camp straight for two weeks. Gonna be quiet around the house.

    While at the spot where the rented buses would take campers and crew, waiting for everyone to register and load bags, I spent an hour and a half talking with a brother from São Paulo about a difficult situation he’s in, working with a small congregation there in the capital city. He has a good opportunity arising, but few options in terms of taking advantage of it. I provided him some important perspectives and situational information that he was unaware of. He was grateful for that.

    Say a prayer that the Lord will open the doors for him and the saints in that area.

    My point here is this: We never know the opportunity that may present itself if we’re open to it, rather than focusing only on a narrow purpose or task, in my case, delivering up a child to camp. That time spent with him may well have made a major difference in the direction he’ll now take.

     

    • Mike Riley 4:46 pm on January 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, you are exactly right about taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves to us. After opportunities are gone, the only thing left is regret that we didn’t take advantage of it.

  • John Henson 7:17 pm on January 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , service   

    People react to disloyalty 

                Lane Kiffin, coach of the University of  Tennessee Volunteer football team for just one season, abruptly left the school Tuesday to fill the vacant head-coaching post at the University of Southern California.

                Students at the Tennessee school responded to Kiffin’s decision by destroying property and shouting obscenities. The Tennessee General Assembly decided not to issue its annual congratulatory resolution to Kiffin for his work in 2009. The reaction was sharp because the coach’s  decision to return to USC was perceived as disloyal.

                The problem is that many people have accepted the  “what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” attitude of professional and college sports, even incorporating it into their lives. But doesn’t this produce an mindset of disloyalty?  While we may seem to accept this kind of philosophy, when it hits close to home and when we see the consequences of this thinking, we don’t like it.

                There are some religious bodies that say if you come to their church, they won’t require you do anything. You won’t be asked to make any kind of commitment or agree to any kind of doctrinal theology. It will be a pain-free experience for you.

                Such was not Jesus’ life and was not his teaching. Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth ; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword,” (Matthew 10:32-34 NASU). The religion of Jesus Christ requires loyalty and commitment. We can’t apply the philosophy of men to the service of God.

     

    • Mike Riley 8:52 pm on January 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, we can heartily “Amen” your article, especially the last two sentences:

      “The religion of Jesus Christ requires loyalty and commitment. We can’t apply the philosophy of men to the service of God.”

      It’s unfortunate that the characteristics of loyalty and commitment that were once prominent in our society 40-50 years ago, are quickly disappearing from the landscape of our society. A sad commentary indeed.

  • philsanders 3:11 pm on December 2, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , service,   

    Rise Up O Men of God 

    Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.

    In the days of uncertainty, let us not fall back in fear but rise up to do more and more for the Lord. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

    Do your best today to touch a soul. Don’t give up. Try again with someone who didn’t respond before. Keep praying (Col. 4:2-4).

     

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