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  • Eugene Adkins 11:36 am on May 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , high school students, , , Students, work   

    4 Pointers for Graduates to Head in the Right Direction 

    An blue icon with a graduation cap and tassel.

    Here’s the basic points with a scripture that I’m using for tomorrow’s “graduation night” at Keltonburg for our High School students. This’ll work whether they’re heading to college or the job market:

    • It’s time to grow up (1 Corinthians 13:11)
    • Prepare for hard times (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
    • When you think you have the world conquered its conquered you (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
    • Don’t compromise your faith for a “good grade” or a “good job” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    “Whatever comes to your hand to do with all your power, do it because there is no work, or thought, or knowledge, or wisdom in the place of the dead to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 - BBE)

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:11 am on April 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 123 What Shall I Do, Lord? 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verse 1 directs our eyes;

    Verse 2 directs our obedience;

    Verse 3 directs our hearts;

    Verse 4 directs our pleas.

    Verse 1: Since “heavens” means upper expanse, whenever we need to look for God, we must “lift up our eyes.” Jesus, as God, now is “dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). Morally, to “see God” is to see the effects of His Will in the obedient heart. Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Peter taught how a heart becomes pure: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-23). John added: “He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).

    Verse 2: It is not enough just to “look” for God, but it must be with a humble heart: “as” the servant’s eyes look in anticipation of what the master desires to be done; “as” the maid looks for whatever detail she may provide for her mistress’s satisfaction; “so” we look toward God for instruction. Our eagerness to obey Him prompts His willingness to extend “mercy” to us! He, however, has already given all of His instruction in His Book “once for all” (Jude 3). No one should look toward God without seeing Jesus in His Word: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works” (John 14:9-10).

    Verses 3-4: We keenly feel the need for God’s “mercy” because we are “exceedingly filled” with “the contempt of the proud.” These are the people who, Jesus said, “this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause’” (John 15:25). Jesus had also taught: “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).

    Thought: It is pitiful to see people “look up to:” Gandhi, Marx, Einstein, Darwin, Mohammed, “the Pope,” a pastor, ancestors, a teacher, philosophers, or gurus but look down on (denigrate) Jesus Christ! Truth is entirely the other way: “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). We quote the statements that have influenced us the most: Do we quote Jesus Christ above all?

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 5:48 am on March 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:121-128 Ayin Justice In The Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:121-128  Ayin                               Justice In The Word           

    Verses 121-123 describe a righteous person before God;

    Verses 124-125 make a request of God;

    Verse 126 asks God to help with the godless;

    Verses 127-128 mention good things God’s Word does for the obedient.

    Verses 121-123: (Verse 121) Keeping covenant with God, man’s part is not a statement from pride (Luke 18:9-14), but from a clear conscience (1 John 3:21), and asks God to keep His part: not to abandon the obedient among “oppressors;” (Verse 122) guarantee His “servant’s” goodness; relief from the oppression of the “proud.” (Verse 123) Mention is made of a servant’s diligence with tired eyes searching God’s “righteous word” (statements which make clear what God expects).

    Verse 124-125: (Verse 124) Obedience to God justly brings the hope of “mercy” in one willing to be taught God’s “statutes” (words that trace around to make clear). (Verse 125) A “servant” of God will be given “understanding” (insight, comprehension) “to know” God’s “testimonies” (proof of His good character). “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

    Verse 126: (Verse 126) The “proud” are those who think God’s “law” (words that make a straight path) is empty of force. Maybe God will choose to do something promptly that turns the godless back to the Bible.

    Verses 127-128: (Verse 127) Because of the straight path, clear law, hopeful promises, and God’s character, His “commandments” (words authorizing or forbidding conduct) deserve: our greatest bond (“love”), our highest esteem (“more than fine gold”), and (Verse 128) our purest judgment (“all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right”). We, therefore, accept God’s justice and “hate every false way.” God’s command to “Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15) is repeated for Christians in Romans 12:9: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Thanks to God and His Word, there is no confusion as to which is which!

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:47 am on March 20, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , double-minded, , , , , , , , , , work   

    Psalm 119:113-120 Samek The Certainty of the Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:113-120  Samek                  The Certainty of the Word

    Verses 113-114 tell why God is our choice;

    Verse 115 tells which direction we are going;

    Verses 116-117 describe how God helps;

    Verses 118-119 show how certain God is of the outcome;

    Verse 120 describes how this certainty should affect us.

    Verses 113-114: (Verse 113) “The double-minded” are people who are torn between two opinions, skeptical of truth, and can’t decide which to follow. Elijah, the prophet, called for people to make up their minds: “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Faith is to be “with no doubting,” or else we are “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8). To love God’s “law” (words that make straight) means we have made a definite decision. (Verse 114) God’s “word” (what God actually has said) keeps our “hope” alive, so that we know God is our “hiding place” and our “shield.”

    Verse 115: Once we have decided whose “commandments” (authoritative orders) we “will keep,” it is easier to reject the “evil doers.” Jesus will, on the Judgment Day, say these very words (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Verses 116-117: (Verse 116) We need to be upheld (propped up) by God’s “word,” “that I may live” (the believer knows life begins with faith) without “shame” (timidity). “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). (Verse 117) We need for God to “hold [us] up” (above evil) that we may be “safe.” But this requires “observing” God’s “statutes” (words marking out proper conduct) “continually” (cannot dismiss it from thought).

    Verses 118-119: (Verse 118) God has made His decision, not about individual names, but of whoever follows “deceit” and “falsehood.” They have made a definite decision to “stray” from God’s “statutes,” and God has decided He will “reject” them “all.” (Verse 119) God definitely will “put away all the wicked of the earth” (which He has before, in Noah’s day, Genesis 6:5-7), as if they were “dross” (rejected impurities of melted metal, Ezekiel 22:18-22). The obedient believer decides to “love” God’s “testimonies” (words proving God’s character to be true) because His decision is final.

    Verse 120: This verse glimpses into the Judgment Day, as described by the Apostle Paul: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

    Thought: Every believer should be certain in knowing what way to go, and what way God will reject. “Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:105-112 Nun The Light In The Tunnel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     Psalm 119:105-112  Nun                      The Light In The Tunnel    

    Verse 105 shows what God’s Word provides;

    Verses 106-112 show how God’s Word helps.

    Verse 105: God’s “word” (message of instruction) provides “a lamp” for “my feet” (which represents specific action). Lamps usually provide illumination in dark situations. “A light” (usually associated with day) to “my path” (which represents constant course of conduct).

    Verses 106-112: GOD’S WORD HELPS US: (Verse 106) KEEP OUR PROMISES. With the respect as in a court of law, God’s “righteous judgments” (always right decisions) prevail, and people must swear and confirm to keep them. “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute” (Hebrews 6:16), but God accepts a person’s oath seriously: “Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). (Verse 107) RENEW EFFORTS IN AFFLICTION. When “affliction” (stress, depression, strife, conflict, pain) grows in effect to “very much,” we need to be “revived” (by reconsidering our responsibility before God). (Verse 108) GIVE FERVENT WORSHIP. “Freewill offerings of my mouth” are our prayers, songs, and teaching centered upon God and His Will for us. If worship is begrudging, forced, intimidated, or coerced, it is NOT “freewill.” “Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). (Verse 109) MAKE GOD’S WILL MY WILL. No plainer statement is ever made about the freewill nature of humans than: “My life is continually in my hand.” That means no one makes us do anything we do not choose to do, for our decisions come from within our hearts (Proverbs 4:3; Matthew 5:8; Mark 7:20-23). Since God’s “law” (words showing the straight path) must always govern our way, we must never “forget” it. (Verse 110) STAY ON COURSE. The “wicked” are all who “have laid a snare for me,” but the faithful are those who “have not strayed from” God’s “precepts” (words highlighting what is pure). “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25-26). (Verse 111) ENJOY GOD’S CHARACTER. “Testimonies” about God are His dealings with mankind from His Word, and the promise of Heaven is “a heritage forever.” In Christ, we are “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Ephesians 1:12). We are “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). (Verse 112) KEEP LOOKING UP. An “incline” is designed to go upward, so God’s “statutes” (words marking out our limits) lift us heavenward if we “perform” them. “Forever, to the very end” shows we should leave this life actively serving God. Eternity is determined, not by the height of the pile of good works or absolute purity we have attained, but the direction we are going when we die! “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph “Finding Strength In Weakness” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph                          “Finding Strength In Weakness”

    Verses 81-83 describe our weakened condition;

    Verses 84-87 show how much worse it gets;

    Verse 88 make an appeal for strength.

    Verses 81-83: (Verse 81) A soul may “faint” (grow weaker, dims) waiting for God’s salvation, but nothing else will do, for “hope” (anticipation) is still in God’s “word” (actual statements). (Verse 82) Eyes “fail” (strain, ache) from constant peering into God’s “word,” searching for God’s answer to: “When will You comfort me?” Under stress, strain, duress, distress, pain, or anguish, we can only tolerate so much. We ask God, not whether or not He will help, but “When.” (Verse 83) “A wineskin in smoke” dries out, becomes brittle, and useless as a liquid container. Before we become useless, we continue to remember God’s “statutes” (words defining proper conduct, lines marking out what we must do).

    Verses 84-87: (Verse 84) We ask, “how long will we live,” and “when will God payback our persecutors?” The souls of those who died in the Jewish persecution of the churches of Christ (Acts 8:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) asked the same question: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10). That answer came back in Revelation 19:1-2. (Verse 85) “The proud” (those lifted in their own minds above God and His word) create pitfalls (or problems) for those who serve God. “The proud” are mentioned 5 times just in this Psalm (verses 51, 69, 78, 85, 122) as representing all who disobey God’s “law” (words that guide in a straight path). (Verse 86) Dangers are not caused by God’s “commandments” (words that tell us what we should and should not do), all of which are “faithful” (producing faith), but are caused by “wrongful persecution” (undeserved, unprovoked, uncaused). “Help me!” is our appeal to our God who cares, can help, and considers our immediate plight. Christians may “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The help we need always comes from the Lord, and His way to help is revealed in His word. (Verse 87) Though oppressed near death, we should never “forsake” (give up, quit) on God’s “precepts” (words that highlight or point out what is important).

    Verse 88: With fainting soul, strained eyes, strength drying up, problems caused by “the proud,” we ask to be “revived” (have our spirit refreshed, renewed vigor, restored ability) that we may finish our task of keeping His “testimony” (words of His character and will), not that God would take over and finish what we are capable of doing. Paul said of Philemon, “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (Philemon 7).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:00 am on December 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    Quick Bible Fact 

    Do you know the only time (at least that I’m aware of) that the Bible straight up says someone is worse than an unbeliever?

    “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)

    This does not reflect upon those who try hard but struggle due to uncontrollable circumstances – it reflects upon those who make it someone else’s responsibility to provide for their own due to laziness and apathy toward controllable circumstances!

    “…But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-11)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:06 am on November 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    “Proverbs Are The Piths” (15) 

    Proverbs 10 is where the “pithiness” begins due to the mouthful of wisdom served on spoon sized verses. For this chapter I’ll only comment on certain verses that stand out (at least to me) instead of commenting on whole passages like I have done previously for Proverbs 1-9.  Bon appetit!

    Verse 1: Interesting due to the bluntness of the statement. Building up the self-esteem of a child is an essential task of a parent, but psychologists today get it all wrong if they say any sort of guilt is bad. Solomon flat-out tells his child if he listens to his father he will make him a better child and he will make his parents proud - ignore the advice and he’ll remain a child of constant sorrow to his mother!

    Verse 2: The Bible in Basic English translates this verse, “Wealth which comes from sin is of no profit, but righteousness gives salvation from death.” Reminds me so very much of what Paul said in Romans 6:23.

    Verse 5: There is a time to rest and a time to work – don’t confuse the two! If only this nation’s parents taught more children this principle many of the problems that our young people face would simply fix themselves. Busy hands have a harder time getting into trouble!!!

    Verse 10: When I read verses like this it reminds of how much the characteristics of sneakiness in people has not changed since the days the Bible speaks of. The devious, destructive and deterring “wink of the eye” still remains one of the quickest markers of something when it’s not what it appears to be.

    Verse 12: A wonderful verse! Not only do I think so, but so did Peter and James! Peter quotes the verse directly while you can’t help but think of it when you read what James said. They were obviously both fans of the Proverbs.

    Verse 13: It’s a ‘hard knock life’ for those who have a hard head – at least that’s how I’d sum it up.

    Verses 15-16: Wealth is a tool! Some have more tools than others but we’re all responsible for how we take care of our own tools. Wealth does not always make things better. Use some tools with ignorance and you’ll end up getting hurt. Wealth is one of them! To the untrained heart physical wealth will replace the spiritual treasure of the heart (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:1-14).

    Verse 19: I quoted this verse just the other day…but I accidentally left out a word in my comment. I wasn’t following the verse per say; just made a mistake. Shutting a door and window – yeah, we’ve got that! Shutting our mouth – I wish I had it down as much as the doors and windows.

    Verse 21: I think this is one of the most overlooked gems in Proverbs. How do the lips of the righteous feed others? Advice, encouragement, warnings, admonitions…it all feeds the soul.

    Verse 22: Solomon has much to say throughout Proverbs about work, wealth and blessings from God. I wonder why? True financial blessings from God come without the sorrow…and the fact that all financial “blessings” are not without that issue reveals the source of some “financial aid.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 preaches right along side with the Proverbs today as strongly as the day they were written. Solomon was a man who felt the sting of wealth and sorrow!!!

    Verse 27: Accidents do happen to those who strive to live after the Lord, but foolishness happens to more people than you can shake a stick at. Watch the news! Foolishness affects our lives much more than accidents. Bottom line is a life lived in accordance with God’s will is most-often a life of wiser and more fulfilling days.

    Verse 29: The Lord can be for you. But never forget that the Lord can be against if you chose to work evil! You can hear Solomon saying that we don’t want to be on the wrong side of the Lord.

    Next up, Proverbs 11.

     

    • robertebarger 10:35 am on November 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Proverbs 22:15
      Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
      The scriptures tells us that by the sin of one man, (Adam) death entered into the world, and death upon all men, (Romans 5) When a child is born into the world, they are born sinners, and are in rebellion against God,
      (Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity (at war) against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.) The mind of a person that is carnal, babe or adult, is at war with God. This is the reason that the Proverbs tells us, foolishness is “bound in the heart” of a child, it’s there by the sin of Adam. the rod if correction will drive it far from him! Foolishness is a spirit that the child is born with!
      In the graden of Eden, Eve was drawn away by the love of the world “in her”. The lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (1 John 1) When she gave in to what the devil tempted her with, she agreed with what Satan was feeding her, and sin conceived. (James chapter 1) When Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, He was tempted by the same things that Eve was tempted with, but He was not fooled like Eve but overcome Satan by knowing what to stop Satan with, the Word of God, It is written!

      • Eugene Adkins 6:02 pm on November 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Robert, I’ll give you some credit, your commment is sorta, kinda, a little close to the topic at hand…I think? Despite this, I’ll take you to task on your position.

        Answer the following question, please. If you don’t and you choose to sidestep the issue (which you have a bad haibt of doing) I’ll end the conversation on this post myself.

        Here’s the setup – According to your logic with Romans 5:12 every person ever born after Adam was born a sinner because of what he did. But have you ever bothered to read Romans 5:18 and what it says about Jesus and salvation?

        Here’s the question(s) – According to your logic, since every person born after Adam is automatically born (i.e. without being personally responsible for anything) spiritually depraved and deserving of judgment does that mean every person born/living after the death/resurrection of Jesus is automatically saved (i.e. without being personally responsible for anything)? Yes or No? If all are automatically condemned, then why aren’t all automatically saved??? I’m just using your logic here.

        Now, be fair and use your own logic with your answer, Robert. If you choose not to then the conversation is finished.

        By the way, a person can read a systematic dismantling of the perverted and false doctrine of Calvinism’s supposed ‘Total Hereditary Depravity’ by clicking on this first of a three part series on my own blog as well as this one here in the Fellowship Room.

        I have said it before and I’ll say it again, shame on any person who has to condemn babies to defend their terrible doctrine that says Jesus didn’t die for all the world!

  • TFRStaff 10:17 am on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply
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    • Eugene Adkins 5:45 pm on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Well said! I thought of 1 Corinthians 15:58 when I read this – “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.”

  • Eugene Adkins 6:40 am on August 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: animals, , , work   

    Some Links You Might Find Useful 

    Here are two links with information that goes in two different directions…well, maybe not that different after I think about it.

    The first one brings you to an article by Brett Pertillo about giraffes and evolution called: Why Giraffes Don’t Have Brain Damage. It’s a really good read.

    The second one brings you to some information about a benefit dinner for Apologetics Press on September 6th down in Florence, AL. I thought some people would like to know about this. Apologetics Press does great work.

    “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 - NKJV)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:54 am on August 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , obligations, , , , work   

    “Proverbs Are The Piths” (11) 

    Proverbs 6 is all about obligations; the ones we have and the ones we don’t. Watch and see, but you’re under no obligation.

    Verses 1-5 – Obligations to others. Solomon tells his children to think long and hard before signing your name to something. This applies to co-signers, hand shakers and promise makers. It’s all serious stuff! The reason? Because if it’s you on the line, then your “buddy” might just cut bait and run! That’s never happened before, has it?

    Verses 6-11 – God understands the necessity of rest, but He also understands our obligation to work. Not only does Exodus 20:9 speak to this, but so does 2 Thessalonians 3:8-13. Solomon isn’t trying to take a stick to those who aren’t capable of working. He’s lighting a fire under those who can, but won’t!

    Verses 12-19 – Here we have a person’s obligation to God. The wicked man and the wickedness of man go hand in hand. Verse 15 reminds us that we can’t out plan the One who sees all plans. Backroom deals, secret alliances, lies, cheating and back stabbing are fruitless in the eyes of God. Verses 16-19 are a very popular section of Proverbs for a very good reason – they preach as powerfully today as the day they were written. Pride, lying, murder, wicked hearts, evil intentions, trouble makers – none of that still happens…right? From head to toe, mankind has an obligation to God; one that He’s not soon to forget.

    Verses 20-29 – Obligation to purity is the name of the game here. Play with fire, and we will get burned. Not only is this advice from a father, but also from a mother (vs. 20-21). The tools of the “trade” haven’t changed for an adulterer/adulteress, and neither has the result. They never build anything; they just tear down! Solomon guarantees that the eye is bigger than the belly, and the cost is higher than advertised. It destroys the soul (vs. 32). It destroys reputations (vs. 33). It can literally destroy a life (vs. 34). If we allow our sexual appetite to take us to someone else’s table, then mercy won’t be an easy helping to find.

    Obligation is an interesting, powerful, heavy and even dangerous word.

     

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

    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)

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:00 pm on April 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: disability, , work   

    Recognize Your Limitations 

    Expectations and what our bodies will allow are frequently in conflict.

    Someone expects us to get a certain level of work done and we are fearful that we cannot meet that goal. As a result, our fight or flight response elevates our blood pressure and our bodies experience great stress. In time, they begin to break down from the overload of chemicals in our bodies.

    These expectations can be deadly if we do not manage them properly. We do that through exercise, breathing techniques, quiet time and connecting with God in prayer and Bible study. We rise above the stressors and find calm through Christ (Psalm 37:14; Psalm 46:10).

    We must realize our limitations. We can only do what we can do. For those who suffer from health problems, this is even more pronounced. We constantly feel guilty if we are not able to do as much as we need to do. Yet, we cannot help our families or our Lord if we can’t function at all.

    We must learn to pace ourselves and place ourselves in God’s hands (Matthew 11:28-30). Being honest with ourselves and with those around us is a scary proposition. We don’t want to disappoint others. Nevertheless, doing the best you can with 60% is better than falling far short of 100 %

    We work smarter, not harder and within the limitations of our bodies. This requires great trust in God (Hebrews 11:6). We must also realize that fallible humans are not as understanding as our infallible God.

    However, we only need to be concerned with what we can control, as frightening as that sounds. This requires a lot of faith!

    Finally, those who depend on us may have to change their expectations and allow us to reorient ourselves to our new reality.

    Health problems are what they are and they create new parameters that we must live within or face perpetual frustrations and failures. The choice seems clear.

    Trust yourself and be hones with what you can do. However, we must be courageous not to sell ourselves short. Pushing towards our limits builds character. Yet, we cannot become carried away.

    Be wise in everything.

     

  • John Henson 11:56 am on April 2, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Providence moving 

    When Ralph Hart, of the Southside Church of Christ in Manchester, Tenn. and I were in central Russia in 1999, it seemed the pressure being brought to bear by the Russian Orthodox Church brought more people our way.

    This was shortly after the government recognized the Orthodox Church as Russia’s national religion. Russia’s government and the Orthodox Church always shared a rather close relationship, even during the days of the Communist Party.

    Police officers came to our room one morning while we were having breakfast and told us our lives had been threatened. But we continued to teach.

    Not long after that, the following year I think, the church was planted there in Sosnofka. God be praised for his amazing ways!

     

  • Mike Riley 2:36 pm on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , assistant, attractive, , department, deplore, , engineering, , flirt, , terminate, , work   

    Persecution Or Ridicule? 

    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.

     

    • John Henson 3:31 pm on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      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!

  • Mike Riley 10:51 am on March 12, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: abound, , , , , , , , , , , , well-wishes, work, ,   

    Appreciation To My Many Christian Friends 

    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

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:48 am on March 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , older men, work, young men   

    Someone Needs to Step Up 

    At the congregation where I preach, we always gather at the end of winter to rake the leaves around the church building. Today is that day. This year, things are different, however. We have a great group of men but some of them, me included, have had health problems and cannot do as much as we could in the past. Therefore, I told some of the younger men that they needed to step up and do more, as a result.

    Isn’t that the way it should be in the Lord’s church? We need to be preparing our younger men to be leaders, so we will have a next generation. Yet, the older men are accustomed to doing everything and they can inadvertently form a clique and exclude the younger men. Accordingly, they are never trained and are unaccustomed to being involved. We must correct this blind spot immediately.

    The young men need to step up and the older ones need to allow them in to their circle, so the Lord’s work can continue and thrive.

     

     

    • Tim Hester 8:00 am on March 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good points Richard. As a matter of fact the article I wrote for this weeks bulletin is entitled “Who’s Going To Fill There Shoes”.

    • Tim Hester 8:08 am on March 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Sorry that should be: “Who’s Going To Fill Their Shoes.”

    • Richard Parsons 8:46 am on March 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Yes Richard, that is exactly the way it should be in the Lord’s church.

      I grew up in a congregation where the young men were included and trained in every area of church work; from maintenance on the building to the actual work of the church. We have a small congregation and it is easier to include everyone. I have seen the younger men kind of get lost in the “shuffle” in a larger congregation. I remember the older men teaching us about how important it was that we learn to do the Lord’s work so we could carry on when they were gone. We continue to include and train our young men. I guess we are the older ones now.

  • Ron Thomas 3:22 pm on February 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Gospel Preaching Consisted of (in brief, Acts 13) 

    1. The work consisted of the Holy Spirit calling for the setting aside of two men (servants) (Acts 13:2, 13).
    2. This work consisted of traveling (Acts 13:4, 6, 14).
    3. This work consisted in the proclaiming of God’s word in the synagogue (Acts 13:5, 14-41).
    4. This work consisted in resisting (Acts 13:6-12).
    5. This work consisted in using the miraculous to harm another, but in this there was a “sign” (Acts 13:12).
    6. This work consisted in perseverance (Acts 13:42-43).
    7. This work consisted in the use of symbolism (Acts 13:51).
    8. This work consisted in joy with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

     

  • Mike Riley 11:09 am on January 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , older, , precious, , , , , reclaim, , , , , work,   

    Waste Time? Never 

    The older I get, the more I realize the less time I have on earth, and thus, the more I realize how precious time is: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2007/02/11/appreciating-the-value-of-time/. Once time is gone, it can never be reclaimed. Do I waste time? Not that I know of. I’m always busy taking care of my wife, working in the yard, paying bills, grocery shopping, preparing daily meals, studying the Bible, writing articles, reading good books and publications produced by faithful proclaimers of God’s word, preaching and teaching. Doing all of this plus working as a library substitute for our local school district, keeps me plenty busy – never have time to be bored, that’s for certain.

    I do watch the news and weather on television, plus two weekly shows, NCIS and Criminal Minds. Don’t know if that’s wasted time or not, because both shows motivate me to use my mind in figuring out the plots.

     

  • Glenda Williams 2:19 pm on October 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    A marital sacrifice 

    When Paul came to Corinth the Bible says he found a certain Jew named Aquila with his wife Priscilla and came unto them. Because they were of the same craft, he abode with them. They were tentmakers. (Acts 18:1-3) The Bible tells about Paul preaching and what he went through, but verse 18 says Paul stayed there a good whle, and then left the brethren and sailed into Syria and with him, Priscilla and Aquila.

    I have always found this interesting that Priscilla and Aquila left their home, and perhaps an established business, and followed Paul to Ephesus.  He left them and sailed from Ephesus and went down to Antioch. From there Paul went about preaching and strengthening all the disciples.  Then we find Apollos coming to Ephesus and preaching. There Priscilla and Aquila heard him and took him aside to teach him the way of the Lord more perfectly.

    Pulling up roots and moving to me is a marital sacrifice, but a needed one, if a person wants to be in the preaching profession.

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:32 am on October 2, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Proud 

    I’m at the building writing a manuscript for a lectureship. We have a carload of Ladies who are at a Ladies’ Day in Savannah. A man is cutting the grass at the building and two more are doing repairs and cleaning the baptistry for our meeting that starts tomorrow. When brethren act on their own, it is a beautiful thing!

     

  • Laura 5:32 am on October 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: work, work ethic   

    Work Ethic and the Christian 

    What does the Bible have to say about a Christian’s work ethic? I’m beginning to think that maybe this is an area the church has been remiss in teaching about. I’d say we need a sermon, but at this point, I suspect we need an entire 13-week series of Bible studies on it! Give me your thoughts.

     

  • Ed Boggess 8:02 am on September 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: freeloading, , work   

    Freeloading – JAM 

    Darrel Brown, 53, was convicted of defrauding the Veterans Administration of more than $700,000 by feigning paralysis for more than twenty years. Before his regular visits to a VA hospital Brown would bind his legs and arms tightly for days to induce a temporary atrophy and insure the ruse could continue. He then took to a wheelchair and appeared as if he was paralyzed. It never ceases to amaze me to what lengths some folks will go to avoid doing an honest day’s labor. Brown worked harder trying to avoid work than if he were to take a job and earn a living and now that he is exposed for the thief and fraud he is, he will be making his future in a federal prison. Let all beware that actions have consequences; if not here, certainly in eternity. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 8:24 pm on September 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , every good work, , work   

    Labor-Day-themed article, “Work Is Good” 

    Many modern societies like the U.S. are turning toward a philosophy of entitlement, expecting the government to guarantee basic personal needs. Governments encourage such attitudes. The more money they can generate through taxes, tariffs and fees, the more power they accumulate.

    God created man as a creature of work. Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were given the responsibility of tending the garden of Eden. After the Fall, man’s work became onerous and difficult, and this area of his life, as were all others, was adversely affected. But the inherent goodness of work was not changed.

    Read the rest of the article HERE.

     

  • Richard Mansel 4:46 pm on August 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    "Life is not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming."

    Mike Dooley via Twitter

     

  • Mike Riley 3:21 pm on July 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , layoff, , pace, , , work   

    The Difference In Generations 

    The Nudge asks, “How is your life different from that of your parents?”

    My life has experienced the following which my parents did not have to experience 50-80 years ago: (More …)

     

    • missdisplaced 8:24 am on July 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      “There’s no question in my mind that our society is being “dumbed down”

      I’ve often though this. However, the numbers of Americans with college degrees has increased dramatically over the last 40-50 years. In fact, it has increased SO much that a Bachelors barely means anything anymore-virtually ALL jobs require one.

      In my parent’s generation a college degree really meant something because so few people actually went to university. What we are finding now is that those college degrees do not lead to better jobs and better pay. My parents barely graduated high school, yet they had a better quality of life than me with my postgraduate education.

      • Mike Riley 9:08 pm on July 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Your parents had a better quality of life because they set the right priorities, and money wasn’t one of them. Back in my day (the 1940′s & 1950′s), God and family were far more important than money. Money was just a vehicle to get from point A to point B. Today, it’s become an all-consuming desire for many folks – a sad scenario to say the least.

  • Mike Riley 2:37 pm on July 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , hard, , middle, , tough, work,   

    What year to live? I would have enjoyed living in the middle to late 1800′s during the cowboy era: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy – they worked hard, but they played hard as well. They were a tough breed – had to be in order to survive.

     

  • Ed Boggess 11:03 am on June 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Work ethic? – JAM 

    Why is California in financial crisis? One reason is the Los Angeles School District pays almost $10 million a year to about 160 teachers and staff who are forbidden to do any work — those subject to discipline but whose cumbersome “due process” and appeals take years to carry out. One teacher, Matthew Kim, fired by the school board in 2002 for allegedly sexually harassing students, still receives $68,000 a year, plus benefits, and by union contract interpretation cannot be called on to perform clerical or other non-”professional” duties during the appeal. Isaiah spoke of a day when dark is called light and light dark; bitter is called sweet and sweet bitter; and that day is now. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

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

    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.”

  • Mike Riley 2:49 am on May 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , first, , , , work   

    There are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.

    Indira Gandhi, Indian prime minister (1917-1984)

     

  • Richard Hill 1:09 am on May 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    Have I Got A Deal For You! 

    I’ve been out for a while. Though I’ve tried to read most of the posts, I ran short of time to write anything. Today I was rained out. I’m done running errands, so I’m relaxing now.

    The good part? There are times, though not as many as some might think, when the farm has few demands. During those times I’m free to do any number of things. I particularly enjoy taking time to study and consider Scripture. I’ve also had opportunity to go on, even lead campaigns. Ron, Stephen, and I work with Exhibit Evangelism at the IL State Fair in August. Farming usually allows me to be there a number of the 12 working days. Many other jobs would not.

    The bad aspects of my job. There are times work takes all my time. As Randal indicated, my job, grain farming, is not a 9 to 5. The most pressing time is fall. Still, most years, despite the push to get it done, it’s very satisfying work for any number of reasons.

    Tasks are often repetitive, yet there’s always “the light at the end of the tunnel,” knowing you will soon finish with this job and move on to another. Hands on, working completely through from start to finish is quite gratifying–at least most years.

    Clean up at the end of the season is not fun. The worst job is cleaning out the bottom of the legs. Grain legs are tall metal tubes housing cups on a belt that elevate the grain vertically. The grain in the bottom swells and rots with each rain until, well, it’s just hard to describe. Maybe each of you could take a turn visiting me after harvest and I could give you first hand experience in the clean up. Of course, this would take a number of years to work each of you through the process. Although teaching someone new each year has it’s difficulties, I’m a patience teacher. Only one stipulation–those who have already taken their turn can’t talk to the ones who haven’t yet. Whadda ya say? Deal?

     

  • John Henson 3:48 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    The good and bad of my work 

    The good of my work is the wonderful opportunity of having time to study God’s word and find little nuggets of gold I’ve never considered before.

    Saturday, I was studying Luke 9, using William Barclay’s Bible studies series as a guide when I noticed something he pointed out in the book. Barclay said Jesus came down from the mountain of transfiguration to resume his work. It must have been wonderful to be up there with Moses and Elijah seeing the glorified Son of God, but it was just as important to come down and start working again.

    Then, the apostles turned to one of their favorite themes: which one was going to be the greatest in the kingdom. Didn’t they listen to Jesus in 9:23-27? Did they not understand the significance of Jesus coming down from glory to continue his service to God and man? Didn’t they understand why Jesus pointed the way to the cross in verse 44? Would they understand the figure of the child Jesus would show them?

    Can we understand how great the call of service is?

    The bad part of my work is seeing the same kind of failings in some of my brethren and wondering if they’ll ever understand.

    So, I’ll keep trying.

     

  • Mike Riley 1:22 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: boss, disorder, , , , , , perfectionist, work   

    The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly 

    When I first saw today’s nudge, I immediately thought of the old Clint Eastwood movie, “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly.”

    Stephen has pretty well summed up my thoughts on the subject of the good and bad of work. The most difficult part of a work environment (the ugly), is not the work itself, but the people with whom we work. For example, it’s very difficult to get along with a boss or co-worker who is a perfectionist, or one who has a bipolar disorder (I worked with one for two years), so there is a lot of forbearance, longsuffering, and forgiveness that must take place in the work environment (Colossians 3:12-13). It’s not an easy task in working with some folks, thus the need for much prayer, not only for ourselves, but for those with whom we work (Romans 12:12).

     

    • John Henson 3:57 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Brother, I’m sure it was challenging to work with someone like that, but I’d say you used it to build your faith and patience. I thought it was impressive to read three very important words in your post: forbearance, patience (longsuffering) and forgiveness. You’re an amazing person, MIke.

      • Mike Riley 4:03 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        John, appreciate the compliment, but I’m not very amazing, just resilient! :)

    • Richard Hill 2:14 am on May 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Mike, most of my life until the last couple of years, I’ve worked through the winter at part-time jobs. That placed me in a lot of interesting work situations. I use the word, interesting, loosely as it’s reminiscent of what you’ve described.

      Solomon was right. There’s nothing new under the sun. The things you don’t think people will do or say, have been done and said!

  • Stephen R. Bradd 1:03 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    God designed our minds and bodies for work. When we are active mentally and physically, we are likely to feel our best. There is no intrinsic downside to work, as I see it. However, one who is undisciplined can burden himself with busyness without much real productivity. There is also the risk of such a one working hard, but neglecting other aspects of his stewardship (e.g., responsibility to family). In our era, however, there is more risk of one being lazy or distracted with the cares of the world than working himself to death with skewed priorities. Balance (self-discipline) is required, and let us remember that our true “rest” is yet to come.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 11:54 am on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Daily Nudge: work balance — and news 

    The Monday moans are loud, but what is the real balance of work, good and bad? Tell us, from your experience and from your study of the Word, the real scoop on the 9 to 5 (Richard H. say, “I wish!”).

    I’m very much out of the loop during my travels, so tell me some news of the churches.

     

    • Mike Riley 1:35 pm on May 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, like the old saying goes, “No news is good news.” As far as I know, everything is going well with the churches here in our area.

  • Glenda Williams 2:52 am on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , work   

    Picking cotton for pay 

    When I was 15 years old I wanted an Elba Tiger jacket like some of my friends at school. We were poor, but mother figured out a way I could earn the $8.00 needed to buy my jacket.  Our neighbor had a small cotton field that he needed help picking the cotton.  Mother took me down there one afternoon and approached our neighbor about letting us help pick his cotton. He was glad to have us. 

    The thick, long sack hung over my shoulder and the opening rested on my right side. It must have been at least 8 feet long. I drug that sack down the row and with ungloved hands picked cotton every afternoon after school. Each day they weighed my bag and cotton. Little by little I continued to make money until I got the amount needed for my jacket.

    That was my first paying job.  Today cotton fields are so pretty to me.  Enjoy the picture I have made of a cotton field near Elba, Alabama.

     

    • Glenda Williams 3:07 am on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      If you double-click on the picture, it should enlarge. I was just thinking that we can’t have snow this far south but we can certainly have pretty white cotton fields.

    • Richard Hill 12:59 pm on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Cotton has to be the most beautiful crop at harvest time. Corn and bean fields look really pretty when they are just hitting their full height and are the most green. At harvest they just look dead.

      Thanks for the pic!

  • J. Randal Matheny 10:09 pm on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    Earn while working 

    My first paying job was picking and chopping cotton (and chopping soybeans). By hand. I must have been 12-13 years old when I started earning money for it. Until then I think I just got in the way. With my cotton money I bought my first and only bicycle at Wright’s Store in Lafe. My mom wanted me to wait and go into Paragould and look around, but the money was burning in my hand. It was a good bike though; I kept it for a number of years and rode it everywhere.

    After that came sporadic mowing of lawns, work in Ben Franklin’s Five and Ten, the old Kroger’s store and a local restaurant. My first job after college and marriage was the real sustainer — barely — of our new life together: telemarketing, commission only, with a company that sold coupon booklets. (Remember those?) I did so well selling (but not earning), they offered to set me up with my own team of people, but that was that last thing in the world I wanted.

     

  • Laura 7:12 pm on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , pay, work   

    First paying job? 

    Technically, my first paying job was feeding the neighbors cats, followed by baby sitting. Neither did I do frequently or regularly, so one could hardly think of that as earning any kind of living. The first real, steady job I had was working at a local greenhouse and floral shop. I worked there beginning with when I could drive and continued through much of college. I started out sweeping floors and potting plants. As I proved my ability to handle responsibility, I was given more important tasks. When all was said and done, I had done just about every job there except for cutting checks to pay the bills and the employees. That included working with the wealthy customers to decorate their home for elaborate parties and directing weddings. The job paid minimum wage, regardless of what I did or how hard I worked, but it was good experience and a nice steady paycheck. Still, it was good incentive to do well in college so I could get a higher paying job!

     

    • Mike Riley 7:50 pm on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Laura, did working at a greenhouse and floral shop turn you into a “green thumb?”

      • Laura 7:54 pm on April 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        It did at first. My plants thrived and bloomed like crazy. Then children happened, and I stopped paying attention to my plants. I lost my green thumb.

  • John Henson 12:32 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    My drive to “work” is not much more than five or six miles. The radio doesn’t work, so if I want music, I must sing. I keep the windows up to avoid offending the ears of others. While writing this, I thought of what Randal wrote about the residence of his books. It’s the same for me. Even in the computer age, preachers still have books. Even though we all have computers and Bible software programs, we still have books. Interesting…

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 1:34 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Some books, and some of the best, aren’t available in software: TDNT, BGAD, L&N, TLNT. And I still don’t quite trust electronic Bible searches. How do I know some glitch isn’t keeping me from all the occurrences of a word? Schmoller for me!

      • John Henson 5:47 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Are you sure some of those abbreviations aren’t railroad company names?

        • J. Randal Matheny 8:49 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink

          Ha! Hey the railroad company here, which a brother in Christ works for, is MRS. Really!

  • Larry Miles 12:18 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , work   

    17 miles on Mon-Friday to my job as Security Officer for Brantley at UPS Centenial and about the same on Saturdays to the Valley Station WalMart– Drive a Security Car around lot for 8 hrs. Both jobs I can listen to my I Touch with the Bible on it plus music and Bible Teaching and at UPS can bring LapTop in with me– Need more hours as I am only getting 30.5 hrs instead of the 40 I got before taking off to take care of my Aunt this past Fall/winter.

     

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