Week Thirty, 2020

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Look around the world today. Look in your community and, yes, look in your own heart and mind. The economy is in shambles and who knows when it will recover, racial strife is at an all-time high and the pandemic continues to threaten the health and lives of everyone.

Paul wrote to the church members in Colossae, issuing a stern warning. Many of them were strong in their faith, but many were influenced by strange religious ideas and practices, worldly in nature. He wanted them to know that Jesus was with God in heaven and is where their worship, thoughts and worldly activities should be directed.

He makes it clear that since we have been saved by Jesus, we should not participate or even think about the sins that trap unbelievers. He lists some of those and encourages believers to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience and forgiveness.

Proverbs 23:7 warns us what we think about in our heart we become. What occupies your thoughts? That’s a challenging question and one we should not ignore. In many ways, we are what we think. If our thoughts are focused on the concerns of this world, we will become like the world. But if our minds are set on the things above—in other words, where Christ is—we’ll become more like Him.

Things of the world will lose appeal. The more aware we are of Jesus, the less we tolerate sin, because we know it doesn’t fit us anymore. Instead of chasing the passing pleasures and goals of the culture, we’ll pursue a lifestyle of obedience to the Lord.

Your beliefs determine your perspective on life, and that shapes your priorities and attitudes. The decision is ours to make. We can look at the world and let it drag us down or we can look up and let Jesus forge our thoughts and our patterns of life.

The point of all this that Paul is making is simply calling on his people to set their minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. He points it out explicitly in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

Which way are you looking and thinking?

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

BIRTH RATE FALLS TO A 35-YEAR LOW:

U.S. births have dropped to the lowest level in 35 years. About 3.75 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2019, down 1 percent from 2018, according to provisional data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control. The total fertility rate in 2019 was 1,705 births per 1,000 women, well below the level at which a given generation can exactly replace itself: 2,100 births per 1,000 women. The total fertility rate has been below the replacement rate since 2007. I wonder if that number is down because approximately 862,320 abortions were performed in that year.

— o —

Jim Elliot said, “He is No Fool Who Gives What He Cannot Keep To Gain What He Cannot Lose.”

Peter Drucker said, “the number one characteristic of an effective leader is that he or she enjoys people.”

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift-up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

If there is a mist in the pulpit, there will be a fog in the pews. Tony Evans

We know the cost of everything, but not the value of anything. Ken Whitten

Treat every person you meet as if you will meet them again. Jim Denison

Get a glimpse of God’s vision for your life. It will change who you are. How you live. And where you will spend eternity. Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

No matter what you face today, your Father is as close as your next prayer. Jim Denison

Throughout life we all have problems of various degrees. God doesn’t protect us from them, but He prefects us through them. Family Life

If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you. Marcus Rogers

Wise people know what they don’t know. Chip Luter

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

When I think about the root cause of so many mistakes and spiritual pitfalls in my life, the source seems to be the one and only, the ugly…fear. Fear will cause us to buckle and settle for less than God’s best. It’ll cause us to disobey after diluting our trust in Him, and even when do stay strong, it’ll rob us of our peace and joy. Here are some of the best scriptures helping us overcome fear by increasing our faith.

Especially in these difficult pandemic and local violence there is a lot to cause us to fear…. Physical health, loss of employment, loss of business and the list goes on. God actually commands us not to fear, or worry. The phrase “fear not” is used 365 times in the Bible, most likely because God knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.

1. Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

When you’re fearing a situation or emotional challenge, really envision God saying this, just to you. He’s on your side. No matter who leaves after promising forever. When friends, family members or co-workers disappoint you, He’ll never turn on you. I am here. You will be okay. I’m all you need, and you’re never going to be alone.

2. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

So much fear is based on the wrong assumption than when we’ve made a mess of a situation, it’s too late for God’s help. God has not only forgiven me after some blatantly unwise, selfish choices, but He’s been quick to open doors, answer prayers and pour out more blessings than I could ever deserve. He’ll turn your situation around for good, simply because He has a wonderful purpose for your life, which no amount of blunders can hinder.

3. Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”

God, who created the universe, cares about every detail of our lives. We belong to an all-powerful, all-knowing, victorious Father who cares deeply about us. When we really meditate on this truth, it’s hard to remain fearful about the trials we face. By focusing on Him, and how He considers us His prized, redeemed ones, our focus naturally shifts from fear to faith.

4. 1 John 4:18 “Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear”

God is love. Perfect love. And the closer we come to Him, the less power fear has over us, because we feel God’s continual presence – His strength, His comfort, and His guidance. When faced with even the deepest most crippling of fear, we need to trust God with the confidence a child ascribes to a loving parent.

5. Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.”

We weren’t saved and redeemed only to limp through life riddled with fear and anxiety. God can only be our rock if we let Him. Trust Him to deliver you from every fear coming against the truth not only in His ability, but His desire to deliver you.

Fear has no place in the heart or mind of a believer. Ask God to increase your trust and faith in His willingness and ability to deliver you completely from fear and anxiety. Ask for a deeper revelation of His love and watch how powerfully He moves.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831:

“I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests — and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning–and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”

— o —

What’s the Purpose of Quiet Time? Ken Whitten

1. Proves Devotion

2. Provides Direction

3. Promotes Dependence

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Refuse “stinkin” “thinkin”. Ken Whitten

Inventor Thomas A. Edison said, when asked why the experiment of electricity had failed, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Failure is success if we learn from it. Malcom Forbes

Satan is behind all sin. Preacherman Ken Weliever

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Richard Niebuhr

Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. Mark Twain

The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation. D. L. Moody

Week Twenty-Eight, 2020

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14

Suppose you were at a party last New Year’s Eve playing a game of word guessing and someone drew the word “COVID19.” Would you or anyone else be able to identify it? Probably not, but now a half year later it is one of the most frequently appearing words in almost every language around the world.

This terrible disease has brought consequences and changes in our world that no one would ever have expected. There are times when life seems easy and everything is working out just as desired. During these times, stress-ridden thoughts such as “how will I get through this?” or “what happens when….?” rarely enter our awareness and front-of-mind thinking.

Proper and effective planning takes into consideration the “what if’s” that happen when you’re not expecting them. I am referring to potentially life-altering experiences that you rarely contemplate when everything is working just fine.

As an attorney, I advise clients we all have an expiration date. We just don’t know when or how, but we need to be prepared for our benefit and for the benefit of those we leave behind.

But, far more important is being prepared spiritually. Recently a friend much younger than I suddenly had a heart attack and died on the spot. He was in good shape, athletic and looked so healthy and then the unexpected came.

We never know what tomorrow will bring or even today for that matter. We know not when Jesus is coming and we don’t know when we are going, but we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Warnings come at us every day – about what to eat or not eat, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, saving for retirement, and the list goes on.

The Bible is clear. Romans 6:23 says: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in or through Christ Jesus our Lord. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. John 3:16, reads: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 10:9 says: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Have you made that declaration? Are you prepared for the unexpected?

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

If you are worrying read Matthew 6:25-34 and then see this list that breaks down Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 and puts them into 7 bite size morsels for us to chew on about why we should not worry:

6:25 – The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

6:26 – Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

6:27 – Worrying is more harmful than helpful.

6:28-30 – God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

6:31,32 – Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.

6:33 – Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.

6:34 – Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

— o —

“The preacher had said there was nothing magic in the water. Yet as I descended into its depths and rose again, I knew something life-changing had happened, a cleansing inside out. No longer did there seem to be two uncertain, contradictory Paul Harveys; just one immensely happy one. I felt a fulfilling surge of the Holy Spirit and afterward I cried like a baby. The change this simple act has made in my life is so immense as to be indescribable. As the old song says, ‘He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.'” —Paul Harvey

— o —

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The secret of success is aptly described. When one obeys God and does what He tells him to do believing His presence in all He does, he will have success. (Joshua1:9) —Stephen Bernard

People cannot be saved unless Jesus saves them. Dr. Ronnie Floyd

Don’t look around. Look up. Ken Whitten

There’s no win in comparison. Andy Stanley

Nothing compares to Jesus.

Jealousy is about people. Envy is about things.

An open hand is better than a closed fist. Ken Whitten

“Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!” (James 2:26 CEV)

It’s a term commonly used in the business and investment world….. ROI, short for return on investment. Anyone who makes an investment or launches a business endeavor usually does it to make money. You want to ultimately take out more than you put in and that extra above your initial investment is your return on the investment.

There is a Christian ROI and that stands for return on involvement. One of my favorite books in the Bible is the book of James. It is a general letter addressed to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Though written as a letter, it is more like a short book of instructions for daily Christian living. It shows faith in action in wide and practical ways.

We are called to active Christian involvement in our living. Not only should our lives be different, but we are called to make a difference in others. James asks what good is it if you say you have faith and then do nothing to show that you really have faith.

He gives an example that if you know someone who has no clothes or food and you say, “I hope all goes well for you and I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat”. What good does it do to say this unless you do something to help.

Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone. We are called to have a living faith. The Word of God is alive and active (Heb 4:12). As Christians we ought to put our best efforts into fulfilling God’s will. We should please God by what we do and not just by what we believe.

How active is our faith in how we deal with others? What is your return on your Christian involvement?

Remember that your life may be the only Gospel that some people will ever read. James concludes Chapter 2 with such a pertinent and true verse: Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

In 2001 psychologist Dr. Edward Hallowell published, “Connect.” He wrote:

“We are a nation of doers. We hurry from place to place, filling our lives with all kinds of activities, sometimes over-scheduling our kids and ourselves. But what really sustains us emotionally, psychologically, and physically is connectedness; the feeling that we are a part of something that matters, something larger than ourselves that gives life meaning.

Just as there is a vitamin deficiency, there is a human contact deficiency, and it weakens the body, the mind, and the spirit. It ravages, can be severe depression, physical illness, or even early death. Or it can be mild like underachievement, fatigue, and loneliness.

Just as we need vitamin C each day, we also need a dose of human contact each day with other people. Do you miss your church when you cannot be with them?

— o —

Hmmmmm?……. Soon, every baby boomer will be at least 65. Experts say that as a nation, we are not prepared for such a huge demographic shift. I wonder if this would be the case if American’s had not aborted nearly fifty million babies since boomers were born and abortion became legal…….. just wondering.

— o —

Two Life Rules About Church Harmony:

1. Think the Best, Not the Worst

2. Speak to the Person, Not About the Person

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Our Bible is not a rule book. It’s a Relationship Book. Ken Whitten

I tried to walk a mile in my friend’s shoes, but it took so long to find a pair that would match my outfit. An entitled believer

Life decisions we make can be either a tipping point or a trapping point in our lives. Rob Taylor

God is more interested in answering our prayers than we are in asking them. Charles Spurgeon

We don’t need a platform or a position to share the Good News. Kelly Knouse

Christians spend more money in the streets than the followers of other religions spent in their temples. Historian Eberhard Arnold

Week Twenty-Six, 2020

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Horses and chariots were instruments of war and demonstrations of power and victory. The chariot was a type of carriage driven by a charioteer and pulled by horses to provide power and speed. The earliest spoke-wheeled chariots date to 2000 BC and were instrumental in many notable conflicts in history.

Chariots had scythes at the sides which rotated with the wheels as they drove with fury among the enemy, cutting down like they were mowing grass. Mere ownership of these beasts and weapons were a statement and demonstration of power and many tribes and countries put their trust for security in the mere possession of these dangerous weapons of war.

Throughout history nations, even today, put their security in their military might. Individuals put their security in their financial strength, their positions and possessions. We depend on external things, fleshy privileges and outward works of righteousness. These are our modern-day idols and as we have seen in recent weeks they can be gone in a flash. Solomon said it in Proverbs 11:28, “He who trusts in his riches will fall.”

Real life security comes from our salvation. Isaiah said it in Isaiah 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

While many, even most, look around themselves for security, the Scriptures tell us to look up because our help comes from the Lord, as He will not allow our foot to slip and will protect us from evil. Psalm 121

David best summed it up in Psalm 20:7… “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

Where is your trust?

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Three Things Happen When You Have Quiet Time: Ken Whitten

1. God is Glorified – Psalm 50:23

2. Faith is Fortified – Isaiah 26:3

3. Soul is Satisfied – Psalm 16:11

— o —

It seems to me that if we want to see revival… that if we want to see God do a great work… if we want to see God move, then it begins with us on our knees in prayer individually and together. Marty Stubblefield

— o —

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

God-is-my-boss

By retired Florida Senator, John Grant, Week 25, 2020

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” ( Matthew 6:3-4).

While walking across a college campus I was struck by the fact that every building had someone’s name on it. America has been built on philanthropy. Last year American’s gave over $410 billion to all sorts of charities. But is giving in exchange for naming rights really giving, really charity or is it purchasing? I think the act is more of a purchase. The Bible says that too.

Whether he was talking about a widow giving an offering at the temple, a young rich man giving up his wealth, or his followers who gave a cup of cold water to someone in need, Jesus repeatedly reminds us that giving to others is a way to honor God. We should give from the heart.

Recently in our town there was a perfect example of how to give. Last December, an anonymous donor dropped two ancient Greek gold coins into a red Salvation Army kettle outside of a local grocery store. The gold coins date back to 42-40 B.C. Wrapped around one of the coins was a note signed simply “Doing the most good.”

Each coin had a gold value of around $450, but “the collector value was more.” The coins were manufactured between 42 and 40 B.C. One side features a Roman consul accompanied by two lictors, who were civil servants who acted as attendants or bodyguards in ancient Rome. The other side displays an eagle with spread wings that is standing on a scepter and clutching a laurel wreath in its right talon.

One of the nation’s largest coin dealers offered to sell the coins at no charge, so they put them up for auction………

In our town there is a church with a large educational building given totally by a donor. A plaque was placed at the front door detailing who gave and how much. The donors directed it then be covered in concrete so no one would know.

Jesus warned: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2)

Think of this when you give. Don’t “blow your own trumpet”, but do it in secret keeping it under a bushel. God will be rewarded, and you will be blessed.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied.

“Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.”

“Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son.

— o —

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you (Romans 12: 2).

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The question is not rather you were saved but rather are you saved. Ken Whitten

Fear of God is the continued awareness that I am in the presence of a Holy and Almighty God and that every thought, word, action and deed is open before Him and is being judged by Him. Ken Whitten

To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. Proverbs 1:7 GNT

Justice is getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. But mercy is not getting what you deserve.

John Grant, Week Twenty-Four, 2020

“Indeed, you do this for all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Nevertheless, we urge you, brothers, to progress even more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10).

There is an amusing series of ads depicting various professions and occupations and describing each as okay. Then the tag line says “Just okay is not okay.” The same is true in our faith. We are called to excellence beyond just okay or average.

I remember discussing a report card grade of “C” with one of my children. As I challenged him for excellence in a higher grade, he responded that “C” was average, and average was okay. Well, it’s not okay.

Paul exhorted the church at Thessalonica what they were doing well could be done even better and they could “excel still more.” We are called to think and act in God’s excellent ways in every dimension of our life. To this end, Jesus provides an example and the Holy Spirit refines, motivates.

Unlike some of Paul’s writings that chastised or scolded the recipient churches, he writes to the church at Thessalonica commending them for all they had done to spread their love to their fellow believers throughout the province of Macedonia. They contributed unselfishly to the relief of Jewish Christians in Judea.

They had given out of their extreme poverty. Nevertheless, Paul exhorted the believers at Thessalonica to keep on increasing their love and while commending them for what they were doing, but asked them to do even more.

Ann Frank, a Dutch Jew was in hiding from the Germans during World War II. In her diary, published after her death she said, “No one has ever become poor by giving. The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. No matter how pure we may be, God calls us to lighten the burdens of others. As Christians, we are called to serve and to give God and others our very best”.

Your best involves giving God your total being. Your best involves giving God your first of everything. Your best involves giving God your most superior work. To give God a half-hearted or sloppy effort falls short of doing whatever we do.

We must live our faith and give God our best for when serving the Lord, okay is not okay.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Good morals and charitable deeds do not make someone a Christian. Sometimes I hear folks who ought to know better identifying others as Christians just because they do good. Value morality. And help other people. There’s more to being a Christian than just good works. Preacher Man Ken Weliever.

— o —

The Christian life is both sacrifice and service. The test of Christian love is not simply failure to do evil to others. It involves doing good. Christian love is both positive and negative. Isaiah 1:16-17 says, “Cease to do evil, learn to do well.” Ken Whitten

— o —

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4).

Week Twenty-Three, 2020

THE TARGET

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians‬ ‭11:3‬ ‬‬‬).

Matthew Emmons was an American sharpshooter, just one shot away from a second Olympic gold medal in the 2004 Olympics when he fired at the wrong target in the final round. Gone was the chance of gold – or even silver or bronze. “I didn’t look at the number above the target before the last shot,” said Emmons. He had dominated the 50-metre rifle three-position target event and was considered the best in the world in his discipline, got a big zero and plunged to eighth.

The Bible spells out a target to reach. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5). It’s not about the things we do, but the relationship we have.

I once got a pamphlet written by a pastor that spelled out the major monotheistic religions in the world. I was curious about why he left out Christianity. When I bumped into him, I asked why he had left it out. His answer struck me when he said that Christianity is not a religion, rather it is a relationship. I had always thought about it is what we do or don’t do.

Eternal life is not a destination. It is a relationship. It is not about doing. It is about being. We are called to take Christ with us everywhere we go. It’s the target! This is what we are shooting at – a sincere faith that leads us to love God and love people. Does what we believe affect how we act? Does what we believe affect our attitudes and decisions? As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

If we are not loving others, or if our conscience is constantly troubled, or if we find ourselves faking our Christian life, these are warning signs. It means we have lost focus. We have become occupied with something other than Christ. Jesus Christ sets us free to love fervently, to have an inner peace, and to have a vibrant, growing faith. We don’t need a list of rules. Christ lives His life through us. Christ fulfills the righteousness of the law through us very naturally when our hearts are occupied with Him.

Has something come into your life that has distracted you from developing a close relationship with Christ? Tell Jesus this, admit it, and then make a decision today to become fully occupied with Christ! This is the only way you will hit the target in your Christian life!

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

THOUGHTS:

Solomon is saying our thought life controls the rest of our life. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our thought life dominates and shapes our attitudes, good or bad, negative or positive. Attitudes lead to actions. The thought is the father of the deed. Actions are thoughts carried out. Here’s a profound thought… Achievements of your thought life are going to be the sum total of your thoughts. When you sow a thought, you reap an act. When you sow an act, you reap a habit. When you sow a habit, you reap a character. When you sow a character, you reap a destiny. It all begins with the thought life. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.

—Ken Whitten

— o —

Elizabeth Magie came up with the idea for the Monopoly game in 1903 and called it “Landlord’s Game” to protest against the monopolists of her time.

— o —

The Labrador Retriever has been on the AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds list for 25 consecutive years—longer than any other breed. There are over 75 million pet dogs in the U.S.—more than in any other country.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Better praying in the pews makes better preaching in the pulpit. Ken Whitten

There’s no age restriction for spiritual growth. Moody Publishers

Who is on the throne matters more than who is in The White House. Eugene Cho

They tell me a revival is only temporary; so is a bath, but it does you good. – Billy Sunday

Week Twenty-Two, 2020

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

It is one of the must see places in Washington D.C., The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located in Arlington National Cemetery on the Virginia side of the Potomac River and overlooking the City of Washington, it is the final resting place of several unidentified soldiers who gave their lives defending their country.

For nearly 100 years the tomb has been guarded everyday around the clock. The guard change is very symbolic, conducted in accordance with Army regulations. The relief commander or assistant relief commander, along with the oncoming guard, are both required for a guard change to take place. The relief commander orders the guard being relieved to “pass on your orders” to the oncoming guard. The guard being relieved will say to the oncoming guard, “Post and orders remain as directed.” The oncoming guard’s response is always, “Orders acknowledged.” In all those years, the orders have never changed.

Jesus gave us some orders too and they, in more than 2,000 years, have not changed either. As He was about to leave this earth, He told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded them.

Those orders remain as directed. They apply not just to the disciples to whom He directly spoke, but to all future generations of Christians down through the ages. Those orders are passed on to you and to me. As Christians, Jesus commands us to go to the four corners of the earth and perhaps our neighbor next door to spread the word and to share our faith, teaching people that Jesus is Lord and encouraging them to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Are you willing to carry out His orders today? They remain unchanged.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34

I love it when something that Jesus said is so clear.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but after your second cup of coffee.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but after you’ve read the paper or watched your favorite morning news show.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your spouse and/or family.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your career, career goals or work.

• He didn’t say seek Him first just behind any personal goals and dreams you might have.

• He didn’t say seek Him first just behind all the church work and church stuff you’ve got to accomplish first.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if all your personal needs and desires are satisfied.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you don’t have anything better to do.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you feel like it.

• He didn’t say seek Him first if you feel Him close on the mountain top or if you’ve hit rock bottom in the valley.

• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only after you fret and worry about it first.

He said “seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness…” Marty Stubblefield

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Locusts and grasshoppers are a regular dietary component in local diets in many areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas—and since they’re packed with protein, they’re an important nutritional staple as well.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Your identity determines your behavior. Ken Whitten

Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting. Joyce Meyer

Look back and be grateful, look ahead and be hopeful, look around and be helpful.

Distraction leads to destruction. Andrew Evans

ARE YOU FULLY DRESSED?

By John Grant, Week 21, 2020

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).

The county just north of where I live is known as the nudist capitol of the world. Nearly a hundred years ago a doctor told his patient that he needed more sun on his body and suggested that he become a nudist. He found others to join him founding the National Organization for Naturists which later American Sunbathing Association. Now, the organization has gone nationwide. People flock to nudist clubs and resorts in central Florida buying condos so can they live there full-time.

We come into the world nude. Then things get complicated. Different countries have different ideas about nudity and America’s mixed culture has different ideas, each thinking they are right.

What does the Bible say about nudity?

▪ And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:25.

▪ You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; Exodus 28:42

▪ Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! Revelation 16:15

The Bible talks little about what to take off, but is unequivocal in what to put on. In 1945, as American troops were fully armed and about to storm the beaches of Iwo Jima, in the departing religious service aboard the Bunker Hill, the chaplain pointed the troops to Ephesians 6:11. Paul tells the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God, so that one is able to stand against the powers of the devil.

What a great send off into battle, both then and now. We battle against the schemes of the devil every single day. Paul told the citizens of Ephesus to be prepared for battle and to be strong in the power of God. Be fully clothed with the belt of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.

While people have different ideas about how much clothing to take off, the Bible is unequivocal about what we are to put on. We are to be armed with the Gospel as we go forth to battle each day.

Like the famous credit card advertisement…. Don’t leave home without it!

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border:

I was reading through 1 Chronicles and came upon the passage made famous by Bruce Wilkinson’s bestseller, The Prayer of Jabez. “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

For God to “enlarge” his “border” meant to increase his territory and influence. Jabez wanted his life to count as fully as possible. But he knew that this was impossible unless the “hand” of God was “with” him to lead, empower, and protect.

Such a prayer may seem audacious, but “God granted what he asked.” It seems that the Lord wants us to seek to be all we can be for His glory and the good of others: We are to “work heartily” in all we do (Colossians 3:23). Are you doing so?

God wants us to “approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10). Are you ready for that day?

Our Father empowers what He expects: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). Are you seeking such empowerment? Jim Denison

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

It is our responsibility to live in the present and make the most of our circumstances—whatever they look like today and whatever they look like tomorrow. We accept the good, we accept the bad, and we make the most of the season right in front of us—regardless of how it looks today or tomorrow. That is our responsibility to ourselves and the constantly changing world around us. The Minimalist

Daphne MacDonald. Though we live in a world of constant consumption, we don’t need much to be happy. The accumulation of stuff costs money and can lead to living outside our means and piling on debt.

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Our first birth gives us physical life; the new birth gives us spiritual life and membership in God’s family. Billy Graham

Heaven may be reached without money or rank or learning. But it is clear as daylight if the words have any meaning that nobody can enter heaven without a new birth. R.C. Ryle

Every Bible should be bound in shoe leather. Dwight L. Moody

It is always too soon to quit. V. Raymond Edman