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Ecclesiastes 12:11 Here we go with some more of the wise sayings and quotes which I’ve collected over the years. Read, meditate and be blessed! > Some people look for a beautiful place. Other people make their place beautiful. > Perfection is the enemy of good. > Peter had a bad day. Judas had a bad heart. – Sen. John Kennedy > Salvation is a process, not an event. – John Eldredge > I cannot give away what I don’t have to give. > God will love you enough that He will let you be in a situation where you don’t get anything out of serving Jesus Christ. – Dr. Ted Roberts > Genetics and circumstances influence where we start, but we are responsible for where we finish. > When your cup is overflowing, it’s past time to share with someone else. > If someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. > Ideas don’t work unless you do. > “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader ><> Jeff

Philippians 2:12-13 It is probably safe to say that virtually every advance in science, technology, medicine, agriculture, engineering - in any field of endeavor - has begun with a “What if...?” What if people could get into a machine and fly from one place to another? What if there were a better way to make books than copying by hand? What if we could make replacements for worn out knee joints? What if we could store up water and irrigate fields when it doesn’t rain? Somebody envisioned it first and then set about to do it. When it comes to building the kingdom, we all need to have a similar kind of vision. We tend to just accept things as they are and not envision how each one of us and the congregation as a whole could make greater strides in doing the will of God. We need to envision spiritual growth, numerical growth, improved facilities, more and different opportunities to serve and spread the gospel. But in order to accomplish such things, each one of us needs to personally ask themselves some “What if...?” questions: > What if I spent 15-20 minutes a day praying for the spiritual growth and development of each one in the congregation? > What if I made one phone call every week to someone who was absent from the assembly on the Lord’s Day? > What if I made a point to thank and encourage members of the congregation who work hard at making things happen? > What if I made the decision to take part in one more work or activity of the congregation than I am now involved with? > What if I decided to make a sincere effort to start inviting people to our Sunday assembly and/or tell them about our website and other media outreach? > What if I decided to devote another 30 minutes a week to reading and studying the scriptures? > What if I truly decided to work out my salvation “with fear and trembling”? > “What if...?” ><> Jeff

2 Timothy 3:16-17 A couple of weeks ago we had a morning worship in which the brothers in the congregation chose a favorite scripture to read. It could have been one which inspired them or provided guidance or had some other significance in their life. They shared some of their thoughts about their scripture. We thought it would be good to provide a listing of those scriptures for those who would want to revisit them. Bob - Philippians 2:1-18 Eric - Psalm 91:1-16 Adam - Joshua 1:9 Mike - Ecclesiastes 2:1-26 Don - Colossians 1:9-23 Chuck - Isaiah 40:22; Acts 8:32-39; Colossians 3:12-21 Ryan - Psalm 30:1-12 Gavin - Matthew 6:26-34 Jeff - Psalm 119:1-8, 97-112 We also want to thank Hampton for selecting and leading the songs. He was prepared to read a scripture also, but the guy doing the line-up overlooked him. Hmmm? Check this out from The Washington Stand recently: “The vast majority of Americans suffer from critical biblical illiteracy, according to the American Bible Society's 2026 State of the Bible (SOTB) report. Only 17% of Americans told pollsters that they have read the entire Bible, while 48% claim to have read "about half" or more.” This article did not indicate if this was the general public (bad enough) or those who claimed to be Christian (abysmal!). We are reminded: “All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” As Christians, we should not be among the biblical illiterate but among those who are skilled in the Word of God, having our “senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) ><> Jeff

Ephesians 4:20-24 It’s that time of year when the orange barrels and cones appear on the highway. Everyone knows what that means: TROUBLE! Well, maybe not, but they mean road work or construction of some kind is ahead. Perhaps repairing potholes (we hope) or resurfacing or bridge maintenance, etc. But something old, worn and in disrepair is being replaced with something new and better. It might mean traffic delays (Rats!) or changes in traffic patterns, et al. So we know to slow down and be extra alert. Sometimes I think it would have been good if God had made a provision for us as Christians to deploy “orange barrels” around us. After all, we are under construction! Maybe we could wear orange barrel or cone hats. We can imagine all sorts of styles of those. Maybe a shirt or jacket with orange barrels emblazoned on the front and back. There could be orange barrel earrings and ties with orange barrels. At this point, you might be thinking that Jeff’s been sniffing too much of that fresh asphalt out on the highway. However, we Christians are really under construction - works in progress. Paul tells his readers that they are to “lay aside the old self” and to “put on the new self.” That means the old, sinful stuff must be torn out, ripped up and dismantled. That’s not an easy task. The old lifestyle must go: bad habits, foul language, selfish purposes, impure motives, lusts of the flesh, and a whole host of other things. Hard work. Painful. But it’s got to be done if we’re going to please our Lord and Savior Jesus. Then the new must be put in place. New outlooks on life, new reasons to live, new priorities, good works, fruit of the Spirit, and a whole lot more. It’s not easy to learn and put into practice all those new things, but it must be done. A lot of times we don’t get it right. We mess up. We still sin. We hurt others. Thus, the need for the orange barrels. CAUTION! Under construction. Be careful! Perhaps if we wore the “orange barrel” gear we’d be more likely to be more patient with each other and more forgiving. We would recognize that we’re all “under construction.” What say you? ><> Jeff

Galatians 5:22-23                         The World’s Greatest Needs               A little more kindness and a little less greed;             A little more giving and a little less need;               A little more smile and a little less frown;             A little less kicking a man when he’s down;               A little more “we” and a little less “I”;             A little more laugh and a little less cry;               A little more flowers on the pathway of life;             And fewer on graves at the end of the strife.                                                 – C. Austin Miles               It would seem that because of the scripture’s great focus on love that kindness is often overlooked.  Of note, Paul reminds us that one of the characteristics of love is being kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)!  Also, kindness is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.  Paul exhorts the Ephesians to “Be kind to one another...” (Ephesians 4:32).             A cobbled together definition for kindness:   being friendly and considerate of others; treating others with respect; doing deeds to promote the well-being of another person.             Generally, acts of kindness aren’t seen as huge endeavors but as small deeds done in the course of life.  Examples: Holding the door for someone.  Respecting someone’s space.  Sending a card.  Giving a compliment.  Providing a ride.  A word of encouragement.  Not interrupting while someone else is talking.  Saying “thank you.”  A small gift at the right time.  Phone call to a shut-in.  We could go on.             Jesus spoke of the cup of cold water.  Such things matter, and they matter a lot!  And here’s one of the best things about acts of kindness.  Anybody  can do them!  Any time.  Anywhere.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Mark 3:31-35             We like choices.  And in this country we are blessed to have many choices.  Beef or chicken?  Spaghetti or rotini? Peas or green beans?  Mexican or Chinese?  Comedy or drama?  SUV or sedan?  Red or blue?  We could go on and on.             Now, many choices are relatively inconsequential like those we just noted.  Some are quite weighty.  College, trade school, work force?  Marry or not?  Whom to marry?  Buy a house or not?  What job?  Where to live?  Et al.             And then, some choices are life and death.  In some countries, choosing to become a Christian is a life and death decision.  (We’re not talking about eternal life and the second death.)  Consider this decision which members of the Iranian women’s soccer team recently had to make.  When their national anthem was played for the first time at Australia’s Asian Cup tournament, they remained silent.  Later they changed, but it was too late.  Their government labeled them “wartime traitors.”  But then, they had to make a decision.  Would they go home or not? Asylum was available, but that meant almost certain death or torture for their families back home.  Already, some of their family members had been detained.  In the end, all but two went back to Iran to face whatever consequences there might be - even death for them.  The bonds of family are truly powerful!             Now consider our text in which Jesus was teaching in a house which was crowded with people.  His mother and brothers arrive and want to see Him.  Jesus’ response is often ridiculed when He looked at all those around Him and said: “Behold My mother and My brothers!  For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”  Although the narrative ends there, I feel certain that Jesus did not ignore His family.  He was taking opportunity to teach a spiritual truth.             Just as the bonds of our earthly families are strong, so are those of our spiritual family.  Over the years - yes, even today many people continue to choose Christ and His family over their own (Mark 10:29-31).  Truly a “life and death” decision.                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 15:12-13             Maybe it’s because we are so familiar with this verse of scripture ( John 15:13 ) that we overlook the somewhat contradictory nature of what Jesus says.  Perhaps it’s because we are so enamored by the word “love” in it that our hearts just kind of “flutter” as we read it and agree with what the Lord says.  Go ahead and read it now and listen closely to what He is telling us.             Jesus is not giving us a definition of love.  He is giving us an example of love in actuality, in the midst of the harshness and difficulty of life.  He leaves much room for other actions which would legitimately be called love but says that greater love cannot be demonstrated than if a person gives his own life for his friends.             Does anything about that statement trouble you?  Do you find His words at least somewhat perplexing shall we say?             Here is the thought:  Why is it that love is unsurpassed when it is demonstrated in death ?             Our concepts of love are usually not so, well, extreme.  We think of a newly wed couple beginning to make adjustments in their life together.  Or a mother’s staying up at night with a sick child.  Or even a generous gift given in time of need.  Or some humble service rendered.  But to connect love with death and especially such a grisly death (for there is no doubt that Jesus has His own death in view here) is not the usual way for us to think.  (I hope you see that as an understatement.)             Consider: If “greater love” is shown via sacrificial death, how did God bring about the conditions needed to demonstrate this depth of His love?             Then this: In what ways might a person “lay down his life for his friends?”             Next: What does this tell us about the presence of pain and suffering in the world today?             Lastly: How am I doing in loving God and those in my life as Christ has loved me?             Hmmm?                                                             ><>  Jeff

James 1:17             A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World.  Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:   Egypt's Great Pyramids Taj Mahal Grand Canyon Panama Canal Empire State Building St. Peter's Basilica China's Great Wall               While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn’t turned in her paper yet, so she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.  The girl replied, “Yes, a little.  I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were so many.”  The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.”  The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:                                      1            To See                                    2            To Taste                                    3            To Touch                                    4            To Hear.” She hesitated a little, and then added,                                    5          To Feel                                    6            To Laugh                                    7            and To Love.”               There was total silence;  you could have heard a pin drop.             Those things we overlook as simple and ordinary are truly wondrous.  This is a gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be bought, but are gifts from above.                                                 – via mikeysfunnies.com               Perspective is critical.  How’s yours?                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 18:36-37               Some folks wonder why Jesus didn’t remain on the earth and rule His kingdom and the nations from here below.  Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world, and after His resurrection He ascended to the right hand of His Father to rule in His kingdom.  His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom.  But Jesus made sure He left us everything we need to find the Way to Him and to live a life worthy of His name as His disciples.   Before His ascension, Jesus left...             ...His clothes to the soldiers - John 19:23-24             ...His mother to John - John 19:26-27             ...His body to Joseph of Arimathea - John 19:38             ...His scars to Thomas - John 20:27   To His disciples Jesus left...             ...His peace for comfort - John 14:27             ...His supper for remembering - Luke 22:15-20             ...His name for asking - John 14:13-14             ...His word for learning - 1 Peter 1:22-25             ...His example for following - 1 Peter 2:19-21             ...His church for belonging - 1 Corinthians 12:27             ...His mission to accomplish - Matthew 28:18-20             ...an empty tomb for believing - Matthew 28:5-6             ...His promise for encouragement - John 14:2-3             ...the Holy Spirit for helping - John 14:16-18   To the world Jesus left...             ...the gospel for salvation - Romans 1:16               What more do we need?!  Thank you, Jesus!                                                               ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             It’s time, again, for some more of the wise sayings I’ve collected over the years.  Read, reflect, learn and enjoy!   >                    God cannot lead a man who stands still.  – Gerald Paden   >                    We don’t change the message; the message changes us.   >                    You don’t have to believe everything you think.   >                    Christ came not to tell us how to walk the golden street, but the dirt roads and narrow alleys.   >                    Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God. – Bob Pierce   >                    Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.  – T. S. Eliot   >                    The gospel of Christ comforts the afflicted.  It also afflicts the comfortable.   >                                                        Talent is God-given.    Be humble.                                                            Fame is man-given.      Be grateful.                                                                                    Conceit is self-given.    Be careful.       – John Wooden   >                    Christian discipleship: Learn from Him; Live like Him; Lean on Him.   >                    When you stand at the Pearly Gates, would you rather be told that you were too forgiving or you were too judgmental?   >                    One thing you can give and still keep is your word.                                                               ><>  Jeff

John 6:26-27             Over the years, people have sought after God for various and sundry reasons, many of which were self-centered and for personal gain.  In our text, Jesus speaks with the crowd of five thousand whom He had just fed with the loaves and fishes.  They had followed Him back to the other side of Lake Galilee and were perplexed about how He had made the trip across to the other side.  Jesus ignores their inquiry about His traveling methods and answers with this: “...you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”  They didn’t want the Lord and weren’t particularly interested in who He was.  Jesus wanted to give them “the food which endures to eternal life,” but they just wanted food for their bellies!             So many today are like those in this crowd.  They want something from God but aren’t interested in God Himself.  Perhaps it’s a healing for an illness.  Maybe a better job.  Protection from enemies.  Family problem.  When the trouble is passed, and there is relief, God is discarded.  The gift is welcomed; the Giver is forgotten.             This scenario can also be played out when it comes to salvation, because people don’t understand the nature of salvation nor all that’s involved.  Too many folks think salvation is like “fire insurance” - just get baptized, you’ll be saved, and that’s basically all there is to it.  Parents are often guilty of thinking this way about their children and push them “into the water” before they are ready.             Faith and baptism certainly place an individual into a saved state, but they do much more.  They place them “into Christ,”  into the kingdom of God.  They receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives within them and guides them through life.  They are reconciled to God, no longer enemies with the Almighty but His children.  This all speaks of fellowship, personal knowledge and close relationship.  God said this to Israel: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).  It is God whom we should seek - our Creator, our heavenly Father.  He will give us blessing and peace.  But we should seek Him just so we can know Him.                                                             ><>  Jeff

1 Timothy 6:17-19             Sometimes (no doubt too often), God gets a “bad rap.”  He is railed upon for not preventing more of the suffering which goes on in the world.  He is seen as an egomaniac who wants humanity groveling at His feet.  He is thought to be too demanding in His expectations of those who would serve Him.  Hell is too severe, the cross too extreme, and “love your enemies” is just out of touch with real life.  It seems that we get an “out of balance” view of God when we dwell on what we do not fully understand and kick against what is personally distasteful.  It is vital that we get a complete picture of our Creator.             In our text, Paul is providing directives to Timothy for people who are rich in material wealth, pointing out the dangers of fixing “their hope on the uncertainty of riches” and not on God “who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”  Wait a minute!  What did you say, Paul?   Did you say something about enjoying  things?             Why, yes he did!  Paul writes that God, this God who is accused of being a terrible taskmaster and unconcerned about human suffering, provides us richly with all things to enjoy  in life.  My, oh my, how many of us have missed this?  We are afraid to enjoy life.  We can’t appreciate a cup of coffee just sitting on the porch in the cool of the early morning .. we can’t kick a ball around the back yard with our grandchild ... we can’t sit and watch hummingbirds coming to the feeder ... because we fear that God thinks we are wasting time.  After all, aren’t we supposed to be sober minded and busy with the work of the kingdom?  Why, of course we are.             But maybe, just maybe, if we learned to delight a little more in what our God has given us to enjoy, we would appreciate Him more and have more favorable things to say about Him.  If I recall correctly, wasn’t it Jesus who was at the wedding in Cana, who told us to consider the beauty of the lilies of the field, and who wanted to hold the little children and bless them?  Yes, I believe that was our Lord.             Sure, we can do too much “enjoying” or too much “laboring.”  If we properly blend the two, the labor will be less laborious, and the enjoyments will turn up hidden blessings.  God is so good.                                                             ><>  Jeff