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Ecclesiastes 12:11             To help us cope better in the new year, here’s another installment of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected.  Read, reflect, enjoy, and put them to use.   >                    “Spend” the afternoon.  You can’t take it with you.                                                 – Annie Dillard   >                    Let your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears.   >                    The one who says it can’t be done should get out of the way of the one who is doing it.                                                 – Chinese proverb   >                    I am not as good as I should be.             I am not as good as I could be.             But thank God I’m better than I used to be!   >                    There is no defense for love.   >                    ...becoming children of God in the fullest sense makes us who we truly are.  It doesn’t make us into something different.                                                 – Michael Lloyd   >                    I joined the new “Don’t Worry” club,                         And now I hold my breath.             I’m so afraid I’ll worry,                         I’m worried half to death!   >                    Just because you believe it doesn’t mean it’s true.   >                    It may well be that the deepest form of prayer begins when we run out of things to say.                                                 -- Darryl Tippens                                                                         ><>  Jeff

1 Corinthians 15:1-8             The gospel is the message of the entire Bible, but its full meaning is revealed in the pages of the New Testament.  Gospel means “good news,” and it is really the message of God to all humanity.  Today, Christ’s church is given the great privilege and task of proclaiming this good news message to all people.             The gospel is like the rescuers’ light shining into a dark cave which signals those who are lost that someone has found them.  It is a multi-faceted message.  The gospel tells us that we are loved by God which, by inference, tells us that there is a God, and that we are His creation!  So many balk at the idea of there being a God, but this truth should give us great comfort.  We are not alone.  Someone greater than ourselves is overseeing the affairs of this planet.  What a relief!  We have come from Him, and He cares for us.             More specifically, the gospel tells of God’s entering into His created world in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  It was His purpose from the very beginning to do this in order to demonstrate His love and graciousness to all the powers in the heavenlies.  It was His purpose from before the foundation of the world that His people should receive “adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” and to sum up “all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:5-11).             Paul spells out the core truths of the gospel for us (see our text).  First, Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.  As prophesied, Jesus became a sacrifice for the human race so that God could forgive our sins, and we could be reconciled with Him.  He was buried, indicating that He truly died and would have gone to the place of the dead.  But He was resurrected from the grave according to the scriptures.  His resurrection tells us that He truly is the Son of God and that every word He spoke and every claim He made were true and still stand true today.  And through Him, through faith in Him, Jesus offers the gift of eternal life.             Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the gospel.  Listen carefully...Jesus Christ is the gospel.  Thanks be to God!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Proverbs 4:20-27             Well, here we are at the end of another year - 2024.  Can you believe it?!  For some, the year couldn’t be over soon enough.  For others, it was “It’s going too fast!”.  Whatever it was for you, it’s a good time to pause and reflect.  All throughout scripture, God’s people have been challenged to consider their ways (cf Haggai 1:5, 7, et al).  Please take some time and do this.  It will be a blessing for yourself, your family and your church.  Your Lord will be pleased, also.             What kind of person were you in 2024?  I know that’s a very broad question, but, generally speaking, how did you come across to people?  Joyful, helpful, positive?  Or distant, grumpy, negative?             Did you address those bad habits?  Those nagging weaknesses?             Maybe you’re still hiding that “little sin” of yours?  Is it time to bring it out into the light and handle it?             If you are married, would you say your relationship is better now than at the beginning of the year?  What do you still need to work on?  Are you helping each other grow in the Lord?             What about prayer?  Have you been talking with God more as the year progressed?  Are you becoming more dependent on Him?             What about your personal Bible reading and study?  How’s that going?  What truths have you learned which changed your life or just helped you grow to be more like Christ?             What about the assembly and Bible class?  Did you make every effort to be there, to participate and to encourage others?  When you didn’t make it, do you think God was pleased with your reason?             Were you a servant, or did you wait to be served?  How well did you use your gifts, skills and resources for His kingdom?             We could go on.             Please take a little time and read our text from Proverbs.  What is the Holy Spirit teaching you?  Admonishing you?  It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: If I continue down the same path, doing the same things, nothing will improve; nothing will get better.  I’ll be in the same place next year, perhaps even further away from the Lord.  And that’s not a good place to be.  Hmmm?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ephesians 5:20 >                    Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.                         There are many who are bedridden.   >                    Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family.                         There are many who are lonely.   >                    Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have.                         There are many who are hungry.   >                    Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.                         There are many who have no job.   >                    Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life itself.                         There are many who have destroyed theirs. (jak)                                                             via mikeysfunnies.com               Perhaps one of the biggest weaknesses (sins?) that we all have is our neglecting to give thanks to God for what He has given us.  We fail to truly appreciate what we have, and we tend to always be looking for more.  There is no sin in trying to improve one’s lot in life, but covetousness or greed is idolatry.             Paul encourages his readers to give thanks always and “for all things.”  We may have to do some searching, but there is always, always, something for which to give thanks.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:12-15             Throughout scripture, we can read of the kind of people which the Lord wants His to be.  Since we are being conformed to His image, those character traits and actions will reflect the Lord Jesus.  It is widely known that whatever a person is on the inside will be reflected in their words and actions, and will be an influence on those around them - either for good or bad.  Consider these thoughts.   >                    Hurting people hurt people.   >                    Troubled people create turmoil.   >                    Friendly people produce friendships.   >                    Fearful people spread fear.   >                    Joyful people generate joy.   >                    Confused people cause confusion.   >                    Hopeful people lift spirits.   >                    Selfish people disregard other people.   >                    Doubting people provoke doubt.   >                    Kind people extend kindness.   >                    Worldly people promote the world.   >                    Blessed people bless people.               What kind of person are you?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Mark 2:15-17             Whether in the temple precincts or by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus continually astounded those who heard His words and observed His conduct.  He did not teach like the scribes but spoke as one with authority.  He healed the infirm immediately and completely.  He touched the leper and allowed the woman to touch His feet with her hair.  Demons confessed Him and at His word came out of their captives.             The way Jesus lived was also different from what was usually expected.  He spent a lot of time mingling with and teaching the undesirables  of the day: tax collectors, women of questionable background, known sinners, etc.  He had no house of His own but traveled about accepting lodging wherever He could find it.  He sought no glory for Himself but always sought to honor His heavenly Father.             But perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the person of Jesus was His view of life.  He saw everything differently.  He saw everything from a spiritual and a heavenly perspective - the true perspective.  The storm on the sea sparked no fear in Him.  He admonished the crowds not to seek the food for the stomach but the bread of life for the soul.  He rebuked His disciples for wanting to have the first place in the kingdom and not wanting to be servants.  Two copper coins were worth much more than a handful of gold ones.  Living water was more to be sought more than a drink for parched lips.  A house filled with worldly wealth would likely keep a person out of the kingdom of heaven.  A visit to the bedside of the sick or the jail cell reached into heaven itself.  Cloaks were to be given away and not accumulated.  Fishing for men was to be desired above fishing for fish.  The right heart was to be chosen over ritual acts.  Man-made traditions were to be jettisoned in favor of doing what God truly called for.  A cross of wood was to be embraced rather than disobeying one’s heavenly Father.             Do we see life the way Jesus did - with a true perspective of things?  Have we taken on the challenge of becoming like Him?

John 20:19-29 ; Hebrews 10:23-25             We have been discussing one of the faulty conclusions drawn from the fact that Thomas was not present with the other disciples on the first evening when Jesus appeared to them.  Many have come to believe that attendance at every church gathering is the truest mark of faithfulness.  From where has this come?  I don’t know for sure, but from many sermons I’ve heard and articles I’ve read, I have an idea.             In our Hebrews text, we have words of exhortation to these faltering Christians about continuing in the faith in the face of persecution.  In fact, the whole letter is about this, and later in the chapter the author notes that some of them have already experienced sufferings and the seizure of their property.  They are encouraged to “hold fast” and stir up one another “to love and good deeds” and not to forsake “our own assembling together.”  The problem was that they were tending NOT TO ASSEMBLE AT ALL (!) for fear of being found out and arrested, jailed, etc.  The “day” is the Lord’s day.             Many a sermon has been preached using Hebrews 10:25 as a whip to promote 100% attendance at every church function.  It is most interesting to note the veritable lack of sermons preached from verse 24 which appears to be of at least equal importance - if not more!             Another point to be made is that attendance is easy to see and track.  It’s easy to count heads and check off names, isn’t it?  So if someone is present in the pew, we tend to think that all is well.  How deceptive this can be!  How many have “gone fishin’” or planned their afternoon during the message?  How many have mouthed the words of the songs with no real praise in their hearts or minds?  What of the brother who’s always there but who tells and laughs at vulgar jokes with the guys at work?  What about the husband who sits in the pew every time the doors are open, but treats his wife like a household slave?  What about the sister who is always present but spends all Sunday afternoon phoning and texting the latest juicy gossip.  Well?  Did their attendance mean anything?             What is the true measure of Christian faithfulness?             Now, there is a question truly worth considering.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

John 20:19-29             Most of us are familiar with the account of Jesus’ appearing to the disciples on the evening of His day of resurrection when Thomas was absent.  The disciples present saw the Lord and the nail prints in His body while Thomas did not.  He, however, was afforded the same opportunity one week later and exclaims, “My Lord and my God!”             Some people try to make this a lesson about attendance.  (I have heard and read such presentations.)  The thought goes something like this: “Thomas should have been assembled with the other disciples, and he would not have missed out on the opportunity to see the resurrected Lord.  We should always assemble at every service of the church so we won’t miss out on anything.”             Really?  Seriously?  That’s the lesson we are supposed to get from this?  Let’s be kind and label such exegetical work as “poor.”  Where’s the rebuke from the other disciples for Thomas’ being absent?  Where’s the rebuke from the Lord one week later?  Well?             Such positions come from pre-conceived notions which set outside of scripture.  In this case, some individuals believe that the truest test of a Christian is their attendance at every service, Bible study and gathering of the church.  This means a person is “faithful.”  Where this has come from I do not know for certain, but we’ll touch on that next time.  Now let’s not draw any unwarranted conclusions here.  We’re not saying that assembling with the saints isn’t necessary, important and even vital.  It most certainly is.  But the emphasis placed on it to the diminishing of other equally important (some more important) aspects of the Christian faith is faulty.             Let’s go back to Thomas.  We’ve already seen there was no rebuke for his being absent that evening.  What might he have been doing?  Attending the evening sacrifice?  Caring for a sick mother or wife?  Perhaps he was the only one who was not afraid of the Jews, and he was out looking for the Lord!  (After all, they had heard reports that He was alive.)  Or maybe he was in deep mourning over his own cowardice when he fled in the garden.  In any case, he wasn’t there.             More next time.                                                              ><>  Jeff

Philippians 2:1-4             Peripheral vision is a great blessing from our Creator.  Not only can we humans see what is straight ahead of us quite clearly, but we can also “see” what is to either side of us as well as above and below.  The images are not very clear, but we can certainly be aware that something lies in our peripheral vision.  This is a safety feature for as we move about, sometimes quite rapidly, we are able to see what objects or people are around us, and we can take appropriate action to avoid any collisions.  We would all be moving much more slowly and cautiously without peripheral vision.             Likewise, God has given us “peripheral vision” for daily living.  Through media platforms, texts, conversations, and interactions of all sorts, we become aware of people around us.  These provide great opportunities for learning, new relationships and service.             Some people live as if they are the only people on the planet, or, at least, the only ones who matter.  These folks live with “tunnel vision.”  Have you encountered anyone who drives as if they are the only ones on the road?!  The person who is always interrupting the conversation to interject their thoughts?  The person who never says “Thank you”?  The person whose opinion is the only one which matters?             Christians, especially, should be adept at using “peripheral vision.”  Throughout the day, we need to be aware of the other people in our life’s locale: family, church members, neighbors, co-workers, class mates, fellow shoppers, etc.  Paul wrote that we should not only be looking out for our own interests, “but also for the interests of others.”  (This means a whole lot more than not knocking them down as we hurry out of the church building!)             How can we look out for the interests of others if we don’t even know these others? ...if we don’t know some of their daily concerns and problems? ...if we don’t have some clue about what they are dealing with? ...if we never engage them in conversation?             Reality check:  Do you live with “tunnel vision,” or do you have “peripheral vision”?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here’s some more of the wise sayings and quotes I’ve been able to collect over the years.  Reflect, consider and be blessed!   >                    Reality is the leading cause of stress.   >                    If you’re afraid to offend, you can’t be honest.                                                 – Patrick Henry   >                    Living your life is a task so difficult, it has never been attempted before.   >                    The Bible does not yield its meanings to lazy people.                                                 – Arthur W Pink   >                    Don’t give me a man who only talks about Jesus.  But don’t give me a man who never talks about Jesus.   >                    You can protest against the evil in the world only if you believe in a good God.  Otherwise the protest doesn’t make sense.                              – Miroslav Volf   >                    God calls us imperfect people to love other imperfect people, and we do so imperfectly.   >                    A church that lives within its four walls is no church at all.                                                 – Morgan Chilulu   >                    Thinking a lot is not the same as praying a lot.                                                 – Andree Seu   >                    Christianity is not just a way of looking at certain things.  It is a way of looking at everything.                                                               ><>  Jeff

Psalm 40:1-3             Despite all of the barricades, yellow caution tape and warning signs, a man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out.   >                    A subjective person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.” >                    An objective person walked by and said, “It’s logical that someone would fall down there.” >                    A Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into pits.” >                    A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was. >                    A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit and took photographs. >                    An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. >                    A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.” >                    A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, “You deserve your pit.” >                    A psychologist noted, “Your mother and father are to blame for your falling into that pit.” >                    A self-esteem therapist said, “Believe in yourself, and you can get out of that pit.” >                    An optimist said, “Things could be worse.” >                    A pessimist claimed, “Things WILL get worse.” >                    Jesus, seeing the man in the pit, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.                                                 – via “ MikeysFunnies.com ”               We can scrutinize, analyze and sympathize ‘til the sun goes down, but until we DO  something to truly help another person or rectify a situation, nothing is accomplished.  “Pit-lifting” takes time and work, and often involves getting sweaty, dirty and shedding a few tears.  Jesus left the glory of eternity and came down to rescue “filthy” humanity hopelessly stranded in a pit of sinful mire.  Even to this day, He still reaches down into that pit to lift out those who will but trust Him.  He is reaching down to you - Will you take His hand?                                                             ><>  Jeff

2 Corinthians 5:10             The New Testament contains several scriptures and teachings about the day of judgment.  Of some of the things which will happen that day we can be quite sure, but of others we are a little hazy.  One thing which the word teaches for sure is that we need to be ready for that day.  Being ready means simply that we are living a life which is pleasing to God as outlined in the scriptures.  So it should come as no surprise to us what kind of questions God may ask us that day.   *                     God is not going to ask you how many years you were able to prolong your life on the earth through good health practices.                                    >           He is going to ask if you used your years to be a help and encouragement to others and to spread the gospel. *                     God is not going to ask you how much money you were able to accumulate or how much stuff you were able to collect.                                    >           He is going to ask if you used your wealth to aid those in need and support the work of the church.                                    >           He is going to ask if you gave generously and freely. *                     God is not going to ask you how many athletic contests you won.                                    >           He is going to ask if you played by the rules, were a good teammate and practiced good sportsmanship. *                     God is not going to ask you how many church services and Bible classes you attended.                                    >           He is going to ask you if you worshiped in spirit and truth, encouraged the others who were gathered and put into practice what you learned. *                     God is not going to ask you the size of your house or apartment or how well-decorated it was.                                    >           He is going to ask you if you used your place to glorify Him by creating a loving home, having guests around your table, and being a welcoming place for visitors.               Will you be ready with good answers for God’s questions?                                                             ><>  Jeff