Thanksgiving
Throughout the Bible, we see thanksgiving for blessings as a theme. The Old Testament resounds with the people praising God; Israel had a history of giving thanks to God for the mercy and deliverance he showed them. In the New Testament we read, Jesus “Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them” (Luke 9:16). At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and gave thanks, and offered it…
Washing the Feet of Our Mayan Brothers
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly…
Our God Still Seeks the Lost
It was a Sunday afternoon after worship that Armando heard the announcement. The announcement said that some members of the congregation from Decatur, Alabama, were coming to help build three classrooms for the children in their Mayan village of Texan. The announcement said that a list was being made of all those who wanted to come and help the Americans build the classrooms. Armando wanted to help, but he had to work, Armando is a barber and had a commitment…
The Walking Stick
A few weeks ago, a dear old friend asked if I would make him a walking stick. I went to the barn and found a maple stick that I’ve had drying for several years. Taking it to the workshop, I peeled the bark away, sawed off the knots, and sanded it down smooth. Several coats of finish were then added along with a paracord wrap for a handle. I eventook the wood burner and put his initials near the top.…
Gopher Holes
A couple of weeks ago, I looked out the front door and saw a small mound of dirt toward the front of the yard. I thought it was a new ant mound and said to myself, “I’ll put some ant killer on that thing tomorrow.” Well, as it would be, I forgot about it for a couple of days and the next time I looked it was now three mounds of dirt. “That’s a gopher run and he’s heading straight…
Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes Benz
The title of this week’s article comes from a 1970 song by the late Janis Joplin. The song is a parody prayer in which the singer asks God to give her a luxury car. Well, we know she ain’t going to get that car, at least not from the Lord. The reason being, it is a prayer of selfishness and greed. The Bible says it best in James 4:3, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that…
A Bright Future for the Church in South Mexico
LAST WEEK IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA September 30, 2023, will be forever in the history books of the churches of Christ in Mexico. It was the first time that about five hundred and fifty young teenagers came together as one for this youth rally. Teens from six different states that surround the Yucatan came to this gathering. It was quite a sight that had never been seen before. Steve Smith, Sam Welsh and I had the privilege of preaching to…
The Dying Leaf
As autumn approaches, we welcome the cooler temperatures and the changing of the seasons. We remember the promise of God to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) Along with the change in the weather comes the beautiful splendor of fall colors. We enjoy the reds, oranges, yellows, and all hues in between as the Lord’s nature gets ready for the coming winter. However,…
A good example says more about us than what we say.
The apostle Paul wrote to two young preachers. Both were encouraged to set good examples. Timothy was admonished: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Titus was challenged: “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may…
God has Already Spoken to Us!
Heard From God Lately? According to a survey, 25% of Americans believe that they have received personal messages from God. This statistic raises several questions: What is God saying to all of these people anyway? The Bible says that it contains “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1: 3). What more do they need to know? Why is additional revelation necessary? Why does God show such special favoritism to this select group? Does He love this…
Heaven-Bound
“An overwhelming majority of Americans continue to believe there is life after death and that heaven and hell exist, according to a new study. What’s more, most think they are heavenbound.” So begins a recent article in the Nashville Tennessean. What is heaven? Where is it that so many people believe they are bound? “46% described it as a ‘state of eternal existence in God’s presence,’ and… 30% said heaven is ‘an actual place of rest and reward where souls…
Our Past, Present and Future
In school you learned about the three main verb tenses in English: past, present and future. These tenses describe three very different timeframes. One could say that a boy “threw” the ball (past tense), or a boy “is throwing” the ball (present tense) or a boy “will throw” the ball (future tense). Those same tenses can be used to describe a Christian’s life. The New Testament talks definitively about a Christian’s PAST life, with a great emphasis on leaving it…