I Thessalonians 4:9 & 11 "But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another..." 11 "...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, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing." Happiness comes with a quiet and tranquil life; Proverbs 14:30 "A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones." Many times we just ...

In Loving Memory ...

THE PERFECT FATHER The ONLY perfect father is God Himself, our Heavenly Father. He meets every qualification for the task. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1 F for Faithful! - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23 A for Always there! - "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 15:5 T for Trustworthy! - ...

Colossians 3:12-13 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." So often others wrong us in many ways. Sometimes the wrong that has been done was on purpose, other times it was just a misunderstanding. Either way, it's wrong to hold a grudge! God loved us so much He not only died for us, but also removed our sin completely: Psalm 103:12 "As ...

If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved because our salvation is not based upon what we do, but upon what Jesus did on the cross. Even if all our earthly work is deemed worthless on Judgment Day, true believers are still saved from the burning fires of hell. I Corinthians 3:9-15 "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another ...

As Christians we can expect to be attacked because we belong to Jesus Christ, because we do things God's way, especially if we turn to the scriptures as our guide. So take heart and be comforted by the following passages: James 1:2-7 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, ...

Mother's Day was first practiced in the United States by Julia Howe. In case you don't recall her name from your history class, Julia was the writer of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. She suggested that a special day be dedicated to mothers and to peace. Miss Howe organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston on an annual basis. Today around the globe, 46 countries honor mothers with a special day, just not on the same day as we do. We honor mothers with family reunions, cards, flowers and dinner out. On Sunday, May 11, 1877, the pastor of a ...

God will one day judge the judges. Based upon the rulings and the creation of certain laws (legalizing abortion, etc.) it seems doubtful that the judges and legislators who make the laws of our land understand that they will one day answer to a righteous judge for the work that they do. Despite what they believe, they will answer to the God of the universe and every knee will bow (Phil 2:10). And God expects that the laws we live under will not only be fair, but will protect the helpless and the weak among us. In Isaiah's time, just ...

During our Christian walk, especially if you are truly walking with God, there will be times of persecution and trials in our lives. We can find comfort in God's Word as we turn to the scriptures, and even more importantly, to our Lord who is our rock and our shield; Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." And when we comprehend the great power that lives within us, we should not fear nor give up, but continue on ...

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Last Thursday we began our study in the book of John and we learned that we are to look to Jesus and strive each and every day to become more like Him. In all things good, Jesus is our example. We should desire to serve others, not to be served. During Jesus' time on earth, slavery was very common. Based upon historical documents, one person in five was a slave. Slavery could be due to a ...