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The Devil’s Beatitudes
If the devil were to write his beatitudes, they would probably go something like this: Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians — they are my best workers. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church — they are my missionaries. Blessed are the troublemakers — they shall be called my children. Blessed are the complainers — I’m all ears to them. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister’s mannerisms and mistakes — for they get nothing out of his sermons. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church — for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution. Blessed are those who gossip — for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me. Blessed are those who are easily offended — for they will soon get angry and quit. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God’s work — for they are my helpers. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister — for he shall be with me forever. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not you — I’ve got you too! Now, read Matt. 5-6-7!
I Wanna Be Like … Who?
Like Paul, forgetting things which are behind and pressing forward Like David, lifting up my eyes to the hills from which my help comes Like Abraham, trusting my God implicitly Like Enoch, walking in daily fellowship with my heavenly Father Like Moses, suffering rather than enjoying the pleasure of sin for a time Like Job, being patient and faithful in all circumstances Like Joseph, turning my back on all evil advances Like Gideon, advancing even when my friends are few Like Andrew, striving to lead my brother to Christ adapted, The West Side Vision, Russellville, AR
Reflections of a Mother
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.I can tell you the facts of life, but I can’t build your reputation.I can tell you about drink, but I can’t say “no” for you.I can warn you about drugs but I can’t prevent you from using them.I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can’t achieve them for you.I can teach you about kindness, but I can’t force you to be gracious.I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s family.I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.I can teach you about …
Is Polygamy Part of God’s Plan for Marriage?
[The following article formerly appeared in the Salt Lake City Messenger, Issue No. 97, October 2001, p. 8, and is reprinted here with permission. This article is outstanding and written by those who have special knowledge and have conducted extensive research regarding Mormon issues. The appearance of this article in the pages of Gospel Gazette Online, however, does not constitute theological agreement in other matters with its authors. ~ Editor] When God created humans He instituted His plan for marriage: one man should have one wife. Genesis 2:24 states:“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” The first mention of polygamy in the Bible is Genesis 4:19: “And Lamech [a descendant of Cain] took unto him two wives …” But this was not attributed to instructions from God. If there was ever a justification for polygamy it would seem to have been needed when Adam and Eve were to populate the earth. Yet we see the pattern of just one woman and one man. The same pattern is carried out by Noah at the time of the Ark (Genesis 7:7). Noah took his one wife into the ark. Again, if polygamy were ordained of God, why didn’t He tell Noah to take additional wives to repopulate the earth faster? God instructed Moses that the kings of Israel were to have only one wife: “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.” (Deut. 17:17) This is exactly what happened with Solomon. We read in …
The Heart of the New Testament
In Matthew He is the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). In Mark He is the servant of God (Mark 10:44-45). In Luke He is the perfect Son of Man (Luke 9:56). In John He is the exalted Son of God (John 20:30-31). In Acts He is the ascended Lord (Acts 1:9-11). In Romans He our righteousness (Romans 3:21-25). In 1 Corinthians He is the firstfruits from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20). In 2 Corinthians He is the One made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Galatians He is the One who set us free (Galatians 2:20-21). In Ephesians He is the One who blesses (Ephesians 1:3). In Philippians He is the joy bringer (Philippians 3:1,3; 4:4). In Colossians He is the pre-eminent One (Colossians 1:18). In 1 Thessalonians He is the returning Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In 2 Thessalonians He is the world’s judge (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). In 1 Timothy He is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). In 2 Timothy He is the bestower of crowns (2 Timothy 4:8). In Titus He is our great God and Savior (Titus 1:3-4). In Philemon He is the Equalizer (Philemon 16). In Hebrews He is the rest of faith (Hebrews 4:8-11). In James He is the Lord of Sabaoth [hosts] (James 5:4). In 1 Peter He is the theme of Old Testament prophecy (1 Peter 1:19-21). In 2 Peter He is the longsuffering Savior (2 Peter 2:21). In 1 John He is the Word of life (1 John 1:1). In 2 …
Beware! You May Be Backsliding
(Author Unknown. This excellent article appeared in Fulton County Gospel News, Vol. 33, No. 10, October 1999, p. 4. This four-page monthly is published by the Church of Christ at Third & Bethel, P.O. Box 251, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554-0251. Subscriptions are free and the Editor, Ted J. Clarke, may be contacted via email at [email protected].) Just as you can tell when your physical health is failing, there are symptoms or danger signals which warn us that things aren’t as they ought to be! J. Curtis Manor lists ten warnings signals to watch for in regard to backsliding. Lack of time for Bible study, church assemblies or Christian service. Devoting of more time to reading newspapers or novels than the Bible. Preference for the company of the irreligious to that of Christians. Looking for reasons to justify something you have already done or decided to do. Evaluating the sermon more by its length than by its content. Becoming more prone to illness on Sunday than on other days of the week! Stretching one week’s excuse to cover two or more weeks of absence from church. Thinking of the church in terms of “they” rather than “we.” Reaction to sorrow, doubts or personal problems by avoiding Christian association which might help to resolve them. Resentment toward being visited by representatives of the church. These danger signals are early symptoms of the various aspects and developmental phases of worldliness, a malignity far more deadly than cancer. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment are of the …
The New School Prayer
Now I sit me down in schoolWhere praying is against the ruleFor this great nation under GodFinds mention of Him very odd.If Scripture now the class recites,It violates the Bill of Rights.And anytime my head I bowBecomes a Federal matter now.Our hair can be purple, orange or green,That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.The law is specific, the law is precise.Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.For praying in a public hallMight offend someone with no faith at all.In silence alone we must meditate,God’s name is prohibited by the state.We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.To quote the Good Book makes me liable.We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.It’s “inappropriate” to teach right from wrong,We’re taught that such “judgments” do not belong.We can get our condoms and birth controls,Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,It’s scary here I must confess,When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.So, Lord, this silent plea I make:Should I be shot; My soul please take!Amen (Purportedly written by a teen in Bagdad, Arizona,circulating on the Internet and submitted by Ray Rushmore)
I’ve Learned . . .
I’ve learned . . . that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.I’ve learned . . . that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.I’ve learned . . . that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.I’ve learned . . . that it’s not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.I’ve learned . . . that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.I’ve learned . . . that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.I’ve learned . . . that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.I’ve learned . . . that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.I’ve learned . . . that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.I’ve learned . . . that you can keep going long after you can’t.I’ve learned . . . that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.I’ve learned . . . that either you control your attitude or it controls you.I’ve learned . . . that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better …
Prayer and Fingers
1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.” 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. 3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance. 4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger¾as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. 5. And lastly comes our little finger¾the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “the least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. Author Unknown submitted by Mark McWhorter
Where to Find It in the Bible
When in sorrow, read John 14. When men fail you, read Psalms 27. When you have sinned, read Psalms 51; Acts 2; 8; 1 John 1. When you worry, read Matthew 6:19-34. Before a church service, read Psalms 84. When in danger, read Psalms 91. For the blues, read Psalms 34. When God seems distant, read Psalms 139. When discouraged, read Isaiah 40. If you want to be fruitful, read Proverbs and John 15. When doubts come, try John 7:17. When lonely or fearful, read Psalms 23. When you forget your blessings, Psalms 103. For Jesus’ idea of a Christian, read Matthew 5-7; 25. For James’ idea of religion, read James 1:19-27. If faith needs stirring, read Hebrews 11. When you feel down and out, read Romans 8:31-39. When you want rest and peace, read Matthew 11:25-30. For assurance as a Christian, read Romans 8:1-30. For Paul’s secret of happiness, read Colossians 3:12-17). When you travel, read Psalms 121. When you grow bitter or critical, read 1 Corinthians 13. When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, read Psalms 67; James 4. For Paul’s idea of Christianity, read 2 Corinthians 5:15-19. For Paul’s rules on how to get along with others, read Romans 12. When you think of investments and returns, read Mark 10:17-31. For a great invitation and a great opportunity, read Isaiah 55.
IF JESUS CAME RIGHT NOW
Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been?Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder – if the Savior spent a day or two with you,Would you go right on doing, the things you always do?Would you go right on saying the things you always say?Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go?Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends?Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?It might be interesting you know, the things that you would do,If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you. Author Unknownsubmitted by Mark McWhorter
The Christian’s Riches
In CHRIST we have–A LOVE that can never be fathomed;A LIFE that can never die;A RIGHTEOUSNESS that can never be tarnished;A PEACE that can never be understood;A REST that can never be disturbed;A JOY that can never be diminished;A HOPE that can never be disappointed;A GLORY that can never be clouded;A HAPPINESS that can never be interrupted;A LIGHT that can never be darkened;A STRENGTH that can never be enfeebled;A BEAUTY that can never be marred;A PURITY that can never be defiled;A WISDOM that can never be baffled;RESOURCES that can never be exhausted. –The Southwesterner, Austin, Texas(Submitted by Mark McWhorter)
Where Is God?
He was just a little boy,on a week’s first day.He was wandering home from Sunday School,and dawdling on the way. He scuffed his shoes into the grass;he found a caterpillar.He found a fluffy milkweed pod,and blew out all the “filler.” A bird’s nest in a tree over head,So wisely placed on high.Was just another wonderthat caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his zig zag course,and hailed him from the lawn;Asked him where he’d been that dayand what was going on. “I’ve been to Bible School,” he saidand turned a piece of sod.He picked up a wiggly wormreplying, “I’ve learned a lot of God.” “M’m very fine way,” the neighbor said,“for a boy to spend his time.”“If you’ll tell me where God is,I’ll give you a brand new dime.” Quick as a flash the answer came!Nor were his accents faint.“I’ll give you a dollar Mister, if you cantell me where God ain’t! Author UnknownSubmitted by Mark McWhorter
A Boy’s Meditation
My Daddy thinks it’s nice for me to go to Sunday schoolTo hear the helpful lessons and to learn the Golden Rule. And if some Sunday morning something else I’d like to do,My Dad looks very stern and says, “I am surprised at you.” So I dress very neatly and I travel off aloneWhile Daddy hunts the paper and decides he’ll stay at home. Now I have often wondered yes, time and time again.Why Sunday school’s so good for boys and not for grown-upmen. -Author Unknown, Life Lines, Beckley, WVSubmitted by Mark McWhorter
Life
Life isn’t about keeping score.It’s not about how many friends you haveOr how accepted you are.Not about if you have plans this weekend or if you’re alone. It isn’t about whom you’re dating, whom you used to date,and how many people You’ve dated,or if you haven’t been with anyone at all. It isn’t about who your family isor how much money they haveOr what kind of car you drive.Or where you are sent to school. It’s not about how beautiful or ugly you are.Or what clothes you wear,what shoes you have on,or what kind of Music you listen to. It’s not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, or brownOr if your skin is too light or too dark.Not about what grades you get, how smart you are,how smart everybody else thinks you are,or how smart standardized tests say you are. It’s not about what clubs you’re inor how good you are at “your” sport.It’s not about representing your whole being on a piece ofpaper and seeing who will “accept the written you.” LIFE JUST ISN’T. BUT, LIFE IS— — about whom you love and whom you hurt.It’s about whom you make happy or unhappy purposefully.It’s about keeping or betraying trust.Its about friendship, used as sanctity or a weapon. It’s about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.It’s about what judgments you pass and why.And who your judgments are spread to. It’s about whom you’ve ignored with full control and …
Friendship
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the sweethearts who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!! They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Show your friends how much you care.
I May Never See Tomorrow
I May Never See TomorrowThere’s No Written GuaranteeAnd Things That Happened YesterdayBelong To History,I Cannot Predict The Future,I Cannot Change The Past,I Have Just The Present Moment,I Must Treat It As My Last,I Must Use This Moment WiselyFor It Soon Will Pass Away,And Be Lost To Me ForeverAs Part Of Yesterday,I Must Exercise Compassion,Help The Fallen To Their Feet,Be A Friend Unto The Friendless,Make An Empty Life Complete,The Unkind Things I Do TodayMay Never Be Undone,And Friendships That I Fail To WinMay Nevermore Be Won,I May Not Have Another ChanceOn Bended Knee To Pray,And Thank God With Humble HeartFor Giving Me This Day.(author unknown)
Survival Kit For Everyday
TOOTHPICKRUBBER BANDBAND AIDPENCILERASERCHEWING GUMMINTCANDY KISSTEA BAGToothpick – To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others (Matthew 7:1).Rubber Band – To remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out (Romans 8:28). Band-Aid – To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s (Colossians 3:12-14). Pencil – To remind you to list your blessings every day (Ephesians 1:3). Eraser – To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay (Genesis 50:15-21)! Chewing Gum – To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus (Philippisnd 4:13)! Mint – To remind you that you are worth a mint to your Heavenly Father (John 3:16-17). Candy Kiss – To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday (1 John 4:7). Tea Bag – To remind you to relax daily and go over that list of God’s blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The Stranger Who Came To Live In Our House
A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. Mom taught me to love the Word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries, and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spellbound for hours each evening. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill, and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn’t seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up – while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places – go to her room, read her Bible, and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt an obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house–not from us, from our friends, or …