Tough Truth Tuesday-Going Forward by Going Backward

-->

Recently, the was statement made that, “Many years ago there was a closeness among neighbors. If you needed a cup of sugar or flour you walked next door to get it. Now we have an every-man-for-himself attitude. We need to go back to that closeness.” The society we live in is a major contributor of this attitude and it has trickled down into the church to the point that as Christians, we are often guilty of almost finding the “one another commands” a foreign concept.

                  The question arises, can we once again become a society that knows and cares about their neighbors? And, if so, how? How do we move forward? We move forward by going backward. We constantly hear about new things. Everyone wants to know what the latest thing is. Anything that is more recent than something else is assumed to be better. That may be true in the things that men make: cars, airplanes, and so on. It is not true in the things God makes. When God makes something, he makes it perfect from the beginning. There has been no improvement upon God’s sunshine or rain, or seasons, or the productivity of the ground. When God makes something, He makes it right, and so it is in the realm of religion. There has been no finer system of this or morals than you find in Christianity. Nobody has improved on the example of Jesus. Hence, I believe it follows that no one has ever, or ever will, improve on Christ’s church. God makes things right. There is perfection in what God does. The essential need of our time is that all of us simply take a step backward, for that is the only way we can go forward. When we return to the Bible, speaking where scriptures speak and being silent where they are silent, develop a loyalty to what God says above anything that anyone else may say, when we have a “thus saith the Lord, thy servant heareth,” then we are on the road which God would have us travel.

                  So we start at home. By home, I mean our church home. We begin with our local congregation and we put into practice those “one another commands.” We motivate one another toward love (Heb. 10:24) and push each other toward salvation. Toward a faithful life. Toward Christ.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Mention Worthy Monday (Quotes Edition)

-->

“We need to be people of prayer. Things happen when we pray.”

-Carl Dunlap

“Remember, you never fail until you quit.”

-Ken Tyler

“Jesus will be everything to us when we realize we were everything to Him.”

– Dan Winkler

“Fellowship is joint participation in the Lord’s work- 1 John 1:7.”

-Bill Cantrell

“The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don’t even have to think about it.”

-Bear Bryant

Tough Truth Tuesday - It's Time to Wake Up, Parents.

-->

A friend shared this via Facebook and I thought it was worthy of reposting.

"I am saddened by children who are not made to obey simple commands like, “Come here.” I am sad when parents call their children ugly names like “little fool.” I am sad when parents are paralyzed by the wild behavior of their children. I am sad when I see parents so busy giving children what they didn’t have, that they don’t give them things they did have (which were much more precious)! I am sad when I see parents taking their children to worship, but neglecting to give any Bible training at home. I am sad when parents care more about their children’s physical appearance than how their heart appears to God. I am sad when parents are more interested in homework from school than in ‘heartwork’ from the Word. And I am so sad when we spend more time at the ball field than on the battlefield for Christ. It makes me so sad to see parents who are much more concerned with what goes into their children’s mouths than what comes out of them. I am afraid that the prince of this world has managed to confuse many parents about what is truly important. The effect of this may only be realized on the day of judgment. I pray that the Lord will open the eyes and hearts of young parents and give them the courage and the backbone to be parents whose children will glorify God!"

- Sheila Butt

AMEN.

Mention-Worthy Monday - New & Noteworthy (book review ed.)

-->

Overcoming the World In 9 Innings (Winning the Game of Life God’s Way) by Ben Stevenson

9 Innings: a game plan for life, but in terms of baseball. I admit I was a bit nervous at the beginning of this book. Sports is not my strongest subject and I worried that while this was a worthwhile read, it might be over my head. I am happy to report that even with my somewhat standard knowledge of baseball, this book has left me with countless lessons and advice.

While, this book offers something for everyone, I would especially recommend this for young people. Ben does a great job of laying out the “game plan” that, we as Christians need to follow and he does so in a way that is straightforward and easily understood. This is a relatively short book, yet filled with memorable quotes. I feel so blessed to call this author a brother-in-Christ (as well as a life-long friend) and I urge you to order a copy or pick one up from the Mars Hill bookstore in Florence, Alabama. Trust me when I say it will most definitely by worth your time.

I love to share some of my favorite portions of my reads, not to take anything away from the author, but because I feel it is just enough of a glimpse to perk your interest and because their words are always much better than my own.

“When we first become new Christians or after some big event like a revival, lectureship or church camp we get pumped up about living the right Christian life and hold ourselves accountable for the things that we do and do not do day to day. However, over time, when we are back around the world everyday we lose our luster somewhat and fall right back to doing the same old things the way we see fit.”

“We can have a laundry list full of goals and tell everyone what our goals are, but it is only when we get our priorities straight that we will really begin to see our goals achieved.”

“There are so many kids who want to be the starting quarterback or running back, but are built to be an offensive lineman. Not everyone can play the star positions, but that does not mean that their job is any less important.”

“Figure out your talent, use your talent, know your role, and help the church grow.”

“Too often, we lose all humility when we feel we have accomplished something great and we need to let everyone know about it…loudly.”

“A humble person shows his humility through his actions, not just his words.”

“We have to understand our purpose and understand that there is no greater purpose in the entire world than that of serving God and letting His light shine through us.”

“The choice of eternity leaves us with two options. Something to keep in mind-if earth was the place to be, Jesus would have stayed.”