|
We never had much when I was a child, but I
didn't feel poor. Christmas was not looking forward to heaps of
presents under the tree. We knew our parents didn't have money to
buy gifts, so we didn't expect them.
However, we looked forward to tramping
through the snow into the woods with my father to pick out the perfect
tree. Decorating it was a family affair which by tradition could be
done only the night before Christmas. Lots of popcorn and paper
dolls made with green and red paper were strung together to encircle
that tree, along with our special plastic icicles that glowed in the
dark. Last of all, it was my father's special duty to top the tree
with a white star which also glowed. Then we gathered around to
drink mugs of hot chocolate and eat my mother's sugar cookies with icing
and sprinkles. We didn't mind going to bed early, because for
breakfast we knew we would have our once a year treat of oranges.
As the world deluges our senses with its
oxymoronic ideas of Christmas as the time to celebrate Christ's birth
while we are spending until our credit cards are maxed out, we long for
a simpler time with family and friends. No, we don't celebrate Christ's
birth, but we praise God every day for sending Him. Because He
came, and because of what He did for us, let us reach out this holiday
season to help someone in need. Whether it be a hug, a smile, a
warm meal, an invitation to hear the Gospel preached, or even a gift of
money, may we let our light so shine before men that they may see our
good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:19).
_________________________via
BulletinGold
top
Panning for more
Gold
----
preacher's articles this issue
Lack of Desire
by: A. C. Quinn
Paul expresses, in simple terms, the
meaning of the term "desire" in his letter to the Romans:
"Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that
they might be saved" (Romans 10:1). The salvation of his Jewish
countrymen was his most ardent wish. He really wanted to see them saved.
He had a longing--an insatiable craving for that outcome, and his works
throughout his life attest to that desire.
The Lord's church suffers immensely today for lack of desire in those
who should be the stalwarts in the faith. For instance, it is not a
matter of not having qualified men to serve the church as elders. It is
a matter of men not having the desire, which is a qualification in
itself (I Tim. 3:1). . Too many men just don't want to serve.
The same is applicable to teaching and preaching. Capable people just
don't want to do it. They don't have the desire (I Pet. 2:2). Failure
to give, attend services, and all the other things that Christians
should do have the same underlying problem--a lack of desire. To the
contrary, God's people are to be peculiar and zealous of good works
(Titus 2:14). A lack of desire kills initiative for all future
growth of the church and her mission (Mark 1:15-16).
A. C. Quinn preaches for
the Celeste Church of Christ
in Celeste, Texas.
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
Listening When I Should
Have Been Singing
(But I Wanted To)
by: Bill Brandstatter
This past Tuesday my wife and I attended
a gospel meeting at a nearby congregation. It started like most. There
were some songs ,a prayer, then the preaching. I was asked to lead the
opening prayer. But I couldn't. I was hoarse due to some allergies. As a
matter of fact, I could hardly speak. So, I couldn't sing either. As a
result, I just listened to the singing.
While listening I learned some very important lessons. First, the
singing doesn't have to be spectacular or showy in order to be good. So
much "gospel singing" today is done as a performance. The
singing at this meeting was simple. The singers were not professionals.
Yet, it was beautiful.
Second, I thought of how an instrument would destroy the meaning of the
songs. Is it any wonder that Paul wrote:" speaking to one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in
your heart to the Lord"( Eph. 5:19)? What Paul wrote was not just
his opinion. It was a command from God (1 Cor. 14:37). He repeats the
message in Col. 3:16. God knew that singing without the instrument is
the best way for songs in church services to be sung.
Third, I felt bad I couldn't sing. How many people can sing but don't.
Some will say, "I can't carry a tune in a bushel basket." It
really doesn't make any difference, does it? God wants us to sing. When
a congregation sings, you hear the whole group, not just the individual.
The singing is to be done with the spirit, and with understanding (1 Cor.
14:15). Whether or not the singing is on key or exact is a mute point.
We think it has to be just right because of our entertainment mindset.
God hears the song that comes from the heart.
I was bothered that I couldn't sing last Tuesday night. However, I was
glad I was able to learn some lessons. Actually, I already knew them.
What happened just helped me to again see God's divine directive to
SING.
Bill Brandstatter worships
with the Church of Christ in Vienna, IL .
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
Make No Little Plans
by: Russ Lawson
Recently I read an article containing a
quote attributed to Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. The quotation hit
a note that stirred my soul. Mr. Burnham said: "Make no little
plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves
will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.
Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would
stagger us."
What are your dreams. hopes. aspirations? What were then when you were
younger? I received quite a complement from an 86-year-old friend (Jim)
the other day. We were talking about someone looking to hire a new man
for a job. He said, "They need to get a young man right out of
school who still has dreams." My reply was, "Perhaps what they
need is someone older who has experience in the field." He replied,
"Someone who has been doing the job for 30 years is afraid to take
chances; they don't dream anymore." I paused for a moment and
said, "But I've been doing this same job for 30 years."
To which he replied, "Yes, but you're different; you still
dream." I hope that is true.
I jokingly tell Melody, my wife of 35 years, that if nothing else, our
life hasn't been dull; it's always been an adventure. How do you
see your life? Are you stuck in a rut afraid to be more than you
already are? I read a quote many years ago that has stuck with me.
"The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth."
I remember that quote and have to ask myself sometimes just which
one I am in.
Do you make little plans or big ones; do you have great dreams or small
ones? I like what the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:13 where he
says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me." He gives us hope, but keeps things in the proper
perspective, also. I personally believe that we can do just about
anything we put our mind to doing. We far too often tend to start
out on some great journey, towards some objective, and then just get
worn out, tired or discouraged. The key, though, to being able to
continue on life's great adventure is that we draw our strength from the
right place! That source of strength, encouragement and vigor
must be our God.
My prayer is that God will empower each
of us to plan great plans and dream great dreams. Not just for our
glory, but also for the benefit of God and the people.
God Bless,
Russ Lawson, Greenville Church of Christ, Greenville, OH
Email: rlawson@bright.net
Click here for life and health: http://www.integrisdream.com/rlawson
Click here to learn more about Rice Bran:
http://www.bright.net/~rlawson/rice.html
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
|
|
|
Quick Riches
----misc. goodies this
issue
Building Commitment Into
Our Marriages
by: Charlie Thomason
1. Look at your marriage
license often.
2. Revisit your wedding vows frequently.
3. Constantly look for ways to meet your spouse's needs and
special wishes from their frame of reference.
4. Commit to never being alone with someone of the opposite
sex who is not your marriage partner.
5. Keep your hands to yourself. (i.e. discriminate
between appropriate and inappropriate touch).
6. Consider the damage and destruction that infidelity and
divorce would bring to your children and other family members.
7. Keep the romance alive with spontaneous loving acts of
kindness.
8. Determine to only speak well of your mate in their
absence.
9. Read good books, listen to good material, and attend
helpful seminars on relationship building.
10. Pray for God to deliver you from the evil one (Matthew 6:13).
Charlie Thomason preaches
for the Faith Village Church of Christ in
Wichita Falls, Texas
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
Hearts of Gold
----poetry this issue
Repentance is Renewal
by: Rose Ann Noey
As we go from day to day,
As we walk along the way,
We sin.
Tell me, Lord, what can I do?
How can I my soul renew? -
My life to mend?
Can I toss those sins so grim
And submit my life to Him?
For forgiveness, I would ask,
Then set my mind onto the task.
Forgive me, Lord!
Set my mind, my precious Lord,
Set my heart and purpose t'ward
Your Ways.
As we walk in His Light,
We can put our sins to flight -
Walk day by day.
Rose Ann Noey worships with
the Church of Christ at
Lincolnway in Columbia City, Indiana.
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
A Small Man . . .
by: H. L.
Gradowith
Last night, while reposed in
a sweet peaceful sleep,
Some scenes passed before me that caused me to weep;
Though I saw not his face - his deeds were displayed,
And his feet from the path far away had strayed.
I examined his thoughts - though I know not how -
And the things that I saw I will tell you now:
I saw anger and hatred day after day,
I shuddered to think anyone felt that way.
There were countless opportunities wasted,
And far too many sinful pleasures tasted;
There was selfishness that showed itself in greed,
And far too much stress placed on want and not need.
There was little forgiveness in this man's life,
And he seemed most happy when wrapped up in strife;
There was a record of offences long past -
I was amazed at how long such things can last!
There was jealousy and envy all around,
And I've never seen such childishness abound;
There was but little mercy in this man's heart,
And from him I desired at once to depart!
I wondered to myself if this person knew
That judgment awaits us when our lives are through;
He sure didn't live like he gave it a thought -
His only concern seemed to be getting caught.
There was little to recommend this poor soul,
He seemed nasty and unpleasant on the whole;
I could see what he did, and what he believed,
But who this man was I had yet not perceived.
I longed to return to my sweet peaceful sleep,
And the lessons I learned I resolved to keep.
His true identity I longed then to see:
And friends - though it's hard to admit - it was me.
__________________________via
BulletinGold
To subscribe to GRADOWITH
POEMS, just send a note to
gradowith@yahoo.com with the
words SUBSCRIBE POEMS in the subject
line or body of message.
top
Gold Mines
----quotes & sayings
for bulletins and signs this issue
Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. I
owe a debt I cannot pay.
The Lord gives us our talents, but we have to develop them ourselves.
A smile is something that adds to your face value.
Most often, falling into sin is not a blowout, but a small leak.
Consider the hammer: It keeps its head. It does not fly off
the handle. It keeps pounding away. It finds the point, then
drives it home.
__________________________via
BulletinGold
top
|
