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Birdwell Lane Church of Christ Big Spring, TX |
Weekly Thoughts - July 2008
| <---- June 2008 | -- | August 2008 ----> |
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06 - HAPPY IS HE 13 - TAKING CARE OF OUR WALK 20 - CHARIS 27 - WHAT ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY? |
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HAPPY IS HE Webster says, "Happiness is a state of pleasurable content with one's life." Happiness, therefore, is not a child of circumstances but a child of faith. A story is often told of a fairy who came to the residence of a man who was resting after a hard days work. The fairy said, "We hear that you are the happiest man in the world." The man who had finished his days work replied, "Not so, because I work so hard to provide for my family and home." The fairy then, as the story goes, took the man on a journey throughout the country and told him he might exchange places with anyone he wished. He first chose a rich man. But when he was shown what it meant to be rich, he declined. Secondly, he chose a man of power in the government but when shown what it meant to have such power he again declined. He then said to the fairy, "You were right, I am the happiest man in the world and don't know it." HAPPINESS, THEREFORE, DOES NOT CONSIST OF MONEY. Happiness does not consist of POWER. The book of Ecclesiastes reveals the experience of Solomon who avowed that such does not bring peace of mind. Happiness is not found in giving one's self to the pleasures of this world. Moses refused the way of sin "choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." What then is happiness? Happiness consists of right thinking. The Bible says, "Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that has understanding" (Prov. 3:13). Paul said, "Happy is he that judges not himself in that which he approves" (Rom. 14:22). Paul's final exhortation to the brethren at Philippi was concerning their thoughts. He said, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8). Happiness consists of right living. The Psalmist in referring to the prosperity and security of Israel said, "Happy is the people that is such a case: yes happy is the people whose God is Jehovah" (Ps. 144:15). The preacher said, "This is the end of the matter: all has been heard; Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole of man" (Ecc. 12:13). Happiness consists of right conduct. The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." See ya Sunday, Ralph |
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TAKING CARE OF OUR WALK Leviticus 20:22-23 God has always been very specific with his laws and decrees. People from the Old Testament knew exactly what God expected of them. In the book of Leviticus chapters 20-21 we find many laws that needed to be obeyed or otherwise his people would suffer the consequences. They were laws to protect them of incorrect and perverse practices being conducted by other nations. God detested and continues detesting these immoral practices. In our times, God expects his people to take care of their Christian walk and not follow the current of this world, practicing things that are not pleasing to him. Pornography, moral indecency, fornication, adultery, incest and other sexual acts continue to be abominable perversities in the eyes of God. Every Christian is called to take care of his way of thinking, speaking and doing and not fall in these sins. It is necessary that we continue to obey his will so that his judgment won’t fall upon us. Is it not better to walk with our eyes open rather than closed? If we maintain our eyes open to God’s laws it be easy to take care of our walk but if we neglect them by closing our eyes to them, it will be easy to fall and not please God. Are you taking care of your walk? See ya Sunday, Ralph |
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CHARIS The poignant Greek word for grace is "charis". It is the root word for joy, pleasure, loveliness! Favor felt produces gratitude. Grace cannot be deserved; it is the unmerited love of God. GRACE!!! Grace is positive acceptance in spite of the other person; a demonstration of love that is unearned, undeserved; and un-payable. Man cannot save himself by himself. Grace gives God all the glory; there is nothing in which man can boast (Rom. 3:24-31). This makes grace to some a stumbling block. Man wishes to be self-sufficient! Pride dies hard. Man's question remains, "Isn't there something I can do?" Tragically those who need grace the most have the greatest difficulty in accepting it! One does not perform to be accepted - being accepted one performs. Grace is the "pantry" of all God's blessings said one good brother - love, joy, peace, wisdom, strength, etc. This is the reservoir of all that God has. Grace is a gift; a gift is to be received, treasured, and used. It is "free gratis". We are saved by grace; don't ever forget it. That work my Lord has done. But I will work like any slave For the love of God's dear Son! Perhaps our singing has been deeper than our preaching! O love that will not let me go I give Thee back the life I owe. See ya Sunday, Ralph |
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WHAT ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY? June 26, 1977 was proclaimed national “Gay Day.” In various cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and others, “gays” staged a parade for “gay rights.” What is your attitude toward “gays” or “gay rights?” Do you believe this is a proper or valid way of life? Are you sympathetic with them, believing they shouldn’t be hassled and should be free to do their own thing? Or, do you actively oppose the movement? Particularly as we constantly see states allowing single sex marriages and issues being challenged under non discrimination laws. Consider the following points in establishing your attitude.
See ya Sunday, Ralph |
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