Keeping Our Heart Forever Grateful                         October 12, 2025

This weekend we celebrate the holiday Thanksgiving.  We have set aside this day to gather with family and friends to give thanks for our blessings.  Throughout the Bible, we see “Thanksgiving” for blessings as a theme.  In the Old Testament, God’s people praised Him for the wonderful things that He had done for them.  Israel had a history of giving thanks to God for the mercy and deliverance that He showed them.  Even in the New Testament, we read, “…then He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up into heaven, He gave thanks and broke them” (Luke 9:16).  At the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks and offered it to His followers (I Corinthians 11:24).  Jesus offers us a wonderful example of giving thanks to God.

This weekend let us consider some thoughts about Thanksgiving.

Motive.  When we give thanks to God, our only motive should be one of pure gratitude.  Thanksgiving is giving thanks and nothing more.  Of all the types of prayers that we offer, a prayer of thanksgiving is the least likely to be polluted or corrupted with selfish thoughts.  It is the least likely to contain subconscious appeals to manipulate God.  The prayer should be about God’s blessings toward us and our appreciation for those blessings.

Knowledgeable.  Being grateful requires us to look back into our past and acknowledge those blessings for which we are thankful.  Whether those blessings are in our recent past or many years ago, remember they are from God.  Unfortunately, in our culture, people are infatuated with the future and the result is that giving thanks is sometimes neglected.  Giving thanks to God is about looking backward and expressing our gratitude for the good things that have come our way.

Comprehensive.  During this holiday, we thank God for our meal.  While this is good and proper, there is so much more we should include in our prayers.  We are so blessed with our families, friends, homes, jobs, freedoms, and hundreds of other things.  Giving God thanks should be a theme that runs throughout our lives.  We should give thanks in the good times as well as in the bad times.  The pilgrims lives close enough to the soil to know how dependent they were on God’s blessings.  Even in the bitter winters with scarce food, they learned to thank God for all that they had.  They were eager to thank Him during their times of abundance, as well.

During this Thanksgiving holiday, take time to consider the many blessings that you enjoy.  Be grateful for these wonderful benefits and thank God for them.

May God continue to bless us and keep us safe throughout the coming days.  Give thanks always to our Father above for the bountiful blessings. 

Written by Larry Schneider (Adapted, topic changed from “Thanksgiving”)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

Living Up to Your Name                                 October 5, 2025

In 1 Kings chapter 1 and 2 we learn about a man named Adonijah.  According to biblehub.com the name Adonijah is derived from two Hebrew words, Adonai meaning “Lord” and Yah, a shortened form of Yahweh, the name of God in Hebrew.  Putting these together the name Adonijah means “my Lord is Yahweh” or “Yahweh is my Lord.”  When we read the Old Testament there are many examples of people who lived up to the meaning of their names.  When we look at Adonijah’s life it seems that he didn’t live up to his name.  Examining Adonijah’s life can help us reflect on several questions that we can use to assess how we are doing in living up to the name we carry, the name Christian.

Are we seeking God’s will or our own will?  Adonijah wanted the throne, however God had decided Solomon was to have the throne.  His desire for the throne and its associated power blinded him to God’s will.  Seeking our own will ahead of God’s will can lead to destruction.  Proverbs 3:5-6 shows us we should be trusting in God and allowing Him to lead us in His way.  Trusting and acknowledging God with every decision aligns our will with His and leads us down the path He has prepared for us.

Do we recognize God’s authority or do we allow pride to rule our lives?  Solomon showed mercy to Adonijah when he first attempted to take the throne, 1 Kings 1:52-53.  Adonijah didn’t recognize Solomon’s authority and allowed his pride to make what looked like a second attempt to take the throne, 1 Kings 2:22.   James 4:6 teaches us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.  Pride breeds arrogance which can lead to destruction.  Therefore, we need to demonstrate humility and reliance on God.

Do we demonstrate obedience and recognize the second chance God has given us?  Solomon demonstrated mercy to Adonihah and gave him a second chance, however Adonijah didn’t take advantage of the mercy afforded to him.  God has been merciful to us, through Christ he has provided reconciliation and restoration.  Although He has been merciful to us, His mercy requires a response of repentance, changed behaviour and obedience.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people and as a result of this they were “pierced their heart” and they asked “brothers what shall we do?”  Peter responded and told them to repent of their sins, turn to God and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sin (Acts 2:37-38).  As believers it is necessary for us to know and obey His word (James 1:22; Luke 11:28).

Before we act do we think about the consequences of our actions?  I don’t know the entire rationale of Adonijah’s decision to want to marry Abishag, however, this was seen by Solomon as an attempt by Adonijah to take the throne.  Adonijah’s action revealed the true nature of his heart and had significant consequences, as it resulted in his death.  All of our actions and decisions, whether big or small, have consequences.  Consequences can be positive or like in Adonijah’s case negative.  Each one of us has an accountability towards God, which means recognizing His sovereignty over our lives, understanding that He sees everything we do, and that our actions will be evaluated in light of His truth (Romans 14:12).  We also have an accountability toward each other.  Our actions can have consequences not just in our own lives, but also in the lives of others.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches us to encourage and build each other up.

Adonijah’s life serves as a warning for us, a warning about pride, ambition, and resisting God’s plan.  When we examine Adonijah’s life, he didn’t demonstrate that he recognized Yahweh as his Lord.  For those who carry the name Christian my prayer for you, myself, and my family is that we seek God’s will ahead of our own, that we recognize and obey His authority in our lives, that our actions demonstrate that we recognize His sovereignty and that we build each other up and encourage each other.  If you are not a Christian my prayer for you is that you will search God’s word, be obedient to His plan for you and accept the redeeming grace of the second chance He offers all of us.

Kevin Pickles

Do You Think I Am Going to Hell?                     September 28, 2025

I remember a scene from a funny movie in which a sleepy man was driving at night.  He fell asleep at the wheel, veered onto an exit ramp, and was driving into oncoming traffic.  He came to when the driver of another car, travelling in the correct lane, honked his horn and hollered across to him, “You are going the wrong way!”  The sleepy driver’s response was, “How do you know where I am going?!”

The man driving in the correct lane was concerned because he knew that the wayward car was travelling into danger.  He saw the facts, made a judgment, and intervened as best as he could to save someone’s life.  Not sensing the danger, the other driver dismissed his warning and continued driving the wrong way.

Sometimes, when one is feeling challenged about his religious beliefs, he will ask, “Do you think I am going to Hell?”  Like the sleep driver in the movie, he is offended to learn that someone has “judged” him and determined that he is lacking.  One’s faith is a very personal matter.  For some people, suggesting that their faith is insufficient is crossing a line.  They may counter by asking the accusing question: “Do you think I am going to Hell?”

I would respond to this question by directing the individual to the Bible.  First, the Bible teaches that man will spend eternity in one of two possible places: Heaven or Hell.  If one is not going to Heaven, that only leaves one other option.  Second, the Bible tells us who will go to each place.  The saved will go to Heaven, while the lost will go to Hell.  Third, the Bible tells us what we have to do to be saved.  If one dies without having done what the Bible says he must do in order to be saved, what logical conclusion are we to come to?

One might say, “Isn’t this between God and the individual?”  In a way, “Yes.” but in another way, “No.”  Those who are saved are given the responsibility to take the gospel to the lost.  This cannot be done without making a judgment and determining who is lost.

Jesus recognized the fact that certain individuals were lost and were “going to Hell.”  At the home of Zacchaeus, Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10).  Jesus commissioned His apostles to take the gospel to those who were lost and destined for Hell (Mark 16:15-16).  His apostles shared this conviction.  In Acts 2:40, Peter exhorted his listeners to “be saved from this perverse generation.”  Did Peter think they were going to Hell?  Yes, he did.  The apostle Paul wrote, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:20).

Regardless of what you or I think, the Bible teaches that unless one submits to the will of God he is lost and destined for Hell.  If I did not love you, I would not be concerned about your soul.  If you have sincerely obeyed the gospel, then I can have hope for the eternal state of your soul.  If you have not obeyed the gospel, or have since become unfaithful to the Lord, then I cannot have hope for you.

Do I think you are going to Hell?  If you have not obeyed the gospel, or are not a faithful Christian, I know that “you are going the wrong way!”  However, I also know that you can “turn around” and do what is right.  I plead with you to consider the state of your eternal soul and, if need be, obey the gospel.  Please let us know if we can help you with this important decision.   (By Heath Rogers)

No Second Chances                                         September 21, 2025

Abraham said to the rich man who was suffering in torment in Hades, “And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us” (Luke 16:26).

Brother Palmer Wheeler once wrote, “Today is the day of salvation.  Tomorrow may be too late.  There’s danger and death in delaying, accept God’s saving grace!”

The rich man learned this lesson in a most terrible way.  He lived selfishly during his life.  Then, when he so desperately wanted relief, he was told he was too late.  He could not change his fate.  He could not leave his place of righteous punishment.

He had worn the finest clothes and thrown lavish parties, but now he was miserable.  He had lived for the moment, but now his eternity was set.  We have been warned, “Weigh everything in the light of eternity.  For if you do not, the things you most cherish now may simply be the idols that damn you.”  The rich man learned too late that his earthly possessions were not worth his immortal soul (Matthew 16:26).

Time runs out.  The days slip away almost unnoticed until we look back, wondering where all of those days went!  The Lord informed us that our lives are merely a “mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14).  We know it to be true, yet we so rarely live as if we understand.

The rich man in Luke 16 encourages us to make the most of our opportunities – to stop wasting time with the frivolous and vain!  He wanted relief – it was too late.  He was concerned about his brothers – it was too late.  He had wasted his time!

Paul warned: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).  We must make the most of today since we do not know what tomorrow holds, and once we die, there are no second chances (cf. Hebrews 3:15; 4:7).

Today is the day for second chances; tomorrow is too late.  We must be on the lookout for opportunities to share the Gospel with others and be aware of our own need to repent, knowing that on the other side of eternity, there are no second chances.                            

By Bart Warren

What Sort of People?                                               September 14, 2025

At the end of Peter’s second epistle, he writes that the Lord is returning in judgment (II Peter 3).  While many mocked this as they followed their own sinful desires, they overlooked the fact that God always keeps His word and has judged the world before in the flood.  Yet God’s timing is not the same as man’s, for with God “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (Vs 8).  Even so, the Lord is not slow about keeping his promises the way we count slowness, but is longsuffering, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (Vs 9).  The Day of the Lord will come, the heavens and the earth will pass away, and the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells will be a reality (Vs 10-13).  Embedded within these promises is a question that needs answering” “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of the Lord…?”

What sort of people ought we to be?  There are some matters over which we have no control.  We do not control God’s timing.  His judgments, or details about what happens when the Lord returns.  We, do, however, control our response to truth.  God had given His word and it will happen.  Knowing this, the question is put forth: “What sort of people ought we to be?  How should we be living in view of the return of Jesus Christ?

While we can find answers to this question throughout Scripture, let’s just focus on the context of II Peter.  What does he have to say about the kind of people we ought to be?  The full answer to this requires a complete reading of the book (which I recommend), but I want to think about three primary areas on which Peter lands as it concerns how God’s people are to behave in the light of the coming of the Lord.

First, Peter shows that we ought to be the sort of people who are growing in character.  We are to have “lives of holiness and godliness.”  In chapter one, Peter writes that God’s people have been called to God’s glory and excellence (Vs 3).  We have escaped the corruption of the world because of sinful desires (Vs 4).  Consequently, we are to “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (Vs 5-7).  These are not independent of one another, but grow in harmony with each other (much like the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-24).  We are to be diligent in adding these to our faith so that we do not stumble (Vs 9-11).  This indicates that faithfulness, holiness, and godliness are the result of diligence in growing and increasing in these qualities.

Second, Peter shows that we ought to be the sort of people who have an unwavering commitment to truth.  In chapter two, Peter warns of false prophets and teachers who would “secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” (Vs 1).  Many would follow their destruction path as the “way of truth” is blasphemed.  No one is immune to this type of influence, and even angels fell to the delusion of false words as they came to despise authority.  The point is that God’s people must be vigilant in their stand for truth, understanding that there are many ways to go astray and that “ignorant and unstable” teachers twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16-17).  Christians are dedicated to reality, and truth corresponds to what is real.  If we give up our commitment to truth, we become slaves of corruption and error.

Third, Peter shows that we ought to be the sort of people who are looking for the return of the Lord.  This brings us full circle back to the text in which Peter asks the question.  Scripture is full of examples of God judging the unrepentant.  All judgments point us to a final judgment, the proof of which is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31).  Peter says we are to be “waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (II Peter 3:12).  Other passages concur with this (e.g., Titus 2:11-14; II Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Because we trust God’s promise and we await His Day, we are dedicated to lives that reflect God’s glory and excellence.

In the conclusion of the epistle, Peter reminds us 1) “to be diligent to be found by Him without blemish and at peace”, 2) “to count the patience of the Lord as salvation,” 3) “to take care not to be carried away by the error of unprincipled men”, and 4) “to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  May God help us to be the sort of people we are called to be as we await the Day of God’s visitation.                                                                         By Doy Moyer

Paul’s Fear for the Church                                 September 7, 2025

“But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus (to you) whom we have not preached (to you), or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received (from us apostles), or a different gospel which you have not accepted (from us), you bear this (tolerate it, you swallow it up) beautifully.”  II Corinthians 11:3-4

There is no question that the Corinthian church was a difficult church to work with.  In Paul’s first recorded letter to them we find that they had a huge problem with pride, so much so, that it promoted disunity in the church (Chapter One), their faith rested on the persuasive wisdom of men rather than on the power of God (Chapter Two), there was jealousy and strife existing among them (Chapter Three), Paul’s apostleship and motives were falsely questioned (Chapter Four), gross immorality in the church was tolerated instead of punished (Chapter Five), brethren were taking each other to court and unbelievers were hearing their cases against each other (Chapter Six), marital problems and concerns in the church existed (Chapter Seven), members exercised their Christian liberties and caused their brethren to stumble (Chapter Eight), Paul is unjustly examined by some of his brethren (Chapter Nine), brethren were more focused on exercising their rights than in being thoughtful of the needs of others (Chapter Ten), their attitude in partaking of the Lord’s Supper was wrong (Chapter Eleven), some members wanted the spiritual gifts of others not appreciating what gift(s) the Holy Spirit had given them, they wanted to be in the spotlight and didn’t realize that spiritual gifts were for the edification of the whole church and not for self exaltation, they had to learn the value of loving like God, a gift that would last forever unlike these spiritual gifts (Chapters 12-14), some members had abandoned Paul’s teachings about the gospel and were preaching that there was no resurrection of the dead (Chapter Fifteen), Paul is concerned that some may not love the Lord as they should and thus refuse to do what he commanded them to do (Chapter Sixteen).

In Paul’s second recorded letter to this church we read that things had changed for the better and the Corinthian brethren were beginning to act and think like Christians should.  However Paul expressed a fear he had for them and it was that Satan, in his craftiness, would cause their minds to be led astray from being devoted to Christ and His teachings. 

Satan is so powerful, influencing us in whatever way he can to not think nor act like Christ.  And whenever that happens churches will divide, truth will be compromised and Satan will be laughing. 

So, let’s always remember Paul’s words that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus whenever we pray to Him with thankful hearts (Philippians 4:4-9). 

                                                                                                            Brian Thompson

Putting Life into Focus August 31, 2025

Jared Boser

1. Life is a Temporary Assignment

The Bible often describes life as fleeting and temporary, using metaphors like a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke. Job 8:9 reminds us of the brevity of life, and King David prayed for God to help him see life from a divine perspective (Psalm 39:4). We are described as aliens, pilgrims, foreigners, strangers, and visitors in this world (Psalm 119:19; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Peter 2:11). This perspective helps us remember that our time on earth is short and that we are just passing through. The Devil, however, wants us to believe that this world is our permanent home.

2. Your Identity is in Eternity, and Your Homeland is Heaven

God calls His children to think differently about life compared to unbelievers (Philippians 3:18-20). He warns against living for the here and now and adopting worldly values, priorities, and lifestyles (James 4:4). Instead, we are to be role models and ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). As C.S. Lewis aptly put it, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.”

3. We Were Created for Something Much Better

The fact that earth is not our ultimate home explains why followers of Christ often experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection. We are not completely happy here because we were made for more (John 16:33; John 16:20; John 15:18-19). The Bible’s “hall of fame” of faith, including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, shows that it takes faith to live as a foreigner in this world, not extreme riches and power (Hebrews 11:13, 16). We need to desire something better, something eternal.

An often-repeated story illustrates this point well. A retiring missionary or preacher returns to America on the same boat as the president of the United States. While the president is welcomed with cheering crowds, a military band, a red carpet, banners, and media coverage, the preacher slips off the ship unnoticed. Feeling self-pity and resentment, he complains to God, who gently reminds him, “But my child, you’re not home yet.” Keeping this thought in our hearts and minds can help us see life as less trivial and overwhelming.

If you are not a Christian, remember that this life is almost over; it is a vapor. God has a home prepared for you if you simply obey His commands.  We are not promised tomorrow, and our eternal home is prepared. Let’s get ready to go home.

Spiritual Success for One Another August 24, 2025

In the benediction of the letter to the Hebrew Christians, the Writer concluded saying…

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  “(Hebrews 13:20–21)

Within this final passage of the letter, we see an example of a prayer for the spiritual success of others. We all know that we should pray for each other, it’s a Christian privilege and duty. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.”  (James 5:16) Yes, we are quick to pray for each other when we are sick or facing a serious health crisis. We pray for the brother or sister who has fallen on hard times and needs employment. We pray for the church in general and the success of the congregation. But do we ask the Lord to build up those individuals who struggle with their spirituality?

When the Hebrew Writer prayed that these Christians be “made complete”, he is asking the Lord to help them mature spiritually. As we pray, we must not forget the Christian who struggles in their relationships. The one who has difficulty with self-control and a sharp tongue. We should pray for the Christian who chooses pleasure over service and neglects weekly worship.  It is God’s truth that we help the spiritually weak. (Rom. 15:1) So as you pray today, please include a request for the spiritual success of one another.  

Jay Launius – 2025
Maud Church of Christ
Maud, Texas

Finding Rest In God’s Forgiveness                              August 17, 2025

In Psalms 46-51, we see a powerful picture of God’s steadfast love and willingness to forgive.  These chapters remind us that God is our refuge and strength (Psalms 46:1) and that we can call upon Him in times of trouble, just as David did in his prayers.  When we pause to be still (Psalms 46:10), we discover that true rest comes from trusting God, acknowledging our sins, and receiving His forgiveness.  David’s own cries for mercy (Psalms 51) assure us that no matter our past, we can approach God with humility and sincere repentance.

Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-10 reinforce this truth: salvation cannot be bought or earned.  It is a free gift from God, offered to us through the sacrifice of Jesus.  Many people try to secure favor with God by doing good works, giving money, or following religious routines.  Yet these verses make it clear that grace alone saves us.  Our role is simply to believe that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, our sins are wiped away, and that we don’t add anything to what He has already accomplished.

We also see that forgiveness is personal.  We can pray for others, but each person must respond to God’s invitation individually.  II Thessalonians 2:13 teaches that God has chosen us for salvation, and our part is to accept it by faith.  We cannot rely on family tradition, church membership, or someone else’s prayers to save us.  Instead, each of us must personally admit our need for Jesus, trusting Him to cleans and renew us.

The decision to follow Christ is the most important choice we will ever make.  II Timothy 4:1 reminds us that Jesus is both Savior and Judge.  One day, everyone will stand before Him.  Psalms 50:4 echoes this call, declaring that God gathers people from every corner of the earth for judgment.  As believers, we’ve already tasted the joy of forgiveness.  But distractions and worries can dull our appreciation of God’s goodness.  When we remember the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the reality of eternity, we regain our excitement and sense of purpose.

May these verses inspire us to pursue God wholeheartedly.  No amount of effort can secure what Jesus has already given us, and no one else can decide for us.  Let us stand firm in faith, pray for those who have yet to believe, and remember daily the wonderful gift of God’s grace.

J. Arnette

The Struggle Inside (Romans 7:14-25)         August 10, 2025

We’ve all experience moments when we failed to live up to God’s standard, let alone our own standards – when what we want to do, we don’t do, and what we promise we’ll never do again, we fall right back into.  The apostle Paul perfectly captures this dilemma in Romans 7: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” (Vs 19)

Our passage shows the war that rages inside every believer.  Though we are justified by faith in Christ, we continue to wrestle with sin.  Paul isn’t describing someone who is spiritually careless; he’s describing someone who is deeply aware of sin’s grip and deeply grieved by it.  This isn’t a failure of purpose, it’s a battle of nature.  He speaks of two laws at work: one of his mind that delights in God, and one in his body that wages war against that desire.  Galatians 5:17 reiterates this: For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.”  The result is inner conflict, frustration, and dependence on something more than ourselves.

But there’s hope.  Paul ends with a declaration” “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Vs 25)  The victory doesn’t lie in willpower or guilt but in dependence on Christ.  This passage reminds us that sanctification is a journey – not a flip of the switch.  The tension we feel, the frustration in our failures, is actually a sign of spiritual understanding.

And the deliverance isn’t only future-tense, but also present.  Christ delivers us today, meeting us in our brokenness and offering not just forgiveness but transformation.  The gospel does not promise the absence of struggle – it promises the presence of a Savior through it.  The Israelites still had to walk through the parted sea.  Daniel still had to go into the Lion’s den; David still had to walk on the battlefield.  But God was there each time.

So if you’re discouraged by habits you can’t break, or overwhelmed by guilt that won’t seem to lift – take heart.  You’re not alone.  The struggle means Satan is fighting for you.  But God is stronger, and He can and will deliver you from it.

Ask yourself this when you get a moment.  What struggle or sin do I find most frustrating, and how does my reliance on my own self keep me from real victory?

By Jared Boser (Adapted)