Throwing Stones                                                August 3, 2025

Sir Winston Churchill is supposed to have said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”

We will face countless distractions in life.  It can be difficult to stay on task and stay focused.  It is especially challenging when the disturbances come from the people around us.

When someone “barks” at us, it is tough to show proper restraint and to keep from “barking” back at them.  Sure, there will be a dog or two every now and then that must be dealt with in a bold and forthright manner, but more often than that, our strength will be seen in the self-control that we display.

If we want to be the best versions of ourselves – if we want to be the people our God has created us to be – we will display self-control and just let the “dogs” keep right on barking until they wear themselves out!

Churchill’s remark points us to a couple of Biblical concepts.  On the one hand, we should respond to “barking” with words of grace and truth spoken in love.  We should seek to overcome evil with good.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’  To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).

On the other hand, we must be honest with ourselves about our own sins and shortcomings.

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.  Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.  So what do you say?’  This they said to test Him, that they might have some charge to bring against Him.  Jesus bent down and wrote with His finger on the ground.  And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’  And once more He bent down and wrote on the ground” (John 8:3-8).

When the barking starts, what will we do?  Drop everything and bark back?  If so, we will never get where we want to go.

When the barking starts, will we immediately start searching for stones to throw, or will we start searching our hearts for ways to grow and reasons to repent?         

By Bart Warren

Accepting “No” For An Answer                               July 27, 2025

Nobody likes to hear the word “No.”  One of the first words our children learn is “No.”  Yet, in our prayer life, we always expect an affirmative answer from God.  However, sometimes God also tells us “No.”

We have at least three Biblical occasions when God’s answer was “No.”

In II Samuel 11 and 12, David, one was described as “a man after God’s own heart” committed a multitude of sins against Uriah and was chastened by Nathan the prophet.  In II Samuel 12:16-19 it is recorded that the baby became deathly ill and that David “pleaded” with God on behalf of his son.  This continued for 7 days, but on the 7th day, the baby died.  God’s answer to David was “No.”

In II Corinthians 12, Paul describes “a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan” about which Paul “pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me” (II Corinthians 12:7-8).  God’s answer to Paul was “No.”

Our savior, Jesus Christ, prayed to God in the garden, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matthew 26:39).  Luke’s account says that Jesus “being in anguish, He prayed more fervently and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44).  God’s answer to His Son was “No.”

The fact that God answered all three of these requests with a “No” did not mean that He didn’t hear their prayers or that He didn’t love David, Paul, or Jesus.  It simply meant  that God’s will was different on each occasion.

So how did each man react?

David’s reaction was to wash, change his clothes, anoint himself and go to the Lord’s house and worship (II Samuel 12:20).

Paul’s reaction was to “gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that God’s power may reside in me” (II Corinthians 12:9).

Jesus said, “not My will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Each of these individuals demonstrate the proper response, even when God tells us “No.”

Too often we are tempted to display anger and act like children when we don’t get the answer we want.  Sometimes we say, “God didn’t hear my prayer” when the real answer is that God said “No.”

We pray for the recovery of loved ones who fall sick, we pray for the removal of obstacles before us, but sometimes the answer is “No.”

We always have a God who loves us, who showers us with grace, and who sacrificed His Son on our behalf.  May we develop the maturity to accept “No” to our prayers and may that answer not shake us from the foundation of our faith.                           

By Randy Shouse

Just a Member or Part of the Family?                                             July 20, 2025

The distinction between being a part of the church family and being just a member can be massive, especially at a church whose growing in many ways.  While both roles involve participation in worship and Bible studies, the depth of engagement and the sense of belonging can vary significantly.

Being part of the church family means more than just attending services; it involves a deep, committed relationship with the church and its members.  Family members are always there when they can be, participating and serving in every way possible.  This commitment reflects the Biblical principle of fellowship and mutual support seen in the New Testament.

Acts 2:42-47 provides a beautiful picture of the early church, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.  They shared everything they had, sold property and possessions to give to anyone in need, and met together daily.  Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another.  These verses highlight the importance of regular, active participation in the church.

Family members engage with the sick, shut-ins, and other members, making every effort to attend and serve the Lord while also serving others.   This active involvement is a practical expression of the Biblical call to serve one another.  Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

I Peter 4:10 also emphasizes the importance of using one’s gifts to serve others: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  Family members recognize their unique gifts and talents and use them to contribute to the church’s mission and vision.

On the other hand, being an occasional member typically involves attending worship services and Bible studies sporadically.  While this level of involvement can still be meaningful, it lacks the depth of connection and commitment seen in those who consider themselves part of the church family.  “Just a member” can miss out on the rich fellowship and support that comes from regular interaction with the family here at Owen Sound.  Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  Regular engagement with the church family allows for spiritual growth and accountability, which can be harder to achieve when you’re simply here part time.

Being just a member can also mean showing up and doing the bare minimum, almost like checking a box.  The Bible warns us against this mind of lukewarm commitment.  Revelation 3:15-16 says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”  This verse is not just for churches, but for us too!  The elders see it, other saints know it, and God knows it too.

Being a part of the family that meets here in Owen Sound involves a deeper level of commitment, participation, and service compared to being just a member.  It reflects the Biblical principles of fellowship and active service while we as believers can experience the fullness of life with Jesus and with each other.

Are you just a member, or are you part of the family?                 Jared Boser (Adapted)

How Scripture Helps Us Persevere                               July 13, 2025

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

When we are in need of wisdom and hope, we have the ability to turn to the stories God provides for us in the Bible.  Exodus 7-15 covers the ten plagues of Egypt and release of the Israelites.  We learn about their slavery starting with a Pharaoh rising up who did not know Joseph.

Through Moses in Exodus 9:16, God explains why He allowed this Pharaoh to rise up: “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name night be proclaimed in all the earth.”

God’s display of His power, resulting in the deliverance of the Israelites, becomes a central story of endurance that the Israelites look back to for a renewed hope in God’s power.  Read Psalms 78, 105, 136; Deuteronomy 5:6; Joshua 24.  All of these passages mention the Exodus.  It is this event that God reminds His people of His presence.

We are forgetful people.  Like the Israelites, we need stories that ground us in God’s presence.

In the next verse of Romans 15, notice that perseverance is something that God “gives.”  It is not something we conjure up by our own strength.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

In Romans 14-15, Paul is imploring Christians to be patient with each other when they differ on matters of conscience (Romans 14:1-6).  When you bring diverse groups together like the Jews and Gentiles, there will certainly be differences.  Even today, we are all unique individuals in different stages of spiritual growth.  But God can give us the perseverance we need to be of the “same mind.”

So how does God give us this perseverance?  He gives us the example of Jesus: “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.  For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me” (Romans 15:2-3).

The “same mind” we are supposed to have is the mind of Jesus.  A mind that “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  A mind that did not come to do His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him (John 6:40).  May we all allow God to grant us this mind as we look back to the cross.

By the Hawks

Steadfast in the Faith July, 7 2025 

Surprisingly, many Christians do not understand the concept of “steadfastness.” The word “steadfast” means to be firmly fixed in place, immovable and not subject to change. In a religious sense, it means to remain firm in belief and doctrine. The bible encourages Christians to be steadfast in their faith and service to the Lord, not wavering, not wishy-washy, or lukewarm. Believers are not to be moved about by the latest religious trend. (Eph. 4:14) Christians must be steadfast and consistent in their worship and benevolence. The Christian must stand firm against the devil and his world, much like a man standing in hurricane-force winds. If the man is not anchored steadfastly the wind will carry him away. Christians must have their faith anchored in the hope which is in Christ lest they be swept away. (Heb. 2:1; 3:12; 6:19)

Are you steadfast in the faith? 

• We Must Possess a Steadfast Heart (Ps. 57:7) 
• We are Partakers with Christ if We Hold Steadfast (Heb. 3:14) 
• We Must Continue Steadfastly in Prayer (Rom. 12:12) 
• Continue Steadfastly in the Apostle’s Teaching (Acts 2:42) 
• We Must Resist the Devil, Steadfast in the Faith (1 Pet. 5:8-9) 
• Beware Lest We Fall from Our Steadfastness (2 Pet. 3:7) 
• Stand Grounded and Steadfast in the Hope of the Gospel (Col. 1:23)

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
(1 Corinthians 15:58) 

Jay Launius – 2025 
Maud Church of Christ 
Maud, Texas

How To Stay Faithful                                         June 29, 2025

One of the great things I have been allowed to do the last several months is to teach our middle school and high school students on Sunday mornings.  Once the PEARLS exam was finished, I now work with the High School students.  Both groups are awesome, encouraging, and inspiring because of who they are.

We are going back and digging a little deeper in each lesson of the workbook we used to prepare for the PEARLS exam because of the richness of each lesson.  Last Sunday morning, we talked about the Serpent’s lie in Genesis 3 along with the many names and identifiers of Satan found throughout Scripture.

In that conversation, we talked about what we are up against in Satan and the world’s challenges.  I shared with them that my goal is to give them something they can leave with after each class and get them over the mountains they are facing.  That’s my goal now.  Having a strong foundation in Christ and a growing faith will not allow us to just coast through each and every day, but seeking to follow Jesus will allow our path to be bearable!

What are some ways to stay faithful?

1. Seek God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34).  We might say “pursue” all that God would have us to through our daily walk.  In doing so, we can understand the righteousness of our Lord.

2. Strive to remain sanctified (holy) (I Thessalonians 4:3).  Satan is seeking to drag us down in the ugliness and filth the world has to offer.

3. Give thanks! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).  If we can have an attitude of gratitude, we will be too busy to complain.  May we maintain the perspective of remembering all the blessings we have in Christ.

4. We know that knowledge is “power” (Colossians 1:9-12).  God’s Word equips us with power to battle Satan and fill our mind with Christ!

5. Embrace security (Ephesians 5:15-21).  Understanding the Will of the Lord shields us from the whims of Satan.  May we use our time wisely!

No doubt that many of us are tired of being pursued by Satan (I Peter 5:8) and fighting through the “winds” of each day.  If we will seek to look to Christ for rest, we will find it.  Matthew 11:28-30 directs us to the words of Jesus.  We may feel weighted down, but Jesus says, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

No matter where you find yourself today, God is calling you to remain faithful through Scriptures and obey the Good News.  Building our faith is not about perfection, but perseverance.  II Thessalonians 3:3 teaches us that having a strong relationship with our Lord will allow us to be not only protected from the storms of life, but a promise to keep us safe from evil to get us home one day.  This passage says, But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”  Let’s stay faithful!             

By Allen Jones (Adapted)

Breathe!                                                              June 22, 2025

We take thousands of breaths each day without even noticing.  Yet behind each breath lies an intricate and miraculous process.  Our brain sends signals to the diaphragm, which contracts and allows air to fill our lungs.  Oxygen enters the bloodstream, nourishes our cells, and keeps us alive.  All of this happens in seconds – without our conscious effort.

Scientists still don’t fully understand the precise mechanisms behind breathing.  Why does the body know exactly how much oxygen we need?  Why does the heart and brain work together in such perfect harmony?  The truth is, we know so little about the very process that keeps us alive.  And yet, God knows.  He designed it all.

If we don’t even understand how a single breath is sustained, how can we expect to understand God’s greater work in our lives?  We make plans, assume outcomes, and try to control our circumstances – but God’s ways are not our ways.  His perspective reaches far beyond what we can see or understand.

There are moments when we feel like nothing is working out, when our efforts seem wasted and doors seem closed.  We pray and seek answers, but things don’t unfold the way we expect.  But just as our bodies breathe without our control, God is working behind the scenes, aligning things according to His will – even when we don’t see it.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).  The breath we take, the life we live – it all depends on Him.  He holds everything together.  We may not understand how, but we can trust that He does.

When we feel discouraged or confused, remember: the One who gives us breath is in control.  Even when we don’t understand, He knows what He is doing.

By Robert Kargbo (Middleton, WI)

Families Need Godly Fathers                                               June 15, 2025

Statistics Canada reports that 12.8 percent of Canadian children live in fatherless households. In the United States it is reported that 18.4 million children, or 1 in 4 children, live without a father at home.  Children raised in fatherless homes are at enormous risk throughout their lifetime.  The impact of a fatherless home has far reaching effects on these children being that 1 in 4 children will experience 4 times greater risk of poverty, and be more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems.  The Communio Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships reveals that the collapse in marriage and the resulting decline in resident fatherhood may offer the best explanation for the decline of Christianity in the United States. 

God designed the family to have fathers present, and not just simply present but fully engaged in their families.  I have to admit that I find the statistics above discouraging and there were probably times in my children’s lives where I was not as engaged as I should have been.  Fully engaged Christian fathers have a key impact on the development, well-being and outcome of their children.  I want to encourage you today by highlighting some of the key truths about the responsibilities of fathers found in scripture:

Fathers are to be a model or example of God’s character.  The fathers role reflects the nature of God the Father, i.e. fathers are to be loving, just, patient, merciful etc.  In the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32 the father is seen as patient, forgiving and merciful.  Psalm 103:13 states “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;”

Fathers must be the spiritual leader of the home.  Fathers must lead their families spiritually by setting a godly example, helping his family understand God’s truth and providing discipline when necessary.  In Ephesians 6:4 Paul provides this instruction to fathers “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  God instructs Israel in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Fathers must be a disciplinarian and teacher of their children.  Teaching and discipline go hand in hand and fathers must learn to lovingly teach and discipline.  Proverbs 19:18 teaches us “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”  Proverbs 22:6 states “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”  The Hebrew writer in Hebrews 12:7-11 illustrates the value of loving discipline and how this helps lead to righteousness.

Fathers must be providers and protectors.  The Bible teaches us that being a provider and protector are essential characteristics for the Godly man.  1 Timothy 5:8 states “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  Proverbs 14:26 teaches us that our fear of the Lord not only blesses us but blesses our family as well by providing them a spiritual refuge, “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”

This may seem overwhelming, however fathers can do this by leading prayerful Godly lives and showing by example how God expects his children to live.  Fathers can regularly teach God’s word by incorporating it into the daily lives of their families.  Fathers need to be engaged in their children’s lives by being present and giving quality time and attention to their children.  Fathers must provide a stable home that protects their children from the evil influences of this world and instead provides them with the necessities of life and allows them to have hearts focused on God.  A fathers heart must reflect the heart of God. My grandchildren have helped me to learn this.  They have taught me that I need to have a heart that is quick to forgive, is patient when angry, is generous with affection, disciplines with love and is faithful with promises made.

Kevin Pickles

What Jesus Thought of Children                                              June 8, 2025

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drown in the depths of the sea.'” (Matthew 18:1-6)

Children brought Jesus much joy because of the kind of heart they had.  They were innocent, and often displayed a sweetness and consideration for others that Jesus had not seen in many adults that He had taught.  Instead those adults often displayed an arrogance and selfishness in their interactions with others, especially Him.  No wonder Jesus enjoyed having children in His presence.

Such humility and gentleness are two characteristics of those who are the greatest in the kingdom of God.  If one wants to be great in God’s kingdom then be like a child and have their kind of heart.

This past week, while Andrew & Stephanie Russell were watching television, Andrew noticed that his daughter, June, was writing something.  He asked her what it was and she replied, “It was about her and God.”  After reading it, he was deeply touched.  I was as well after he let me read it.

So please enjoy what Jesus saw in children as you read June’s letter about God below.  In so doing you’ll know exactly what Jesus thought about children.

June About God

Once upon a time there was a person named God.

He made you and me and the earth.

He is so special, you need Him.

You should thank Him.

You are to pray every day.

His Son Jesus is precious which means that He is good.

Bless God every day by praying and thanking Him.

God is your Father.

Brian Thompson

Going to A Funeral?                                           June 1, 2025

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy.  The mind of the wise is in the house of the mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).

How many trips have we had to make to a cemetery or funeral chapel?  Are they more than we would like to count?  As we get older, it seems we go more often.  Admittedly, birthday parties are more fun.  Invitations to occasions of laughter and joy are more readily accepted than to a period of sober reflection at a funeral service.  But Solomon’s wisdom says that it is better for us to go to the house of mourning than to the house of pleasure.  Why is this?  Was Solomon preoccupied with morbidity, or did he learn something in his quest for wisdom we need to know also?  With every funeral we attend, we learn something.  Take a moment and consider the lessons learned in the “school” of mourning.

We are moving closer and closer to eternity.  Time is rapidly fleeting by us all.  Each day brings us closer to our own eternal destinies.  This world is not all there is.  As the old song says, “We are going down the valley, one by one.”  We are forced to face the real issues of life.  No one can really avoid this lesson in the house of mourning.  At death, do possessions really matter?  Is wealth, fame, power, or control important when they have all been laid down in the end?  A party can help us escape reality; funerals make us face it.

We learn to make good use of our time.  Minutes, hours, days, months, years – these are the ways we measure life on earth.  Time is precious.  We are never ready to lose those whom we love no matter how long they have been with us.  Life is a loan from God, and it must be repaid.  When life is gone, it is gone.  To paraphrase Paul, “Make the most of your time” (Ephesians 5:16).

We realize that others hurt, too.  We often become so absorbed in our own problems, sufferings, and hurts that we forget there are other hurting people in this world.  A party atmosphere deceives us into thinking everyone is having fun!  In the house of mourning, we see others who hurt.  It makes us serious about helping where we can, when we can.

We teach our children about death at funerals.  It is surprising how many teenagers have never attended a funeral.  Their parents shield them from it and then when death comes to someone close to them, they are totally unfamiliar with it.  We prepare our children to live, but we should also prepare them to die.  It may not be a walk in the park, but a funeral is good for young people, too.

Funerals are cultural events where some great life and death lessons can be observed.  A funeral itself is not an essential event, but dealing with a death is most certainly necessary.  Let’s not shy away from the house of mourning.  It’s good for us.    By Mark White (Adapted)