2015 - University Church of Christ

Bulletin Articles - 2015

What Shall We Do With His Word

Neal Thurman
20 Dec 2015

What shall we do with the word of God? The Bible tells us, with great clarity, what we should do with His word. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children...Deut. 6.6 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Jam. 1:22 In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word)... Ps. 56:10 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life.” John 5:24 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Ps. 119:11 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Ps 119:16 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. Ps. 119:42 You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words. Ps. 119:57 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word. Ps. 119:74 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Ps. 119:105 Direct my steps by Your word. Ps. 105:133 My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. Ps. 119:148 I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. .hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. Ps. 119:162-163 My tongue shall speak of Your word. Ps. 119:172 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” John 8:31 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jer. 15:16 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Jam. 1:21 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:17 Preach the word! 2 Tim. 4:2

Receive the Day We Were Given

Neal Thurman
6 Dec 2015

Each time Tracy and I are in Galveston we take the opportunity to ride the ferry across the bay. We usually park and ride to avoid the turn around on Bolivar Peninsula. On Monday, we went to dock in the late morning and just after lunch, but found the parking lot completely full. We had not experienced this before, so we went away a bit frustrated intending to return later in the day. On our return, we found one parking spot free and a ferry currently in the dock. Yet, as we were putting on our jackets the horn of the ferry sounded and it pulled away from the dock. I began to wonder if we were meant to ride that day. We found a bench and waited 15 or 20 minutes for the next boat and finally made our way as we have done 50 times. The eastward trip was routine. A few dolphin broke the surface of the water to grab a breath of air, and the wind gave the salty air a bit of a bite. Arriving at Bolivar, we walked to other end of the ferry to await the return trip. The sun was hanging low, casting a broad path of glimmering light across the waves. Someone must have told the dolphin it was time to play. They started popping up all over the place, perhaps 40 or 50 in all. Most simply rolled across the waves, but some raised their heads out of the water as if to look around. Others slapped the water with their tails like children playing in a pool. A few leapt completely out of the water. It was a challenge to watch them all. As the ferry pulled away from the dock, the sun settled behind the horizon and ignited the both the sky and the water with countless shades of orange and yellow. It was as if the horizon was a blaze. It was one the most beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen. As we turned toward the dock, Tracy said, “When we wait for God’s time, good things happen.” I’m not sure that this was God’s grand scheme, but the point is well taken. We often try to force that which we have no control over, and we are frustrated when we do not received desired results. Yet, God is not moved by our frustration. God moves along his schedule of time, which will not be altered because we do not Christians beware! You are being targeted for extermination! Or, at the very least, for suppression! Your faith is not important! Our convictions are silly and narrow-minded! Your voice is not wanted. Your silence and your acquiescence are expected and being demanded! So what will you do? It is hard to fathom “Christian persecution” coming to America, but it is here and it is gaining momentum and support. Just as in the days of the early church, it is starting with “threats” (Acts 4:17) and with a demand for “silence” (Acts 4:18; 5:40). But, it should not surprise us if in the near future, like in the days of the early church, this leads to a more forceful and violent restraint. So, what will you do? Peter’s first letter in the New Testament was written to Christians who were enduring persecution for the cause of Christ. Read this letter and think about it being written to you today, from God, to exhort you to godly living and fidelity to Christ. As you read it, meditate on this thought. “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (3:17) How can “suffering” be characterized as “better”? What makes it “better”? It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil because “good” exposes “evil”! The word “for” at the beginning of verse 17 ties it back to verse 16. Even “honest” persecutors can see the difference between their own lifestyle and that of the Christian they are persecuting. The Lord says that such can lead them to “be ashamed”. That’s better! It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil because that follows the example of our Savior! The word “for” at the beginning of verse 18 ties it back to verse 17. Persecuted Christians should find relief and joy in knowing that “Christ also suffered once for sins” (our sins), “that He might bring us to God”. That’s “better”! It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil”, if it is the will of God”! The phrase “the will of God” is found four times in first Peter. Remember this book was written to Christians being persecuted, and within these words, Peter places an emphasis on “the will of God”. What can we learn?

Faith In The Storm

Neal Thurman
8 Nov 2015

We preach, teach, and proclaim how the Christian shall live by faith. We boldly state that we can stand and remain unmoved regardless of the circumstance. Yet, far too many of us live life as though it were a high-speed rollercoaster. We are up and down and feel as though we will spin out of control. We are offended by a crossed eye, and shaken apart by a bump in the road. We sulk when we do not get our way, and run away when brethren do not reward our sulking. We complain and fuss with our brethren. We take credit for success and blame God for heartaches. All the while, we wonder why we cannot have happiness. Oh, the faith that sustains us! I want the share the perfect words to help us see the faith we ought to have. Not the faith that just leads us to worship on Sunday, but the faith that sustains us when rains fall and floods rise and the wind beats on our house. I think I found some words to share, but they are not my words. The following is a post by Sister Rachel Ince, whose little baby clings to this life by the smallest of threads. I don’t think I can improve on it. “Thank you for all the many supplications that went up for Ellie this morning as you worshipped God throughout the US and even abroad.. We are so blessed by your prayers and concern... I do believe that God works today and can heal my sweet Ellie, but if he chooses not to, I will not be dismayed.. For He tells us in Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” We do not know what lies ahead, but we have already seen so many blessings through this tragedy. We have seen people on their knees before God that had left Him years ago. We've had brothers and sisters we've never met come to pray with us and take care of our needs.. We've seen nurses and doctors who are in awe that this little one could have such a large support group. We have had a doctor say he never had much to do with religion before, but we have made him rethink that, and that if he had been born into a different family he wishes it would have been ours! You see the LORD is working! He is doing great things! So never forget His ways are higher than ours. Little Miss Ellie continues to need more and more medicine to keep her heart rate above 60 and her blood pressure below the 160's. The doctors believe that her swelling maybe getting worse. Please keep praying for us and remember God is Good, All the Time!”

Careful For What Is Agreed Upon

Neal Thurman
25 Oct 2015

The history of Gideon and his three hundred conquering the Midianite is a very familiar story in the Bible. Yet, the years and generations that follow are not as widely studied. We do not speak of the golden ephod that the scripture says “became a snare to Gideon and to his house,” (Judges 8:27). Little attention is given to the fact that following the death of Gideon, “that the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god,” (Judges 8:33). These things go unnoticed and forgotten, but if we forget we do so to our own peril. For Paul said, these “were written for our admonition,” (1 Corinthians 10:11). In this vein, consider the action of Abimelech the son of Zerubbaal (Gideon) and a concubine from Shechem. Abimelech goes to the men of Shechem and persuades them to aid him in murdering his seventy brothers so he can reign over them. He persuades them by attesting that he is of them because of his mother. The men of Shechem agree and go with Abimelech to carry out his plan. Following this, Abimelech reigned over Israel for three years. Yet, the arrangement between Abimelech and Shechem did not turnout well for either of them when God sent a spirit of ill will between them (Judges 9:22). In the end, Abimelech fought against the men of Shechem and burned a thousand men and women in the tower of Shechem (Judges 9:49). Not long after, Abimelech is felled by a woman who dropped a millstone on his head from a tower. (Judges 9:53). Perhaps if Shechem could have had a bit of hindsight, they would have thought differently about agreeing to join Abimelech. Today, we must be careful of similar agreements. Shechem agreed thinking of their advantage of having one of their own reign. We can make similar mistakes when we only think of how a situation might immediately effect us, personally. We should follow a principle of the Law of Moses, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil…” (Exodus 23:2) As godly people, we must be careful of what it is that we agree to be participants. We should be careful to chase after that which is truly good, not just what advances a selfish or self-centered goal.

Why Would God Want to Save Someone Like Me?

Allen Webster
13 Sep 2015

Below is a portion of an article written by Brother Allen Webster. The rest of the article is available on request. When the devil entices a person into a sinful life, God never thinks, “That’s okay. I didn’t want him anyway.” Every lost soul brings tears to God’s eyes and pain to His heart. He wants all to be saved (1Timothy 2:4). “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). Still, some feel unworthy of God’s love. Why would God want to save someone like me? they think. It is not about us and what we have done; it is about God and who He is. There are four reasons God wants to save “someone like you”: He made you (Genesis 1:26-27; Acts 17:28-29). We do not carelessly discard something handcrafted; neither does God. He bought you (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). He has a lot invested in you. His only Son’s blood was a high price to pay, but you meant that much to Him. He has chosen you (Mark 16:15-16). God could have chosen to do His work on earth in any number of ways; but He has chosen to work through His people. If Christians do not tell others the gospel, they will never learn. In a world of billions, He desires that each one of His children tell others of His love. He loves you (John 3:16; Galatians 2:20). God loves the rich, the poor; the educated, th uneducated; the up-and-coming, the down-and-out. God loves all sinners, every sinner, each sinner, everywhere, all the time. Most important, He loves you!

It Will Be Okay, Right?

Neal Thurman
6 Sep 2015

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 5:1-2 I have often wonder what the conversation between Ananias and Sapphira was like following the sale of this possession. I would assume that the decision to make the sale was based upon a desire to help the church as had been done by Barnabas and others in Acts 4:34-36. Thus, the original intention would seem to have been wholesome, righteous, and generous. Yet, at some point between the sale and the laying of proceeds at the apostles’ feet, a decision was made to falsely represent the gift as the full price of the sale. Of course, this decision cost both of them their lives, (Acts 5:5,10). How did we get from generous and gracious giving hearts to dying for lying to the Holy Spirit? On the night before the offering, did one of them suggest that this was an awful lot of money to be giving away? Did one question whether their ability to support themselves would be compromised by donating all of the proceeds? Did one ponder if the church had a great enough need to require the giving of the whole price? These questioned could be asked and more without diminishing the graciousness of the gift. The whole was not demanded. In fact, Peter rhetorically asked, “was it not in your own control?” (Acts 5:4) The problem arose when one or both of them came to the conclusion that it would look more impressive if it was believed that they had given the full price. Maybe they questioned the morality of such a scheme. Perhaps they considered the consequences (highly underestimated) of being caught in the lie. Yet, somewhere along the line, someone said, “It will be okay.” Chances are they rationalized that no one was being hurt and they could gain a little status among the brethren. What could be wrong with that, right? “It will be okay. We just need to stick together on this.” They were wrong! So, what about you and me? When we find ourselves at a crossroads of our situation or desire being in opposition to the truth of the gospel, will we bring ourselves in line with God’s word or will we decide it is okay to take our own path just a little bit? Beloved, let us remember the wrong path leads to death whether we speed down enthusiastically or creep down it, justifying each step.

When It Rains It Pours

Neal Thurman
23 Aug 2015

Tuesday morning, I received a call from a friend who wanted to inform me that he may not be able to make an event that we both were scheduled to attend. At the moment, he was speeding toward Ardmore, OK after receiving an early morning call from his brother that their father may not make it through the day. Obviously, such a call would be quite unsettling under the best of circumstance. Yet, the stress level on my friend was significantly intensified by the fact that only one month ago his mother passed away as he was in route following a similar family call. My heart went out to him as he explained that he had not made it for his mom and how he would going to be there with his dad. Sometimes, life really stinks. Our adversary seeks to use these times of frustration to tear down the pillars of our strength. He uses the compounded force of multiple events of suffering, failing, or frustration. We know that Job was robbed of his wealth, his family, and then his health. We also know that Job refused to yield to this outpouring of suffering (Job 1:21-22; 2:9-10), but this story allows us to see into the mind of devil and his devious manner of unsettling faith and gaining control. The early days of the church in Jerusalem were marked by such efforts. In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested, brought before the Sanhedrin Council, and threatened about continuing to preach Jesus. In Acts 7, Stephen is murdered by stoning for preaching truth about God. Acts 8, Christians are driven away from Jerusalem by the persecution of Saul and others. In Acts 12, James the brother of John is executed in an effort to hamper the spread of the church, and Peter is arrested with the intent of administering a similar sentence upon him. Satan understands that many of us can withstand a single blow, but he also knows that compounded force can break down many shields. Thus, when we are knocked down, we need to get right back up and secure our defenses. Whether it is physical suffering, emotional heartache, or financial frustration, we must standfast. The devil will keep firing, as he did with Job and the early Christians, and that really stinks. Still, we have a great and powerful force. Yet, our trust in and prayers to God have the power to shield us in the heaviest storms!

Signs of What Is Truly Important

Neal Thurman
16 Aug 2015

We are all likely familiar with the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” And it is rather easy to proclaim that we do just that and always keep the Lord first in our lives. Yet, the execution of such declarations is significantly more challenging to fulfill. It is often not our words of proclamation that prove a fact, but rather the actions we take. Our actions speak to what is truly important in our lives. A good of example of this was recently shared with me, and the events that shortly followed helped to etch it into my memory. Sister Johnnie Harris told me of the action of Brother Ben on the Sunday before last. Ben had struggled through a bad day on Saturday and had not had a good night. Their son was set to stay with Ben while Sister Johnnie attended worship. This was unacceptable to Brother Ben. In fact, he strongly insisted they both go to worship and leave him in the care of the hospital personnel. Does anyone recognize what was truly important to Brother Ben? One week later, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, Brother Ben Harris passed from the suffering of this life to the peace and comfort of His Lord. The hour of his passing inhibited Sister Johnnie’s ability to attend worship that morning, but as I spoke to her that evening, she had just return from worship. She said that Ben would have been upset if she had missed both services because of him. I feel assured that the Lord will find her in her seat come this Sunday morning, as well. Based on these few acts, can we ascertain what this faithful Christian couple held to be truly important? Do we have the courage to consider what our actions might proclaim if walked their pathway of the last few weeks? For some of us have chosen not to gather with the saints because we were tired and facing a long, tough week. Some of us chose to attend events that were entertaining and fun. Some of us chose to share our time with family or friends who do not care much for going to church. And some of us chose to simply do nothing at all. What declaration of importance do our actions make? “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24 “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26

Portrait of a Spiritual Person

John Waddey
19 Jul 2015

Personal interest in Christianity is declining; Bible reading and church attendance are fading, yet many people like to talk about spirituality. I recently heard a Country Music star who majors in drinking and cheating songs described as “very spiritual.” Hollywood actors and jet-setters have added “spirituality” to their personal resume. It’s not that they are are living on a higher plane, or that they now are devoted to their church. For many it means they have developed their own brand of religion, perhaps mysticism or they may have borrowed adopted the message of some New Age guru. The Bible does tlk about spirituality. God’s does expect it of those who hope to live with him with this life is over. If you have interest in being spiritual I urge you to consider the following. *A spiritual soul loves the Lord God with all his “heart, soul and strength” (Matt. 22:36-37). *He has been born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). When he was baptized he received the gift of the Holy Spirit. *Being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:19) he will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in his life (Gl. 5:22-23). *From God’s Word he had found that all spiritual blessing “are in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:3) *He presents his “body as a living sacrifice to God, holy, acceptable to God” as a spiritual service (Rom. 12:1). *He will be transformed or charged by the renewing of his mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Our mind and heart is transformed as we learn about Jesus and seek to be like him (II Cor. 3:16-18). *A spiritual person will recognize that the New Testament of Jesus is the commandment of the Lord, whether it be the gospel records of his life and teaching or the history of the book of Acts, the Epistles of the inspired writers or the Revelation. All of it is Christ’s will and equally authoritative for our life (1 Cor. 14:47). *The spiritual man offers up “spiritual sacrifices to God through” Jesus Christ (1 Pe. 2:5) *He offers up “sacrifices of praise to God...that is , the fruit lips which make confession to his name” (Heb. 13:15). *One who is spiritual makes a determined effort to draw nigh unto God and responds with love when God draws nigh unto him (James 4:7). *He cleanses his hands and purifies his heart...and humble himself in the sight of the Lord (James 4:8-9). *Being spiritual, he hungers and thirst for righteousness” (Matt. 5:6). AS a newborn babe, he longs for the sincere milk of God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2) *He spends much time with God in prayer and meditation (1 Thess. 5.17) *As a spiritual soul, a man will imitate Christ in all that he does (1 Cor. 11:1). Christ is his example and he does his very best to be like him (1Pet. 2:21). *Because he is spiritual, he gladly takes up his cross and follows Jesus (Matt. 16:24). Understand that in Christ’ day, the cross was an instrument of suffering and death. It was not an ornament worn about ones neck. While he does not seek suffering and death, f they come to him he endures them knowing Christ will give him the needed strength and that He has a home prepared for him where suffering will be no more. (Rev. 21;3-4) *A spiritual soul is morally pure and upright in his conduct (Tit. 2:11-12). He has been crucified with Christ and the sinful things of life, have lost their allurement to him (Gal. 2:20). *Now he lives by faith in Christ, believing, and trusting that the Master’s way is right and that He will take him home to glory (II Cor. 5:7). *A spiritual man is a servant of God and humanity (Matt. 20:26-28). He has the mind of Christ which was to serve (Phil. 2:5-6). *Being a spiritual man, when he sees a brother overtaken by sin, he does his best to help the fallen brother get back on his feet and in the Savior’s way (Gal. 6:2). *With his spirit filled with love for God, he runs with patience the race of life...always looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of his faith (Heb. 12:1-2). There is no more noble pursuit for a child of Adam than to truly seek to be a spiritual person, i.e., holy as (the Savior) is holy (1 Pet. 1:16).

How Disappointing

Neal Thurman
31 May 2015

In Exodus 24:12, the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain…and I will give you tablets of stone...” Moses instructed the elders of Israel to stay where they were and he said, “Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them,” (Exodus 24:14). Moses trusted Aaron and Hur to look after the people in his absence. Yet, in Exodus 32, Moses is told by God, “Get down...For you people...have corrupted themselves,” (Exodus 32:7) Finding the golden calf and the people dancing about he broke the tablets of God in anger, and he said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?” (Exodus 32:21). It goes without saying that Moses was disappointed in Aaron. In 1 Samuel 17, David showed great courage and tremendous faith in God when he fought with and killed the great Goliath. In 1 Samuel 18, King Saul resents the popularity of David and seeks to kill this faithful servant to the king. The oft pursued David shows great honor in sparing the life of Saul in both 1 Samuel 24 & 26. In 2 Samuel 9, David extends great kindness to Mephibosheth, the surviving son of Saul. David returns Saul’s land to Mephibosheth and provides him a place at the king’s table. David was referred to as a “Man after His (God) own heart,” 1 Samuel 13:14. Yet, in 2 Samuel 11, David committed adultery, tried to cover his sin by means of deceit, conspired and ordered the death of a good and honorable man, and then took the man’s wife as his own. What a disappointment this great man had become! So, what do we do now? Aaron appears to be a coward going along with idolatry, and David’s honorable character has been defiled. What do we do with them? Well, what did God do with them? Though there was a price to be paid by each, Aaron would go on to be the first High Priest of Israel and his descendants would serve as priest for Israel, generation after generation. David continued to be king over all of Israel, and would remain as the standard for righteous kings all the days that Israel would have a king. It would seem that God took two penitent hearts and put them back to work for Him. So maybe, when an elder or preacher or teacher or spouse or the brethren disappoint us, we should find a way to get those who have stumbled back on their feet and those who have hurt us back into our good graces. I am readily aware of the fact that this is not an easy proposition. It is hard to forgive. It is hard to embrace those who have hurt us. Yet, where would you or I be if God disregarded us after one disappointment? Let’s make sure that God’s people act like God.

Legacy

Neal Thurman
17 May 2015

Even those of us who lived beyond the biblical standard of longevity, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years,” (Psalm 90:10), really do not spend a great deal of time on earth. Our lives are brief, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14). Furthermore, we only get one shot at this life that God have provided us, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27). What will we do with it? Last Sunday morning, two brothers in Christ passed form this life into eternity. These moments often lead to thoughts of reflection and sober thought about those things that measure in importance. Of course, the most important thing for these two and all others who die is where they will spend their eternity. Nothing trumps the magnitude of this truth. Yet, this is not the only matter of importance when considering a life that was lived. Another important matter is that of legacy. This life is short, so what did we leave behind. What lessons were taught? What example was shown? What life was modeled? Though physical life brief and fleeting, a legacy can live on for generations. The Apostle Paul saw the genuine faith of Eunice in Timothy and perhaps we could say that saw the faith of Lois in Eunice, (2 Timothy 1:5). Maybe we only see three generations, but how many people were influenced by the faith of Timothy, (1 Timothy 4:12-16)? How many were then influenced or inspired by those who were taught by Timothy, (2 Timothy 2:2)? And so on. Let us see and understand that the faith of Lois and Eunice were not contained by the longevity of a human life. Rather, this genuine faith became a legacy to pass from generation to generation, both physical and spiritual. A legacy of faith lived beyond them. What will our legacy be: faith or fear, generosity or greed, humility or pride. In this one life, we will make our legacy!

Kept In A Loving Heart

Neal Thurman
10 May 2015

At times, we concern ourselves with thoughts of how others view or consider us. Some say that they do not care what others think, but most of these do care just like the rest of us. Most of us have a self-image that we want others to see and understand. Yet, this can be difficult because most folks run all images through a personal filter that results in their own perception. Hopefully, if we are genuine and honest, people will know us for who we are. Of course, there are those who see us differently than anyone else. When the Savior of the world was born with the heralding of the angelic host (Luke 2:10-14) and the praise of men (Luke 2:20), His mother, “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” (Luke 2:19). When the boy, Jesus, was found conversing with the scholars in the temple and amazing them with His knowledge (Luke 2:46-47), His mother asked why He had stayed behind, but she did not understand His answer (Luke 2:48-50). Yet, after returning home and her Son being obedient to His earthly parents, the scriptures tell us that, “His mother kept all these saying in her heart,” (Luke 2:51). Our mothers are not so different from Mary in this manner. They ponder our existence perhaps like no one else. They carefully consider our learning and development in their hearts. Sometimes they do not understand us or our direction in life, but still they hold the facts and precepts of who we are very close to their hearts. They ponder them. Often times, mothers understand more than we expect or give them credit for. At the in Cana of Galilee, an unfortunate situation occurred, and Mary prompted Jesus to effect the circumstances. (John 2:1-4). There may have been times when Mary did not understand Jesus at all, but she understood enough to tell the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5) She understood her Son was special beyond her understanding. When they hung her precious Son on the cross of Calvary, she did not hide in shame or fear. She stood near by where He could see her. (John 19:25-26) I would suggest that she did not understand why her perfect Son had to suffer such agony and shame, but I am sure that she pondered it in her heart. Perhaps only the Father suffered more that day than she. She kept these things in her heart as well. That’s what mothers do. They keep us and consider us tenderly in loving hearts. They keep our suffering and our triumphs in loving hearts. Thank God for our mothers! Happy Mother’s Day!

“You Have What Is Yours”

Greg Circle
22 Mar 2015

Nearing the end of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, we find a man giving some pretty pitiful excuses for his sloth. This man really had o one by himself to blame for his failure, but chose, instead, to try to blame the man he was supposed to serve. First he attacked his master’s character; ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (Matthew 25:24). Then, he questioned his master’s compassion: “And I was afraid” (Matthew 25:25a). What did h fear; that he would lose what little he had been given, an be punished for it? The master knew h could manage this “small” amount (v. 15). Perhaps he feared looking like a failure compared to the others. It was no secret that this man had less ability than the other two (Matthew 25:15); by doing nothing h had an excuse for his failure: he didn’t even try. What if he had tried and only gained half of a talent more (Matthew 25:27)? The final excuse, I think, is the most insulting, and really showed that h held hi master in contempt. He attacked his master’s control: “Look, there you have hat I yours” (Matthew 25:25b). It is as if he said, “I owe you no more than what you gave me. We’re even.” On the contrary, the master had lost one thing that was supposed to be his. The servant had taken it, and was not giving it back. There are many who use the same excuses against God now, and will attempt to use them on the Judgment Day. Some plan to call into question God’s character by saying, “You did not give me enough evidence.” Others, perhaps even some Christians, question God’s compassion: “Would a loving God really send someone to Hell?” Too many fear men more than they fear God (Matthew 10:28), and part of that fear is being viewed as a failure compared to others. Finally, many question God’s control by mentally dividing the things they have and saying, “This is God’s, but this is mine.” We should realize that everything we have belongs to God: “For every beasts of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine” (Psalm 50:10-11). As Christians, w, ourselves, are the Lord’s, an we owe him our service (Deut. 10:12). If we say to God, “You have what is Yours” (The 1-4 hours per week we attend church services, for instance), “but the rest is mine,” He has lost the same thing the master in the parable had lost: He servant.

One Drop at a Time

Neal A. Thurman
1 Mar 2015

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 The righteous seek to live lives of goodness, kindness, and love. They extend compassion and hospitality to both neighbors and strangers. They regularly present hands of generosity to even the selfish and greedy. They open arms of comfort to the suffering, even if the recipient be full of anger or spite. They gently speak words of encouragement and hope to all, even the hateful and arrogant. Even though the cunning and conniving take advantage of them, they continue to be honest and trusting. Yet, even these can become weary and discouraged when they are unable to see fruit from their labors. Like drink offerings, (2 Timothy 4:6) they pour out all that is within them, and yet often do not see the fruit of the crop of righteousness, which they have sown. Their good deeds and kindness fall on hardened hearts like drops of water falling on a rock. They shatter into many tiny droplets and rolls away as if they were never there. Is this not just a waste of time? Before we throw up our hands in exasperation, let’s consider that same metaphor and fully apply the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9...“for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Beloved brethren, what will happen to the stone that has a drop of water fall upon its surface moment after moment, day after day, week after week, year after year? Perhaps the first thousand drops will go completely unnoticed and the first ten thousand will but rinse the dust from the pores of the rock. Maybe a hundred thousand will smooth the surface and a million will reveal a small but noticeable impression. Thus consider, if a single drop of water fell upon a rock in one second intervals for one years, that rock would be forced to endure the force of approximately 31,449,600 drops of water. How many of us believe that the surface, form and feel of the rock will remain unchanged? What ever the number or time, the influential power of the water will evidentially change the shape of the rock. And that number had to start with 1. Paul exhorts us to not grow weary for the due season will come. In other words, keep dripping the drops of goodness and righteousness on the hard-hearted one drop at a time and in due season we may open that heart to God.

Cannot Just Let It Go

Neal A. Thurman
15 Feb 2015

From time to time we are faced with the necessity of doing or saying something that may be a bit uncomfortable. This discomfort can especially be true when a brother or sister in Christ is in need of correction. It is easy to talk about what should happen, but actually taking appropriate action is another thing. Recently, I had the responsibility to deal with just such a situation. For the first time in my twenty or so years as a director of our session of church camp, I needed to contact a young counselor with critical comments about their behavior from last year had prompted us to remove them from this year’s staff. It was not difficult to recognize that a change needed to take place, but the actual doing was still not pleasant. In the end, correction needed to be made, but we did not want to discourage a young Christian from wanting to serve children. When we read over Galatians chapter 2, we need to truly consider what takes place. In verse 11, the Apostle Paul writes, 11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;...14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” It would be a mistake to think that Paul was chomping at the bit for the opportunity to set Peter straight. I would suggest that it was not comfortable at all. This discomfort would have been amplified by the fact that Paul’s friend and brother, Barnabas, had become caught up in this hypocrisy. Yet, necessity called for Paul to take action for the sake of the church. When necessary but uncomfortable situations arise, let’s move forward with reluctance but with purpose and gentleness. Sometimes we cannot just let it go because of the harm that will be caused. Let us do the right thing in the right way for the benefit of all, especially the Lord.