Psalm 121:5

The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand; Psalm 121:5

God is my shadow. He is as close as your shadow. You are never alone.

Church of Christ Preacher Search

Two churches of Christ are now in need of a gospel preacher.  

 

The church at Broken Bow, Oklahoma will have a need for a full-time preacher.  Broken Bow is just twelve miles above my home town of Idabel in McCurtain County.  You can view their website by the hyperlink below.

 

www.bbchurchofchrist.org.

 

The rural congregation Graceton in east Texas near the community of Dianie is in need of a preacher.  Their preacher Jason Reeves will be preaching for the West Irwin congregation in Tyler.   

 

The Graceton congregation has around eighty in attendance.  It is around 25 or 30 miles north of Longview.  Hopely you can help get a sound preacher for that congregation. 

 

Here are their elders and their phone numbers:

 

J.L. McCellon (pronounced McClellan)             903-797-6815      

 

Kenny McCrary             903-797-6275      

 

Johnny Willeford             903-968-3572    

Mike Nix Dies Suddenly

Mike Nix a minister of the word has passed away suddenly. Pray for the family.

for more on the story, go to
The Christian Chronicle.

Conflict Among Brothers

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's tool box. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you."

"Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better."

"See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence --an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.


Do you have any bridges that you need to build?

Fishermen

There is a story about a peculiar fisherman from Minnesota. You see, this fisherman was very well prepared. He knew how to fish. He had everything you need to be a good fisherman. He had poles, nets, bait, and even a really nice boat; but this fisherman had a problem. You see, for all his preparation he never caught anything. Not one fish. Not one, not ever. And you know why he never caught a fish? What do you think? It's an easy answer: He never went fishing. He had all the knowledge and all the equipment, but he never got into the boat, he never left the dock.

When Jesus called some of his first disciples he called them by telling them he would make them fishers of men and in fact, that is what he did. Sure he taught them and mentored them, but ultimately he sent them out to go share the gospel with those who had not heard it.

There are too many of us that have spent all this time preparing and studying the scripture, but have yet to share the gospel with anyone. Don't be like the fisherman who has all the knowledge and equipment he needs, but never catches a fish because he never goes out fishing. Jesus' last commandment before he ascended was to

go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20) 

That commandment was meant for more than just the disciples standing there. It was meant for you and me as well. So we need to make sure that we are going and being fishers of men.

The Work Of Deacons

I'm presently doing a series of lesson on deacons as we prepare to add more. What resources have you found helpful?

Here are some I am using.
First, the Bible. It has so much to say about service, leadership etc.

Second,
Deacons, Wake Up!: A First-Century Call for Today's Servants

Third,
The deacon and his work

Let me know of other great resources.

Kevin

Mouth Trouble

There is a crane found in southern Turkey that has the strange habit of picking up stones and carrying them around in its mouths as it flies around. There are a lot of different theories on why they do this. My favorite, though, is that it carries around stones in its mouth to remain quiet. You see, these cranes have a tendency to crackle a lot, especially when they fly and this noise gets the attention of the eagle in this area who would love nothing more than to swoop down and enjoy some crane for lunch.

Cranes are not the only ones who have trouble controlling what they say. In James Chapter 3 we are warned about controlling the tongue and the things we say.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:7-12

We must be careful what we say and try to keep our tongues under control. Like the crane, we have an enemy just waiting for his chance to devour us. So let us heed the words of the writer of Proverbs, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”

Proverbs 21:23

Because I wanted you to be happy!

There is a story of a young boy who sat down and poured out his heart to God about what he wanted for his future. The boy asked God if he could live in a mansion when he grew up. He also wanted to marry a tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl and have three boys. He was even specific about what he wanted his boys to do when they grew up. He wanted one of them to be a politician, another to be a business man, and one to be a quarterback. He only had one more request, and that was that one day he would climb great mountains and be a great adventurer.

Well, the boy grew up. He ended up hurting his knee in football and could not even climb a tree — let alone a great mountain. He had to live in the city in an apartment for his job. He ended up falling in love and marrying a short, brown-haired, brown-eyed girl. He had three lovely daughters. One grew up to be a teacher, one a nurse and one a writer. He lived a good and happy life. It was not until he was an older man that he remembered the prayer he made as child. Looking back on all the things he wanted and did not get, the man became depressed. In his sadness he cried out to God and asked why he didn’t get what he wanted. God simply replied, "Because I wanted you to be happy."

God has promised us that He will give us good gifts (Matthew 7:11). Are you seeing the blessings God has for you? He knows what we need better than we do. Let us put our faith and trust in him.

Kevin

Building A Healthy Youth Ministry

Tim Spivey has written some good stuff on youth ministry.

Building a Healthy Youth Ministry

Kevin

Podcasts I Find Interesting

Links to podcasts

http://www.macarthurchurch.org/sermons.htm

Time for a Sabbatical?

Great article on the blessings of a Sabbatical.

SHOULD YOU DARE TO THINK ABOUT A SABBATICAL?

Kevin

Modesty

Do we have a modesty problem. Where do we draw the lines? Every culture is different, but at some point it crosses the line with God

Here is an article on modesty.
Here is another one.

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

The Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin

Link to more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_funeral

Progress

Ministry is like snow skiing. If you are not leaning forward over the front of your skis, you are not moving forward very fast.

Beauty of Mathematics

Speed of your Speech

Not an illustration, but comments on using illustrations.

Does how fast you talk have an impact on your speech? Check-out the article by clicking on the title below.

Be More Persuasive by Speaking at a Comfy Pace and Taking Pauses

Kevin