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Thursday, January 12, 2023

Emotions Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Emotions 

Pitch for Teamwork
The Executive Speaker, Bits & Pieces, November 10, 1994, pp.20-21

In a speech before regional community leaders in Kingsport, Tennessee, Ernie Deavenport, chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Company, made a pitch for cooperation and teamwork between his company and the community leaders. To highlight his message, he told this story about a Little League coach:
At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, “Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is'
The little boy nodded in the affirmative.
“Do you understand that what matters is whether we win together as a team?”
The little boy nodded yes.
“So,” the coach continued, “when a strike is called, or you’re out at first, you don’t argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?”
Again, the little boy nodded.
“Good,” said the coach. “Now go over there and explain it to your mother.”



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Video


Church Songs?

#Emotions
#Emotional
#Emotionally
#Emotion
#Feelings

Proverbs 29:11 ESV A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:15 ESV Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Psalms 7:9 Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The One who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God.
Lamentations 1:20 “See, O Lord, how distressed I am! My spirit is deeply disturbed; My heart is overturned within me and cannot rest, For I have been very rebellious. In the street the sword kills and bereaves; In the house, there is [famine, disease and] death!
Lamentations 2:11 My eyes are worn out from crying, my insides are churning, My emotions pour out in grief because my people are destroyed Children and infants faint in the streets of the city.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them],
Genesis 45:1 At this point, Joseph could not control his emotions any longer, so he cried out to everyone who was standing nearby, "Everybody! Leave me!" As a result, none of his staff was anywhere near him when he revealed himself to his brothers.
Job 15:12 Why have your emotions carried you away? And why do your eyes flash



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, December 21, 2000

Grace of God

The story is told of a patient in a mental ward who attended chapel services with the other patients in the ward. The chaplain who spoke was so confusing that one of the patients going out was heard to say, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

You think about it warmly,
Kevin Rayner
12/21/2000

How to Build a Non-Judgmental Christian Community
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Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Parenting Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Parenting

What's the most important thing a parent can do for a child? Recently I was reading about a boy who grew up in a small farming community in Georgia. He was pretty much a loner. He wasn't a great-looking guy and he didn't have a lot of friends. He liked to write and read poetry, and that was probably because he had a speech impediment and could barely put a sentence together. His teacher didn't pay a. Lot of attention to him and his grades were poor. But his parents wouldn't let him quit on himself. They kept saying you're going to simply have to work a little harder. God loves you, and we're proud of you. So he did work hard, he started making A's in school. At 12 years old, he set a goal of 100,000 pushups and 100,000 sit-ups a year. From then on. His name was Herschel Walker. He graduated valedictorian in high school and in 1982, he won the Heisman Trophy while playing football for the University of Georgia. He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, and he led the NFL in rushing. His secret of success, he says I felt loved by my parents and loved by God, so I felt good about myself and I was willing to work hard. You think about that! 

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#Parenting
#Parent
#Parents
#Parenting

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
1 Timothy 5:8 ESV But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Colossians 3:21 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Proverbs 29:17 ESV Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.





You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Joshua

Be Strong - A Series from Joshua
March-April 2013

Sermon Audio

Be Strong And Courageous by Randy Roper
In the first lesson in our series on Joshua, we look at how God prepared Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and how we can all find strength and courage to face the unknown in life.

The Power of The Lord by Rob Long
The power and strength of the Lord are evident in Israel's crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. That same power is at work in our lives today.

When Walls Fall Down by Rob Long
God guided the armies of Israel to walk in obedience. Their obedience resulted in God's provision--the walls of Jericho coming down.

Confronting Sin by Kent Risley
Sin has lasting implications on individuals and the community surrounding that individual. Learn valuable lessons from the story of Achan in Joshua 7.

How Will You Be Remembered? by Randy Roper
If you have the opportunity to choose your final words on earth, what would say?  Last words are more meaningful if they have been underscored by the way a person lived his/her life.  At the end of his life, Joshua chooses to make the name of God known rather than make a name for himself.

Choose This Day by Randy Roper
Life is filled with choices.  With so many decisions to make, we can easily feel overwhelmed. But one decision stands out from all the others. It is a decision that demands action and has implications. What will you choose?


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Monday, June 27, 2011

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.
 
 
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    
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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Fellowship Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Fellowship


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#Fellowship
#Together
#Communion
#Family
#Companionship
#Community
#Koinonos

Scriptures
2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Fellowship/sort/popular
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Fellowship

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Duck Church


There is an old preaching illustration that I feel is still relevant for us today. There was a community named Duckville populated completely by ducks. On Sunday, all the good ducks waddled off to duck church. While at church they would sing duck songs and listen to the duck preacher.

One Sunday the duck preacher decided to give a lesson about how God had given them wings so they could fly. He pounded the pulpit and said, "With these wings, there is nowhere we ducks cannot go! There is no God-given task we ducks cannot accomplish! With these wings we no longer need to walk through life. We can soar high in the sky!"

The ducks quacked, "Amen!" throughout the duck congregation. The duck preacher concluded his message by exclaiming, "With our wings we can fly through life! WE ... CAN ... FLY!!!!" More ducks quacked out loud "AMENS!" in response. Every duck loved the service. In fact all the ducks that were present commented on what a wonderfully convicting message they had heard from their duck preacher.

Then when they left the church they waddled all the way home. They didn't fly like the duck preacher told them they could do. They went home just like they came - waddling.

Many times we are no better than the ducks going to duck church. We sit and listen to the preacher tell us from God's word about the power and abilities God has given us through His Spirit. We hear him tell us of the lives God desires us to live and how we need to change. But when it comes right down to it, too many times we go on acting the same way and doing the same things as when we came in. Let us not be like the ducks waddling away. Instead let us take heed of what we learn and spread our wings and fly.
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Thursday, December 08, 2022

Counter Culture Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Blank

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Video

Following Jesus in an Urban Community with Jovan Payes
Apr 23, 2025  Radically Christian Podcast = In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams talks with Jovan Payes about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in an urban context. The conversation explores how urban and rural Christians often misunderstand one another, and how Christians in cities navigate cultural complexity, injustice, and the call to be peacemakers in a densely populated and diverse environment. Jovan shares insights from his own experience growing up in San Francisco and working in ministry.
Wes and Jovan discuss biblical concepts like cultural humility, justice, and love, emphasizing that sin is everywhere—urban or rural—but cities offer unique challenges and opportunities. Jovan challenges the assumption that cities are less spiritual than rural areas, reminding listeners that Christianity was born in urban settings. They dig into passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 9, and Ephesians 2 to highlight how the gospel calls people to empathy, adaptability, and sacrificial living. 
Jovan Payes is a longtime minister with roots in gang life who came to Christ at 16. He has spent over a decade in ministry in Bakersfield, California, and is now preparing to serve as Dean of Students at Faulkner University. He brings a perspective shaped by cultural diversity, street-level ministry, and a deep love for God's mission in the city.
Resources:
The Urban Christian by Wayne Meeks
The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire



Church Songs?

#Culture
#Cultured
#Uncultured

#Scripture
Acts 18:24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent and cultured man, and well-versed in the [Hebrew] Scriptures.
Romans 1:14 I have a duty to perform and a debt to pay both to Greeks and to barbarians [the cultured and the uncultured], both to the wise and to the foolish.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Touch of the Master's Hand

Illustrations About Change

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Touch of the Master's Hand
By Myra Ross Welch (1926)



Church Songs?

#Change
#Value
#Souls
#Price

#Scripture

You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile:

"What am bidden, good folks?" he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar! A dollar!" then "Two! Only two?"
"Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice . . .
And going for three . . . " but no.
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars! And who'll make it two?
"Two thousand! Who'll make it three?
"Three going once? Three going twice?
"And going . . . and gone!" said he.

The people cheered but some of them cried,
"We do not understand!
What changed its worth?" -- Swift came the reply,
"The touch of the Master's Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
And battered and scarred with sin
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A "mess 'o pottage"
A glass of wine
A game and he travels on.
He's "going" once
And "going" twice
And "going" . . . and almost "gone"

Then along comes the Master, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul or the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.





https://duckduckgo.com/?q="John+Maxwell"+Change&t=h_&iax=videos&ia=videos

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

=============
Making a Difference

An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean.
"Why do you bother?" the old man scoffed. "You're not saving enough to make a difference."
The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water.
"Made a difference to that one," he said.
You make a difference, every day.



=============

Imagine a world...

  • Where one small act of kindness turned into billions of acts, like a never-ending chain.
  • Where people value people and have a genuine love for one another.
  • Where every neighborhood was safe because the community looked after each other.
  • Where someone did something that unites us together instead of drives us apart.
  • Where that someone is YOU!

This world that you imagine... What if it was real? What if you really did have a voice in your world and you really could make a difference?

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