There was a reminder yesterday that one of the joys of being a Christian is to involve ourselves in the lives of others. Following the example of Jesus who responded to the needs of those around Him, taught the disciples, and came "for us", we need to put off self and serve others. All of us have been encouraged and made happy by someone who helped us we ought to do the same. The bottom line remains - will we? Try it this week and your neighbor will like it (Romans 15:1, 2)

Last night several teens gave praise to the Lord about their experiences on the missions trips. It was a blessing to hear of people saved, compassion shown, and lives challenged. It was a joyful night.
Pastor James shared with us two things that stuck with me. One was how this group of teens worked together, adapted, filled in, and emphatically worked together. He reminded us of 1 Corinthians 12 and the working of the body and it's likeness to our working together as believers. It was refreshing to hear of several working together toward a common goal, without grumbling, evening doing things outside their comfort zone and spiritual gifts. This why God blessed and was a good example for us.
the second thing he said was that we have a special and unique group of youth who are sold out for our Lord and His service. We need to pray for them and encourage them in any and all ways we can. So this is the week to speak to a teen, send them an e-mail, write on their facebook, give them a hug, take them out for lunch, or encourage them in any way you can. Agree? Amen?

Last night I asked the question "what is your favorite Psalm"? Many stood up and shared how during times of struggle God brought a Psalm to them and encouraged them in their faith. All of God's Word does that very thing but the Psalms even more. As people left so many of God's people spoke of a Psalm that was their favorite. It is so true, the Psalms are were we live, they touch the emotions of our hearts, they are God's listening ear of sympathy. It's no wonder God said, "feeling happy, sing a Psalm" (James 5:13). What's your favorite?

Yesterday's message was from Psalm 20, "Trusting God, My Crutch". I will trust because the troubles of life make me weak, the truth of the Bible says my God will help me, and the testimony of the saints' experience verifies it works. No rubber crutch for me, Jesus never fails! Amen!!!!!

Yesterday we began a series of messages from the Psalms. Chapter one is almost an introduction to the other 149 chapters. They are devotional in nature, full of relationship experience between redeemed man and his God. They are full of emotions, both positive and negative. They will take in the past, present, and even some prophecy of the coming Messiah. Saints over the centuries have been encouraged, comforted, corrected, challenged, and grown in the faith because of them. So I ask you to respond to this sequel by sharing with everyone your favorite or favorites, I love Psalm 73, as did my friends Junior Warner and Doug Hatulata. Bert Branius loved Psalm 121. What's yours?

"and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39) He went on his way with an inward bubbling gift from God that made his eyes twinkle, his feet hop, his hands clap, and his mouth praise his new found God and Savior, Jesus Christ. What he experienced is the same for all who believe in Jesus and we're given the Holy Spirit and His fruit is joy.
When I was a child in Sunday School we were taught to spell joy this way, Jesus, others, and you. It's true, when Jesus is first in all I do, when others come before me, and I'm not forgotten but in my proper place I'm living a joy filled life. Agree? Has this been your experience? Share it!

Yesterday we had two special events at our church, a baby dedication and a baptism. What makes them special is a willing spirit to show a commitment public. Neither of them have any saving merit, yet both of them are connected to salvation. In the first is a parents desire to bring a child up in the things of the Lord so the first thing they will seek is the salvation of their child. The second is a confession of the salvation they have experienced and the desire to walk in the fruits of salvation.
It is encouraging to see things done public. In our days of "personal" commitments it's good to see the choice of public commitment. Agree?