Yearly Archives: 2015

Changing Direction

Posted on by December 31, 2015
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Change is hard on all of us. But for those who wish to make some changes there is a sure way to accomplish it. Daily bible study and application (the latter is the difficult part), is the only genuine and effective method which we can use to really make changes in our lives. We will also gain as a benefit from that study, a much deeper faith.

Change will come but it will not come without conflict. Remember, habit is a tool often used by the Devil. He actively opposes our attempts to make the changes which will please the god we serve. The weapon most effective in countering his attacks according to the apostle Paul is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Knowledge of the Bible is invaluable when you encounter the power of darkness.

The Bible tells us that our God has “put eternity in our hearts.” That simply tells us that God has given us direction for our lives. It is up to us to make the necessary course adjustments. This involves change. Once again, That is hard on us, but with our Lord’s help, we, like Paul…”can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Make the changes while you have the time.

-Michael Crowley, Sr.

 

The World is Not My Home

We read in II Corinthians 5 that we as Christians have an identity crisis. We find ourselves inhabiting a worldly, physical body with all of its imperfections and limitations. We know, somewhere deep within us, that our time on this earth is limited. And we also know that there is more to this life than what is seen with the eye.

It was C.S. Lewis who said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

The fact is that God made us for something more than just this earth…something much better than this earth. In reading II Corinthians 5 we find that our God “prepared us for this very purpose,” that is to inhabit a “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Since we are a people who have a marvelous inheritance waiting for us in heaven shouldn’t we want to be a people of purpose? A “purposed people” are those who are seeking to be well pleasing unto God.

Why not join us in worship this Lord’s day as we examine God’s eternal purpose for us?

– Mike Crowley

Is the Truth Elusive?

“What is truth?”, Pilate asked of Jesus long ago. The Bible answers the question in the Gospel of John, Chapter 17, verse 17;

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The search for truth should be a high priority for us as we journey through this life.

We must approach the study of the Bible with a desire to discover truth. We must be willing to read the Bible and allow it to speak to us. We need to try to understand what is actually being said. The Biblical truths we find need to be incorporated into our own lives.

“Ah, you have me there”, a research scientist once said thoughtfully, “I’m not sure I can take the risk. It might mean leaving my job and becoming a missionary or something.” This man was not joking. Indeed, few people are that honest. Also, we can offer him no guarantees as to what demands his conscience might make of him.

It is important that you and I come to the study of the Bible not to prove what we already believe, but to discover what we must believe. Only then will we be truly, students of the Bible.

 

Royal Resolutions

I will study the language of kindness and refuse to use words that bite and tones that crush.

I will practice patience at home lest my nasty temper break through unexpectedly and disgrace me.

I will excuse others’ faults and failures as often and as fully as I would expect others be lenient with mine.

I will pray frequently, think good things and work hard.

I will remember that my neighbors have troubles enough to carry without loading mine on them.

I will cure criticism with commendations, close up against gossip and build healthy love by service.

I will be a friend under trying tests and wear everywhere a good-will face un-chilled by aloofness.

I will never gloat over gains, but strive only to enrich others and so gain a wealthy heart.

I will love boys and girls, so that old age will not find me soured and stiff, but fresh and free.

I will gladden my nature by smiling loud on every occasion and by being optimistic.

I will live by the Golden Rule and leave the “business” of getting even for those who have no desire to go to Heaven.

 

 

 

A Bit from Everyone

Posted on by April 15, 2015

A wife was watching her husband trying to sew a button on his shirt. After observing for a few moments, she told him that he had the thimble on the wrong finger. To this he replied, “I know dear. It should be on yours.”

I recently read this humorous story. It makes a very good point. There are times that we might find ourselves being critical of the way someone else is doing some particular task. He or she may not be doing it in the same way that we would. So, we point the finger of criticism in his or her direction. Relief from this danger might be found in our own willingness to be found doing our fair share of life’s little tasks and in so doing, to lighten our brother or sister’s burden.

The work serving Jesus and living a good Christian life is never going to be easy. But it could be much more effectively carried on if the work was to be distributed evenly among the believers. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize. It is something else entirely to get into the game of serving the Lord. Why not let each one of us put a thimble on our finger and sew on the buttons together?