A New Location, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
A bank in Binghamton, New York, has some flowers sent to a competitor who had recently moved into a new building. There was a mix-up at the flower shop, and the card sent with the arrangement read, “With our deepest sympathy.”
The florist, who was greatly embarrassed, apologized. But he was even more embarrassed when he realized that the card intended for the bank was attached to a floral arrangement sent to a funeral home in honor of a deceased person. That card read, “Congratulations on your new location!”
A sentiment like that is appropriate for Christians, because they move to a wonderful new location when they die. They go to be with Christ, and the sorrows and heartaches of this earthly existence are past forever. Near the end of his life, Paul said that to be with Christ is “far better” than to remain on earth (Phil. 1:23).
What comfort this brings to those who are left behind! Yes, separation is painful, but as Christians we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Rather, we can rejoice, even with tear-filled eyes, because our loved ones have taken up a new residence in heaven.
To every believer who dies, therefore. it would be appropriate to say, “Congratulations on your new location!” R.W.D.
Watch What You Say, 1 Corinthians 16:17-18
Most of us have no idea how much other people’s emotions, self-esteem and hopes are influenced by what we say. Paul said, “Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus…for what was lacking on your part they supplied (have been a wonderful encouragement to me)” ( If you have never heard of them, it’s because most encouragers hate being the center of attention. They’re happy to work in a support role. But without them very little would get done. The opposite of giving encouragement is spreading discouragement, and Paul says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV). Jesus said, “But I say to you that for every word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment…by your words you will be justified…by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV). What you say can never be taken back, and it will be used as evidence for or against you one day. Dr. Thomas Blackaby points out: “Words…can leave scars for a lifetime, and many people will never forget some of the things you’ve said to them, both good things, such as words of encouragement, and bad things, such as criticism and rebuke…Make the best possible use of words so they bring blessings on others.” So, are your words encouraging? Can it be said there’s nothing crooked or perverse…in them” (Proverbs 8:8 NKJV)? Ask God to “Set a guard…over [your] mouth” (Psalm 141:3 NKJV) so whatever you say glorifies Him and lifts others up.
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
As a leader of the Flock of God, I have a responsibility to do all within my power to get our folks ready for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If there ever was a time to stand for truth and get the Word of God out, it is today! The greatest need of the world today is to be Born-Again by the Word of God! We need to get the Word out to our families, friends, and neighbors.
Daniel Webster, statesmen and Christian gave the following warning 170 years ago: “If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, then error will be. If God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendency. If the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. If the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end.”
Friend…we are there!
Dear Christian friends, may the God of heaven continue to remind us of the serious responsibility of our call to the work, and keep us faithful no matter the cost.
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
It Happens to the Best of Us! 1 Corinthians 10:11
A pastor was building a fence while the neighbor’s twelve year old son watched. The pastor smiled and said, “interested in carpentry, huh?” “Nope,” the boy replied. “Just want to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer!” You are the only bible some people will ever read, and they’re watching to see how your life lines up with what you profess. Some are hoping for confirmation of the life-changing power of Jesus, others for a chance to say, “See, Christians are all hypocrites!” We want to set a good example, but sometimes we fall short. And as humbling as it is to mess up, God uses those failures to “[make it clear that our…power is from [Him], not…ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). God doesn’t glaze over the shortcomings of even the most notable saints. They’re “all…written down so…we don’t repeat their mistakes” (1 Corinthians 10:11 TM). Abraham the “friend of God,” lied about Sarah being his wife (Genesis 12:10-20). Moses, the mighty leader, got angry and disobeyed God. David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery then tried to cover his tracks with murder (See 2 Samuel 11:15). Peter, head of the church, denied Jesus not once but three times (See Luke 22:54-62), and John Mark gave up and went home during a missionary journey (See Acts 15:38). They’re all in there, warts and all, and Paul says, “We are just as capable of messing…up as they were” (1 Corinthians 10:12 TM). So don’t get discouraged when you stumble. Admit your mistake, apologize to the people involved, ask God for forgiveness, forgive yourself, learn from what happened, and move on!
Till He comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
The Hebrew Scriptures — that is the Old Testament — included many prophecies about the coming Messiah. A few of them probably left Israelite scholars and laymen alike scratching their heads and wondering how one individual could fulfill such lofty promises. The birth of such a person would be “good news of great joy,” just as the angel proclaimed (Luke 2:10). The Messiah would be…
*A descendant of Abraham seated on David’s throne. There is a reason that both Matthew and Luke painstakingly trace Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38): the Messiah’s family line mattered. God promised that all nations would be blessed through the house of Abraham (Genesis 22:18), and Isaiah prophesied that Christ would reign forever on David’s throne (Isaiah 9:7). The gospel writers showed that Jesus could claim direct lineage from both of these men.
*A man born in Bethlehem who comes out of Egypt. The Messiah’s place of origin must have caused confusion. Though His predicted birthplace was Bethlehem, He was expected to come out of Egypt (Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1). We know that a census brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to tiny, insignificant Bethlehem just in time for the Christ child’s arrival. And Matthew’s gospel explains the rest of the mystery: the family fled to Egypt to avoid Herod’s jealous rage (Matthew 2:13).
God was specific in describing the Messiah because He wanted people to recognize the Anointed One and rejoice in His coming. That’s exactly what happened when the King of King rode a donkey into Jerusalem (prophecy: Zechariah 9:9; completion: John 12:12-15). Jesus is the promised Christ — this truly is great news and a reason to rejoice!
Till He comes…
When Burdens Weigh Us Down, Psalm 37:5-7
When we are overburdened, the world seems a colder place. The sun may be shining, but our heads are bowed low, so we don’t notice. The birds sing, but our ears are filled with the cries of our hearts—-exclamations of pain, sorrow and weariness. We put distance between us and others as our problems absorb our time and attention. Perhaps we are weighed down by unmet expectations, sudden trauma or death, or simply too much responsibility. Another possibility is that sin is causing our heaviness of heart. Whatever the cause, however, the result is the same: We are burdened by a crushing weight.
Into our bleakness comes the voice of almighty God inviting us to draw near and find rest in Him.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls…'” (Jer. 6:16 NASB).
Won’t you look up to your heavenly Father right now? Jesus offers living water; take time to drink until your soul is strengthened enough for you to ask the way. With the Spirit’s help, take one step, then another down that ancient path of obedience, and He will give you the promised peace.
Jeremiah 6:16 ends with God pointing out the Israelites’ response: “But they said, ‘we will not walk in it.'” It is only when we trust in the Father’s plan that we will find relief from our burdens. Let us stand, look, ask, and walk so that we might find the rest which the Lord has promised for our souls.
Till He Comes…
Bro. Johnny, Phil. 1:6
What’s the matter with Mrs. Craig?
The following news item appeared in the Nashville Banner, June 19, 1956:
Porter Oklahoma (AP)…Mrs. Ella Craig, age 81, hasn’t missed a Sunday School session in 1,040 Sundays, a perfect 20 years.
What’s the matter with Mrs. Craig?
“Moreover it is required in stewards [all Christians] that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2