The Hounds of Hell

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It was an overcast morning as I started out on my daily walk. It’s a very, very small town where I live, and I passed five people who waved and said “good morning” as I walked my familiar path. Not bad for friendliness in small town USA. As I came upon one corner where I would turn to head east, I noticed a young mom pushing a stroller my way. She, however, took the shortcut through the church parking lot, and I headed toward the end of the street. We raised our hand in greeting as we moved on down the path.

Later in the walk as I was heading down the long stretch going west, I saw her in the distance. Once again, she was heading toward me. As I said hello to the older gentleman sitting on the tailgate of his pickup truck, I noticed the three dogs that lived on the opposite street corner out in their yard. They heard my greeting and ran to the fence barking wildly. Then they noticed the young mom and turned to run in her direction, once again barking wildly. As we met on the street, she said that the dogs seemed as if they weren’t sure which of us to bark at. I laughingly noted that it was obvious to the dogs that we both were a huge threat to their existence. Then we moved on down the path once again.

I’ve noticed these dogs on other mornings. They’re not always outside, but when they are they make their presence known to anyone passing by. They want to make sure someone coming near their territory knows that it’s their territory. I wave to their owners if they happen to be outside, but no other contact is made. I’m not sure if these dogs are friendly or aggressive. I’m just thankful they’re behind a fence while I can walk freely.

Oh. I come across other dogs on my morning walks. Some are friendly. Others aren’t. And still others pay me no attention. Some are behind a fence and others aren’t. There have only been a couple of incidents where the dogs came close enough to touch me, but no harm was done. A couple of the owners make sure to pull their dogs closer to their side as I’m walking past. They don’t want any ugly incidents, either.

Oh. The dogs at the fence may look harmless, but their bark sounds menacing. If the dog doesn’t know you, you just don’t know what it may do. Is it friendly or ferocious? Who wants to find out? If you’ve ever been attacked by a dog, and I haven’t, it’s not a pretty picture. Great harm can be done.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Imagine yourself going through a busy day, and a pack of dogs started following you. You can see them. You can hear them. You don’t know their intent. But they sound like they mean business. Do you run or stand perfectly still? What should you do to avoid harm?

Do you ever stop to consider what you should do when you realize Satan is pursuing you? Do you run in the opposite direction or straight toward him? Do you stand perfectly still hoping to avoid detection? Do you flirt a little, trying to appease him? Do you introduce yourself, so there’s an air of familiarity the next time you meet? Do you make a scene and hope someone standing nearby notices and helps rescue you? What do you do? Do you want to be rescued?

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23

In 1 Peter, Paul compared Satan to a lion. He knew that Satan was a great deceiver and usually works under the cover of darkness. He’s sly and sneaky. He’ll attempt to trick anyone who isn’t paying attention. And sometimes, we’re easily fooled by what seems to be good intentions. He knows who he’s looking for. The weak follower of Christ. The one who isn’t in the Word of God on a regular basis. The one who is weary when their prayers aren’t answered in a way that pleases them. The one who is losing their way because they are following the wrong crowd. The one who is angry. The one who feels betrayed. The one who is proud and self important. I have to ask. Are you a weak target?

Don’t think that Satan is targeting those who aren’t following Christ. He’s not. He’s already got them where he wants them. They’re not a problem. He’s going after the ones who have rejected him outright. He wants them back, and he’ll do anything to get them.

Oh. Don’t worry. Satan doesn’t go instantly for the jugular. Once you’re in his grip, he likes to toy with his prey. It will be painful for the victim, but they won’t succumb to the wounds early on. He’ll continue clawing and biting to see how much he can get from you before he strikes the deadly blow. It’s a game for him. He wants to take another one to his lair with him. He’s aiming for a large den of victims.

But, just so you know. Satan doesn’t have to be the winner, just because you’re his prey. There is a way out from his manipulating power. He doesn’t hold all the keys. Even when in his death grip, the vilest sinner can call out to the Living God for rescue and salvation and they will be heard. God hears the sincere sinner’s cry, regardless of their situation. He will answer and he will save them from their sins.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. Psalms 145:18-19

The World Will Know That There is a God

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We’ve heard it all over the news. The United States has struck a deal with Iran. Oh. The negotiations were headed by a team from Pakistan. One Muslim country worked with another Muslim country and a “Christian” country to sign the memorandum of understanding. For the record, it’s not a peace deal. We can only hope that it results in peace. We have to wonder if there will actually be peace. Will Iran forever put aside their plan to make a nuclear weapon? Or, are they just playing games? Were they just saying the appropriate words they knew everyone wanted to hear? Are they sincere? Only time will tell, but we had better hope that this is the real deal. If not, I’m afraid the consequences will be far worse than we could even imagine. Again, time will tell.

Apparently, there are still ongoing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. One news article I read quoted a well-known senator, who expressed concern that the U.S. and Iranian governments had different definitions of what they had agreed to. Could be. Not everyone has the same definition for the same word these days. And cultural practices and expectations can also thwart true understanding of an issue.

I’ve been reading reports about this truce and the potential fallout. There was already a hiccup when Israel struck Beirut. Iran threatened to retaliate, and the US made a statement against Israel. It was a back and forth and back and forth in the negotiation process. Not everyone wants to play nice. And here’s the main thing about the entire deal, the US knows that Iran follows a religion that approves of lying. So, trust is on very shaky ground. Even now. And Pakistan stood steady trying to prevent sabotage of any kind from either party. American diplomacy alone could not seal the deal. It took an outside force to finalize the truce. The formal signing was set for Friday, June 19th in Switzerland, but was then cancelled when the documents were signed electronically earlier in the week.

Now, some may ask which side won. You can be sure each side will take ownership of the winning bracket, regardless of the reality. In this situation, are there any winners? Is that the point? Peace is the point. No nuclear weapons or capability for a country known to brutalize its own people, let alone the rest of the world, is the point. But somehow, that main issue has been set aside. For what? People have been killed and persecuted for years by a hedonistic regime, and many knew it was time to stop them. For years, no one did any thing to stop the horrific treatment of a Persian people by an Islamic regime. This war has been costly on every side. And it impacts the world in ways we haven’t really seen yet. We must hope and pray that the issue is settled once and for all, but let’s not hedge our bets on it.

Here’s the main problem. Iran has definitely been weakened, but not defeated. The leadership regime has not been removed from power. The people of that Persian nation are still at risk of persecution and death. Is the country better off now than it was before the conflict began? Will the nation still be able to rebuild nuclear capabilities at some point in the future? If so, what was the point of all this conflict? The nation of Iran also has a history of not keeping their word. And they haven’t agreed to eliminate their nuclear capabilities.

These global issues may seem to be manmade. They are long standing and deeply rooted in darkness. Deep down, there’s a dark spiritual aspect that’s being played out. When global leaders and nations turn against God, it can only be expected that evil will prevail. The world needs to know that there is a Savior. There is still a God who is in control in evil times and even when evil leaders pursue those who stand against them. No one is above God’s commands, and all will answer to him. No one nation has all the answers and performs fully in line with God. That’s the nature of mankind. Unfortunately. We can’t trust any one in power to be God for us. We must look to God alone. There will come a day when all mankind will bow to God Almighty, and the world will know without a doubt that there is a God.

The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 1 Samuel 17:46

You may know the story of David and Goliath. David was from the tribe of Judah in Israel. Goliath was from the country of Philistia. The history of the two countries’ disagreements starts long before these two men faced off. The conflict between the Israelites and Philistines was initially about the territory of Canaan and religious and cultural differences between the two nations. When the Israelites left Egypt under Pharoah’s hot pursuit, God promised the land of Canaan as their future home. God also required the Israelites, once they arrived in their new land, to eliminate everyone living there. Everyone. God didn’t want his chosen people to be enticed to worship any other god but himself. He knew the failings of mankind, and he wanted his people to have no part of idol worship.

The story, of course, has a twist because the Israelites didn’t eliminate every last person from Canaan. And the remaining people worshipped other gods. As the Israelites moved into their designated territories in Canaan, they met and befriended the locals. And, of course, they intermarried and began worshipping gods other than the One True God. Just as God had forewarned, his chosen people headed down a dark and evil path moving further from him.

Throughout the years, Israel’s army fought different battles with the Philistines. Some they won. Others they lost. And now Saul, the first king of Israel, had led his men to a battle with the opposition. A giant in the Philistine army would come out to taunt the Israelite army every day. He was big and bad and had killed many men. He seemed fearless and egotistical. All of Israel’s army ran from his presence. Until the day David came along bringing fresh supplies to his brothers and saw what was happening. He saw the men’s fears, and he wanted a piece of the action.

David had a deep faith in God, and he was also a mighty warrior in his own right. Oh. He had never fought a battle with other men. But he had killed lions and bears preying on the sheep in his pasture. He knew how to defend what was rightfully his, and he did it willingly and skillfully. He had no fears about facing the giant all his fellow warriors ran from. So he offered himself to fight this giant named Goliath. If you know the story, you know that he stood facing this warrior with only a few stones and a sling. But when he pulled that stone back in the slingshot and let go, it found its mark. Right in the middle of the giant’s forehead. Goliath came toppling down. David then picked up Goliath’s sword and finished him off. Israel had won the battle. All because a young man had faith in a God he couldn’t see, but knew that this God would stand with him in the toughest fight of his life.

Before David shot the fateful stone into the forehead of Goliath, he gave the speech of a lifetime. He let Goliath know that God would be the victor that day, and no one else could claim the victory. I’m sure Goliath scoffed as he heard David claim victory before it actually occurred. But after that stone pierce his forehead, the giant fell face forward into the soil. What Goliath thought was an innocent act of bravery by a shepherd turned into his face to face meeting with God Almighty. It was in that moment that he stood in front of his Maker giving an account for his life and every action he had taken and every word he had spoken. There was no time to repent. Goliath was dead.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

David knew the match up between himself and Goliath wasn’t about his skill. It was a statement to let everyone watching know that God was real and active. David didn’t wait for conditions to be favorable or for Goliath’s daily threats to make sense. He stepped into an impossible situation and trusted in the God he knew and who had defended him in the past. He trusted that God would show up in his moment of need, just as he had every other time David called on him. And God led him to defeat a self-important giant of a bully. God saved the nation of Israel that day, using a young man who was obedient in the time of trouble.

The situation in Iran has few similarities to David and Goliath’s story. In one situation, both parties claim victory. In the other story, there was a definite victor and a definite defeat. Headless bodies don’t get up and walk away. But parties that haven’t been eliminated live to fight another day.

What does this say to us today? There will always be factions at war with each other. Country against country. Man against man. Man against evil. Man against good. And man against God. Does the world that you inhabit know that you serve a real and active God? Do the people you associate with on a regular basis see God working for you and through you in every battle you face? Have you bowed to the God of the universe and vowed to follow him and eradicate all sin from your life? Do you turn your back on temptations and ungodly desires? Do you stand strong in the face of giants who want to destroy you and what you stand for? God is on your side and will defend you and strength you in your times of trouble.

Does the world that you live in on a daily basis know that there is a God because of the way you live your life?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

You can read the full story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

Knee Injury

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I got the MRI results a week ago. All suspicions are now laid to rest. I didn’t know that one knee could have so many issues all at the same time and still function normally. Torn meniscus. Sprained MCL. Deteriorating cartilage because the knee doesn’t track correctly. Whatever that means. And a Baker’s cyst on top of all that. That’s all happening to my knee at any one given moment. And I’m not really in pain. Should I be?

The doctor advised me to schedule physical therapy, so that starts next week. But I don’t think that physical therapy can heal a torn meniscus. The chiropractor said he couldn’t and stopped all treatment. So I wait. And I don’t play pickleball, which by the way, was the initiator of the injuries last fall. I just thought the tightening of the calf was my only problem until it didn’t heal. And it became aggravated every time I tried to play. If only I’d had the MRI back then, I could have been ready for spring pickleball season.

I’ve come to the conclusion that someone needs to tell people who are growing older not to try to act too young. It will catch up with you. But here’s the thing. I wasn’t trying to act young. I was trying to learn a new hobby and stay active. And now look what it’s done to me. I just want to play pickleball. And no. I’m not athletic. I’ve learned a fun sport in my older age, and I love it. And now I can’t shouldn’t play.

I read that a compression sleeve won’t help, even if it is made with copper or bamboo. I’m told to wear a hinged knee brace if I want to play. And yes, I’m trying to avoid surgery. But we’ll see what happens down the road. The chiropractor told me that if I wanted to play pickleball again, I would need surgery. My doctor says to forge ahead with physical therapy, and then we’ll talk.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6

The Christian lives a life of constant pruning. It’s a sanctifying life that we live, once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. And by that, I mean it is a continual growing in our faith. We don’t become a Christian and then stop learning. We must read our Bibles and pray. We must attend church and spend time with fellow believers who can disciple and mentor us. A new Christian will have many questions about their newfound faith. They will possibly have habits and interests that God prunes out of their lives. They may have to extend their friendships to people who will challenge them to grow and not turn away from God. They will experience temptations that they will need to resist. It will not be an easy process, but it is a fulfilling life that’s lived in obedience to Jesus Christ.

During times of trial, our faith is pruned in ways we never imagined. Trusting God throughout the deepest, darkest times may seem ridiculous to those outside the faith. But to those who are true followers of Christ, there is no other way to live. There are moments when God is the only constant in life, and He is enough. During those dark moments, we have to ask ourselves if God is enough even if life never improves. Can we trust God in those moments not knowing what the future holds? And the answer is a resounding “yes”. Always yes.

You may ask how pruning in the Christian life compares to a knee injury. My knee is suffering the attempts I’ve made to establish a new activity in my life. I pushed it to its limits, and it rebelled. Now I have to rebuild the knee in order for it to heal and function normally. The same is true in our walk with Christ. When all our efforts at being the commander of our own life miserably fail, we can turn to God and he will guide us through recovery and healing. Oh. Our sinful attempts at living life our way may have lifelong consequences. But there can be a freeing, trusting relationship with God knowing that he is now the guiding source in life.

I may never completely trust my knee again, but I can work toward as thorough a healing as my body will allow. And I have to be comfortable knowing that. Sure. I should be able to play pickleball again, but I will be cautious knowing what could happen if I twist my knee into an uncomfortable position. The same holds true for my faith. If I try to twist my conscience into thinking that my ways are better than God’s, I will see very uncomfortable results when I stand before God on judgment day.

The soul-master of sin has so marred man’s sweet countenance that it is no more like the comeliness God created than the fiend of hell’s similarity to the holy angel which he had been in heaven. But by His grace Christ has undertaken to heal this wound which sin has given to man’s nature. His healing power is at work in his elect, but the cure is not yet so complete that no scars remain; this, then, is the uncomeliness which sincerity covers. ~William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:1-5

Where is Your Treasure Stored?

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I pulled in the driveway after getting home from church last Sunday. I noticed a new four-wheeler sitting in the yard of the house next door. And it’s bright blue. Brand spanking new. A young man from the neighborhood bought the house a year ago, and is remodeling it with his dad. It’s a great father son project, but the house is still unlivable a year later. Who knows when he’ll actually move in. But it’s this new “vehicle” that got my attention. The young man already owns four vehicles, and he’s only twenty-five years old. Why does he need so many cars/trucks/jeeps/whatever they are? I get it. He loves cars. He’s an auto mechanic. And now he’s bought this toy. If he ever gets to move into this house, he could walk to his parent’s house. I walk by their house on a regular basis, and it’s not that far away. Maybe a block on a good day.

Here’s the thing. I’ve noticed his “need” for toys comes honestly. That’s how he’s grown up. His parents own a very modest home. There could have been room on their lot to build a garage for their two vehicles, but instead they built a barn of sorts that houses two of their son’s vehicles which he never drives. And who knows what else is stored in there. The son works on other people’s cars in his off hours in that garage, and there’s room to store other tools and toys. And they have three, yes three, sheds on their small property. Each of these are packed full of things. Multiple air conditioners. Tubs filled with who knows what. Tools of all sorts. Tiling tools that have been used only once. And the dad has his own four-wheeler. Plus, they have a camper in the back yard. They also have a tractor mower and multiple other lawn tools. They also own at least two trailers to haul equipment. One is an open bed, and the other is enclosed. The parents also built a cabin in the southern part of the state where they go to relax and unwind. Needless to say, they’ve spent a ton of money on things. Some of these things have been used only once and then set aside. Others are used on a regular basis. They have every kind of toy a man could want. And now the son is following in his father’s footsteps.

I just don’t get it. I often tell myself that I hope they’ve saved as much money for retirement as they have spent on needless hobbies and interests. But I don’t know. I’ll probably never know. Maybe the dad has a good pension that’s he’s counting on. I’ll never know that, either. I don’t need to know those things. And these are not wealthy people. They most likely aren’t college educated, not that one needs to have a college degree in order to be highly compensated. But they don’t live as if they’re highly compensated. Or, do they? I hope they’re not deeply in debt, but I’ll also never be able to confirm that. I definitely don’t want to know if that’s the case. But I watch and notice these things, and I’m just in terrified awe of their spending habits.

I wonder about this family. Do they ever step back and just look at all the earthly possessions their hard money has bought for them? Do they fondle and admire it? Do they worship all those manmade objects that sit used or mostly unused? Is that what brings them fulfillment? Do they ever contribute money to a charitable cause? Oh. I know they willingly loan out their equipment to friends and family. I’ve been the recipient of their generosity. But in the whole scheme of things, do they think more about what they can do for themselves over what they can do for others with that paycheck they get? I just wonder.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Yes, it’s true that we do need to save money for emergencies and retirement. For vacations and extracurricular expenses. It isn’t wise to spend every cent of our expendable income on fun and unnecessary entertainment. As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, there is a season for everything. And that includes saving money. We must be wise in how we make money, spend it and then save it.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Earthly treasures will moth, rust and decay, of that we can be sure. Also, thieves can break in and steal every last material treasure we have stored up on this earth. It’s a known fact. Nothing is safe if it isn’t protected and stored correctly. And I must say, these “treasures” that the neighbor has stored in all his sheds aren’t necessarily bad. I’m sure, at one point, they were deemed necessary. But now they sit stored away never being used. The man has told me that he has bought items and then used them only once. And he keeps them lying around. Just in case.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

But I’ll tell you what these treasures or toys or whatever you want to call them can’t do for this family. These “things” can’t bring peace in times of trouble. They can’t give eternal life to the souls of these family members. Sure. They can be sold and the money used to help someone in need or pay an unexpected bill. But that’s not what’s happening.

I wonder if this family has ever considered storing up treasures in heaven. Treasures that will not doom them to an eternity in hell. Have they considered the eternal cost of placing their bets on material possessions on this earth? I don’t know. We haven’t had those conversations.

We spend too much time pursuing the things we think will make us happy or fulfilled without considering our need to pursue God.  Toys and earthly treasures will only fulfill us for a short time, and then we’re on the hunt for the next big thing. But the lifelong pursuit of a relationship with Jesus Christ provides a lasting fulfillment that keeps getting richer and stronger with each breath we take. And it isn’t dependent on the size of our bank account or the number of stuffed sheds on our property. It’s the steady building of a close relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s in the daily decision to obey our Heavenly Father and doing his will. If you haven’t done so, repent of your sins today. While you still have time. And then begin storing eternal treasures that will never rust, rot or decay.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36

The Saxophonist

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He retired from a forty-four-year career a year ago.  During his last working year, he and his wife moved to another state.  She lived in the new state, while he remained in the city of his birth working until the end.  He then packed up what little he had left in the city and joined her in their new retirement home.  Oh.  It took a few months for him to feel at home.  As someone who was fully entrenched in work that he loved, he was stuck trying to figure out what to do next. 

He knew he had one love that had been instilled in him from a very young age.  Music.  He began piano lessons at age five, but he couldn’t quite master getting both hands to play something different at the same time.  So, he moved to wind instruments.  And he learned to play all of them. 

His main instrument was the oboe.  That oboe got him through high school and college, but then it fell by the wayside.  After years of sitting in the closet, it will soon move into someone else’s hands.  But the love for the saxophone has hung on like a bad attitude not wanting to be healed.  After twenty years of not playing the sax, he picked it up again to play in the church’s worship band.  Lo and behold, the man is talented. 

During the early months of his retirement, he began talking about an idea of using his saxophone to bless others.  He would play music programs at senior homes.  Nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living, memory care.  Those types of senior homes.  Yet, he lived in a new state and had no contacts who might be able to guide him.  He decided to pursue the idea, anyway.

After he researched oldies music, he created several themed programs and started making phone calls.  And he was able to get events scheduled.  Three short months ago, he played his first concert.  Now his calendar is full.  Many places have asked him to schedule recurring events.  Once a month.  Twice a month.  Next month, he’s playing at one home three times.  These people love him.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.  Psalms 92:14

At the end of each program, he takes time to talk to the residents.  And they have much to say.  Seeing that he’s a good twenty years younger than they are, he tries to find a connection with them.  Oh.  He’s heard many a good story already.  Just last week, he overheard one woman tell her friend that she is “so sick of violins.”  So, apparently, they get a lot of violinists at their home.  A saxophone concert is a nice change of pace.  And at one home a couple of weeks ago, an elderly woman sat and cried throughout the entire program.  When a worker asked if she was ok, she said that the music was just so beautiful. 

Many of these people sing along to the tunes of their youth.  One woman said that the music she heard was music she and her husband might have danced to when they were younger.  Several people have made the same request for one song.  They want to hear “Yakety Sax” by Boots Randolph.  Unfortunately, that song hasn’t made its way into any of the programs.  But the songs that resonate most with this elderly generation are the hymns.  This generation attended church and sang hymns every Sunday, and they love them.  After one hymn was played, one gentleman said that that particular song was going to be played at his funeral one day.  He was glad he could hear it one more time.  Just the other day, one man asked before the music started how many hymns were going to be played. 

Music has a calming, soothing effect on older hearts.  On hearts nearing the end of life.  And it jogs the memory of earlier days when youth was still on their side.  Music connects one person to another in ways never imagined.  And music connects souls to God at the most trying days of life.  Music is God’s gift to those who share it and also to those who listen.

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalm 57:7

This man who is finishing his first year of retirement has also joined the worship team at church, and he plays a couple of times a month.  He’s also been asked to join a couple of bands in the area.  Summer concert season is fast approaching, so he is planning a full schedule of music.  I think his retirement is going well, so far.  I hope and pray he has many more years of providing enjoyment to others, as he uses his God-given gift of music. 

I tell you this story, because this man isn’t one to call attention to himself. But his music has a way of touching the heart.  His music may have sat idle for many years, but he has found a way to refresh his gift and use it to minister to others.  May we all do the same in our senior years.  We must use our gifts and talents to glorify God and serve others. 

Young people are told not to waste their youth. Well, we should flip that saying to tell seniors not to waste their golden years. We can’t just retire and sit in our recliner all day and all night. Oh sure. There will come a day when that will happen. But the early years of retirement are open to exploring new hobbies and dreams of our youth. It’s never too late to start a new project or activity. Grandma Moses was 78 years old when she started taking her painting seriously. Gladys Burrill began her marathon running career at the age of 86. Colonel Sanders perfect his fried chicken recipe at age 65. John Pemberton invented Coca Cola at age 65. So, it’s never too late for seniors to try something new. It might just work out.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.  Isaiah 46:4

The Waiting Room

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

My chiropractor appointment was scheduled for Monday morning. I arrived a little early and I could see several people in the waiting room, so I waited five minutes before leaving the car. And once I walked into the doctor’s office, I realized the waiting room was full. It never is this busy. As I sat and waited with everyone else, I noticed that everyone had their heads bowed to their phones. There were no conversations to be heard. The man sitting near me was playing Solitaire on his phone. One woman was texting. Who knows what the others waiting were looking at. Then when I was leaving the appointment, I noticed that the waiting room was still very full. Monday was a very busy day for the chiropractor.

On Tuesday, I found myself in another doctor’s waiting room. This room wasn’t quite so full, not only were the people at the check-in desk busily helping patients arriving and leaving, but they were also taking phone calls. And when I was checking out, I was told their computers were on edge that morning. There’s never a dull moment, even when we’re on hold or in a waiting room.

I was back at the chiropractor’s office on Wednesday morning. Busy again. There were nine people ahead of me. Every appointment was running late. The doctor will be out of the office next week, so he apparently had to see next week’s patients this week. His office is only open three days a week to begin with. From the scuttle in the waiting room, Tuesday wasn’t as busy a day for him as the two days I happened to be there. That’s my luck.

Then on Thursday morning, I had a massage. Once again, I sat in a waiting room. This room was quiet as I sat watching the Pilates instructors preparing for their upcoming appointments. Fortunately, the massage was worth the wait.

Have you ever found yourself in a waiting room where you were kept waiting far longer than you expected? Oh. It may not be a brick and mortar waiting room. It may be that God is not answering your prayers. Or his timing isn’t going as quickly as you think it should. Or the problem is still hanging on when you want it resolved immediately. Waiting is a hard thing. And timing is everything to those who are on a time clock.

Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice, that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day. 2 Peter 3:8

This could be your season of waiting. It’s your in between time of what was and what could be or might never be. Are you prepared for it? Do you know how to prepare, or can you? And do you know exactly what you’re waiting for? Just remind yourself when the waiting gets tough that God knows what he’s doing. He won’t lead you astray.

You’ve heard the saying “hurry up and wait.” That’s what we do. And we’re just not happy when our time is controlled by someone else or something beyond our control. The thing is. We have to learn to trust God’s speed. He’s never too slow or too quick. He’s right on time. We just don’t always see it that way. But his ways are perfect. And at times his ways are unexpected.

Think of the stories in the Bible where people waited and waited. Abraham and Sarah were old when they became parents to their son, Isaac. They waited twelve years after God had promised they would have him. And consider the Israelites who were led by God into the wilderness, instead of straight to Canaan. Sure. The delay was due to their disobedience. But forty years is a long time to wait. It was a death sentence for many. The children of Israel who were taken captive to Babylon were held there against their will for seventy years. Some never returned home. And consider Zechariah and Elizabeth. Both were in their later years of life when they became first-time parents to their promised son, John.

Then there’s the Promised Messiah. His birth fulfilled the promise God made in Genesis 3:15 after the fall of Adam and Eve. This promise was made progressively throughout the Old Testament. In many different instances, God spoke through prophets about the coming Messiah, who would be the Savior of the world. And when that promise was finally fulfilled, many did not believe that a small babe born in Bethlehem would be the one to die on the cross for their sins. But he did.

And I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; her offspring will attack your head, and you will attack her offspring’s heel. Genesis 3:15

And now we find ourselves waiting for the promised return of Jesus. Oh. We’ve been waiting a very long time, and we don’t know when his return date is. Actually, he doesn’t know the day or time, either. Only our Heavenly Father knows. We need to make sure that at the appointed time we are in the correct waiting room for eternity with Christ. That’s one room that should be packed full and overflowing. Are you in your seat, ready and waiting?

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; when it comes, the heavens will disappear with a horrific noise, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze, and the earth and every deed done on it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:9-10

God’s Word Will Prevail

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Imagine living in the days of Abraham. God instructed Abraham to leave his family’s homeland and go to a new country. God promised to make of him a great nation during his time in the land of Canaan. There were two problems to that promise, at least in the mind of Abraham. He and his wife were old. And they were childless. During his time in Canaan, Abraham had had a son with his wife’s servant girl. God specifically told him that the great nation would come from him and his wife, Sarah. Not the son of the slave. So Abraham trusted God. And twelve years later, Sarah became pregnant. Sure enough, they had a son and named him Isaac. Just as God had promised.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

Isaac later took a wife named Rebekah, and they had two sons, Jacob and Esau. God had told Rebekah during her pregnancy that the older son would serve the younger one. And, as God’s promises always come to pass, Esau served Jacob. Of course, their story came with several twists and turns of deceit by Jacob and a burning hatred for him by Esau. But God’s promise stood firm.

Jacob later became the victim of deceit by his own father-in-law. This man had two daughters and had promised the second one to Jacob. But, lo and behold, Jacob was deceived and married the older daughter, Leah because the older always marries before the younger one. He had to work seven more years to earn the woman he loved. Together with Leah and Rachel and their two handmaids, Jacob became the father of twelve sons. Those sons became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus the great nation God had promised to Abraham was formed. Today, their descendants are the Jewish people.

Imagine living in the days of the early church. The majority of the twelve disciples were met with a violent death at the hands of those who opposed their teaching. They knew their lives were in danger. They knew their days were numbered. But they continued to travel from town to town, preaching the Good News that Jesus had shared with them. They had been called to preach the Good News to everyone, Jew and Gentile, and they did so even at the cost of their own lives.

Think of the day of Pentecost, which was basically the birth of the New Testament church. It was a one-day event, yet it had a huge impact on the church and the spread of the gospel. But it didn’t solve the world’s problems of that day. Stephen was later martyred. Many believers were persecuted, thrown in prison and killed. Regardless of the pain and suffering that occurred because of the opposition they faced, the teachings of Jesus were still widely spread. And the growth of the church continued at a rapid pace. The glory belonged to God, even during the suffering of the church.

Though the gospel was preached in the midst of much conflict, it continued to increase and prevail mightily. Multitudes turned from worshipping idols to serving the true living God. Consider today the growth of the underground church in countries hostile to Christianity. It’s growing at a tremendous rate, while the western world shrugs its shoulders and turns its back on God.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 1 Thessalonians 2:2

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Acts 19:20

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

And yet. After all those many, many years, the truth of God’s Word still stands.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

Now here we are living in the days of excessive social media and AI, along with cultural and political disarray. We can’t live in fear of the unknown. We can’t live in fear of not knowing what will happen in the near or distant future in this country or world. Why do we want to put that level of pressure on ourselves?

We must realize that the gospel is being preached amid the conflict and chaos of our times. God’s word will not return void. As Allie Beth Stuckey says, “God’s eternal plan of redemption is going off without a hitch.” He knows exactly what is happening with the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the upcoming midterm elections, the economy, the death of Charlie Kirk and everything else. He sees and he knows, and he is holding the world in the palm of his hands. Yes. He loves everyone in the universe, and he wants each of us to turn to him. He wants us to repent of our sins and follow his ways. But he loves us so much that he’s given us the choice. So, regardless of how we choose to live our lives, and regardless of how seriously we mess up this world and our lives, he still loves us. And he’s waiting for us to turn to him. And regardless of the chaos and confusion of today’s world, God has ordained all our moments. He knew exactly what life would be like for us right now. And he’s allowed it. So, if he knows and allows it, we can trust him.

God rarely reveals himself directly. He very rarely proves himself through positives. He usually proves himself through negatives. The presence of evil is one of the great arguments on behalf of God. Evil is a thing that we get to experience in the world. Because it exists, we get to experience what goodness is. ~Jeremy Boreing, Relatable podcast Episode 1347

Don’t think that God isn’t trustworthy because life isn’t going according to your five year plan. God’s ways are better than anything we can plan or imagine. Some people just enjoy hearing themselves talk. They think too highly of themselves. God isn’t like that. When he says something. When he promises something. It will come to pass. Not necessarily in our time or on our terms. But in God’s holy, ultimate plan and timing, his word will be fulfilled. He does not speak empty words. Every sentence written in the Bible is reliable. Every last letter and stoke of the pen has a meaning, and it will be fulfilled.

For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Defending Your Faith

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, a young man was baptized at our church. Our church doesn’t schedule one or two baptisms a year. They baptize someone as soon as the person says they’re ready after they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No waiting. Let’s just get it done. And this baptism was very special. Oh. Our pastor made sure to remind the congregation that every baptism is special, but this one pretty much takes the cake. Everyone who is baptized at our church gives their testimony before they go under the water, so everyone can hear their salvation story. It isn’t an act they’re playing in front of a group of people. Their salvation is the real deal.

So. You ask. What made the baptism of this young man so special? I may not have his entire story correct, but here’s what I know. This young man came to this country within the last year from an Islamic country. He grew up in a strict Muslim home. He adopted his family’s faith, of course. He taught the beliefs. He sang in their services. He proselytized. He was a firm believer of Islam. And then he came to this country. At some point, he started to have doubts. He realized he no longer believed what he had been taught. So he sought out people of other faiths, all the way from atheism to Christianity. And he soon realized that deep down Christianity was the true faith he should follow.

After wrestling with God for awhile, he surrendered his life to his Creator and Heavenly Father. Oh. He knew the personal cost. If he were to ever return to his home country, he would lose his life. He realizes he may never be allowed to return. And he will not be able to see some of his family members ever again. But he has made the decision to follow Christ, at all costs. And so, he was baptized.

Yes. There is a price to pay for our faith. For those of us born in a country that celebrates religious freedom, we don’t give our religious freedom a second thought. But to someone such as this young man, he knows the price he would pay if he were to return home. He would pay with his life.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Then just a few days ago, I was listening to the Relatable podcast where Allie Beth Stuckey interviewed Shahriq Khan, who is an ex-Muslim. This young man was raised in this country by very devout Muslim parents. He too became very devout in his faith and loved to share it with others. He would challenge Christians about their faith and found that they couldn’t really defend their beliefs. But during college, he began to have doubts. He gave up his faith and wasn’t sure what he believed. Like the young man at my church, he considered atheism and then he looked at Christianity. When he started searching for the truth, friends suggested he read the Bible. As he read and studied the Word of God, he realized Christianity was the truth. The way, the truth and the life. When he compared the stories in the Bible to the stories in the Quran, he found that the Quranic stories weren’t factual. He had been taught lies. He became a Christian and eventually began sharing his newfound faith.

And here’s the kicker. Here’s where we followers of Christ can learn from this young man. Since he knew the ins and outs of the Islamic faith, as a Christian he knew how to debate his Muslim family and friends. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Muslim faith. He knew that, as a Muslim, he had been taught how to counter the arguments Christians made against Islam. As a Muslim he learned how to defend his Muslim faith, and he did so proudly. But as a Christian, he then had to flip the switch and argue the strengths of the biblical gospel compared to the defects of the Islamic teachings. So he dug deep into God’s Word to prepare himself to counter the teachings of Islam.

This young man has started a ministry that teaches Christians how to dismantle the untruths of the Islamic faith when talking to Muslims. And this ministry is helping to turn Muslims to Christ. All because faithful Christians shared the Good News of salvation with a lost Muslim, who is now sharing his Christian faith with other Muslims. His goal is not to push Muslims out of our country. He wants to win them to Christ. We should join the fight with him and learn to share our faith with not only Muslims but with anyone who doesn’t know Christ.

Believers today have a responsibility to share their biblical faith with those who don’t believe. We can’t just go to church and then do nothing. We must study God’s Word and prepare and train to share the Good News that we’ve been taught. We must know how to refute the lies that Satan has planted in the hearts of so many who are lost. We can’t wait for the next person to speak up. We must do our part in sharing the Gospel.

We all have a mission field that we are serving. Do you recognize those in your sphere of influence who are spiritually lost? Do you know and understand your faith well enough to defend it to someone who believes differently? Are you willing to learn how to defend your faith? We only have so much time to reach the lost. If each of us who call ourselves believers aren’t doing our part, who will? How will the lost be won to Christ if Christians don’t share the Good News?

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14

Speaking Out Biblically on Cultural Norms

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The times we’re living in. They sure are crazy. I remember when it was acceptable to be a Christian and speak of it publicly without worry. I remember when it was acceptable to be conservative and speak of it without threat of losing friendships. I remember when it was acceptable to speak of politics with someone from the opposing party without being canceled. I remember when it was acceptable to speak out publicly about what you believed and what you opposed without fear of being ridiculed, insulted or fired from your job. But things are different now.

I’ve lived long enough to see when the tide started turning. And the noticeable turn seems to have begun with a presidential election that I won’t elaborate on. And then a global pandemic occurred, which caused an even quicker plummet into an abyss that we haven’t recovered from culturally or politically. Since that time, the cultural and political scenes have continued to disintegrate. And the church is caught somewhere in the middle of this conundrum.

Some may call it empathy when others agree or accept alternative lifestyles or choices. They call it loving others when we tamp down the resistance of some who don’t “seem to understand” the decisions by those who call themselves Christians but live otherwise. It’s been made clear that we must not resist. We must accept and agree with the culture that has moved directly in opposition to what Jesus taught. But when something is morally wrong, shouldn’t we as Christians oppose it? When something is ethically wrong, shouldn’t we say so? Or should we just clam up and watch?

Through this mess of a civilization we’re in, I’ve learned where I stand on many important issues. I’m still learning, but I’ve realized that as a Bible believing Christian, I need to make sure my stance is biblically sound. Because it would be very easy to side with the group that shouts the loudest and the longest. It would be easy to side with those who seek equity and social justice for all. It would be easy to side with those who announce their pronouns and acceptance of every alphabet group that shouts to be heard. But keep reading, and I’ll tell you why I don’t.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

I believe the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. I have chosen to use it as my guide to life. The Bible doesn’t spell out instructions or information about all of the issues we face today. There are many black and white areas we navigate, but there are many gray areas where we must study and pray for God’s wisdom. Biblical truth will lead us to a life that loves others and speaks the truth, even when it’s inconvenient or unwanted or unaccepted.

I am pro-life. I believe that in every stage of pregnancy, the new life is a human life. I believe everyone is made in the image of God. The life of the unborn baby should not be ended even if it was the result of someone else’s crime. A suspected or confirmed disability or health issue of the unborn should not be the reason a pregnancy is terminated. Abortion is not healthcare; it is the worst violation of the most basic human rights. The right to life. Someone dies as a result of every successful abortion. It is the termination of a life created by God. It is murder.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalms 139:13

There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Proverbs 6:16-19

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Proverbs 31:8

The Bible tells us that God created man and woman, male and female. It does not speak one word about additional genders. Nowhere in the Word of God is there any mention of humans having the ability to move from male to female or vice versa. We are what we are. And when someone chooses to identify as the opposite sex, they are in contradiction to God’s will. No surgery or medication can change their God-given DNA. There is a false belief being taught today that says we can do as we please to our bodies without consequence, but the Bible teaches us to reject that teaching.

As a follower of Christ who has a biblical worldview, I cannot use someone’s preferred pronouns if they don’t align with the person’s created body. I cannot affirm what I know is not true. To do so would be to lie. Loving someone means hard truths are kindly spoken, even when I may be rejected for my beliefs.

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19

We’re told today that truth is relative. We can create our “truth” to be whatever makes us happy. But God’s Word is the ultimate truth, and if the truth we create doesn’t align with biblical truth, it isn’t the truth. So when someone says that love is love, and that a romantic love relationship with someone of the same sex is biblical, as Christians we can’t agree. We can’t applaud the relationship as being Christian. Regardless of what we’re told by today’s culture, a biblical love relationship is found only between one man and one woman. God’s Word is clear even if we disagree with it. The truth doesn’t change just because we don’t believe it.

It is true that some people have a same sex attraction, but the Bible says that acting on that attraction is sinful. Just as it is sinful to engage in gluttony or addictive behavior, the same truth stands for same sex relationships. God calls us to sacrifice our wants in order to be obedient to his will and his calling for our lives. We can resist the temptations we face, regardless of what they are, if we stand fully on God’s Word, spend time in prayer and make ourselves accountable to others who are biblically grounded and trustworthy.

Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. Leviticus 18:22

We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture. ~Elisabeth Elliot

You can agree with me or not. That’s your choice. I’m not always right, and I certainly don’t know everything. I want to be able to stand before God on judgment day with a clear but trembling heart, knowing I’ve lived my life in accordance with the teachings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray you do the same.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

Children in Church

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The children’s workers at our church got a break on Easter Sunday. All the children were in the adult service for the entire time. Usually, the children go to Children’s Church right before the message. But not this Sunday. And since it was Easter, there were many visitors. The sanctuary was packed. And with all the kids in attendance for the entire service, it was a bit chaotic. Usually the kids are really quiet and don’t get up and run in and out of the service. But this week was different. With the smaller kids mixed throughout the crowd, they just couldn’t sit still for that long. It’s understandable. Their attention span isn’t quite that developed yet. Everyone survived the service, but I’m sure the parents were happy to walk out the church doors that morning.

I see the elementary aged kids in the church service with their parents each week. They actually are well behaved. They’re not running in and out of the service. They’re not making noise. They stand and sing the songs. They participate in communion. They are learning the art of worship. And yet they run out the double doors of the sanctuary like it’s nobody’s business when it’s time for Children’s Church.

Oh. I have to say that for the Easter service, the children’s leaders made activity packets for each child. In those packets were activity sheets, crayons, candy and I think I saw cookies or crackers. There were items to keep the kids entertained, so they didn’t get too fidgety. And it worked. The activity packets were a hit for all ages.

When I was a kid, I had to sit in the adult service every Sunday. There was no children’s church. There were no activity packets. No one had cell phones or tablets. I remember the cheerios my mom would bring in her purse. But we had to sit still and listen. And we opened the hymnal and sang. We stood during the Scripture reading and bowed our heads during prayer. We participated in the service, but quietly. And we learned the art of worship.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15

I volunteer with the Awana program at our church. I hadn’t worked with church kids for many years, and I find I’m enjoying them. Sure. There’s always at least one who is rowdier than the others. And there’s one who always wants to go first. There’s one who never wants to play the games. There’s one who never wants to memorize Bible verses. There’s one who clings too tightly to his mom. And there’s one who has started to really talk to me. He asks questions. In a round about way, he almost invited me to his piano recital. I think I’ve fallen in love with these kids.

I’ve tried to build a relationship with the kids. I joke with them. I ask about their families. I correct them. They tell me when their birthday is. One boy told me that one of the girls in our group is his cousin. Some of them call me an old lady. One asked if I was married. We’re all looking for connection and acceptance. Even kids. And old people.

After the first week or two of the Awana season, I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t sign up to work with them the next year. I thought this would only be a one-year commitment. But now that I’ve survived a full year, I’m ready to sign up again. Sure. There are nights that I’m worn out when I get home. And just about every Wednesday morning, I’m questioning my decision to be involved. But I go anyway. And I find I’m glad that I did.

Oh. I ran into another volunteer who had started a countdown at the beginning of the year. How many weeks left? And now we’re down to the final week. I believe we’ve survived. I’ve somewhat convinced myself that I won’t be allowed to volunteer in the fall, but I know I’m just being silly. More volunteers are always needed. The more volunteers there are, the more children can be enrolled. And I’m not sure if any other church in our small town offers the program. We get many kids who attend other churches. And that’s ok.

Children are an important part of any church. Families are key to the growth of a church. And I’m proud to say that my church has plenty of children and expectant mothers. We just need more volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours working with the kids on their memory verses. We need volunteers willing to share the gospel with the little ones, so they can learn from an early age about the love of Jesus Christ. We need volunteers who will play silly games with the kids so they can learn godly sportsmanship.

Children in church are important, because yes, they are the church of tomorrow. If they don’t learn the value of Scripture, forgiveness and a biblical walk with Christ while they’re young, we’ve done them a huge disservice. Children’s programs aren’t just about having fun or eating pizza. It’s about teaching them Bible verses and Bible stories that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Children are tomorrow’s leaders not just in business or politics, but also in church and in the home. That means that while it is still today, those children need to be taught sound biblical truths when they are sitting in the church pews, in children’s church and in any other teaching opportunity at church. They need to be taught how to lead and how to follow. When to be silent and when to speak up. When to give and when to receive. When to serve and when to be served.

Will you volunteer to work with the children at your church?