“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. “
~Matthew 7:24 NIV~
Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs
FBC, Kentwood
Two groups to choose from
- Sundays at 4:30 in the church basement (Begins today)
- Thursday at 6:00 (Begins later this week)
Baptist Press News
Heart to Heart with Holley: What success really means
Define it with titles.
Step on the scale.
Climb up the ladder.
We chase it until we’re exhausted.
Success.
What does it really mean?
I look through the sacred pages one day looking for an answer.
And I find, all the way through, it really comes back to one word.
Obedience.
Not results.
Not awards.
Not exceeding expectations.
Just obedience.
We are servants who bring our Master joy when we do what he asks.
No more, no less.
Success isn’t as complicated as we make it.
And it’s attainable. For all of us. Every day. Wherever we are.
Even this week.
Doesn’t that make your heart feel freer?
Woo-hoo!
–Holley
The bidding was furious at the livestock auction, and Lena found herself bidding on the last remaining bull. It took everything she had but ten cents, but she was finally the successful bidder.
Unfortunately, the train home was fifty cents. “Please, Mr. Conductor, couldn’t you make an exception just once?” pleaded Lena. “Sorry lady,” he replied, “but you can send your husband a telegram to tell him your problem. The office is just down the street.”
At the telegraph office, Lena asked, “Mister, how many words can I send to my husband for a dime?” “It’s ten cents a word,” the clerk answered. Lena pondered her dilemma, then finally said, “OK, here’s the
message: COMFORTABLE.” (Got it? No? Read it again, s-l-o-w-l-y.)
Condensing a lengthy message into one word can be quite a challenge. How would you condense the message of the gospel into one word? Love? Grace? When the New Testament summarizes the preaching of the gospel, it does it in this way:
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached Jesus to him.” (Acts 8:35)
Philip’s message to the Ethiopian eunuch, summed up in one word, was Jesus. No doubt, Philip had much to say on the subject. I’m sure he spoke of why Jesus came, what Jesus did for us, and what our response to Jesus needs to be. His message obviously even included a mention of baptism, since the eunuch was led to ask further about that.
But, if the essence of our teaching ever becomes anything other than a focus on Jesus, it is no longer the gospel. All that we say and do is of significance only as it relates to our Lord and our Savior.
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee
The Prayer Link 