Why it's Important to Keep Tithing in Tough Economic Times

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9)

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Beer and Baptism

When we baptize new believers we have taken Neil Cole’s advice which is, “baptize people as soon as possible and as publicly as possible.” In short, we throw a party. Not for the already-churched, but for the families and friends of the person being baptized.

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10 Ways to Save on Fuel

To save a gallon of gas, you need to cut about 22 miles of driving from your week. Here are 10 easy ways to do that.
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Starting the Book of Acts

On June 7th I started reading the book of Acts. Here are some thoughts:
Acts 1 - The foundation of our faith is a risen Jesus Christ. The foundation of our witness is the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 outlines the picture of conversion and growth; accepting the message, repenting, being baptized, be under teaching, be in fellowship, communion, and prayer
Acts 3 - God is glorified through the Apostles healing a lame man
Acts 4:13 is especially encouraging to me as the disciples were identified as having courage, unschooled, ordinary, and having been with Jesus
Acts 4:34 states that there were no needy among them
Acts 5:38 contain the words of Gamaliel “if purpose or activity is of human origin it will fail but if it is from God you will not be able to stop it"
Acts 6 - The disciples gave their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word

Allowing Kids the Benefit of the Struggle

This article seemed appropriate today since Darren was involved in his first auto accident on Sunday. It wasn't his fault and he wasn't hurt. Mom wanted to rush over to Centerville where it happened. I said, no, this is a good chance for him to grow. Turns out that he handled it well all on his own.

If we can quell the storm within us as parents and allow our kids to experience the learning process, the payoff is precious indeed!

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Psalm 119:33-48

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands because I love them.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.

Kids Say The ____est Things!

James, age 4, was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"

"Dear Lord," the minister began with arms extended toward heaven. "Without you, we are but dust." He would have continued but at that moment a young girl leaned over to her Mom and asked quite audibly, "Mom, what is butt dust?"

Does God Care How Much We Give?

God didn't just give a little for us; He gave His best. He gave Himself. John says that it is no different for us: True love requires sacrifice.
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