The familiar passage in Matthew gives us simple guidance regarding soul winning.

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”

vs. 8 “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

The idea of joining a church brings with it the responsibility of contributing. God has equipped us to DO something, not ENJOY something. Each of us has been especially gifted to do something effective and unique that is essential to the body of believers. 

Notice the words in the book of Titus about why we were saved:

It is not uncommon for us to fight to accomplish our goals and dreams and to do so RIGHT NOW. It seems that everything we want, we want NOW!!

We are often puffed up or, at other times, deflated by the words and actions of those around us. Young people especially need to be taught to trust in their own lives being pleasing to the Lord and not to men. We all want to be liked, and we all want to fit in and belong; but, at some point, we need to realize that the fickle humanity around us is too unstable to trust.

The first two times the word hearkened is used in the Bible are also the two most deadly moments in human history.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

A little recklessness can be found in each of us. Well, perhaps there are a few who have OCD issues, but most of us understand the relaxed world of “letting it happen” and “don’t worry about it.” In spite of the natural desire to be a slob or to have no real schedule, God is the God of order.

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

The devil is always trying to make sin culturally acceptable; but we must base our beliefs and our moral values on the Bible, not on culture.

Over the years, I have heard, as most have, that liberals love the environment, they love nature, hate cutting down trees, and are against the pollution that hurts birds or fish. I am not going to say I know what is in their hearts, but I can notice their associations.

The sorrows of life are many. I do not mean to be morbid or create a hopeless air, I am simply making honest statements. Life can be difficult; in fact, life will be difficult.


The Christian life is a battlefield. We are attacked by our own flesh, by the godlessness around us, and by the world in general. To stay right will always be a fight.

Today, it matters little in which industry you are involved; industry has one primary goal — self preservation.

Feelings are of God; He created emotions. God provided emotions of love and compassion, as well as anger, but these feelings are to be guarded throughout life.

One evening, a few years ago, we sat and did something that we do not often do; we watched some television. We muted commercials, but I made some observations.

Thinking of our daily lives, I am reminded of how rarely we think of the word surrender. I want to do God’s will, of course, but to sacrifice my body is not really included when I pray, “Lead me, Lord.”

If we were to get our joy from the morning news, we would be the most miserable of people. God is our refuge, our hope, our trust; we can rest in Him.

Jeremiah 43:1”And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,”

One of the amazing attributes of God is that He offers us a free will. The fact that Adam and Eve had the choice to obey or not to obey is amazing. Throughout life, we see the same choice from God over and over. Evil men may follow their corrupt ideas; and, although there are earthly results for wicked actions, God does not force people to follow Him.

The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. James speaks of an honest and equitable love for all men, regardless of circumstances. I am so thankful for our church! I watch the homeless treated well, the rougher folks welcomed with open arms, and the educable slow adult treated with dignity and patience — that is a church pleasing to the Lord.