“I’D LOVE TO, BUT. . .”

“I’D LOVE TO, BUT. . .”

William Andrew Dillard
Parson to Person

In these latter times, it is amazing to learn different ways that some folk happily blame others for their poor spiritual condition, and otherwise play the perennial excuses over and over. A little story illustrates this point.
Once there was a fellow who had no use for Christians or church. He would drag out his lawnmower every Sunday morning and mow his large yard. His wife used him for her excuse. She would sit on the front porch and repeat, “Boy, if it were not for you, I could really be a great Christian.”
The church folks down the road became really burdened about this man and his wife. They began to pray for their salvation, and service in the church. They witnessed to the man in a wise manner for several months. The lady did not feel threatened in the matter because she knew her husband. But, a real friendship developed between the man and the church folks. So, one Sunday morning instead of dragging out the lawnmower, he dragged out his wife and said today we are going to church. Well, of course, his wife could not object because she had always said, “ Boy, if it were not for you, I could really be a great Christian.”
After hearing a powerful sermon, the man went down the aisle, prayed to God for his salvation, and requested baptism and church membership. What a glorious thing! Wait! Now, what would his wife do? Well, she felt compelled to follow her husband, even though she was in astonishment. So, she joined the church with him.
Now the folks in the pews could hardly wait to warmly greet the new members. The ladies hugged the dear woman and invited her to sing in the choir with them. She said, “I would love to, but. . .” Some others came up to her and invited her to enjoy the fellowship of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She said, “I would love to, but . . .” It was then that another who knew her talents said, “Oh, you would fit in so well with the girls class! Would you be interested?” She replied, “I would love to, but. . .” And, from that moment on, that was her line, “I would love to, but . . .”
There are men, women, young people with talent that could be such a blessing to the Lord’s work right in their own neighborhood church. Too often when asked to use their talents or to fill a needful position folks will instead be jealous of their time or look with low esteem on serving in their church. They then repeat the lines of the excuse-driven lady above, “I really would love to but. . .” Could it be that one day in the presence of Jesus, confronted with their shortcomings, and desirous of reward, that they will hear Jesus say, “I would love to accommodate you, but . . .” Think about it!

THE BUTTER CHURN

 

My wife received a wonderful poem this morning. Four women spent time together and God came up in conversation. This young woman put it very well in a poem.

 

THE BUTTER CHURN

When you surround yourself with wisdom

And those who love the Lord

You’re humbled in His presence

As they share His precious Word.

 

Your mind and heart are opened

Your spirit is renewed

You find solace and direction

Of impressive magnitude

 

There is laughter, there is praise,

There is learning and desire

You see grace, you see love

As you watch it all transpire

 

I was honored to be in your presence

To reap what God has sown

To share in His love of friendships

Knowing we’re not alone

 

Thank you for your wisdom,

Your sharing of God’s love

For teaching me wonderful things

To share and be proud of

 

You women are amazing

I want to be just like you

For God needs all of us

To see His message through

 

Thank you for being you!

Rochelle massengale

 

 

WILL A MAN ROB GOD?

William Andrew Dillard

HEBREW HONEYCOMB
WILL A MAN ROB GOD?
I know, I know! Everybody’s mind is made up from the title of this article what it is going to be all about. When pastors choose this title and use Malachi 3:8, it is almost always a message of giving of money to the cause of the church. So how could this be any different. Well, think with me and see!
Certainly, a lot of churchgoers do rob God in the matters of tithes and offerings as the context of this Old Testament passage of scripture indicates, but that is not the primary burden of this article. Robbery of God takes on a much grander scale of which robbery in tithes and offerings is but a symptom. Consider that when one repents from sin and receives Christ Jesus into his heart, he is born from above and his spirit sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. That person has been purchased by the shed blood of Jesus. He is no longer his own, but a subject of Jesus. As such he is to render praise and honor to his Savior (how logical). So what do many do? They find any excuse, and the slightest one at that, to miss church worship services or the giving of themselves in any noticeable way to honor the God of their salvation. Many, yes, many, would be embarrassed beyond words if they were called upon to lead in prayer, because prayer is a stranger to them. Will a man then rob God of the just honor due Him? Will a man rob God of the glory He is to receive from him in His church? Will a man rob God of His rightful place in his heart? Will a man rob God of His rightful place in his home? Will a man rob God of the power of personal testimony that he is failing to share with others? How many ways modern Christians do rob God!
The problem is a heart problem! Moreover, that speaks to the attitude toward tithes and offerings. Jesus pungently said it when He taught that where a man’s heart is, there will his treasure also be. So, look around. Where does your money go? Where is your leisure time spent? Where do you find your joy? There is where your treasure is. Certainly, it is a precious few who find their heart and their treasure in the things of God. Among far too many the decision is repeatedly made to rob God! It is robbery, sheer robbery! It is the kind of robbery that a sermon, or brow-beating, or grudging change will NOT fix. It is the kind that underscores heart trouble.
Knowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of deeds whether they are good or evil, wisdom cries out for a return of the heart to the God who bought it with His precious blood. When that cry is heeded, all the other things will be fixed.

FIND US FAITHFUL

FIND US FAITHFUL

We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road.

And those who’ve gone before us line the way –

Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace.

Let us run the race not only for the price,

But as those who’ve gone before us, let us

Leave to those behind us, the heritage of

Faithfulness passed on thru godly lives.

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone,

And our children sift thru all we’ve left behind,

May the clues that they uncover, and the mem’ries

They uncover, become the light that leads them,

To the road we each must find.

O, may all who come behind us find us faithful,

May the fire of our devotion light their way.

May the footprints that we leave lead them to

Believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey,

O, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

Joe Duvall

A LETTER TO GOD

MINNIE MEMBERS

1001 Excuse Avenue

Dear God Up In Heaven,

I wanted to write you and let you know why we don’t attend the services of the church faithfully.

You have chosen for Your day, a day that comes at the end of a hard week when we are all tired out. Also, it comes just after Saturday night and that is the night we feel we should enjoy ourselves and take in a movie or a ball game, or a party; and it is usually after midnight when we get to sleep. You have chosen the very day on which we need to sleep late. Then, too, my family demands a big Sunday dinner; and when I get up so late, I can’t get all this prepared and make it to Bible study and for preaching. John likes to read the Sunday sports page thoroughly, and the kids want to read all the funnies. I mean no disrespect, but it seems to me that You picked the wrong day.

Then, too, we must think of John. John works hard all week, and Sunday is about the only day he has to catch up on odd jobs around the house. I also feel like he should have one day a week to sleep, fish, golf, or visit the folks he doesn’t see during the week.

Please try to understand and don’t hold this against us.

Last Sunday we meant to go to church but had company. The Sunday before, we meant to go, but it was raining. The Sunday before that you know how cold it was. I was telling John last night that we just had to get back to church or people would thin we had quit. You know how people like to talk.

“THAT’S MY KING!”

“THAT’S MY KING!”
Rev. S. M. Lockridge

THE BIBLE SAYS…
My King is a seven-way king. He’s a king of the Jews, that’s a racial king. He’s a king of Israel, that’s a national king; He’s a king of righteousness; He’s a king of the ages; He’s a king of heaven; He’s a king of glory; He’s a king of kings; and He’s the Lord of Lords; that’s my King!
Well, I wonder, do you know Him? David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” My King is a sovereign King; no means of measure can define His limitless love; no far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply; no barrier can hinder Him from throwing out His blessings. He’s enduringly strong; He’s entirely sincere; He’s eternally steadfast; He’s immortally graceful; He’s imperially powerful; He’s impartially merciful.

DO YOU KNOW HIM?
He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world; He’s God’s Son; He’s the sinner’ s Savior; He’s the centerpiece of civilization; He stands in the solitude of Himself; He’s august and He’s unique; He’s unparalleled; He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature; He’s the highest personality in philosophy; He is the supreme problem in higher criticism; He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology; He is the core, the necessity for spiritual religion; He’s the miracle of the age; He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him; He’s the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Savior!

I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM TODAY?
He supplies strength for the weak; He’s available for the tempted and the tried; He sympathizes and He saves; He strengthens and sustains; He guards and He guides; He heals the sick; He cleansed the lepers; He forgives sinners; He discharges debtors; He delivers the captives; He defends the feeble; He blesses the young; He serves the unfortunate; He regards the aged; He rewards the diligent and He purified the meek.

I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM?
Well, my King, He is a key to knowledge; He’s a wellspring of wisdom; He’s a doorway of deliverance; He’s a pathway of peace; He’s a roadway of righteousness; He’s a highway of holiness; He’s a gateway of glory.

DO YOU KNOW HIM?
Well, His office is manifold; His promise is sure; His light is matchless; His goodness is limitless; His mercy is everlasting; His love never changes; His Word is enough; His grace is sufficient; His reign is righteousness and His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you! But He is indescribable! He’s God. He’s incomprehensible; He’s invincible; He’s irresistible; Well, you can’t get Him out of your mind; you can’t get Him off your hand; you can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him; The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him; Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him; the witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree; Herod couldn’t kill Him; death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him!

YES, THAT’S MY KING! THAT’S MY KING!
And thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever and ever (How long is that?) and ever and ever, and when you get through with all the forevers then AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!

A “Nobody” In Hell, or “Who’s Who” In Heaven?

Pope’s Points

Julian Pope

A “Nobody” In Hell, or “Who’s Who” In Heaven?

Had you ever noticed, in Luke 16:19-31, that the rich man in Hell is not named? When he was living, no doubt he was known far and near for his wealth, his lavish parties and, if they had such in those days, was listed in “Who’s Who.” But when he died, he was just a nobody in Hell!

By contrast, had you noticed that Lazarus is named? When he was living, I doubt if the rich man or any of his friends knew his name, being known only as the beggar. When he died, there were no hired mourners and I am sure he was buried without notice in a potter’s field. But when his spirit left his house of clay, he was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom. A nobody on earth, but he knew the Lord, and now he is listed in “Who’s Who” in Heaven!

Which way have you chosen?

MY LORD AND SAVIOR

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and The Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be…
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The leaders can’t ignore Him.
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and
The people couldn’t hold Him!

Herod couldn’t kill Him
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse him
And the people couldn’t’ hold him.

Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him
And Oprah can’t explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light
And His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders
And the overseer of the overcomes

The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me
Never forget me.
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and everyway.

He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this…

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well With my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

I love the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life,
He is my source of existence and my Savior.

Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things.
Philippians 4:13

HOW TO KNOW THERE IS A GOD

Pope’s Points

Julian Pope

HOW TO KNOW THERE IS A GOD

Would you like to know that there is a God, that Jesus Christ is His Son and Savior, and what true teaching is? Will, Jesus Himself suggested an experiment: Joh_7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. The responsibility is on the seeker. He must be willing to do God’s will when it is revealed to him. God promises no light to one who closes his eyes against it, nor any spiritual food to one who will not eat.

If you are an honest doubter, will you pray this prayer? “God, if you exist, I ask You to reveal Yourself to me. I am willing to do Your will if You reveal it to me, and will accept Jesus as my Savior if You reveal Him to me as Your Son.” Then read the entire Gospel of John, first noting its purpose in chapter 20, verse 31.

Living a full Life

Signs this week:

Past-leave it to God,

• There comes a time of ending.

• A time of mourning the past is ended. – II Sam 11:27

• Mercy given in the past – Rom 11:30

• Forgiveness of sins given in the past. – Romans 3:25

• There comes a time when our days are past. – Job 17:11

• Eph 2:2, 3, 11

• How often do we look back to refresh old hurts, defeats and disasters?

Present-Live it for God, – John 6:32-33

• The work is given for today and not a future day. – John 4:35-38

• Luke 11:3 – Our life is lived day by day.

• Remember Zacchaeus? Luke 19:5 – Today, not tomorrow.

• Luke 19:9 – Today is salvation

• Luke 23:43 – Today some one is dying. Today some are going to heaven and others to hell.

• What we do today can make an eternal difference in some one’s life.

• John 9:4

Future-Entrust it to God – Matt 6:25; Matt 6:33,34

Also God is waiting for you.

• What will it take for us to truly commit ourselves to the work of the Lord.

• Yes the physical things need to be done.

• Spiritual things of greater importance.

God bless you throughout the Year.