‘Home’ is a word that you feel. It is often associated with security, belonging, rest, and love. It seems to me that God blesses us with a home three times over:

• Our Family Home– We have the one we grow up in and the one we create as adults. If we build them with biblical wisdom, they can be “precious and pleasant” (Prov. 24:3-4).
• Our Church Home– This household of God is filled with brothers and sisters who love and honor one another (1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 12:9-10).
• Our Heavenly Home– The Father’s house is filled with many rooms (John 14:2-3), will last forever (Matt. 6:19-20), and is built by the One who loves us most (Heb. 11:16).

Our family homes aren’t perfect, are they? As much as we love each other, we still experience strife, heartache, and disappointment. Yet our homes are most dear to us, and we do our best to protect and cherish them.

Our church homes aren’t perfect either because they are filled with imperfect people. Sometimes there are personality conflicts and growing pains. But we sure need each other (!), and we thank God for the love and support of our Christian family.

Only our heavenly home will be perfect. As much as we enjoy our special homes here, the best one yet is waiting for us. There will be no tears or disappointments. God is filling it with light, love, rest, peace, and true comfort. That’s what we have to look forward to! HOME.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

(John 14:2-3)

By Kathy Pollard

Philippians 3:13b-14: “but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Here’s a riddle for you:

We create them, yet we despise them. As soon as they appear, we cannot wait to be rid of them. What are they?

The answer? Regrets!

Have you ever pondered regret? Tracing it back to its conception, regrets were born on the sixth day of creation as God fashioned humans with  freedom of choice. God created us but we created regret.

Regrets are plentiful, coming in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Relatively few days are void of regrets, but gratefully most are insignificant in the scope of life. Perhaps we begrudge eating that extra helping of dessert as we attempt to zip our jeans. Or maybe we choose to delay laundry and it turns into a deplorable mountain of smelly socks.

However, other regrets are not so easily overcome and produce great difficulties. Words spoken in haste can cause immediate anguish, holding the power to fracture solid friendships. Actions motivated by jealousy and pride bring remorse as they backfire and hurt those we love most. And idle gossip is powerful enough to crush spirits and create great divides.

Since regret is so very problematic, why is it we, humans, create so much of it? Because regret is a tricky little thing, clearly visible only when looking behind. By the time our past actions come into clear focus, it is too late to avoid them. Those deeds, good or bad, have already etched a place into our story.

Friends let’s stop here to praise the Holy Spirit for including Paul’s story in scripture, for if anyone modeled a life lived beyond regrets, it was Paul. His past was filled with all things regrettable. But once a Christian, Paul realized his past lay in direct opposition to his future in Christ. So Paul’s focus changed and he forged ahead in his new life.

Although Paul wrote of forgetting his past, we know from scripture he never disregarded his former life. He referenced it as he spoke and wrote his epistles of encouragement. But Paul chose not to live in accordance with his memories. Instead, he used his past to fuel his future kingdom work.

At some point, our actions will guarantee us regret, requiring we bring it before the Father and make amends with those we have hurt. Then we may store our regret in the past where it belongs, using it only as fuel to live out the beautiful, productive life God calls us to live.  Remember friend, our prize lies not behind. It lies ahead in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Father God, help us to use our past failures to insure our future with You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

When our son was one year old, we moved to Indiana. The church was a small mission congregation of about twenty members. Bob’s work was centered around preaching, visiting, getting to know the people in the community, and trying to hold this little group of Christians together.

There was a couple in our congregation that had been converted some years before. They lived in the house next to the church building; and we were told that before they became Christians, they would sit on their porch drunk and shout ugly things to the members as they entered the building. They obviously changed, but she was an outspoken lady; and he was a quiet little man who did exactly what she said. She was known for making people move if they sat where she liked to sit, and she controlled whether the window was open or closed. I think everyone was a little afraid of her. I know I was.

When David, our son, was about three, the lady passed away. Her husband asked me to come to their house and choose clothes for her burial. I was so shocked when I saw her neat little closet and her well-organized dresser drawers. Her wardrobe consisted of five or six freshly-starched dresses. Her funeral was a simple service with her husband, a few church members, and a nephew.

When David was five, her husband died, and we decided this would be a good time to take our son to the funeral home. He had been asking some questions about dying, and we thought we could better answer his questions at the funeral home. Bob called the funeral home and asked them if we could take him at a time no one would be there. The funeral director arranged a time, and we explained to David what we were going to do. As we stood in front of the casket, we waited for David to ask us questions. Instead, he just stared into the casket without saying a word. Finally, Bob asked him if he had any questions. “Yes Daddy”, he said. “When will they take him out of that box, wrap him in a blanket, and put him in the hole?” Needless to say, we were shocked. We realized that his perception of death and burial was like what he saw on television in the westerns he had watched. That’s the way they buried people, and he thought that was the way everyone is buried.

Later that same year, a little girl in David’s kindergarten class at school was hit by a car and killed. The two of them were best friends, and we did not take our son to the funeral home to see her. It did, however, present an opportunity to talk about death a little more with him.

I tell you this story to say that we all need to understand the truth about death. We don’t need a view of death the way it is expressed in movies and television. Children have questions. They have a right, at the proper time, to have them answered. They experience loss of friends, relatives, church family just like adults.

About seven or eight years ago, I had a particularly inquisitive group of fourth and fifth grade students in my Bible class. We were studying the life of Jesus. One of our lessons was on the death of the rich man and Lazarus. The children wanted to know if they could ask some questions about death, and I told them they could. I had them write out their questions and bring them to class. One of the girls brought a list of more than twenty questions. These questions were well-thought out and eye-opening to me.

The misconceptions of most children are: that we go directly to heaven when we die; that we become angels when we die; that we can see people on earth; that no one goes to “the bad place”. Study the Scriptures and learn about death and dying. Learn about heaven and hell. Don’t make up something about heaven (or hell) that isn’t taught in the Bible. Your children will be better off knowing the truth.

As a side note. Please pray for the church in Winchester, Indiana. Their building was demolished in the recent tornadoes in that area.

Sandra Oliver

Isaiah 46:4 (ESV) “Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”

I have no recollection as to the exact origin of the phrase, “Oot me,” but one of our grandchildren manufactured it. Perhaps I should provide you some background information. The word, “oot” is pronounced like the word, “hoot” minus the sound of the H. During our grandchild’s language formation season, while attempting to say, “Hold me,” his words came out “Oot me.” And just like that it stuck, leaving these words forever immortalized in our family’s vocabulary.

I delight in hearing the words, “Oot me,” for they indicate my grandchild wants me to pick him up and hold him close. Without hesitation, I reach down and scoop up a precious little one whose arms open wide for my embrace.

There are numerous reasons our children need to be held. When they play hard and their tiny bodies grow weary, we hear “Oot me.” If their little life seems big and scary, overpowering their smallness, they run to us with, “Oot me.” When the challenges of growing up fill them with insecurities, it’s “Oot me.” When their feelings get hurt, “Oot me” heals their wounds. And sometimes “Oot me” is simply needed to feel the comfort of loving arms.

Friend, the sweetness of embrace is so very reminiscent of the relationship our Heavenly Father wishes to have with us. God is never too busy nor important to “Oot” us, for we are His precious children and He longs to hold us close. In His arms of love, our weariness finds rest. In His loving embrace, our insecurities vanish. All fear dissolves as He carries us through our darkest valleys. And when we feel overlooked by others, God sees us and reminds us we are adored. So open those arms up wide and prepare to be loved.

Father God, may we seek Your loving embrace.

Blessings for rest in His loving arms,

Rita Cochrane

Would You Stand Up For Truth If You’re The Only One Standing, Saints?

Even in olden times, God warned his people not to turn away from the commands of the law he had given to them. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it.” Again, the New Testament says, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9). 2 John 1:9 says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

We repeatedly find in Scripture the emphasis that we should not add or take away from the written Word. Why do we feel the need to deviate from God’s standard for worship and salvation? Have we forgotten about the power of the gospel? It is the same gospel that was preached on Pentecost that resulted in about 3000 souls being saved that day (Acts 2:41). Paul says in Romans 1:16, “for I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Therefore, we should not feel ashamed to use that same gospel to reach the lost today.

If you find yourself in a place that has deviates from the pattern of Biblical worship God approves, and the one way of salvation, you must stand up for God’s truth. Not standing up for God’s truth makes you just as guilty as participating in error. Why take part in worship that will displease God and teach Him a false way? I’ve heard this quote before, “Stand up for what you believe in even if it means standing alone.” Stand strong for truth, even if you’re the only one, and in the end, you will receive your reward. Your soul is too important to make compromises.

Psalm 12:6 – And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

Deb Hibbard

When anyone says anything encouraging to my husband, I want to hug them! It warms my heart when someone tells him his sermon was just what they needed, sends a text saying they are thankful for him, or writes him a note (that he’ll keep in a special file!). He doesn’t preach for praise, but I know that those thoughtful words encourage his soul and keep him going.

I hope you know that when you take a moment to say something kind, it means something. The Bible calls it life-giving (Prov. 18:21).

The Lord’s church is filled with people who know how to build others up, and I see it all the time. I see ladies complimenting each other (and meaning it). I see people going up to the Bible class teachers and thanking them. I see our church mailboxes filled with cards, notes, and small gifts. I see people greeting each other with kind words. It makes me smile to stand in the middle of it all and overhear conversations filled with sweet words, thoughtful questions, and friendly laughter. Where else can you go and be consistently lifted up? God’s people have received His grace and love and are so good at giving it back to His people.

Let’s prayerfully remember:

• To be aware of and acknowledge the efforts of others to lift us up. How easy it is to brush it off or miss it in our distractedness.
• To make sure those who are awfully good at encouraging others (you know who they are) are getting it themselves.
• To thank God for His people and the support they give. They really are the best!

Also remember, if you feel like there’s not enough encouragement going on, you can redouble your own efforts. I’ve said it before…when you feel something is lacking in your church family, the good news is that YOU ARE the church. You can be the change by speaking uplifting words and sending lots of life-giving texts.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.“

(Ephesians 4:29)

By Kathy Pollard

Genesis 3:6-7 “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

Years ago, my husband chose to take me deer hunting. Truly, I married an intelligent man, but this was a definite lapse in his judgement. However, I donned leaves of brown and green, put my hair in a ponytail, and headed off with him into the woods.

After much ado, I sat high in a tree-stand, covered in camouflage, and alone in my thoughts, because heaven forbid, I speak a word and alert the deer!

Perched there in boredom, my thoughts turned to camouflage, and I realized leaves of brown and green were the first fashion statement on earth invented by the first people on earth. Do you remember what Adam and Eve did following their sin in the garden? They donned themselves in camo attempting to blend in with their surroundings, attempting to hide from God, and attempting to become invisible to their Maker. What a fashion disaster it was!

Then, my mind wandered forward.

Do we sometimes fall into the same fashion fail as Adam and Eve? Do we attempt to blend in with our surroundings by linking so closely to society our faith becomes invisible? When friends, neighbors, or co-workers find their passion in the pleasures of the day, do we hide our faith so we too can partake?  Do we work to conceal our fears, our failures, and our sins from God so He cannot see them?

Adam and Eve hoped their camo would hide them and their sin from the Father. But they overlooked His deity, His power, and His intimate knowledge of His beloved creation. Nothing can be hidden from a Father who numbers the hairs on our head and calls each star by name. Our God clearly sees our hopes, our dreams, our shortcomings, and our sins.

I will assume camo does not make you invisible to deer, since we were unsuccessful in the woods that day. So, Sisters, as we choose our attire today, take a pass on camouflage. Our Father sees the real us and loves us anyway. Because of Him, let us be visible to the world, shining brightly a love that is rich, a care for others that is strong, and an intense passion for all that is good.

Father God, may we never attempt to hide our hearts from your love.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

In our last study, we looked at four of the unnamed women of the New Testament. Each represents an example to enrich our lives in service to God. Today, we will look at three more women who show remarkable faith.

The first is the woman at the well in Samaria. We find this story in John 4 as Jesus has left Judea and travelled to Galilee. He and His disciples stopped at Jacob’s well in the land of Samaria. The disciples left to go into the city to find food, and they left Jesus alone. A woman came to draw water, and Jesus entered into a conversation with her. She was surprised that a Jewish man would even speak to a Samaritan, much less a Samaritan woman.

Jesus used this opportunity to talk to her about her adulterous life, having had five husbands and now living with another man who was not her husband. He shared with her the coming of the kingdom (the church) and His instructions about worship. “God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

When the disciples returned, she ran into the city and told everyone that would listen about the man that told her everything she had ever done. They responded by rushing to the well, begging Him to return to the city with them. Many of them believed, and Jesus stayed with them for two days.

John later records the story of the woman caught in adultery. John 8 reveals that the Lord had been sitting in the temple teaching the people. The scribes and the Pharisees brought in a woman they said who had caught in the act of adultery. They showed off their knowledge of the Law by telling Jesus that she should be put to death. They were trying to put Jesus in an impossible situation. If He said to let her go, they could say He was violating the Law. If He said to stone her, everything He stood for would be in jeopardy. As usual, Jesus didn’t say either yes or no. He simply dropped to the ground and wrote in the dirt. Finally, He gave the matter over to them. He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” They were convicted in their own accusations. No one is without sin, and they had no choice but to disappear. One by one they left, leaving the woman standing alone.

Jesus did not condone the woman’s sin. He told her to “Go, and sin no more.” It was her choice. She could continue in this lifestyle or make a change.
Mark 12 presents a story of a woman that needed no healing, had not suffered a personal loss, or was guilty of adultery. She was, however, a poor widow. Jesus sat in front of the place where the Jews put their contributions. He could see as one by one they approached where the money was placed. These were likely voluntary contributions toward the incense and the sacrifices.

From Jesus’ vantage point, He could observe the number of coins the Jews placed in the contribution. Scripture says, “Many rich people put in large sums.” Among the contributors was a poor widow who dropped in two small copper coins. It appears that Jesus had made no comment so far; but when He saw the widow place her money in the collection, He said, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

There is no record that any comment was made either by the Jews or by Jesus’ disciples. His statement said it all.

There are lessons to be learned in these stories, lessons that will fill our lives with right attitudes and righteous living. Though we may not be guilty of adultery or ever live in poverty, these women represent all women.

The woman at the well seemed to be isolated from the other women because she came to the well at a time when other women were not there. She extended herself to give a drink to a man she did not know, one who by the fact that He was a Jew should have sent her running back into the city. She ventured into a conversation with Him and learned some valuable lessons. She acknowledged her sin, enthusiastically affirmed Him to the whole city, and watched while her neighbors accepted this Jewish man and His teachings. We learn from her not to be afraid of someone who is different, and we learn from Jesus to accept people where they are.

The woman caught in adultery was a victim of the Jewish rulers trying to trick Jesus. They were not so concerned with her adultery as putting Jesus in an awkward position. Her sin was real, and Jesus did not ignore it; but there was also sin on the part of the rulers. We need to acknowledge our own sin before we condemn others. We need to condemn the sin, not the person. Jesus also teaches us through this woman that we don’t always need to be on the defensive. Sometimes it is enough to keep silent, consider the situation, and let the truth find its own way.

The poor widow is not about us giving everything we have in the bank to the church. It is about giving from the heart, not to be seen of men, but because we love God and want to obey Him. In her poverty, she still went to the temple; she still participated in her responsibility to give; and she did not use her poverty as an excuse.

May God help us to learn these lessons from these unnamed women of the Bible.

Sandra Oliver

“I didn’t mean to do it.”…The words I’ve said so often

When picking up broken pieces. Harsh words I tried to soften.

But when I’m introspective and with my heart I’m true.

The question begs an answer, “What DID I mean to do?”

I have to mean to live for him. “On purpose” in every detail;

For if I fail to plan my walk, I really plan to fail.

Purposeful living is life with a map, instead of a wandering trail

It’s a definite destination, and a place to avoid, as well.

If I’m to keep away from sin; impulsive times of weakness;

I have to keep close to the Book—prepare, instead, for meekness.

If I’m to guard the worst of me, to practice self-control,

I have to feed the best of me, the manna of the soul.

If I’m to stop the talk that harms and spreads a dark despair

I have to start the talk that heals; the talk of fervent prayer.

If I can bear a burden instead of causing grief.

If I can offer words that heal and offer sweet relief…

That will not be an accident; a careless happenstance.

Heroic deeds are purposeful, and always start with plans.

Plans to set aside the time to get into the Word.

Lists of those who need the truth and maybe haven’t heard.

Jotted lists of those in need of comfort, meals or prayers.

And circled on my calendar the dates I plan to share—

A meal, a card, a visit, or a luncheon for the grieving

A Bible study session with a heart not yet believing.

A facebook group where sisters pray; a house with an open door;

A meal on the table for someone who’s tired, a trip to the grocery store…

A text to encourage an elder, who can hardly stand under the strain…

Coffee with a mom who’s single again; the victim of betrayal and pain.

What did you mean to do today? Exactly what was the plan?

Was the day you just spent purposeful? Did you firmly take your stand?

Did you cross off something on a list that’s focused for his glory?

Did you tell someone off or did you, as planned, tell someone the old, old story?

Did you wonder today at His greatness or wander in purpose-less “fun”?

Did you bask in pursuits of the world or bask in the warmth of His Son?

Did you handle aright the word today? Did you marvel at some truth anew?

Are you planning to fail by failing to plan? Or is God’s purpose living in you?

Gal 5:17 – For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.

Cindy Colley