It has been thirty-one years ago this month since our house burned. I still remember the feeling I had when I drove onto our street, saw the firetruck, and realized that it was our house. I still remember the smells, the burned possessions, the charred Bible that lay on the floor in my bedroom. Desperation filled me as I lay my head on my father’s knee and wept. I remember the exact words I spoke to him. “What are we going to do?” Standing in my front yard, I looked at the house and wondered if we would ever be the same again. The answer to that is, “no.” I am not the same person I was then, and yesterday was a reminder of how I am different and why.

Yesterday morning, my husband, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, and I made the trip to Mayfield, Kentucky, to deliver a check to the church from the Christians in our congregation. They have turned the church building into a distribution center to meet immediate physical needs of the local residents.

When we left the church building, we drove through the streets of downtown Mayfield, and what you see on television is nothing compared to what it really looks like. It is so overwhelming—piles of rubbish, twisted cars, metal from buildings, and piles of what used to be the possessions of many people. Everywhere we looked was devastation. People are still walking around dazed at the sight, volunteers still searching the rubble, and linemen working to restore power. These people will never be the same.

So, how can I say there are blessings in the midst of this tragedy? Where is the positive among so much negative? The blessings from my tragedy and the blessings from the Mayfield tragedy may be very different, but there are similarities; and I truly believe they exist in every situation.

When our house burned, neighbors, friends, church members, and total strangers responded to us. There was food, clothing, and offers from many sources. At the time, I lived each day in a fog. But as I reflect on that time of our lives, I know what blessings all of those things were. We were blessed that it didn’t happen in the middle of the night. We were blessed that the house didn’t burn completely. We were blessed that we had a place to stay. We were blessed by love and support of fellow Christians.

Mayfield was blessed that it didn’t happen in the middle of the day, when the buildings were filled with people. They are blessed that there are receiving support from various directions. They are blessed the church, sitting closely to the center of the tornado, is there to offer help. They are blessed to have fellow Christians from many places bringing supplies and money to supply their immediate needs.

The greatest blessing in these, or any tragedies, is that Christian people have the opportunity to serve. That is where the true blessing is—serving others.

Jesus told the story of the talents and the three men to whom the master gave the talents. Two of the men increased the number of talents, but the third did nothing but bury his. He was condemned because he was lazy, and he missed an opportunity (Matthew 25:26). In verse 31, Jesus speaks of the judgment where all nations will be gathered. Those that will be blessed are those that offered assistance to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger. Those that will be condemned are those that refused to do for those in need. Jesus says that doing these things for those in need is doing it for Him. Not doing these things is selfish and missed opportunities.

I fear that many see tragedies, express their sympathy, and never make the effort to relieve the suffering. Where will that put us when we stand before God in judgment?

At the end of Acts chapter 2, we read about the new Christians selling their possessions and sharing them with other Christians. They saw a need, and they met that need. In Second Corinthians 8, we read about the generosity of the churches in Macedonia towards the church at Jerusalem. The persecution in Jerusalem had brought about serious needs, and the churches of Macedonia met those needs.

In the midst of such tragedies as the tornadoes, we are seeing commercials on television about the need to save elephants and to rescue mistreated animals. Those may be good causes, but our command from God our Father is to respond to those with whom we come in contact—those human beings who are in need. In so doing, we will bless the needy; and we will be blessed in the judgment.

One does not have to be rich to do for the needy. Remember, Jesus said that one who gives even a cup of cold water in His name will not lose his reward (Matthew 10:42).

Possessions seem so important to us, but they are only temporary. I miss some of those things I lost in the fire, especially my Bible. But what I remember is the love, kindness, and support of those who were there for us. Jesus’ words are a reminder of what is really important. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV).

Sandra Oliver

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, Deuteronomy 10.17.

Moses was reminding the Israelites of their history. God did not favor the Israelites because they were the most numerous nation in existence. Actually, they were the least numerous of all. God brought them out of Egypt because of his love for them and his faithfulness to the promise he had vowed to their ancestors. God had promised their ancestors that if they would obey him, he would love and bless them. Indeed, they would be blessed beyond all peoples, Deuteronomy 7.14.

Moses reminded them of the provisions that God provided for them while they were wandering in the desert. He gave them food to eat; their clothing did not wear out; their feet did not swell. Moses told them to remember how God disciplined them, just as a parent disciplines his child, Deuteronomy 8.3-5.

Moses warned them of forgetting the Lord by not keeping his commandments. He warned them about feeling self-important and saying that their own abilities had gotten their wealth. He also advised them of what would happen if they were to worship other gods bowing before them, Deuteronomy 8.17-19.

God is faithful to those who remain faithful to him. He is not swayed by bribes. Bargaining is not an option for his followers. God alone is worthy of all adoration.

Vicki Matheny

A recent Facebook meme equated the teaching profession to a child falling on a trampoline and trying to get back up while the other children continue to jump. After some reflection, this feeling of helplessness is often present in the lives of Christians, as well. The world in which we live is filled with wickedness. Sin and temptation seem to be everywhere we look. Frequently, it appears the ones who turn their backs on God prosper while those who strive to obey God suffer. How can the Christian get back up when the world continues to jump on life’s trampoline?

First, the Christian must lean on God. Many times, we try to relate to the world around us through our understanding of the circumstances. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” We cannot substitute our understanding of matters for God’s wisdom. Jesus taught His disciples to take their strength from Him. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Many passages express the help and strength God will provide in times “of trouble” (Psalm 9:9; 20:1; 37:39-40; 50:15; 138:7; Proverbs 3:25-26; Nahum 1:7). “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Second, the Christian must look for the positives, including the final victory. When this life seems to drag us into the depths of despair from all the wickedness, we should focus on the advice Paul gave to the church at Philippi. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Positive thinking improves one’s outlook on life. What is greater than thinking about a future home in Heaven? Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Living in this ungodly world is not easy, but the reward for faithfulness is truly a positive. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Third, the Christian must lend a hand to wavering fellow Christians. Those who struggle with the realities of living in this world often feel they are the only ones battling the works of Satan. The truth is everyone wrestles with something. Galatians 6:2 instructs Christians to “Bear one another’s burdens.” The Greek word for “bear” means “to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)” (Biblesoft’s). Christians should support one another. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Multiple passages tell us to love each other (John 13:34-35; 15:12; Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:11). First Thessalonians 5:11 instructs Christians to comfort and edify (build up) one another. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

At some point in our lives, we all feel the powerlessness that comes with falling down on life’s trampoline. When we lean on God, look for the positive and lend a hand, we exchange helplessness for power. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Works Cited

Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Electronic Database. Seattle: Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, 2010.

Rebecca Rushmore

We’ve all heard the phrase, “When it rains, it pours.” While there are rare occasions that we might get to focus on a single responsibility or situation, most of our time is spent juggling several simultaneously. When one challenge arises, we expect a few more to come knocking. While this can be overwhelming (a feeling Satan just loves for us to have), these are the times in our life when we find out what we’re really made of. When it seems hardest to make a godly decision, when it seems impossible to know the right answer, when you don’t WANT to do the right thing, when the rubber meets the road, your response reveals the contents of your heart. Over the past few weeks, I have seen fellow Christians, young children, and total strangers whose lives have been turned upside down by tragedy, uncertainty, and harm. In moments like these, we must ask ourselves: When the rubber meets the road, who am I? In His word, God tells us how we can know who we truly are. The following questions paired with scripture help us answer this question for ourselves.

>>When life gets hard what do I cling to for comfort? 

1. Read Numbers 13:25-14:4… After spying out the land of Canaan, fear turned the Israelites’ hearts back towards Egypt. They had finally set their eyes upon the promised land…but it wasn’t that simple. Canaan was filled with bigger, stronger men than the Israelites. Instead of marching forth in faith to overtake the land, the Israelites’ response was to retreat to their past lives in slavery to Egypt. When life gets hard, do I miss my past life without God?

2. Read Psalm 18:29-31…When David was surrounded by adversity, his gut reaction was to cry out to God. David relied solely on the power, perfection, and precepts of God to pull him through. When life gets hard, is turning to Him my gut reaction?

>>How much can my faith take? 

1.     Read Job 2:9…Job’s wife endured suffering and loss alongside Job, but her faith in God had its limits. Faithfulness to God wasn’t worth the pain. When our faith crumbles, our hope is lost along with it. Job’s wife allowed present sorrows to overshadow her trust in God. At what point does life shake my faith? How much can life dish out before my faith in God’s way and word weakens?

2.     Read Job 2:10…Job kept his faith, knowing that hardships are inevitable. God blesses, but He also disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:6-7).

>>Do I let my own life take away from the good I can do for others? 

1.     Read Phil. 2:3-11… Christ knew the pain, temptation, and ridicule that awaited, yet His heart was not consumed with His own grief. Pain was part of the process. The sole purpose of Jesus’ life was to offer healing, hope, and salvation to others. Our Savior’s earthly hardships never swayed Him from His Heavenly purpose. Do I allow my own stress and difficulties to distract me from lightening the burdens of others?

“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of.”

– Charles Spurgeon

By Emily Pollard

Being small in stature, I have rarely given much thought about my diet and/or exercise.  But now that it looks like I have Celiac disease, I have been looking for more wheat-free, gluten-free food that I can eat.  In the same way that we must consider our physical diet, especially if we have some disease such as elia disease, diabetes, or lactose intolerance, we must  consider our spiritual diet.  What are we feeding our spiritual bodies with?  Are we desiring the pure milk of God’s Word?  (I Peter 2:2)  Are we exercising our minds daily to feed on God’s Word with the desire to grow and become more mature as Christians?  Do we hunger and thirst for righteousness to be satisfied?  (Matthew 5:6)

Just as the physical body needs good food to thrive and survive, so must the spiritual body which needs God’s Word to thrive and survive.  It is not enough to just read God’s Word.  We must dig deep into God’s Word and live it out in our lives everyday in order to become spiritually stronger and closer to God.  If we are faithful to the end, we will have a home in Heaven awaiting us when this life is over ..  Don’t you want to go to Haven to live for all eternity?  If so, please read, study and obey God’s commands faithfully always.

Debora Robbins

Many years ago, my husband’s cousin lost her little boy in a tragic accident. He was playing outside their apartment and fell into a hole dug by a utility company. The hole was left uncovered, and rain had accumulated in it overnight. Sadly, the little boy drowned.

We all probably know similar stories with similar results. One of the things I often here in a situation like this is, “I feel like I have a hole in my heart.” I heard this phrase used just recently, and it made me wonder how to help someone fill the hole in their heart.

As I write this, the people of five or six states are suffering the loss of friends, relatives, homes, possessions, and businesses from the tornadoes. I feel certain they feel like they have a hole in their hearts. I feel for them, but that does not fill their losses. These are physical holes in the heart, but what about the spiritual holes in the hearts of mankind?

In looking at Scripture, I can find ways to fill the hole that are both good and bad. I can find examples of some who filled themselves with the right things and some that filled themselves with the wrong things. Some fillers seemed like the right thing but turned out to be the wrong thing.

In Luke 15, we read about the young man known as the prodigal son. Young and impetuous, he left the comforts of home with his share of the inheritance and traveled to a far country. There he wasted his money in “riotous living.” One day he realized his money was gone and his friends had left, and he had no way to make a living. He was ashamed to go home to the “I told you so,” so he went to work feeding pigs. Scripture says, “And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat and no man gave unto him” (Luke 15:16 KJV). Until this young man was filled with remorse and repentance, he would still have that “hole in his heart.”

In Acts 5, there is a story about Ananias and Sapphira. Wanting to do something good, but doing it for the wrong reason, has them lying about the amount of money they received from the sale of their property. While others were filled with gratitude for what they had and filled with willingness to share, these two were filled with deceit. Peter’s response to Ananias was, “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3).

The disciples found themselves filled with sorrow, but it wasn’t the right kind of sorrow. Jesus had warned these men about what would be expected of them when He left them. He even warned that some would be killed, and the murderers would think they were doing the right thing. Jesus was concerned that He had told them He was going away, but none of them asked Him where He was going. He told them, “But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart” (John 16:6). It was another of those frustrating moments for Jesus that the disciples just didn’t get it. They were filled with sorrow, but it was for the wrong reason.

When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he told the Jews that they had killed Jesus, killed their prophets, persecuted the apostles, hated people, and were the worst kind of hypocrites. They told the apostles they could not preach to the Gentiles because they were afraid the Gentiles would accept the Gospel and be saved. They were filled with hatred.

So, just what should fill the hole in our hearts? It is clear to see that filling it with greed, an unholy lifestyle, lies, deceit, and sorrow for the wrong things in this world will not fill us with what will sustain us.

Jesus said if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Paul wanted the Romans to be filled with joy and peace in believing (Romans 15:13). In verse 14, he says he is convinced that they are full of goodness, knowledge, and the ability to admonish one another. Do you realize that we cannot admonish someone else until we are full of goodness and knowledge?

The prodigal son went home, not to “I told you so,” but to the open arms of the father. Ananias and Sapphira were not so blessed. They did not repent, and they died in their sins. The disciples eventually gave their lives for the cause of Christ, all but Judas. The Thessalonians received the Gospel, and they also suffered for their Christianity.

Paul gives us a conclusion to filling the hole in our hearts. He says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

Whatever your circumstance, fill your “hole” with the Spirit, the Gospel, and everything good and right in the sight of God.

Sandra Oliver

Warm.  Friendly.  Welcoming.  These are the words we hope visitors can use to describe our church family.  We discuss ways to accomplish this, like stationing greeters at each door or creating a “Welcome Center.”  A few months ago Neal and I moved to a new state to worship with a new congregation full of new faces.  We’ve been welcomed with invitations to lunch and housewarming gifts.  But one young lady really stands out in our minds.  Her name is Sydney Elkin and she has managed to make even the auditorium feel warm.  So here are some things I’ve learned from a 9-year-old on how to be friendly:

Seek Out the New Faces

Not long after we moved, I was sitting in a pew by myself near the front of the auditorium.  A sweet girl walked up to me and smiled.  She looked me in the eyes and said, “I just wanted to come talk to you.”  I couldn’t help but smile back and say, “Oh!  Well, thank you!”  We chatted for a minute or two.  When she left, I kept smiling.

How simple was that? I’ve since learned that Sydney and her family sit in the back half of the auditorium.  She made the decision to walk all the way up to where I was and meet me.  The introvert in me is really impressed with her bravery!  Sydney’s not a “greeter” but she knows how to greet.  I learned from her how impactful it is to go out of your way to talk to someone.  Instead of just saying hello to those we come across as we make our way to our pews, we can take a few minutes to seek out visitors or anyone sitting alone.  They will definitely feel welcomed by someone who walks over to them with a warm smile and a handshake.

Get Other Members Involved

A couple of weeks ago after a worship service I was standing in the aisle chatting with a few people.  Sydney walked up to me with four other young ladies and said, “We just wanted to come talk to you!”  I laughed in delight and said, “You did?”  Sydney led the conversation by asking questions like, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”  I had the sweetest time with those five girls as they stood in a little arch around me for several minutes.  I still felt the warmth as I told Neal about it on the way home.

Aside from the fact that Sydney is obviously a remarkable young lady, what a wonderful thing to do!  All four of those other girls are equally sweet but may not have been comfortable going to talk to someone on their own.  Sydney encouraged them to join her and I benefited from it.  It’s such a good idea.  When we see a visitor, a loner, a shy person, a teen, or a widow, we can round up a couple of folks and say, “Let’s go say ‘hi’!” It will certainly make anyone feel special but it will also help the members being pulled in.  It will gradually create a culture of congregational warmth and friendliness.

Add a Thoughtful Gesture

This past Sunday morning, Sydney walked up to Neal and me and handed us an envelope.  It contained a handwritten note with some sweet compliments.  She also wrote, “I would love to help you with anything I could.”  Have I mentioned she’s NINE years old?  Our hearts melted.

Sydney knows the meaning of follow-through.  She keeps thinking of ways to engage us and make us feel welcome.  Now we have a colorful note that will make us smile every time we see it.  All it took was a little time from a thoughtful soul.  A local jam or muffins, some wildflowers from your yard, or even a cute sticker (why not?)…there are many creative, tangible ways to bring a smile.  It’s a second-mile gesture that sends a big message:  You’re special.  You’re thought of.  We’re glad you’re here.

I’ve learned a lot about friendliness from Sydney.  Nothing she did felt awkward or scripted or forced.  Her enthusiasm didn’t come across in an overwhelming way.  She just shared her sweet self in a natural way.  It was genuine and just right.  I’ve started praying that I will be more like Sydney.  Thank you, God, for this mighty example from a tender heart!

Mt. 7:12 – All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Kathy Pollard

So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. Luke 2.33

How bewildering it must have been for Mary to be the mother of Jesus! At the time of the announcement of his conception and birth, Mary questioned the angel, Gabriel, as to how such a thing would happen since she was a virgin. Yet she humbly accepted what Gabriel told her, Luke 1.38.

After his birth, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord as their first born child. The offering that they were to make was a pair of doves or two young pigeons, not the offering of a wealthy family. It is while at the temple that Simeon, to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would see the Lord’s Christ before his death, took the baby in his arms and blessed God. His words amazed Joseph and Mary. At that moment, Anna, a prophetess, approached them and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the baby.

The next account that is written is when Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus was twelve years old. He did not leave with them on the return trip, but stayed in Jerusalem in the temple talking with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, Luke 2.46. Upon their return to Jerusalem to search for him, Joseph and Mary found him in the temple among the teachers. They did not understand the remark that Jesus made when he replied that he must be in his Father’s house. He returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. Luke wrote that Mary kept all those things in her heart.

Just as Jesus grew in wisdom, Mary also grew in understanding. In John 2 at the wedding in Cana in Galilee, Mary recognized a problem which she took to Jesus, expecting him to solve it. She had some understanding of who her son was.

Mary allowed God to use her life in a miraculous way. She humbly accepted what God wanted her to do, even though it was not without difficulties, probably including some embarrassing times.

May we follow her example of willingness and obedience to God.

by Vicki Matheny

Luke 6:45 “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure, produces evil…”

I adore Christmas! I love the lights. I treasure the ornaments made long ago by my children’s tiny hands. I blare Christmas carols while wrapping gifts for the tree. And I shuffle my schedule around TV Christmas shows: the funny ones, the classic ones, and, yes, the sappy Hallmark ones.

I recently settled in to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Disclaimer: If by any small chance you have not seen this, stop reading right now and watch it or else forfeit your right to complain over this spoiler-alert!)

The Grinch hated everything about Christmas: the lights, the ornaments, and the Christmas caroling. As the song states, the Grinch’s “heart was an empty hole.” Being the ultimate party-pooper meant the Grinch lived all alone on the outskirts of the Christmas-obsessed town of Whoville. The greedy and angry Grinch stole every symbol of Christmas from Whoville; the gifts, the decorations, and the Christmas feast. But imagine his surprise when he witnessed the entire town celebrating in spite of it all. Then in a move the Grinch could never have foreseen, little Cindy Lou Who offered him the best Christmas gifts ever: unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. Immediately, the Grinch’s heart grew three times in size and a reformed Grinch gladly returned all the stolen loot with the realization, “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

In scripture, a man named Zacchaeus was the Grinch. He was a wealthy and greedy tax collector who stole from the people of Jericho. And although he had every material thing the world could offer, his heart was an empty hole. So, in Luke 19, we find Zacchaeus seeking what he lacked: love, forgiveness, and mercy. And when this greedy man encountered Jesus, the giver of all, his heart surely grew three times in size. A reformed Zacchaeus returned the stolen loot (and then some) to the citizens of Jericho.

So, here’s a tip for all procrastinators still searching the internet for the perfect gift: Try googling “the Heart of Jesus.” This Christmas, consider giving His gifts of love, forgiveness, and mercy. Even the vilest of Grinch-hearts can be transformed by Jesus. And all will see, “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Father God, may we give Your gifts this Christmas and may we seek to fill the holes in our hearts with Your love.

Blessings for the heart of Jesus,

Rita Cochrane

Do you teach your children responsibility? Do they have chores to do each day? Do they contribute to the good of the family? Most importantly, have you taught them the need to know God and how to follow him?

Josiah was crowned king in Jerusalem when he was eight. He was a good king. Even though he did not have good examples in his father and grandfather, someone had trained him to do what the Lord approved and not to deviate from the path.

Josiah was responsible for ridding Jerusalem and the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon and Naphtali of idolatry. He repaired the temple which his predecessors had allowed to fall into disrepair. After Hilkiah found the law scroll in the temple, Josiah gathered the people and read the scroll aloud renewing the covenant with the Lord. He restored observance of the Passover festival. All of this was accomplished within a span of thirty-one years.

Josiah had a heart that sought God. What are you teaching your children?

by Vicki Matheny