Month: October 2025

Don Loflis Via Bulletin Gold

The media is filled with products which promise great
results for minimal efforts. We are told that we can lose
20 pounds without any exercise and can eat all the foods
we want, if we take one little “miracle pill” a day. We
can make $100,000 a year by working only 10 hours a
week, if we join a popular on-line business group.

A lot of folks must feel the same way about their
religious involvement. They desire all the spiritual
blessings (forgiveness, peace, fellowship, hope, etc.), as
long as they can drop in to worship once a month and
give their $50 a year. They want to be spiritual giants
tomorrow without giving up any of the pleasures of the
world today.

Jesus warned His listeners, “Enter through the
narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad
that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter
through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow
that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Mt.
7:13-14). Later He said, “If anyone wishes to come after
Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily
and follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23). Paul understood the true
price tag of loyalty to Jesus and passed that message
along to a young preacher named Timothy by stating,
“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
be persecuted.” (II Tim. 3:12).

It is difficult to swim upstream, but Christians are called to
challenge and resist the evil within culture. The Lord
shapes our lives more through adversity and temptation
than prosperity (James 1:2-4). Bargain religion is destined
to fail, because Jesus demands more. Remember, we were
redeemed not with cheap grace but with the blood of the
Son of God.

David Bragg  Via Bulletin Gold


Psalm 42:11:
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Witty headlines never fail to entertain:

• Uber’s Search for a Female CEO Has Been Narrowed Down to
3 Men (Denver Post)

• New Hampshire Hospital Evacuated After Several People Report
Feeling Sick (WHDH Boston, Mass.)

• Sacramento Event to Curb Gun Violence Ends with Gun Violence
(KXTV Sacramento, Calif.)

• Fire Truck Catches Fire While Battling a Fire and Then Explodes,
Adding More Fire to the Fire That the Firetruck Was Firefighting
(Global News Canada)
 
Much like those beleaguered firefighters, we all face
challenges that seem insurmountable, times when
everything goes awry, and it feels like the world is against
us. In a downcast time Psalm 42 was written. We don’t
know the specifics, but we can see his tears are evident (v.
3), and his anguish, pouring out his soul (v. 4). Yet, even
in his despair, he knew where to seek solace and strength:
in God (v. 6) who was his Rock (v. 9).

A headline from the Arizona Republic reads, “Arizona
Psychic Hit by Car Says He Never Saw it Coming.” No
matter the challenges that come your way, “hope in God”
(v. 11), and He will be your refuge.
 

By Chuck Marshall Via Bulletin Gold

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”
(Mt. 4:20). Simon and Andrew immediately left their
nets and followed Him. Having been fishermen since
childhood they knew much about catching fish, but
probably little about catching souls. By examining
biblical principles, you and I can also learn to be fishers
of men.

First, “fish” Fervently. Those who are enthusiastic
about fishing spend their time and their money on the
sport, or the business as it may be. They don’t give up
quickly, and even when the fish are not biting they will
fish all night. They also enjoy talking about fishing.
Likewise when fishing for men, Jesus teaches us to be
fervent enthusiastic, devoted, and joyful.

Next, “fish” Intelligently. Understand that everyone
is not reached in the same manner. Knowing people and
how to respond to different kinds of personalities,
knowing the person’s social, religious and biblical
background, and knowing when to press and when to
“ease up” are all keys to effective soul-fishing. We need
wisdom in what we say and how we say it (Col. 4:5-6).

Then, “fish” Steadily. Keep at it. Sporadic fishing
doesn’t get the job done. Sometimes the fish aren’t
biting – there is no interest in the bait. But if you stop
because of that you may miss out when they become
interested again.

Finally, “fish” Hopefully. Discouragement can end a
fisherman’s career. You are going to hit slumps if you fish
long enough. The prospect of catching a fish keeps a
fisherman going. No one gets up at 4 AM, loads up the
gear, buys, the tackle and bait, and travels for hours who
does not expect to catch something that day. So it should
be as we fish for men. It is the joyful anticipation of
winning a person to Christ that compels us to keep fishing
for men (Luke 15:7).