Author: Tim

Edd Sterchi Via Bulletin Gold
 
Prayer amplifies our feelings,
certifies our relationship,
clarifies our desires,
dignifies our Christianity.
 
Prayer exemplifies our commitment,
fortifies our faith,
notifies our Father,
satisfies our longings.
 
Prayer signifies our thanksgiving,
solidifies our duty,
testifies our adoration,
verifies our security.
identifies our needs,
intensifies our emotions.
 
Prayer justifies our belief,
magnifies our hopes,
nullifies our fears.
 
Prayer pacifies our worries,
ratifies our conviction,
sanctifies our lives,
 

Dale J. Babinsky Via Bulletin Gold

In the Book of James, we are told that “Mercy triumphs
over judgment” (James 2:13). This is a profound
statement that contains the essence of Christian
teaching. This verse reminds believers of the
importance of showing mnercy to others, as it reflects
God’s own merciful nature, which is evident in Jesus’
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:7). It is the merciful
who will receive God’s mercy. In the context of James
2, verse 13 emphasizes the dangers of favoritism and
the call to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

The verse also warns that judgment without mercy
will be shown to those who have not been merciful. It
serves as a call to action, urging us to have compassion
and a forgiving attitude in our interactions. Mercy, in
this sense, is not just an act of kindness but a reflection
of God’s divine grace that overcomes the harshness of
judgment.

In a world that is often quick to judge (especially
regarding politics), this verse challenges us to prioritize
understanding and empathy. It encourages a shift from
a mindset of condemnation to one of reconciliation and
peace. By practicing mercy, we align ourselves with
God’s will and make this world a little bit better.
We absolutely must teach people the truth of God’s
word but let us do so in a manner of love and mercy that
is becoming the child of God. After all, what will we
want on Judgment Day: justice or mercy?

Dale J. Babinsky Via Bulletin Gold

While teaching the disciples about the Bread of Life,
many of the followers of Christ turned away from Him.
Indeed, John 6:66 is a thought-provoking verse in the
Bible which reads: “From this time many of his
disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” This
passage occurs after Jesus delivers a challenging
teaching about the importance of His word. In this, He
emphasized the importance of fully committing to Him
and His mission. Many clearly did not understand.

This verse is significant because it marks a turning
point in Jesus’s ministry. It highlights the cost of
discipleship and the challenge of accepting teachings
that are difficult to understand or embrace. Some
followers found Jesus’s words too confusing or hard to
accept, and they chose to walk away rather than ask for
an explanation and seek after the truth. However, this
moment also sets the stage for the steadfast faith of the
remaining disciples, showcasing the contrast between
those who are willing to persevere through difficulty
and those who are not.

From a spiritual perspective, this verse serves as a
reminder of the importance of faith and trust in
moments of doubt or confusion. It invites reflection on
the question: How do we respond when faced with
teachings or challenges that test our commitment to our
beliefs? Let us be like Peter in this moment, as he
responded that Jesus was the only one who has the
words of life (John 6:68). Let us feast on that spiritual
bread.

Adapted from an article by Jay Launius

After a few days of hard work, all the preparations had
made and it was time for the party. The tables were
filled with stacks of paper plates, plastic flatware.
ready, flatware and cups. Cold drinks were iced and ready while the grill
belched out smoke with the smell of cooking steaks. There
was sliced fresh watermelon, homemade ice cream and
apple pie. Hanging decorations moved gently in the breeze
while tunes played from the Bluetooth speaker. It was time
for the party!

A lot of people had been invited. It was going to be a wonderful
day … but, No one came.

By Jeff Arnette Via Bulletin Gold
 
Psalm 31:17 reminds us that we have no reason to be
ashamed: “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call
upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go
silently to Sheol.”
 
In Christ, we have redemption the greatest gift
imaginable. There is nothing greater than being certain that
we have been saved by grace. To know that our heavenly
home has been bought and paid for by Jesus is a source of
unparalleled joy and assurance: “how much more will the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
himselfwithout blemish to God, purify our conscience from
dead works to serve the living God.” (Heb. 9:14)
 
Truly, we are the most blessed people in the world.
Why don’t we have to be ashamed? It is because we have
called on the name of the Lord, and our sins have been
erased and forgiven by Jesus: “To him who loves us and has
freed us from our sins by his blood.” (Rev. 1:5)
 
This redemption can only come from God. It is a miracle
of the highest order. There is no other way for our sins to be
forgiven and for us to be given a new life:as far as the east
is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions
from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
 
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into
death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of
life.” (Rom.
 
But who should be ashamed? The wicked-those who rely
on their own devices to navigate this life. While their way
may seem to work temporarily, it is fleeting. One day,
Jesus will return, and they will face eternity in hell. In that
moment, they will wish they had trusted in the Lord: “so
that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through
righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” (Rom. 5:21)
 
Let us remember these truths and rejoice in the hope we
have in Christ.

By Jeff Arnete Via Bulletin Gold 

Psalm 52-59, with a focus on Psalm 57:4, highlights a time
in David’s life when he was surrounded by trouble.
Sometimes we too face actual hardships, maybe at work, in
the home, or even unexpected crises we never saw coming.
David’s prayerful words remind us that it’s normal to feel frightened
or stressed when circumstances seem  overwhelming. But just like him,
we can hold onto hope because God is bigger than whatever we face.
Even in dangerous situations, David found the strength to praise
God rather than dwell on his fear.
 
Ephesians 6:12 points us to the spiritual side of our
battles. Many times, the problems in front of us go beyond
the physical difficulties we see. We might be dealing with
anxiety that keeps us awake at night or temptations that test
our integrity. It’s not that we ignore physical threats, but we
recognize that our inner struggles can be just as significant.
David wrestled with his enemies in a real way, but he also
turned to God for the spiritual support he needed. This
invites us to do the same. We can’t handle life’s battles
alone; we rely on God’s power and guidance.
 
Acts 16:23-25 shows an example from the New
Testament where Paul and Silas praised God even in prison.
Like David, their circumstances were bleak. They had every
reason to feel hopeless, yet their response was to worship.
Their story assures us that God’s faithfulness isn’t limited
by location or difficulty. Whether we find ourselves stuck
in a dead-end job, dealing with strained relationships, or
facing health challenges, we still have the option to look up
and trust in the One who never fails.
 
Taking these passages together, we learn that praise isn’t
just for the good times. It’s a statement of faith that God is
at work, even when our situation looks grim. In America
today, stress can come from financial pressures, family
conflict, or social tensions, and we often feel like we have
too much on our plates. Yet, like David, we remember our
experiences of God’s deliverance in the past. His record of
faithfulness remains solid. When we cling to that truth, fear
no longer controls us, and our hearts can find peace. In
every trial, we have the assurance that God is with us. By
lifting our voices in praise, we practice a faith that stands
firm and shines light in the darkest places.
 

By Joe Slater Via Bulletin Gold
 
Hosea wrote during a low point in Israel’s history.
While the nation prospered materially, the people’s
spiritual condition was deplorable. Hmmm. . .sound
familiar?
 
Despite everything the Lord had done for Israel for
“bent on backsliding from Me” (Hosea 11:7). They actually
believed their prosperity came not from the Lord, but
from their alliances with pagan trading partners. “For
she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and
oil, and multiplied her silver and gold – which they
centuries, the unthankful nation was
prepared for Baal” (2:8).
 
God repeatedly warned His wayward people that He
would take away their blessings and they would suffer
(2:9-13). Because of their false swearing, lying, killing,
and adultery, “therefore the land will mourn, and
everyone who dwells there will waste away” (4:2-3). In
addition, Israel’s idolatry (spiritual harlotry against
God) would result in severe punishment: “Therefore
people who do not understand will be trampled” (4:14).
 
In loving mercy, the Lord pleaded with Israel to
return to Him. “Come, and let us return to the Lord”
(6:1). “0 Israel, return to the Lord your God (14:1).
“But they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek
Him for all of this” (7:10). “They return, but not to the
Most High” (7:16)..
 
Does this sound like Horrible news? Only for those unwilling
to repent and return to God! “I will heal their backsliding and
love them freely” (14:4). Jesus cures us from the fatal disease
of sin: He) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we
having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by
whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Edd Sterchi Via Bulletin Gold

Many people believe that all one has to do is claim Jesus as Lord
and they will automatically be placed in His kingdom. On the
other end of the spectrum are the folks who think they can earn
salvation through good works in His name. The debates and
arguments concerning this are endless.

Why not get the answer from the Savior Himself? He settles
the issue in Matthew 7:21-23, Not everyone who says to Me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does
the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not..done many wonders in Your name?”
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from
Me, you who practice lawlessness!”” Let’s note a few important
matters from this.

* Just recognizing Jesus as Lord is not enough. Did you notice
that there were some who called Jesus “Lord”, but they were not
saved? God demands more than just mental acknowledgment.
The head is not enough.

* Just doing something in Jesus’ name is not enough. Did you
also notice that there were some who were doing wonderful
things to honor Jesus, but they too were not saved? Works alone
fall short of God’s formula for justification. The hands are not
enough.

* We become a part of the kingdom of heaven through obedience
to God. If one has such a respect for God and His wishes, there
will be no problem believing Him and doing His will exactly as
stated in His word.

Obviously this involves the heart. The heart that is right and set
on God’s ways will involve the head and the hands in obedience,
as well.

Have you obeyed God’s plan of salvation? Are you
truly doing the will of the Father in heaven? Are you intent on
living the way He has prescribed in the New Testament?
Remember, start with the heart, believe His word, and perform
the will of the Father. “But he who looks into the perfect law
of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer
but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
(James 1:25)

Edd Sterchi Via Bulletin Gold

At worship, I am given the opportunity to..

…revere my Maker. “God is greatly to be feared in the
assembly of the
saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”
(Psalm 89:7)

…rejoice in my salvation. “And my soul shall be joyful in
the LORD; It
shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)

…refresh my spirit. “Revive me according to Your
lovingkindness, so
that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” (Psalm
119:88)

I can’t wait to come and worship, praise and pay homage
to the One who created me, delivered me, and awakens me.
How about you?

“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.”” (Psalm 100)

By Dale J. Babinsky

In many biblical passages, the contrast between light
and darkness is a powerful metaphor for the struggle of
good vs evil. Light often symbolizes knowledge,
goodness, and righteousness, while darkness represents
ignorance, evil, and the unknown. This spiritual
struggle is best seen in the writings of the Apostle John.

Light is often associated with positive qualities such
as wisdom, truth, and purity. In Christianity, Jesus is
referred to as the “Light of the World,” showing us the
path to salvation and righteousness (John 1:9; 3:19;
8:12; 9:5; 11:9; 12:46). John often contrasts the concept
of light, which is beneficial, with darkness. Darkness is
frequently linked to negative attributes such as fear,
ignorance, and evil. In the Bible, darkness is often
associated with sin and the absence of God’s presence.

The journey from darkness to light is what we should
all be working towards in our own spiritual growth. We
should want to move from ignorance and sin to
knowledge and spiritual maturity. This journey is often
depicted as a struggle, requiring courage, faith, and
perseverance. Our goal should always be to continue
our spiritual growth and to become closer to Christ.

Via Bulletin Gold