SALVATION:  EDIFICATION (FELLOWSHIP, ENCOURAGEMENT):  PART B

ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER
Have you ever approached a friend from behind, playfully holding up your forefingers above his head so that it appeared to others that he had horns? You could just as easily have formed a circle to form a halo. After the laughter, perhaps you felt uneasy and wondered why we are so tempted to attach devilish rather than angelic qualities to others. The horns are harmless, even fun, but they are symbolic of what we sometimes do to others in word and deed. Sometimes we all give in to the temptation to make others appear to be less than they are.
Children can become "little monsters" to their parents, parents can become "out of it" to their children. The boss is a "slavedriver," the worker "only interested in payday." The preacher is "dull," the elders "obstacles" and the rest of the church "unconverted." Our politicians are "crooks." The school system is "in shambles." I am "clumsy." You are "stupid." And so the list goes on.
First remember that most of these labels are not really adequate descriptions. But they do influence our reactions and attitudes as well as the reactions and attitudes of others. And because they are negative they can only lead to hurt, disappointment, defeat and failure. Although there exists the possibility of constructive criticism and change, it is not likely to be encouraged by these negative labels.
Second, it is particularly important that we look at other people from God's perspective. You are in disagreement with God if you discount another person with a sneer. Jesus was referring to that kind of behavior when he instructed us on the terrible end of one who calls his brother a fool (Matt. 5:22). The attitude we hold for each other, in our families and in the church is summarized by Paul...(Eph. 4:32). We cannot "give preference to one another in honor" (Rom. 12:10b) if we attach labels to each other.
Third, while scripture is strong against discounting others and strongly in favor of our building up each other, we are also instructed to assess ourselves humbly, but accurately; one should not...(Rom. 12:3).
It is hard to see things as they are. It takes strong faith to see with the pure eye, the single eye that approaches another person for what he is, for what he can become and for what God wants him to be. If we could do that, we wouldn't put horns on people. Halos either, for that matter.
Relationships in the church, in the family and, where possible, in the world, need to be built on understanding - Knowledge of what it means to be human and knowledge of what it means to be created and loved by God.
Thomas Carlyle wrote, "If Jesus Christ were to come today, people would not crucify him. They would ask him to dinner, and hear what he had to say, and make fun of it." One of the besetting sins of our time is discounting others, making fun of others, reducing others to less than God has made them.
Don't give in to the world. Let's encourage each other. I need it. So do you. Perhaps it will help to remember this old and beautiful prayer of Francis of Assisi:
"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is sadness; joy; where there is darkness; light."
[by Steven S. Lemley from Power for Today vol. 24, no. 2, March 1978, p. 1-2]

GOD HELPS US IN OUR TROUBLES
(Psa. 46:1).
Disharmonies (family, racial, religious, social, etc.)
Human beings do have differences of opinions on many matters. We are not carbon copies of Adam and Eve. Genetic and environmental influences make us different from each other in personality and temperament. Such differences often produce discussions in which the holders of different views try to present arguments supporting their own favoured position while trying to prove that other views are unworthy of support. This may be fine so long as the discussions remain courteous: but often the failure to convince others of the rightness of one's own views may produce bitter and angry recriminations. Friends fall out and become enemies. Even in the Lord's church, brethren may dispute doctrines so vehemently that they lose sight of the special love of Christ which should restrain brethren from denigrating each other. It is a sad reality that sometimes the bitterest disharmonies arise within the church, and Satan deceives us unless we are careful (II Tim. 2:23-26).
Often the most trivial of circumstances is sufficient to begin and sustain divisions between members of families and racial or ethnic groups are segregated because of perceived incompatibilities based on nothing more than prejudices and myths. Cultural barriers are built up and little effort may be made to breach these by seeking to understand others who have different habits from our own.
What does the Bible teach us so that we may learn how to avoid and overcome such disharmonies?
(Rom. 12:18).
The Source and Prevention of Disharmonies
(I Cor. 13:4-8).
This is the most succinct and yet most comprehensive treatise on good human relationships to be found anywhere. It is God's prescription for human life as he designed and intended it to be. God is love (I John 4:8) and he made us in his own image (Gen. 1:27). God gave us the power of choice - we can choose either to be loving, caring people, or to be unloving in our attitude and behaviour towards each other.
Whether we are considering marriage and family relationships, or social interaction with others at large, or international conferences, the source of all the disharmonies which exist are the result of not loving other human beings as we should. And the answer, if only we will apply it, is found in I Cor. 13:4-8. Sadly, even among Christians who are commanded to practise love (Eph. 5:1-2), it is seldom regularly observed.
The source of disharmonies - the lack of love
Consider the source of such disharmonies, by looking at the qualities opposite to those of love listed in I Cor. 13:4-8:
Whenever people display impatience, unkindness, jealousy, boasting, arrogance, rudeness, selfishness, irritability, hostility, wrongdoing, deceit, intolerance, meanness, pessimism and unreliability, there is disharmony! These unloving qualities are contrary to God's law of love. Love is practised when people care for each other's well-being (Luke 10:25-37).
The prevention of disharmonies - the practise of love
God's word gives us instruction and examples on how to cope with disharmonious relationships which trouble us. We may not escape disharmony caused by others, but we must learn and practise the qualities of love in our own lives so that we may be blameless in our attitude and behaviour towards others.
Consider some Bible illustrations of love in practice:
1. Patience v. Impatience (Eccl. 7:8).
Example: Parable of the merciful king (Matt. 18:23-27).
2. Kindness v. Unkindness (Zech. 7:9).
Example: King David and Mephibosheth (II Sam. 9:1-13).
3. Magnanimity (="great-souled") v. Jealousy (Prov. 23:17).
Example: Barnabas and Saul (Paul) (Acts 11:19-26).
4. Modesty v. Boastfulness (Prov. 16:19).
Example: Moses and Pharaoh's daughter (Heb. 11:24-27).
5. Humility v. Arrogance (Prov. 15:33).
Example: Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:25-30).
6. Courteousness v. Rudeness (Prov. 15:1).
Example: Centurion Julius and Paul (Acts 27:1-3).
7. Unselfishness v. Selfishness (Phili. 2:3).
Example: Abraham and Lot (Gen. 13:1-12).
8. Calmness v. Irritability (Prov. 16:32).
Example: Shadrach, Meshach & Abed-nego (Dan. 3:12-18).
9. Ungrudging v. Resentment (Rom. 12:17).
Example: Esau and Jacob (Gen. 33:1-11).
10. Righteousness v. Unrighteousness (II Pet. 3:17).
Example: Lot in Sodom (II Pet. 2:6-9).
11. Truth-loving v. Deception (Mal. 2:6).
Example: Paul and Timothy (II Tim. 1:1-14).
12. Forbearance v. Intolerance (Eph. 4:2).
Example: Isaac and the herdsmen of Gerar (Gen. 26:18-22).
13. Generosity v. Meanness (Eccl. 10:12).
Example: Abigail and Nabal (I Sam. 25:1-35).
14. Hope v. Despair (Prov. 10:28).
Example: Paul and the Philippian brethren (Phili. 1:12-14).
15. Perseverance v. Unreliability (Rom. 2:7).
Example: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:8-18).
Conclusion
(I Pet. 2:21-23).
[from The Truth In Love, p. 2-5]

WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
(Prov. 17:17).
What is a friend? Don't answer this or any other Bible question by referring only to your experience or opinion. We should always search the scriptures to learn God's definitions and descriptions of his terms and then apply these to our own situation. "Speak the very words of God" (I Pet. 4:11).
God's answer to the introductory question is that "a friend loves at all times". Let us examine some of the ways the term "friend" is used in the Bible. In so doing, remember that the Bible word "love" means the showing of concern and care for another's welfare as demonstrated in Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Thus my friend is a person who is concerned for me and cares about me at all times.
The Qualities of Friendship
A Direct Relationship (Exo. 33:11).
From this passage we see that a friend is a person with whom we may speak "face to face" or directly and closely.
A Compatible Relationship (Deut. 13:6).
My friend is one with whom I am so compatible that he or she is part of my inner self.
A Revealing Relationship (Judg. 7:13).
A friend is a person to whom I can reveal my secrets, deepest wishes and confidences.
A Kindly Relationship (Job 6:14).
When we are in trouble, we need to be able to look to a friend who is understanding and kind, especially when our faith in God is shaken.
A Trusting Relationship (Psa. 41:9).
My friend is a person in whom I feel I can place my fullest trust, someone with whom I can share my necessities. (Sadly, in reality, sometimes a friend may betray that trust.)
A Familiar Relationship (Psa. 55:13-14).
From most people around us we keep some distance and there are many times when we want to retreat into our own privacy. But a friend is one who is always welcome in our home and towards whom we are frank and open.
A Loyal Relationship (Prov. 18:24).
If we try to cultivate too many friends we will find the relationships too shallow to be satisfying. But when we choose carefully, we will find a friend who cares for us even more than one's own kin. One's wife or husband ought to be that kind of friend. Jesus is a friend without peer.
A Respectful Relationship (Prov. 22:11).
People in high places have learned to be wary of those who seek to cultivate a friendship with them in order to gain some favour. But one who is honest and discreet will be welcome as a true friend. Such a person will be respected by kings and those in positions of authority.
A Faithful Relationship (Prov. 27:6).
A faithful friend will tell us our faults and we value such correction, but our enemies may tell us how good we are in the hope that our uncorrected faults may embarrass us.
A Pleasant Relationship (Prov. 27:9).
One who has a discerning friend will find the counsel given from time to time pleasant and worth hearing.
A Desirable Relationship (S.S. 5:16).
There are many marriages in which the relationship between husband and wife is constantly strained. It is a desirable relationship, given the good qualities of friendship already noted, if each partner can say the other is "my friend".
A Comforting Relationship (Job 2:11).
When one is in trouble, good friends don't disappear or find something else to do; they come quickly to comfort and help.
A Joyful Relationship (John 3:29).
Some persons may be upset by the thought of losing someone to another person in marriage, but the genuine friend joyfully puts the other's happiness and welfare before their own. Jonathan was such a friend to David.
A Solicitous Relationship (Acts 19:30-31).
When we are likely to be in danger our friends will go to great lengths to protect and safeguard us from harm.
A Ministering Relationship (Acts 24:22-23).
Even if we are restricted by sickness or, as in Paul's situation, by imprisonment, our true friends will not desert us in our hour of need and will minister to us.
Friends Of God (James 2:23-24).
Friends Of Jesus (John 15:13-14).
(Amos 3:3).
[from The Truth In Love, p. 2-3, 12-13]

FELLOWSHIP IN THE CHURCH
(Phile. 4-7).
The Meaning Of Fellowship
When we want to know what God means by a New Testament word such as "fellowship", we need to learn his definition for it. This is because it is also a secular word with a variety of non-scriptural meanings. For this reason, the word is sometimes used loosely, even by Christians, to describe activities which are not described in God's word. For example, a "religious social club" does not conform to the Bible meaning of "fellowship". We must not go beyond the teaching of Christ given through his apostles in his New Testament (II John 9).
The Dictionary Definition
We should not refer to a standard dictionary for the definitions of Bible words, since such dictionaries give the common usage of words in modern, mainly secular settings. For example, "The Macquarie Dictionary" lists the following definitions under "fellowship":
1. the condition or relation of being a fellow.
2. community of interest, feeling, etc.
3. communion, as between members of the same church.
4. friendliness.
5. an association of persons having similar tastes, interests, etc.
6. a company; a guild or corporation.
As can be seen, not one of these definitions enlightens us about the Bible meaning of "fellowship".
The Bible Definition
At first thought, this might be the easiest way to find the meaning as God defined it in his word. The problem is that the translators of the various English translations of the New Testament have not made this task easy for readers.
a) Comparing English Translations
For example the King James Version uses the word "fellowship" 15 times, while the New American Standard Bible uses the same word 12 times. This suggests that different translators used different English words for the same New Testament Greek word of the original text. When we compare these two translations, we find that for the KJV word "fellowship" in I Cor. 10:20, the NASB uses "sharers". In II Cor. 8:4, Eph. 5:11 and Phili. 1:5, the NASB uses "participation". On the other hand, where the NASB uses "fellowship" in II Cor. 13:14 and Phile. 6, the KJV uses "communion".
From this we conclude that the translators considered the same Greek word to have the English synonyms of "fellowship", "sharing", "participation", and "communion". It might have been simpler for us if the translators had used one and the same English word throughout. Perhaps they felt cramped in style if they had used only one word, when they could and did use several!
b) Using a Greek Concordance
The New Testament Greek noun translated "fellowship" is koinonia. When we look up this word in a New Testament Greek concordance we find some 20 scripture references. Then we find that there are other English words such as "contribution" (Rom. 15:26), "distribution" (II Cor. 9:13) and "communication" (Heb. 13:16) for the same Greek word.
At the same time, while using the Greek concordance, we find that other noun forms, and the verb form of the Greek word, add an additional 19 scripture references. From all this, it is apparent that the one English word most representative of all is "sharing" (including "share" and "sharers").
The word "sharing" can be used wherever the Greek word, "koinonia", appears (in place of the alternative English words which have been used in the translations) and it will convey the clear Bible meaning of the word "fellowship".
Fellowship Is Sharing
Thus, when we speak of fellowship in the church, we mean sharing in the church. We would not have learned this from a standard dictionary. Consider the ways this term is used in the New Testament:
a) Sharing with God, Father and Son (I John 1:3. Cf. I Cor. 1:9).
We are called to share with God, Father and Son, when we respond to his invitation to believe, repent and be baptised in order to be "clothed with Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27; Acts 2:38), and thus become "the righteousness of God in him" (II Cor. 5:21).
b) Sharing In God's nature (II Pet. 1:4).
By sharing with Christ in the way God has shown, we are made "sons and heirs of God" (Gal. 3:29; Gal. 4:1-7). God invites us to share in his nature by cultivating the qualities described in II Pet. 1:5-11; i.e.. "faith...virtue...knowledge...self-control...perseverance...godliness...brotherly kindness...love."
c) Sharing with the Holy Spirit (II Cor. 13:14. Cf. Phili. 2:1).
At our baptism (Acts 2:38), God gave the Holy Spirit to indwell us (Acts 5:32; I Cor. 6:19). We should practise the Spirit's teaching and share his "love...joy...peace...patience...kindness...goodness...faithfulness...gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23).
d) Sharing In the church meetings (Acts 2:42).
By very meaning, sharing is something done with and for others. I must share myself with others; not wait for others to share with me! Many Christians fail to obtain the full benefit of God's purpose for sharing by failing to recognise this fact (Heb. 10:25).
e) Sharing In the gospel (Phili. 1:4-5. Cf. II Cor. 8:23).
Every Christian can encourage and support preachers of the gospel in many ways, and so share in their work (Phili. 4:15-16).
f) Sharing In the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 10:16).
The Lord's Supper is necessarily a sharing occasion when we "come together as a church" for this purpose (I Cor. 11:18, 23-26).
g) Sharing with needy saints (Rom. 15:26. Cf. Heb. 13:16; Rom. 12:13; I Tim. 6:18).
Each Christian shares in the local church's "collection for the saints ... on the first day of every week" (I Cor. 16:1-2).
h) Sharing in Christ's sufferings (I Pet. 4:13, Cf. Phili. 3:10).
(II Tim. 3:12; I Pet. 2:20-24). In so suffering we share with our Lord in this.
i) Sharing with one another (I John 1:7. Cf. Phile. 6).
Our sharing with one another as fellow-Christians is only blessed by God on condition that we continue to "walk in the light".
j) Sharing In the glory to be revealed (I Pet. 5:1).
What a great destiny to share awaits the faithful Christian!

ONE TO ANOTHER
Christianity is a "one another" religion. We are called upon to admonish one another, to care for one another, to pray for one another, to spur one another on, to exhort/encourage one another, and to love one another. In order to do these things to and for one another we must develop a sense of responsibility for one another. We need to develop a willingness to become involved in our brethren's lives and to allow them to become involved in our life.

ALWAYS EXPECT THE BEST
(I Cor. 13:7).
Arthur Gordon tells the story of a friend who belonged to a young men's writing club comprised of several bright young writers. Each time they met, one of them would read his story and the others would critique it with such viciousness, that eventually they called themselves "The Stranglers." On the same campus however, a group of women also formed a writers group called "The Wranglers." But instead of showering criticism on each other, they spent their time trying to find positive, encouraging things to say to each other, no matter how weak or underdeveloped their writing was.
Twenty years later, not one of The Stranglers had made a name for himself as a writer. But The Wranglers produced six women who gained national prominence as writers. One of them was Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who won a Pulitzer prize. That story dramatically illustrates the power and importance of praise and positive input into the lives of others.
For most people, it's not what they are that holds them back - it's what they think they're not! The Stranglers made one another feel unqualified to write, and in time they became convinced of it. If only somebody in that group had taken the initiative to be positive and nurturing, maybe a Hemingway, a Faulkner, or a Fitzgerald would have'emerged to give the world another library of masterpieces. Think about it!
[by Bob Gass]

YOU HAVE SOMETHING OTHERS NEED!
(Acts 10:38)
Jesus knew He had something that others needed, and He spent His life giving it to them. Listen...(Luke 6:19). Every person you meet today is trying to change their life in some way. Remember that! It may be that they are in financial distress, or need direction for their lives; they may long to improve their health, or just hate loneliness - but they need something, and you could be their answer. You're not qualified to help everybody, but clearly somebody needs something you possess. Jesus understood this, so He spent His life being a repairer and a restorer.
Some of the people around you today want to change - they just don't know how. Jesus told His disciples He needed to go through Samaria to meet a woman who'd been married and divorced five times. He talked. She listened. He changed her life permanently (John 4). He was water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, a road map to the lost, and a companion to the lonely.
Stop for a moment and ask yourself, "What are my greatest gifts? Am I a good listener? A good encourager? Whatever your gift is, that is what God will use to bless others. Joseph had the ability to interpret dreams, and Ruth had the ability to take care of her aging mother-in-law. Someone could have been waiting for you for a life time, so ask God today to give you a love that will cause you to reach out and touch them, in His name.
[by Bob Gass]

HANDLING DIFFICULT PEOPLE
(Rom. 12:18).
Let's look at some of the personality types we're called to live peaceably with.
First - The Sherman Tank. These 'I'm-right-and-you're-wrong' types bowl straight over anybody who gets in their way. Because of their ability to intimidate, they can actually attract others. How do you deal with them? If it's insignificant or just a matter of pride, don't fight over it. But if they're hurting others, stand up to them, because you can't reason with a tank. Peter had these qualities and Paul said...(Gal. 2:11). In this case, love needs a backbone.
Second - The Space Cadet. These people live in their own world and they can frustrate the living daylights out of you. Whatever you do, don't evaluate your self-worth in the light of their response and don't position them to influence others. They usually do best alone and, in the right slot, they can actually be a real blessing.
Third - The Thumb-Sucker. These folk make an art-form out of pouting. Their weapon of choice is the silent treatment. Using it, they can control a whole family if you let them.
So what do you do? First, don't reward it! Note: Thumb-Suckers are seldom ever moody by themselves; they need an audience. Next, let them know that their mood is a choice and hold them responsible for the atmosphere they create. Finally, suggest they visit the nearest cancer ward and get a little perspective and a lot more gratitude. Above all, let all three of these people know you love them and you're praying for them.
[by Bob Gass]

STILL HANDLING DIFFICULT PEOPLE!
(Rom. 12:18).
Here are three more difficult personality types you're called to live peaceably with.
First - The Volcano. You tiptoe around them, for you can't tell when they'll explode. That's emotional manipulation! Confront them privately, for they don't need an audience. Let them 'blow' and just quietly take notes. When they're through tell them they're accountable for the people they hurt and the climate they create (Prov. 27:6). Challenge them to change and remember...(Prov. 15:1).
Second - The Wet Blanket. These impossibility-thinkers only see the problem, never the solution. It's either the other guy's fault, or it's 'just the way I am.' Don't encourage their behaviour by accepting it and don't let them infect others. Challenge them to move forward in faith and be positive. If they won't, love them and leave them to God (Amos 3:3).
Third - The Rubbish Collector. These people love to nurse their wounds in public. They don't just collect rubbish, they enjoy putting it on display. So what do you do? First, never allow them to say, "Many others feel the way I do." Ask for names! That'll take the stink out of their rubbish in a hurry. Usually it's just a few other individuals with an affinity for the same rubbish. If they won't listen, take it before the church leadership (Matt. 18:17). Church discipline is to protect the flock and to restore the individual. Above all, remember that grace put them into the family and grace will enable you to love them.
[by Bob Gass]

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE TREATED?
(Matt. 7:12).
The seven leading complaints that workers have against their bosses are these: 1. Failure to give credit for suggestions. 2. Failure to correct grievances. 3. Failure to encourage. 4. Failure to seek their opinion. 5. Failure to acknowledge their progress. 6. Favouritism. 7. Criticising them in front of other people. How do you want to be treated? Jesus said to treat others that way.
Did you hear about the politician giving his first speech? Only a farmer showed up to hear him. "I'm just starting out," the politician said. "Do you think I ought to go ahead and give my speech?" The man replied, "I'm just a cowherd; all I know is cows. But if I took a load of hay down to the pasture and only one cow came, I'd feed it." Principle one: never underestimate the value of a single person.
The politician spoke for two hours. Finally, he asked the farmer what he thought of it. He replied, "Sir, I'm just a cowherd; all I know is cows. But if I took a load of hay down to the pasture, and only one cow came, I wouldn't dump the whole load on him." Principle two: don't take advantage of people!
People will always respond to you the way you perceive them. Most of us think wonderful things about others, but we never say them. Your praise is of no value if all you do is think it. It becomes valuable only when you speak it out. Who do you need to encourage today?
[by Bob Gass]

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR?
(II Tim. 2:2).
I simply wouldn't be where I am today without mentors, especially in those early years when I had little training, and even less direction. My first mentor taught me that without the discipline to read, I had no future. He'd say, "Son, until you have water in your own well, you've got to draw it from other men's wells." Then he taught me which ones to draw it from.
He was very demanding about things like personal appearance, hygiene, and good manners, especially when I was a guest in someone's home. He was also a "real stickler" about study habits and the development of vocabulary. He'd say, "Words paint pictures. People need to see it as well as hear it!"
At times I felt like he was being hard on me, but now I realise that he was just what I needed. Why? Because he knew how to love, but not over-protect; to stretch, but not beyond the breaking point; to encourage, but not over-indulge, and best of all, to release but never abandon. What a gift Dr. Gordon Magee was to me.
In this day of tarnished leaders, busy parents, and arrogant authority figures, we need more mentors like him - guides who know they're not gods! Coaches behind the scenes who know how to whisper both hope and reproof on our journey toward excellence! Do you have a mentor? Are you willing to be one? Or do you just plan to take it all with you when you go?
[by Bob Gass]

WORKING WITH OTHERS
(I Cor. 13:6-8).
When you meet somebody today who needs encouragement, go ahead and give it to them - for more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. Recently, I heard about a little boy who was playing darts with his father. He said, "Come on dad, let's play darts. I'll throw, and you shout wonderful!" You may smile, but we tend to become what the most important people in our lives think of us. So think the best, believe the best, and express the best toward them - for your words will help to shape their destiny.
Remember, change takes time! Even though change seems simple, it's rarely ever easy. The only way we can break old habits is to form new ones - and that takes time; lots of it! You can't tell people something once and expect them to do it. They've got to hear it over and over again before they can make the adjustment.
Be persistent! Never give up trying to help them improve! Express gratitude for every inch of progress they make. Flying off the handle doesn't help one bit. The only way to get lasting results is through patience and persistence. Remember...(I Cor. 13:7-8).
Ask God to give you that kind of love today.
[by Bob Gass]

LOOKING UNTO JESUS - NOT YOURSELF
(Heb. 12:2).
When I first became a Christian I did not realise that we all start as "...babes in Christ" (I Cor. 3:1). We need lots of prayer, fellowship, patience, and reading of the Word to grow up spiritually. I was saved; but miserable, trying to "measure up" to others. In church we would sing,
"I'm living on the mountain," but I would go home thinking "I'm living in the pits," struggling to keep impossible standards I "thought" God had set.
Now I understand that you can't accomplish through human effort what only God and maturity can accomplish in time. No matter how much your child wants to wear your shoes, he can only fill his own. He is not developed enough yet. Does that mean there is something wrong with him? No! He's as big as he is supposed to be for his age. Stop expecting yourself to be further along than where you should be.
God-ordained change can only be accomplished in God's time, and through God's grace. Expect a fight! There's a new occupant living in your old house. Your spirit was changed by the new birth, but your flesh was not (Gal. 5:l7). You're Spirit-controlled, not Spirit-destroyed! Unless you learn to "Walk in the Spirit..." (Gal. 5:16), you'll discover that holy living is not just difficult - it's impossible! So what are you to do? Seek Him daily through prayer and through His Word - live according to the Spirit, and nail the desires of your flesh to the cross every day. If you haven't done it yet today, don't go a step further until you do.
[by Bob Gass]

FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE
Many times we sinful human beings devise clever ways to mask our evil deeds and defend our ungodly action. One of them seems to involve the creation of comfortable cliches which excuse behavior which flies in the face of all that is Christlike. A cliche soon becomes "accepted wisdom," and eventually it allows us to feel justified while doing the unjustifiable.
Think of the old line: "I'm just fighting fire with fire!" We tend to use this one to defend ourselves for fighting back, getting even, taking revenge.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matt. 5:44). He commanded that we learn to turn the other cheek to insults from evil people (Matt. 5:38-39). He set a perfect example in praying for the people who had nailed him to a cross: (Luke 23:34).
Against this background, "fighting fire with fire" pits our desire to return evil for evil with the biblical norm of overcoming evil with good (Rom. 12:17-21).
Neighbors build "spite fences." I read in the newspaper a few days back of a fence now 16-feet high between two men. One blows his horn at 2 a.m. to wake the other; the man on the other side dumps garbage in front of the first man's house, etc.
Husband and wives say spiteful and hateful things in response to one another. Each round is an escalation of what went before. Some men and women seem not to realize that inflicting pain on one's mate is like hating self and committing emotional suicide (Eph. 5:29).
And it happens in the church - both in local congregations and in our brotherhood. Alienation and division result from charge and counter-charge. Failing to live with the good of the body in mind and in love for one another, Christians behave as pagans to "bite and devour" one another (Gal. 5:15).
While Robert E. Lee was a cadet at West Point, a classmate took a violent dislike to him. Over the years, he made repeated attacks upon him. One day an acquaintance asked Lee what he thought of the man, and he spoke of him in glowing terms.
"You must not know what he has been saying about you for years," the man said.
"You did not ask me what the man thought of me," Lee replied, "but what was my opinion of him."
Christians must live above the pettiness which pits neighbor against neighbor, family member against family member, or Christian against Christian. We must learn to be generous of heart, ignore unkindness, and refuse to answer back.
In other words, the Christian ideal is to refuse to "fight fire with fire." Why? Because nothing is left when the fighting is over - but ashes.
[by Rubel Shelly from Ashwood leaves]

WAYS TO BUILD A CHURCH
Ignite the spiritual fires of your own soul. Carefully study your Bible with the aid of good resource materials. Remember YOU are the church; the place where you study and worship on Sunday is a building. Support your church fellowship with regular attendance. Frequently pray for your church leaders. Look for ways to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ. Discover your own unique and best method of witnessing to others and do it often. Give freely and generously of your time, talents, money, and prayers remembering all that you have or ever hope to have belongs to God. Believe in your church and speak highly of its accomplishments and possibilities.
[from Savannah Church of Christ bulletin]

Jesus' act of love in John 13 and his command to serve one another in Love. How often do we forget the kind of love Jesus is talking of is an active love. Let's love more like this and show our love for Christ by serving one another.
[from The Acts of Parkers Road, Nelson]

THE HOMECOMING
Some time ago, I read a story of a man who has spent almost all of his life preaching Christ in the foreign mission fields. The day came when he was no longer able to carry on his work, and so plans were made for him to return to his homeland. The ship that brought him home also had a very famous world leader on board.
When the ship arrived at the harbour, the great delegation was on hand to greet the famous world diplomat. Everywhere there seemed to be a celebration and festivity honoring this great man. But, there was not even one person to greet the missionary.
The Missionary was a bit disappointed. He said, "I thought after all of my years of preaching in foreign fields that surely someone would be here to greet me."
Then his wife leaned over and whispered, "Remember, you are not home yet."
Frequently we become discouraged when we feel our labors are not appreciated. Preachers often give large segments of their lives in building up a congregation. Yet, they are never invited back to view some of the results of their labors. Elders often receive no praise for the effort they exert in overseeing the flock. Christians are seldom thanked for acts of service they perform. There is then a tendency to become discouraged and feel unappreciated. When this occurs, we too, need to remember that we are not home yet.
[by Leon Cole from Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

TO NEED AND BE NEEDED
(Phile. 10-11)
What use am I in the world? Has my life really made a difference in anything? Would anything be appreciably different if I were not here? What is the old saying about putting your hand in a pail of water and withdrawing it: the hole that remains is how much you will be missed when you are gone!? I am not pessimistic, depressed, or tired of living; but in reality, I have to recognize that my life hasn't made much of an impact on the world; certainly nothing like I had intended when I was 18 years old. But I am encouraged by the fact that human worth isn't measured only in terms of fame, fortune, and sociopolitical influence. Perhaps the greatest measure of our value is how much we are needed by some other human being. John Mark was important because Paul needed him in a time of extreme anxiety and distress. The once useless Onesimus became "useful" to Paul and to Philemon.
When the final books are balanced and closed, the greatest tribute anyone could receive would be: They are useful! Someone needed them! And what greater ambition could a person entertain than to be needed, to be useful. My input is not desired or needed for the Mid-East peace talks. It is doubtful that those involved are indespensable, but I fill a need in the lives of a few people that cannot be filled by anyone else. If there is someone who needs my love; if there is someone who looks forward to my presence; even if I can be nothing much more than just the object to someone's love, then I am not worthless...my life is not in vain...my existence is not futile. I may not be much, but I can love someone and make them feel needed. I can be the object of someone else's love and thus fill their needs and mine. No one is useless unless they give up on life and love.
[by Keith Robinson from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 2]

WHY NOT?

Why not - give a friend a tract?
Why not - help an older couple with their groceries?
Why not - share with a neighbor in need?
Why not - help a friend with a personal problem?
Why not - have a Bible study with a friend in your home?
Why not - visit with the newcomer in your community?
Why not - invite your children's friends to Bible study?
Why not - show hospitality in your home?
Why not - give encouragement to a new brother?
Why not - give support to those who are having trouble in their marriage?
Why not - encourage someone to take a Bible correspondence course?
Why not - show concern to those who have lost a loved one?
Why not - show to others that Christianity is worth sharing anytime, anywhere?
Why not - invite the checkout person at the grocery to worship service?
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 23, 1993, p. 2]

Some of life's most personal blessings are enhanced by sharing. When reverence and love for God, commitment to Christ as Lord, devotion to service, and hope of eternal life are held in common, we have not only a reason for worshipping together, but also the basis of life's most intimate fellowship. We're so glad you've chosen to be here today?
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, July 4, 1993, p. 2]

The personal presence of Jesus in the gathering of His people is the sweetest blessing we enjoy when we gather to worship Him. Next to that is our fellowship with one another. We truly pray that you will find the peace, comfort, and power for living that you seek in Him today, as well as a sense of belonging within this group of believers!
from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 2, 1993, p. 2]

HOW TO HANDLE "DIFFICULT" BRETHREN
When we become Christians we don't arise from the waters of baptism dramatically changed in personality or temperament. We still bear the same qualities that we had before, and the problems which such personality differences may have caused in the past may persist that we are Christians.
There are also other differences which, if we don't recognise and make allowances for them, may cause difficulties among members of a congregation. Some brethren may be neurotic, others may have borderline psychotic states, some may be intellectually handicapped, and others again may have severe personality disorders. Whatever our different characteristics may be, we can all learn to be careful how we relate to each other. We can learn of whom to expect a certain standard of conduct and of whom to be tolerant so that we don't impose a heavier burden than they can bear. That is...(Col. 3:13).
Some brethren find the constant complaining of others too distressing to cope with for more than short spells. Others can handle lengthy outpourings of troubled minds with equanimity. Some brethren take unreasonable unbrage over imagined or real slights from others and harbour resentment against them. Some become jealous and paranoid about another member's abilities or apparent advantages. These are just some of the many conflicts that church members encounter everywhere to greater or lesser extent. It has always been so, as a reading of the New Testament reveals...(e.g. Eph. 4:1-4, 22-32).
Consider the disharmony in the very first church of Christ at Jerusalem when some brethren thought others were getting favoured treatment. Note how the apostles dealt with that problem (Acts 6:1-7). Later, the church at Corinth had a number of problems which the apostle Paul counselled them about (I Cor. 1:10-17; I Cor. 3:1-4; I Cor. 4:18-21; I Cor. 5:1ff; I Cor. 6:1-8; I Cor. 7:1-5; I Cor. 8:1ff; I Cor. 11:17-22). And so we can go through the letters of the New Testament and find many instructions to Christians on how to behave towards one another. These instructions are meant to be understood and applied. But not everyone can do this to the same degree, and so we should be careful not to confront one another and demand levels of performance that some may not be able to achieve.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 10, Mar. 21, 1993, p. 9]

THE CHURCH
The church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, but rather it is made up of those who realize that they should be better than they are and must continually strive to be better always.
The church is not made up of perfect people, but people who realize they are following a perfect Lord and a perfect law and therefore must do the very best they can.
The church is not made up of people who never make mistakes, but of those who often acknowledge their mistakes and then forsake them. Never must we seek to justify them or continually make the same mistakes over and over again.
The church is not trying to withdraw from everyone, but rather to draw everyone into its fellowship and love who are willing to walk in the light where God the Father and Christ the Son are found.
The church is not trying to set up arbitrary rules to hinder anyone, but rather it is trying to show the rule of Christ which helps everyone.
The church is not trying to take the joy out of life, but rather it is trying to instill the beauty of holiness into your life.
The church is not trying to separate you from your money, but rather it is trying to keep your money from separating you from God.
The church is not trying to become the master of your life, but rather to get you to master yourself.
The church is not trying to rob you of your priorities, but rather to get you to put the priorities into your life.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Oct. 24, 1993, p. 3 and July 23, 1995, p. 2-3]

ON BEING A FRIEND
(Prov. 18:24)
Good friends don't come easily. Friendships are cultivated and must be maintained. One may be friendly with all, but is fortunate to have a few good friends in a lifetime.
Who is a friend?
A friend is a source of sunshine when you're under the weather; one who strengthens with love and encourages with hope - is one to whom distance is no barrier to communication and concern - is one who believes so strongly in you that you are motivated to stretch, to reach and achieve beyond your expectations - is one who transforms loneliness into happiness, sadness into joy and gloom to gladness - is one who believes in you when you cease to believe in yourself - is one who is near when you need him, but leaves quietly when you wish to be alone.
The church is God's friendship place. God is our Father; Jesus Christ is our friend and advocate (I John 2:1). The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26, 17). Each Christian is a fellow-worker; fellow-soldier; fellow-servant. We enjoy a climate for mutual sharing and fellowship.
We are advantaged! We enjoy a special relationship! Ours is an environment of acceptance. Those of "like precious faith" can develop Christian friendships to bless for a lifetime.
We want our Christian people to develop friends. We provide opportunities for those friendships to grow.
Let's make a special effort to reach out with friendly gestures to all who visit our services. A warm smile, a firm handshake and audible welcome means so much. Train your eye to recognize visitors. Avoid lengthy discussions with those of the congregations whom you know well - because such will rob you of time with visitors. There will be other opportunities to enjoy local brethren. A warm, friendly church means so much - and remember people are watching us.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Apr. 10, 1994, p. 2]

UPLIFT THE DEPRESSED
Spiritually committed persons never become depressed. Right? Wrong! The intensity of a person's emotional suffering is often in direct proportion to the intensity of his devotion to God. David, whom God described as a man after His own heart, cried...(Psa. 69:1-3).
Last night a fine young Christian sat in my home, face buried in her hands as she sobbed, "I lost all the ground I'd gained when I lost my temper yesterday." Intent on rapid spiritual growth, she felt devastated by an obvious setback. Guilt feelings are often the root cause of depression.
The Apostle Peter must have felt terrible depression after denying the Lord. We are told, "He went out and wept bitterly" (Matt. 26:75). Moses, Job, Jonah, even the whole nation of Israel went through periods of depression.
Every Christian experiences what Vance Havner has called three levels: "Mountain top days" when everything looks rosy, "ordinary days" when we are neither elated nor depressed, and "dark days" when we feel that our world is tumbling in on us.
With mountain anxieties in today's world, there are not enough trained counselors to go around. Even if there were, any hurting individuals either cannot afford such a counselor or for one reason or another, are reluctant to seek professional help. What can you do to help those who seem to experience more than their share of dark days?
Show Compassion. It seems that anyone would know how to be compassionate to a hurting one, but not everyone does. The woman referred to earlier had the misfortune of going to several "friends" who offered such well-meaning advice as: "Snap out of it...you've been a Christian long enough to handle it... you can do it." Being unable to do what her friends expected of her compounded her anxieties. Guilt feelings lay heavily upon her.
Jesus never gave glib answers to anyone who came to Him. His attitude was always one of compassion and empathy - (Matt. 11:28).
A depressed person often feels besieged with guilt. "I've repented of this a thousand times, but I still feel guilty." a friend said to me.
"The Lord forgave you the first time you asked Him," I said as I reminded her of I John 1:9. Our attitude, "Neither do I condemn you" (John 8:11), may be the door through which a depressed person walks into light.
Offer an antidote. Many are depressed by the impression that everything is out of control. When individuals believe that circumstances are controlling and manipulating them, they feel helpless. They need to be reminded that God is in command.
If God were not in control, Peter would not have advised...(I Pet. 5:7). Nor would Paul have written...(Phili. 4:4-6).
Feelings usually are not changed until thoughts change. For that reason I encourage my counselees to put Phili. 4:8 into practice.
Thinking and talking negatively is an invitation for depressed feeling to remain. Disciplining the mind to think constructively crowds out self-destroying thoughts and puts one in harmony with God's thoughts. The result is joy and peace.
When David cried, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?" he immediately added...(Psa. 42:5).
Recognizing human limitations can be a step toward letting God take over. God never expected anyone to bear a cross alone. The writer to the Hebrews expressed it well...(Heb. 13:5-6).
Ultimately only the Lord can uplift the depressed. But He uses you and me to be channels of His healing love.
[by Marie Shropshire from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 8, 1994, p. 2-3]

IN PRAISE OF KINDNESS
Kindness is being like God. (Psa. 117:2). After describing the proud and rebellious attitude of Israel...(Neh. 9:17). Godlike kindness moves one to be kind to the undeserving and ungrateful. God's children must strive to be like the Heavenly Father just as Satan's children are like their father (John 8:44).
Kindness is being like Christ. One cannot read the Gospel account in even a casual way without being impressed by the kind and compassionate spirit of Christ. He showed kindness to tax collecters (Luke 19); to sinners (Matt. 9:1); to Samaritans and to women (John 4); to the outcast lepers (Luke 17); and to children (Matt. 19). Discipleship means following Christ and imitating His life. The Christian is to be Christ-like in kindness.
Kindness is highly desired by man and animal alike. Even the dumb animals of the earth respond to kind treatment. Did you ever meet a person who really wanted to be treated unkindly? It does not matter whether we are in the company of friends or of strangers, we expect to be treated with kindness.
Kindness speaks a universal language. It is understood by dumb animals, by infants, and by those who cannot speak our language. Middle East captives may not have understood the language of their captors, but they understood whether their treatment was kind or unkind.
Kindness produces marvelous results. Kindness produces joy. It is a joy to give and to receive. Washington Irving wrote, "A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles." Kindness gives encouragement. Kind words and kind acts have given all of us times of encouragement when we were feeling down and discouraged. "Kind looks, kind words, kind acts, and warm handshakes, these are secondary means of grace when men are in trouble and are fighting their unseen battles." Kindness turns enemies into friends. President Abraham Lincoln was considering a certain man for a high honor when a member of his staff reminded him this man was his enemy and had tried to destroy him. To which Mr. Lincoln replied, "When I turn an enemy into a friend, haven't I destroyed him?" Kindness honors and glorifies our Father and His Son. Kindness wins souls for Christ. It helps to regain the erring for Christ. Just as bees and ants are attracted to something sweet, so people are attracted to kind people.
The Beauty of kindness is reflected by the company it keeps. Just as you can know something about a person by the company that is kept, so you can know and understand much about words by examining the context in which they are found. By reading such verses as Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-13 and I Cor. 13:4-8 we will be impressed by the exalted company that kindness keeps. May we always strive to be kind.
[by Charles L. Brown from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, April 4, 1993, p. 2]

WANTED: LOYAL CHURCH MEMBERS
Description: All sizes. All ages. Male and female. Baptized believers. Identified with the local church. Attend all Bible classes and worship services, except when bad health makes it impossible. Actively participate in work of the congregation. Positive thinkers. Optimistic. "Sons of exhortation." Not grumbling complainers. Not carping critics. Pray daily for the church. Speak well concerning their congregation. Refuse to gossip. Encourage the youth of the church. Compliment teachers. Commend leaders. Praise good works. Sympathize with the hurt. Help the weak. Lift up the discouraged. Seek the lost. Restore the fallen. Give liberally. Volunteer for service. Eager to work. Desire a challenge. Strive for excellence in all church activities. Despise mediocrity. Put the Lord first, all else second. Study the Bible daily. Live holy lives.
Have we described you?
[by King McCarver from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Oct. 16, 1994, p.3 and Mar. 3, 1996, p. 2]

WAYS TO HELP THE LOCAL CHURCH
(Heb. 10:24)
Smile when you come to worship. When you get out of your car in the parking lot, greet everyone you see with a friendly smile. It can work wonders.
Sit by someone who would enjoy and could use your company. Warm, encouraging words help frame the atmosphere for worship.
Call your Bible teacher and talk about something he/she said in class - interesting and provocative to you.
Write a letter to one of the missionaries we support. Just financial support from the congregation seems so impersonal. Your words of support may give renewed heart to a family in the mission field on the brink of despair.
Encourage some young person. The impression for good will endure for years.
Take out a senior citizen to lunch or shopping. Such thoughtfulness will make their day and enrich your life.
Get acquainted with a brother or sister, especially new members. A telephone call can do wonders. Learn about their family, their job, etc.
Volunteer to do a job that you find needs to be done. Tell the elders that you will do it. Better still, just do it.
Arrive early - come fifteen minutes before services to greet local and visitors.
Show interest in the lowly, the distressed, and the grieving.
Give a pat on the back to an elder, deacon, song leader, or brother/sister who has worked especially hard on something and tell them how much you appreciate them.
Suggest a sermon idea or topic to the preacher. He will appreciate it.
Pray that we will have eyes to see needs and ears that are open to the plight of those about us.
Be active, not passive, and it will help us improve.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 25, 1994, p. 2]

I HOPE SHE'S IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD - IN HEAVEN
I was standing at the head of the casket as people filed by for one last view of a friend and loved one. A barely audible whisper caught my attention and grabbed my heart. The gentle lady whispered, "I hope she's in my neighborhood." Then she paused. She cast her eyes in my direction and a little smile went across her face as she concluded her wish, "in heaven."
"I hope she's in my neighborhood in heaven." What a tremendous statement! Many a conversation has been shared as folks spoke of heaven where they looked forward to seeing the Lord Jesus Christ, many of the great men and women of faith, as well as their closest relatives and friends. I have considered those who have marked my life in a special way like my grandfather, Boyd D. Fanning, who was the embodiment of grace in my life and Raymond Kelcy, the gentle scholar, who taught me to love God's Word.
There are many folks I would like to have in my neighborhood. But, as I turned the coin of her words to the other side, I asked myself the hard question, "Who would want me in his or her neighborhood?"
The materialistic philosophy of our American culture is "me" centered. So, we often think of what we would like to get, or with whom we would like to spend time, and we spend little time considering the investment of our lives in eternal purposes. The reason I am interested in many of those folks being in my neighborhood in heaven is because they made investments in me.
As I reconsidered the words of the sweet lady at the funeral, I realized the reason she wanted to be in that woman's neighborhood was because she was a woman of prayer, a woman who read the Holy Word, a woman who gave herself to service to the haves and the have-nots she encountered each day and a woman who blessed her life.
Who would want me to be in his or her neighborhood in heaven? I hope when the bell tolls for me there will be people who have been encouraged and helped in their journey through life by my commitment to be a Christ-follower.
[by Douglas F. Parsons from Sycamore Chapel newsletter, Sept. 16, 1990, p. 2-3]

Our building can be filled...in a short time! If we go, visit, invite, bring! It bothered me at first to see the preacher get only 3%. That is humbling! Then it hit me - I'm not responsible for filling the building - You are! "The cat is off my back!"
People are flocking to churches these days looking not for a friendly church - they are looking for a friend! Friends visit!
[by Charles Hodge from Sycamore Chapel bulletin]

THE FAMILY OF GOD
God is family-oriented! The home was His first institution designed to provide for the social needs of humanity. And when He brought forth His eternal purpose of an intimate universal fellowship, it was again within the framework of family; He established the church, the Family of God.
The church, in some measure, can compensate for the personal deprivation that has resulted from the mismanagement of our natural families. But the family of God was not created primarily for compensation. Our relationships to one another as children of God is intended to fulfill even deeper needs than can be satisfied in the very best of natural relationships. And as long as the Holy Spirit rules as our shared motivation and as the functional standard of our attitudes and behavior, those intense needs will be met in a loving, caring, mutually supportive fellowship.
The fullest blessing is realized when our natural family is also our spiritual family. But when that isn't possible, God is still able to satisfy our longing for family security through the brothers and sisters He has given us in the church.
If you're a child of God, don't neglect the wonderful opportunities of family life! Commit yourself to really BELONGING to the family! Learn to know those with whom you share life's most precious interests and hopes! Draw close to them for warmth and nourishment. Take full advantage of opportunities for comfort and encouragement. Share in the family's joys, sorrows, and dreams. Love the family. Defend it, depend on it, serve in it, be a part of it!
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Mar. 5, 1995, p. 3]

(Rom. 12:5). As the people of God we must love God and love one another. We unite ourselves to one another in the family of God. Serving Christ is serving one another. (I John 3:16; John 13:35.)
[by Terry Schaeffer from The Outreach, May 1983, p. 1]

I WOULDN'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD
Friendship, family, hugs and kisses, excitement, fellowship, encouragement, education, soul-searching, uplifting, joyful, fun, rewarding, warm, spiritual, healing, helpful, intense, relaxing, friendly, glorifying, etc., etc. No, I'm not talking about a family reunion, a football game or a party at the office. These are all words that come to my mind when I think of the assemblies of church.
I don't know how many times I have talked to children who love "church". They don't want to go home and would stay all day if their parents would let them. And have you ever noticed how long families stay after service's over? It is not unusual for some people to stay as long after services as they do during services. Children can be found playing, adults talking, and friendships renewed. WHY? Because church is a family of God that love our Heavenly Father and in return loves one another.
I think that is what the Hebrew writer intended assemblies to be like when he wrote in Heb. 10:24-25. Church's assemblies are truly a source of encouragement for so many who take advantage of them.
Have you been discouraged lately? Felt as if no one cared and there was no place to fit in? Why not plan to be here every time the doors are open and linger a while after the closing prayer. Not only will you be uplifted by our worship together, but you'll also be encouraged by our fellowship together.
[by Leslie Chapman from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Sept. 24, 1995, p. 2]

THE COST OF CLOSENESS (Luke 12:48)
We do expect more of those closest to us, don't we? That's because people closest to us are those with whom we share the most. We embrace similar values, interests, and goals. People close to us are also those to whom we give the most...of ourselves, our time, and energy.
Such sharing is the very basis of intimacy. Consider what God expected of Jesus: Absolute obedience! Perfect sinlessness! But what complete fellowship they enjoyed!
Jesus thought it reasonable to expect that Peter, James and John would be more sensitive to His personal needs than the other disciples, whom He had not taken as deeply into His confidence. How disappointing to discover that those who had taken so much had not learned to give in return.
Our willingness to give of ourselves is a fair index of our closeness to God and to one another. To be eager to support and serve, to cheerfully sacrifice, to care and feel responsible and be involved out of our own initiative is an indication of how aware we are, how grateful we are, for the blessings of sonship and brotherhood.
Jesus said, "freely you have received, freely give." We need to take inventory of what we have so freely received. Out of that realization could grow relationships that are truly intimate and satisfying!
We don't have to just sit on the fringes of spiritual life. But we can only know the depths of intimacy through sharing. If you feel isolated, without real friends, uninvolved in the church, a stranger to relationships others enjoy, don't complain about the clique. More often than not, such detachment is self-imposed, the result of our refusal to respond positively to our advantages - our refusal to give ourselves as God has given Himself for us!
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, May 21, 1995, p. 2-3]

AND NOW A WORD FROM...
Do you ever really watch the commercials on TV? I usually don't watch them very closely - that's the time to raid the "frig" or some other such exciting thing. Somehow I managed to find myself in from of the "tube" when a commercial played the other evening and even though the commercial was advertizing a cup of coffee the other messages were coming through much more clearly to me.
The lady of the house was waiting anxiously on a stormy evening for the return of her briefcase laden husband. He enters the house and asks, "Were you worried?" or some such question. Her initial response was, "No," but then with some hesitation she changed the "No" to "Yes". Hugs are exchanged, then comes the commercial invitation to enjoy a cup of their brand of coffee on a cold, windy, rainy evening.
Yes, I like coffee, and I certainly enjoy a hug from my beautiful wife, but that was not what caught my ear. Just for a moment, even with her husband, the lady of the house was not willing to let her true feelings be known. How often are we like that? Even with those we know and love in the Lord are we free to lovingly let our inner feelings or fears be known? Can we in an unthreatening environment approach a brother or sister in the Lord and express our fears, sorrows or concerns?
If we can, then maybe we are really letting the sympathetic tear flow from eye to eye and joy from heart to heart. If we can't then maybe we are afraid of being hurt by our fellow Christians. (And that opens a complete new subject.) However, can we really admit that we are concerned or fearful or even worried about the well being of a brother or sister in the Lord without becoming defensive or feeling threatened? I certainly hope that the loving example of our Lord Jesus has effected our lives to the extent that we really do care about one another and really can trust one another in the Lord. Especially today we need to be viewing one another and our actions with a loving disposition and not with a super critical eye just sure that there has to be a skunk in the wood pile. Fear, self-righteous criticism of others and failure to reach out in need or to the need of others cannot exist in the light of Christianity. Let Jesus' example guide your life.
[by Bill Keesling from Chestnut Drive Church of Christ via Savannah bulletin]

FRIENDS DOWN AT CHURCH
Friends! Friends at church! Every time members have needs down at the hospital or cemetery I wonder what do people do who don't have church friends?!?! Paul was an evangelist; yet his greatest ability was to make friends. He had never worshipped with the saints at Rome. Read Rom. 16. He already know the "pillars." They were friends. Paul would never be a stranger in Rome! Paradoxically, we all know friendship is the key to church growth yet we do little to encourage it. Some "flat out" are against fellowship. They never read Acts 2. Others will not allow friendship/fellowship to be had "in the church house." We are a curious lot.
So we get members in and lose others. Eighty percent of new member are lost within six months. You do not have a member until you have him in fellowship. Every new member needs a minimum of three church friends, a maximum of seven! Without this he falls "through the cracks." Sadly, the church is a hard place to make friends! Too many worship assemblies are simply where strangers meet! The world will never be evangelized by "anonymous worshippers." Our worship is not structured to initiate the new. It is hard to break in. Most brethren are merely friendly with "their bunch." We kinda like to keep the church "like it is." We come in late and rush out early. Some members don't want to be in fellowship - don't want to be friendly. Some have moved in only to get lost. Some try to get lost in big churches. Others move often. They do not wish the pain of separation.
Most of us are too busy. Too busy to develop church relationships. There is no perfect church. We are all flawed. We must teach/practice friendship. We must reach out to newcomers. We must learn how to love others unconditionally.
One of these days you will need a friend; one of these days someone will need you as a friend. Get on down to church and get with it.
[by Charles Hodge from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Mar. 10, 1996, p. 2]

A GUIDE TO BUILD THE CHURCH
Please note these key points on building up the Lord's church. They were taken from examples in the book of Nehemiah when the wall of Jerusalem were being rebuilt. These points would help us be successful in building the Lord's church if we would only employ them.
1. Prayed
2. Planned their work
3. Encouraged each other
4. Ignored cricitism
5. Involved every person
6. Focused attention on the right thing and remained focused.
7. Remember that they were fighting WITH God...not against Him.
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Oct. 13, 1996, p. 3]

THE BUNDLE OF STICKS
A certain man had several sons who were always quarreling with one another, and, try as he might, he could not get them to live together in harmony. So he determined to convince them of their folly by the following means. Bidding them fetch a bundle of sticks, he invited each in turn to break it across his knee. All tried and all failed: and then he undid the bundle, and handed them the sticks one by one, when they had no difficulty at all in breaking them. "There, my boys," said he, "united you will be more than a match for your enemies; but if you quarrel and separate, your weakness will put you at the mercy of those who attack you."
Union is strength.
[by Aesop from Sycamore Chapel Bulletin, Oct. 27, 1996, p. 4]

LITTLE GIRLS WISER THAN MEN
(All friendships have their ups and downs. Learning to put aside disagreements makes companionship long-lasting.)
It was an early Easter. Sledging was only just over; snow still lay in the yards, and water ran in streams down the village street.
Two little girls from different houses happened to meet in a lane between two homesteads, where the dirty water had formed a large puddle after running through the farmyards. One girl was very small, the other a little bigger. Their mothers had dressed them both in new frocks. The little one wore a blue frock, the other a yellow print, and both had red herchiefs on their heads. They had just come from church when they met, and first they showed each other their finery, and then they began to play. Soon the fancy took them to splash about in the water, and the smaller one was going to step into the puddle, shoes and all, when the elder checked her.
"Don't go in so, Malasha," said she. "Your mother will scold you. I will take off my shoes and stockings, and you take off yours."
They did so, and then, picking up their skirts, began walking toward each other through the puddle, the water came up to Malasha's ankles, and she said:
"It is deep, Akoulya. I'm afraid!"
"Come on," replied the other. "Don't be frightened. It won't get any deeper."
When they got near one another, Akoulya said:
"Mind, Malasha, don't splash. Walk carefully!"
She had hardly said this, when Malasha plumped down her foot so that the water splashed right on to Akoulya's frock. The frock was splashed, and so were Akoulya's eyes and nose. When she saw the stains on her frock, she was angry and ran after Malasha to strike her. Malasha was frightened, and seeing that she had got herself into trouble, she scrambled out of the puddle, and prepared to run home. Just then Akoulya's mother happened to be passing, and seeing that her daughter's skirt was splashed, and her sleeves dirty, she said:
"You naughty, dirty girl, what have you been doing!"
"Malasha did it on purpose," replied the girl.
At this Akoulya's mother seized Malasha and struck her on the back of her neck. Malasha began to howl so that she could be heard all down the street. Her mother came out.
"What are you beating my girl for?" said she, and began scolding her neighbor. One word led to another and they had an angry quarrel. The men came out, and a crowd collected in the street, every one shouting and no one listening. They all went on quarrelling, till one gave another a push, and the affair had very nearly come to blows, when Akoulya's old grandmother, stepping in among them, tried to calm them.
"What are you thinking of, friends? Is it right to behave so? On a day like this, too! It is a time for rejoicing, and not for such folly as this."
They would not listen to the old woman, and nearly knocked her off her feet. And she would not have been able to quiet the crowd, if it had not been for Akoulya and Malasha themselves. While the women were abusing each other, Akoulya had wiped the mud off her frock, and gone back to the puddle. She took a stone and began scraping away the earth in front of the puddle to make a channel through which the water could run out into the street. Presently Malasha joined her, and with a chip of wood helped her dig the channel. Just as the men were beginning to fight, the water from the little girls' channel ran streaming into the street toward the very place where the old woman was trying to pacify the men. The girls followed it, one running on each side of the little stream.
"Catch it, Malasha! Catch it!" shouted Akoulya, while Malasha could not speak for laughing.
Highly delighted, and watching the chip float along on their stream, the little girls ran straight into the group of men; and the old woman, seeing them, said to the men:
"Are you not ashamed of yourselves? To go fighting on account of these lassies, when they themselves have forgotten all about it, and are playing together. Dear little souls! They are wiser than you!"
The men looked at the little girls, and were ashamed, and laughing at themselves, went back each to his own home.
"Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven."
[by Leo Tolstoy from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Dec. 8, 1996, p. 2]

HELL ON EARTH
In his THE GREAT DIVORCE, C.S. Lewis pictures hell as an ever-expanding city with a progressive number of empty streets. He even describes the process of how it happens.
The people arriving in Lewis' hell are so quarrelsome that they pick fights with their neighbors within 24 hours of their arrival. The run-ins are deemed unpleasant enough that within a week the newcomer decided to move.
The process continues. People get farther and farther apart. Before long they are thousands of miles from the bus stop where all the newcomers from Earth first arrive. Only by peering into a telescope can the latest arrivals see the lights of the occupied houses of grizzled old-timers who live millions of miles away -- not only from the bus stop but now from each other as well.
While neither Lewis nor I believe that the hell of Scripture means nothing more than this, we would both insist that our isolation from one another in today's world is something of a hellish experience.
Some people appear determined to experience a sample of hell right here on Earth. So they make their world impersonal, distant, and unfriendly. It is uninhabited. People are shut out. There is no warmth or love.
Everybody needs meaningful relationships. Most will marry. People who choose not to marry still need friends. Christians needs church fellowship which is more than an occasional potluck dinner. All of us need people we can trust and with whom we can share our deepest desires, aspirations, and pains.
If you've tried to come out of hiding only to be hurt, betrayed, and driven back underground, you must summon up the courage to reach out again. And again and again, if necessary. To live apart from caring people is a form of hell on Earth. And if someone who is reaching turns in your direction, don't cringe. Don't disclaim. Don't reject.
If enough of us close some gaps, reach out and touch one another, enter fellowship with each other, love one another -- who knows! In our families. In our churches. In our world. We just might create a little bit of heaven on Earth. It's worth the risk to try.
[by Rubel Shelly from Love Lines, vol. 16, no. 44, Oct. 24, 1990]

THINK SHE'S WRONG, DO YOU?
One of the hardest things is to disagree with someone about a matter of real importance without doing harm either to the person or to the relationship.
It is impossible to avoid differences of opinion. We are diverse, live in an imperfect world, and function with partial understanding. Again, however, the issue is not to avoid disagreements but to avoid playing out a negative and harmful script when one occurs.
* Susan, you're just too young and immature. You are simply wrong about it, and I will not discuss it further.
* Gary, that's not the way to do it. Here! Let me show you how it ought to be done.
* Bert, I don't know where you got such an idea. One thing is for certain, though. It didn't come from the Bible.
* Marti, there has to be a way for you to avoid divorce. I just know you haven't prayed about this and sought God's will.
In these true-to-life skirmishes from home, work, religion, and friendship, the facts may be right in each case. But the approach is equally wrong in all. Not one preserves the dignity of the person opposed or offers reasonable hope of being helpful. They are all negative, insulting, and demeaning approaches to other human beings.
Try to put yourself in the shoes of these hypothetical persons. Would you like to be told that you don't deserve an explanation? That you're incompetent? Stupid? Unspiritual?
In fact, the advice-giver may be the one who is wrong. Parents aren't infallible. Someone doing a thing in a different way may not be "wrong" at all. Some self-assured interpretations of scripture are incorrect. And some marriages can't be saved.
If you think someone is wrong, at least give the benefit of the doubt about intelligence or sincerity. Don't assume you know that person's special circumstances. Try to avoid coming in at the end of a long and prayerful decision and setting aside a considered judgment.
Be slow to criticize or give advice, lest you wind up meddling. When asked for an opinion, begin by asking the person to explain his point of view - and listen to it seriously. Finally, when that person makes her own decision, respect it as her point of view.
No one has either the right or obligation to do another's thinking. Each of us can only make his or her own choices - for better or worse - and live with the consequences.
In the meanwhile, disagreements need not be taken as license to hurt one another or destroy relationships.
[by Rubel Shelly from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 5, Feb. 3, 1993, p. 3]

BIND US TOGETHER, LORD!
The world of our time is fragmented and disconnected.
Relationships are often cold and formal. People tend to be increasingly competitive and frequently violent. Mobility and urban sprawl, coupled with the fear of a knock on the door, have all but destroyed neighborhood ties.
Marriage pledges are not sacred. Children and parents are strangers to each other. And such symptoms of personal confusion as chemical dependency, divorce, and suicide confront us on a daily basis.
Sociologist Robert Bellah has described a phenomenon in American culture that he calls "ontological individualism." By this term he identifies the belief that each individual is his own source of meaning. His research, published under the title HABITS OF THE HEART, only confirms what we have all observed.
The church of the Lord Jesus is not founded on ontological individualism. It is a community. It is a fellowship. It is a brotherhood. If we import the dominant spirit of our culture into the church, however, we will destroy one of its identifying marks.
Beginning in the 1960's, we witnessed a public repudiation of the church in American religious life. "Jesus people" became prominent as spiritual individualists without social attachments or corporate life. From this root has born a pseudo-theology which offers what one author has dubbed a "home correspondence course in salvation."
The New Testament vision of salvation permits no such church-bashing view of Christianity. While it is true that God saves individuals rather than groups, it is nevertheless also true that everyone he saves is immediately incorporated into the Body of Christ.
The role of the cross is breaking down barriers and creating oneness is put this way by John R.W. Stott: "Thus the very purpose of (Christ's) self-giving on the cross was not just to save isolated individuals, and so perpetuate their loneliness, but to create a new community whose members would belong to him, love one another, and eagerly serve the world."
Sometimes naively pictured as the happy, unintended result of simply being together, Christian fellowship has to be nurtured deliberately. Resisting the current trend toward isolation in our culture, we must permit Christ to draw us together.
Because Christ has accepted us, we can accept one another. Esteem one another. Love one another. And we can really be the Body of Christ.
[by Rubel Shelly from Love Lines, vol. 17, no. 8, Feb. 20, 1991]

DADDY'S WAY
My father, one of the wisest men I've ever known, had a way of dealing with people which he practiced throughout his life. He recommended it to me over and over. I got tired of hearing about it and wished he's stop. Later, much too much later, I learned how right and wise his way was. He'd say: "If there is an offence between you and another person, go to the person and say, 'If it was my fault, I'm sorry and humbly beg your forgiveness. It is was your fault, I've already forgiven you. Let's put it aside and go on together.'"
It wasn't until I became an adult that I realized that Daddy had been paraphrasing the Apostle Paul. (Eph. 4:32).
Wouldn't it be great if we all lived by that simple concept? Can you imagine kind, compassionate, forgiving people slandering, robbing, raping, cheating, and warring against each other? Vast amounts of money are spent every year to study the causes of violence in our society. Maybe we could put that money to better use if we put Paul's admonition into action. For our sake Christ "emptied himself" that he might become our Savior. Is scripture asking too much of us when it admonishes us to put others first, to be good to one another, to forgive as we have been forgiven?
In a world where we divorce at the first sign of trouble, where prejudice and hate are commonplace, and where dog-eat-dog is the accepted rule if one plans to get ahead, perhaps a little kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are in order. Perhaps the nightly news would be a little less gloomy if we all adopted Daddy's way of dealing with others.
[by Ron Crabtree from Love Lines, vol. 19, no. 25, June 23, 1993, p. 3]

CHRISTIAN UNITY
The subject of unity among Christians continues to intrigue and frustrate us. On the one hand, we know it is God's will for those who believe on Christ to be united. On the other, we know we are not.
Perhaps we are confused because we have sought oneness through institutional unity, but there is no evidence that Christ ever thought of establishing an institution. The New Testament notion of the church is that of a living organism, a spiritual body with Christ as head, or the family of God.
Maybe part of our problem is that we labor under a false illusion that the early church was something it never was. A doctrinally flawless and behaviorally pure church which was everywhere uniform no more existed in the days of first-century Jerusalem, Corinth, and Colosse than it does today.
It is possible that we have a romanticized notion of unity which holds that a Christian cannot be one with people with whom he has doctrinal disagreements, whose commitments he cannot embrace, or whose projects he cannot share. Do you have parents or siblings, mate or children? Do you deny that these same differences exist among you? Yet you are still family - one family.
Others have a sneaking hunch that human pride is the fundamental root of our failure at unity. Each of us has enough pride to insist that he or she is always right. I cannot see my own faults any easier than you can see yours. Thus we hold each other at arm's length. We are civil with each other, but we will not embrace each other and affirm that we are one in Christ.
We must stop measuring faithfulness by the number of believers we have rejected or by the issues we have added to the gospel. While tempted to judge our brothers who do not "cross their t's just so," we must remember that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
Among other things, the Lordship of Jesus means that he alone is my brother's judge. I must not supplant his right and do his work of passing judgment. To scorn one for whom Christ has died is not only to disrupt fellowship but is also to deny the fundamental truth that Jesus is Lord.
Accepted by grace and cleansed by blood, let us learn to be gracious with one another and stop the intramural bloodbaths which mock God's will for the unity of believers.
[by Rubel Shelly from Love Lines, vol. 16, no. 46, Nov. 7, 1990, p. 3]

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT
One of the most powerful things one person can share with another is encouragement. Encouragement can stop a suicide, a divorce, and countless other tragedies. A word of encouragement can heal someone who is broken and wounded. It can give someone the courage to keep trying.

Our world is full of negative, bitter, uncaring people who can't say anything good about anyone or anything. The people of God should be a radiant contrast to the people of the world. We should bubble over with the joy of the Holy Spirit. We should find it easy to be positive and uplifting. Are you an encouragement to those around you? Don't let someone die from neglect and lack of encouragement. Share your Christian joy!
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 1, 1991, p. 3]

SIX EXCELLENT RULES TO PROMOTE HARMONY AMONG CHURCH MEMBERS TODAY
1. Remember that we are all subject to failings of one kind or another
2. Bear with - and not magnify - each other's infirmities (Gal. 6:1-2).
3. Pray one for another in public and particularly in private (James 5:16).
4. Watch against shyness of each other and put the best construction on any action that has the appearance of opposition or resentment.
5. Observe the just rules of Solomon - that is, to "leave off contention before it is meddled with" (Prov. 17:14).
6. If a member has offended, consider how Godlike it is to forgive, and how unlike a Christian it is to seek revenge.
[from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., Sept. 1, 1991, p. 4]

YOU HURT MY FEELINGS
(I Cor. 12:26-27).
What a great passage this is! Paul is talking about the church and likens it to a body. We are the body of Christ and, as members of the body are to work in unison, so the Body of Christ may grow and prosper.

I like it when Paul said that the members of the body are to feel for each other. If one part of the body is honored, the whole body rejoices with it. If one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers with it. Why does it seem to be easier to suffer with members rather than to rejoice with members? So many times, when something good happens to one of the members of the Family of God, some of the other members get their feelings hurt because someone was honored and they were not. When something is done for one member of the family, some Christians (?) get their feelings hurt because the same thing was not done for them or one of their family. Is this really the Christian attitude?

The attitude of the Christian is one of service, not that of being served. Why do we have to be so careful to be sure that we do things equally for everyone, so we will be sure not to offend someone? "Oh," someone is quick to reply, "it is only Christian to do the same thing for everyone." Is it? I question that. Can I really have a Christian spirit and demand that the same be done for me as for everyone else? If all of us stand around demanding to be served and treated equally, who is going to do the service? "Oh, we serve each other!" Right! And while we are spending all our time serving each other and making sure that we do not hurt anyone's feelings, the world is going to hell!

One of the three areas of church responsibility is edification. This means we do that which is necessary to build up the church and make it and each member stronger. You do not edify someone by catering to their whim and wishes. You do not build up a person by letting them think that everyone owes them something. The church is edified when the members are taught to reach out and meet the needs of those who are in need without expecting to be paid in like manner.

We, as Christians, should not get our feelings hurt. Certainly we ought to treat people fairly. But, we should not be offended if someone slips up and does something for someone that they do not do for me or mine.

Christians need to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing involves growing in our attitude of service and not always being served. Let us be interested in the important things, such as reaching the lost with the message of the gospel. We will be much happier than if we expect everything to come to us.
[by Bill Craddock from The Chapel Hill Courier, vol. 6, no. 16, Apr. 9, 1987, p. 3]

BETTER RELATIONS WITH BRETHREN
1. Love each other! The Bible declares...(I Pet. 2:17). We are taught in scripture to have a special relationship toward brethren. We ought to really care about what happens to each other and try to help each other in every way we can. This is the foundation of building a good relationship with brethren.
2. Think the best of each other! The Bible says this about real love...(I Cor. 13:5). Real love for each other will cause us to think the very best about each other and to give the best possible construction to the actions of each other. We will not be looking for something bad in our brethren but rather we will be looking for the good to be found.
3. Help each other! The apostle urged the saints to...(Phili. 4:3). We ought to help each other in every good way possible. We all will need help from time to time in our lives. Brethren should always be ready and willing to come to the aid of each other. In times of sickness, death, depression, family problems, etc. Christians should be the first to come to the aid of each other.
4. Pray for each other! Paul requested of the Thessalonians the following...(I Thes. 5:25). The apostle knew he needed the prayers of good brethren and he requested such. How we all need the prayers of our brethren. We should request such and be appreciative of such. When we pray for each other we will think better of each other and we will help each other more.
5. Encourage each ohter! God charged Moses in regard to Joshua to...(Deut. 3:28). Joshua would need encouragement in the work that stood before him. Each of us needs encouragement in the work that we have to do. Let's daily encourage each other in the faith!
[by Allen Ashlock from North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., vol. 63, no. 1, Jan. 2, 1994, p. 4]

OUR DAILY STRUGGLE
He is a most hideous enemy. The master destroyer. He doesn't overwhelm. He sneaks up at the most inopportune time. The difficulty in overcoming him is trying to determine when he is the most powerful. At times when we think we are invincible and he is at a comfortable distance, there he stands. His sly smile is present with our successes, and he deliberately creeps in with each failure.
His name is discouragement. He seems as harmless as a kitten, and yet his energy can be as devastating as a hurricane. And he never fully disappears.
Do you remember...
The job that didn't come through?
The relationship that never developed?
The award that was never to be received?
The sale that was never consummated?
The temptation that was easily dismissed as overcome?
The once vicacious health that left no indication of every leaving?
The business deal that flopped?
The family that was supposed to be so supportive?
The program that never materialized?
The performance that was never to be seen?

You could fill in the names, dates and places, couldn't you? But the one common ingredient was that each time it happened, there he was. Off in the corner, waiting for you. When all of the encouragers are gone, he is ready to accompany you home. He whispers in your ear. He rehearses the harsh criticisms in your memory. He presents the picture of what might have been in your mind's eye over...and over...again...and again...until you finally jerk away in total disgust.

That's when he is finally satisfied. His plan has finally worked. With a relieved sigh of a job well done, he falls back into the shadows, lurking until he sees another opportunity to turn your thinking.

I believe that is why the apostle Paul made sure he warned the churches of Galatia, (Gal. 6:9). Our responsibility is to encourage one another. Our challenge is to keep focused on doing what is right. Our charge from the Lord is to serve God by being of service to others.

Discouragement is present in all of our lives. Let's not underestimate him. The most devastating wound that can be afflicted against him is to recognize him. Once recognized, he is hardly the powerful menace that lurks in the shadows of our mind. He then is controllable and subject to our will. Let's encourage each other to fight him together.
[by Dave Phillips, Germantown, Tenn. from Family Talk via North Jackson Ave. church of Christ newsletter, Bartow, Fla., May 22, 1994, p. 3]

ROLES AND HOW WE PLAY THEM
Whenever I'm disappointed with my lot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in his school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mum," he shouted, and then said those words that remain a lesson to me. "I've been chosen to clap and cheer."
[from Sycamore Sunbeam]

LESSONS FROM GEESE!
When you see Canadian geese making long, non-stop flights along in a "V" formation, wingtip to wingtip with none missing a stroke, you might be interested in knowing what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it cuts a swath throught the air resistance and the wind currents it creates produce an uplift for the two birds immediately following.  This in turn makes it easier on the next two birds behind them.  It is much like a drag or a race car sucked in behind a lead car.

Lesson One: People who share a common sense of direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on each other's thrust. By flying in the "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Lesson Two: If we take a tip from the geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going and stay with the task at hand. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the dragy and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.  

Lesson Three: It pays to take turns when doing hard jobs. When the lead goose gets tired, he drops to the back for a rest and another rested goose flies the point position.

Lesson Four: We respond to encouragement from others. Geese honking from behind seem to encourage those up front.

Lesson Five: If we follow the example of geese, we will stand by each other. When a goose gets sick, or is wounded and falls out of formation, two geese fall out with him and follow him down to his resting place to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead. They then launch out on their own or with another formation to continue their journey.

Just as geese can go farther and accomplish more by flying "in a family" we can, with the support of fellow Christians and friends who care for us, go farther in the Lord's work than we could ever go alone. If I fly in the "Family" I will never fly alone, neither feel rejected or ignored. In helping others, we help ourselves.
[by John Clayton from The Church of Christ at Sycamore Chapel [bulletin] Mar. 23, 1997 p. 3 and Does God Exist?, Jan. 1983, p. 23] [Relevant scripture: Gal. 6:2; Heb. 10:24]

A ROOM WITH A VIEW
As I enter my hospital room there is a feeling of despair. The end may soon be here. Cancer has eaten by body until it is wrecked with pain. I walk to the window, fling open the drapes hoping to see a beautiful view of the city but what do I see but three brick walls reaching up to the sky. Nothing but brick walls and windows is all my eyes can see.

Suddenly my mind takes over the view and I see other people in these windows. Even the brick and windows were made by some hard working people earning a living to educate other people. These whole walls had an architect behind them. These people in the windows have lives to be encouraged and may be helping in some way.

Then my heart takes the whole view over and I see those walls didn't go all the way up to heaven. There is a blue sky, a small white cloud and one bird flying over. I think it is God who is furnishing my view; it is He who is behind the great brains that are going to help me - these wonderful doctors who know what a cancer is and how to treat it and these lovely nurses who will see to my comfort. I suddenly realize what a view I have from my window. I wish everyone else had a room like mine with a view.

Dear Lord open my eyes, my mind and my heart and let the whole world have a small part.
Open their eyes and let the light shine though that they too can have a room with a view.
[By Billie Allison from The church in Otumoetai Newsletter, Vol. 5, no. 4, p. 1, 3 March 1989]

TAKE COURAGE!
I answered the phone on a holiday when everyone was busily preparing to celebrate. It was Gladys. She said she was calling to encourage us in our work. As I thanked her for her thoughtfulness, I asked, "What are you doing today to celebrate?" She answered, "Oh, I'm just calling people I want to encourage." - The Spirit of God at work in his people! Building one another up in love.

We can't predict what will happen between now and December 31, but we know that the courage that comes from Christ through his word and his Spirit is an absolute necessity for us during this time. Christ is our courage. Christ was just that important to the people in Luke too. Luke makes the people Jesus encountered come to life in full color with his details. We see Jesus giving them the very things we need from him. Someone was not too shy to ask Him how to pray, and He taught them right then with a simple but profound prayer that we all know by heart; someone asked him how to be more spiritually satisfied, how to really be in the kingdom, and Jesus gave a short, practical, physical answer - "Go sell all you have and follow me;" someone was in the back watching Jesus, and he was singled out to take Jesus home for lunch - that lunch changed his whole professional and family life; several people were very sick and Jesus healed them, they were so excited by the instant healing they never said thank you - except for one.

Being with Jesus in Luke will encourage you, and you can share that encouragement with someone who needs it - and who doesn't? This is the story that never grows old, the story that changes us daily, the story that can turn you around, out of old habits, old thoughts, old reactions. It is a true story backed by the power of God himself. The God who delights to dwell in us - now that's really encouraging!
[by Steven S. and Emily Y. Lemley from Power for Today, Oct.-Dec., 1983]

CELEBRATE THE VICTORY
My friend Anne does not think she is victorious - she lives with so many demands from her family that she knows she cannot be the "perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect daughter, and the perfect church member." She wakes up to a call from her mother who is struggling with the depression of Anne's grandmother and the complication of family infighting about who should take care of her - "whose turn is it?" She calms the waters of this early morning crisis with encouragement, "I think you are doing the right thing, Mother, and I will come by to bake cookies with grandmother and give you a break." She is a peacemaker with scriptures on her mirror and in her purse. She reads uplifting books and finds her strength in the Lord.

Anne gets up to find her bathroom soaked by her two remaining teenagers who have showered and gone off to school early. She tries to be thankful that they are healthy. She dresses for her work in their family business which has not been meeting the pay roll because of the Northwest's economic slump. She says to herself, "My God will supply all my needs in Christ Jesus," and gets in her car to listen to tapes about God's power in the everyday as she drives to work.

As she faces a critical desk-mate, she pours kind words on the bitterness and says, "I think this is a great business, and we haven't done half of the things I know we can do to make it better. I love it and I'm not giving up - It has lots of advantages"...she lists the ones that come to mind. "And God is involved in this too," she adds, "and with Him all things are possible. I'm praying about this, and I believe that He will enable us to meet our goals."

Anne takes her lunch hour to meet with her ladies' Bible class group which she has been part of for many years. They are all critical today - all of them are discouraged about the long search for a new preacher and the slow-moving out-reach ministry - they are tired of not having a say in church affairs, they feel old enough and wise enough to be consulted, but they are on-lookers. Anne is discouraged and hurt by their bitterness. She goes back to work in tears. She opens her Bible for comfort, and then she prays, "I love you Jesus, I want to follow You, this is the fellowship I am in, and I want my relationship to You to be stronger than my circumstances. I am determined to follow You no matter what..." She prays for her friends by name. Her prayer moves her to write an encouraging note to the church secretary and to an elder's wife. She keeps reminding herself to let God work and not to worry.

After work, Anne picks up her sons from the Christian school where she pays the tuition since her husband does not agree with her beliefs. It is a big city, and a long drive, but Anne has promised to keep sending them as long as the Lord provides. On the bumper to bumper ride home, she prays that she will be a patient and happy mom and wife this evening. Later, as she cooks and serves dinner then goes to her husband's soft-ball game, she keeps on encouraging these people she loves the most. Some of her husband's friends have changed their perceptions about the church because of her sweet spirit. As Anne gets into bed that night (what a day!), she rehearses her blessings and fights the discouraging thoughts that rush in.

Anne doesn't think she is victorious, but she puts her faith to the test at every turn - she applies prayer and scripture to every situation, and she admits she is a human being who is determined to follow Jesus. His love and His life make the anxiety of the present livable and loveable. I call that victory!
[by Emily Y. Lemley from Power for Today, Apr.-June, 1988]

POWER WITH PEOPLE
(Heb. 10:24)
In my opinion, encouragement is one of the greatest powers that we have in working with others. It has certainly made a difference in my life.
When Sir Walter Scott was a boy, he was considered dull in school. He often was made to stand in the dunce corner with the high pointed hat of shame on his head. When he was about twelve years old, he happened to be in a home where Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, was being entertained.
Mr. Burns was admiring a picture under which was written a couplet of a stanza. He inquired about the author of the lines. No one seemed to know.
Finally, a small boy crept up to his side, named the author, and quoted the rest of the poem. Burns was surprised and delighted. Laying his hand on the boy's head, he said, "Ah, bairnie, ye will be a great man in Scotland some day."
From that day, Walter Scott was a changed boy. One sentence of encouragement helped set him on the road to greatness.
Goethe said, "In praising and loving a child, we love and praise not that which is, but that which we hope for."
That's not only true of a child, but of us all. (Isa. 35:3-4).
Why not encourage someone today?
[from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Nov. 22, 1992, p. 2]

"WHEN ALL IS SAID..."
Someone has observed wisely that "When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done." And from experience we know it to be a fact!

Our wishes and good intentions often far exceed our actual accomplishments. The apostle James warns us that faith is dead when pious talk is substituted for practical assistance, and we frequently see evidence that such warning is deserved.

On the other hand, positive words of themselves may be of great value. It was said of Job, "Your words have kept men on their feet." We may not always have the answers to problems presented to us; we may lack the resources to supply what appears to be needed, but every Christian has both the right and the responsibility to speak a word of encouragement in the name of Jesus!

Whatever the circumstances, NO Christian has the right or reason to spread gloom and pessimism! There is no room in God's kingdom for the cynic, the fearful, and the doubter. The spirit of despair is not one of the gifts of the Spirit.

It may well be that our wishes and good intentions will ALWAYS exceed our achievements; nevertheless, the people of God are commissioned to speak but ONE LANGUAGE...the language of faith and victory!
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Jan. 10, 1993, p. 2]

WHERE DO I GO TO GIVE UP?
Don't give up! Anybody can quit. Hang on. Give God time. His purposes are eternal, and He never fails. The present may be weary and long, but giving up only ends the future rather than bringing it to fruition. If Abraham had given up, Isaac would have come from other loins; and the chant of the Israelites recounting father Abraham's faith would be silent.

You may be living in a situation that feels hopeless, but God has great hope and purpose for you! As Isaiah wrote, "For the Lord Almight has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out and who can turn it back?" God works his will in history and he works his will in our little worlds as well, with the purposefulness of his love which is never hurried or worried because he knows the past and the future and even the end of all things.

When we give up on God's great plan for the church or for our lives, then we turn to little plans and short cuts that callous our hearts with faithlessness - no dreams left, no hope. Our ears do not hear the Lord any longer. Giving up on God has always been the temptation of highly religious and faithful people. It led the Pharisees to turn to their own way of religion, to whittle down God's great plan until their words were empty of love and empty of action. Jesus said...(Matt. 13:15).

Jesus encourages persistent focus on the Father, so that our hearts do not scab over. Because there are so many distractions to those who might choose to stick it out. All around us "giving up" looks so sensible and convenient. Change the channel - change churches - change wives - drop the kids off at the babysitters - change jobs - change neighborhoods. These are very live options in our "have it your way" world. But God's ways are not our ways - what if he had chosen a new "chosen race" every time the Israelites gave up on his purpose for them? There would be no history of God standing by His people. What if Jesus had given up on his disciples every time they didn't understand him? There would have been no purpose for their lives and no one to tell the story.

Persistence counts! It counts in little things as well as large. Have you given up on your New Year's resolution? The smallest acquiescence breaks the firmest resolve. Winston Churchill's famous lines are needed now by Christians in our battle - against the hosts of Satan that would tempt us to give up God's dream for us and for the church - even more than they were needed for the Britains weary of war with Hitler:

Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never. Never - in anything great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.

You will be encouraged by things that show God's gifts and God's attributes. We worship a great God! And because of His steadfast love toward us, we join in prayer that we will...(Phili. 3:14).
[by Steven S. & Emily Y. Lemley from Power for Today]

"SINGLES" ARE FAMILY TOO
What a special privilege it is to be a part of the family of God! Especially is this true for those countless people whose earthly ties are very limited or almost non-existent because of death, divorce, separation by miles, or lack of caring by family members. For these people, being a part of the body of Christ can be life-sustaining.

Among most of our fellowships today a group is growing, usually referred to as the "singles." Singles programs are being developed in many churches in order to identify and meet the needs of those who, for whatever reason, are single. These programs can be of great value in many ways. They offer a special fellowship for those with similar needs, providing social, recreational and service activities. Professional counseling may be available for the bereaved, the divorced, the never-married and the single parent. Our singles have found support, encouragement, and understanding.

But there is another side to the picture. The single is often seen as one who leads a busy and exciting life, free to come and go as he or she pleases, and having few responsibilities - an enviable position in the eyes of the married person with the responsibilities of a family. This view of the single may be true in many cases, but that very freedom may be the source of feelings of alienation, isolation and loneliness. While opportunities for involvement, usually with other singles, may be numerous, the fact remains that sooner or later the single goes home alone or to an apartment shared with a roommate with similar struggles. Of course, this is not true for every single, particularly the mature adult who has made the adjustment and leads a busy useful life. But for those in the transition from married to "single again" status, or for those never married, for whom that continued state seems a very real possibility, the struggle can be very painful. What a blessing and comfort the family of God can be.

I have heard singles, while being grateful for the fellowship they have with one another, say that they feel separated from the larger fellowship. They want to be involved with all age groups, want to feel needed, to make a worthwhile contribution in serving, and want to be part of a family. Just today, a young single woman stopped by my office for a visit. She has a good job, and she's busy and involved with people. But she said in essence, "being single is not all it appears to be on the surface. One of the things that I enjoy most is being in a home and being made to feel a part of a family." If you are someone who has had a single in your home, you probably have heard this statement, "you don't know how good it is to be in a 'real' home."

While programs for singles are meeting many needs, there is a great need for our singles to be integrated into the total family. We are far too often cliquish and selfish, unwilling to share our lives, our time and our possessions. We need to break down the barriers and reach out to all those around us who are hurting and lonely.

Paul wrote that we are one body with many members who are called to care for one another. The apostle John wrote of the love of God which calls us "children of God." Phillips' translation says that it is not just "what we are called, but what we are." This means that we are a family whether young or old, rich or poor, married or single, male or female. We must not let a program be substitute for meaningful fellowship or an excuse for lack of involvement. Let us seek to be obedient to what God has commanded us to do, to love one another, serve one another and bear one another's burdens.
[by Ann King from Power for Today, vol. 32, no. 4, Oct.-Dec. 1986, p. 4-5]

TRANSITION
Life is no stagnant pond; if we are alive, we're moving, in one direction or another. And there is much to remind us that we are in transition. In the seasons of nature itself, for example. While the days are still warm, there is already something in the atmosphere that hints of the coming of autumn.

The fact of change is felt gradually, but persistently, in the aging of our bodies. As time passes, we may also detect a changing in our moods and emotions. We may react somewhat differently to life's happenings than we once did. Perhaps that is a sign of growth.

We're also made aware of the transitory nature of life by changing relationships. We develop close, dependent friendships, within the church, and circumstances separate us. And finally, there is the inevitable transition of dying.

All this might be depressing, were it not for the fact that we who live in Christ live in a dimension of spiritual reality in which changes are designed to bless us. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever! How wonderful it is that spiritual realities are constant!

If we are in Christ, this means that we never lose when our external circumstances change. The fundamental integrities by which we live do not change. "Faith, hope, and love ABIDE!" These values take us through periods of transition.

Therefore, as we age, certain adjustments to physical change may be called for. Moods and emotions may well be affected by separations from loved ones. But the fundamental fellowship of God's people is unaltered. Neither time nor geography can take away the joy of our oneness in Christ. And even life's final transition is a means of personal completeness and unrestricted fellowship with God, and with those whom we love so much because of Christ.
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Oct. 25, 199, p. 3]

THIS DAY
On this day--mend a quarrel, search out a forgotten friend, dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust, write a letter to someone who misses you, encourage a youth who has lost faith, keep a promise, forget an old grudge, examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them, fight for a principle, express your gratitude, overcome an old fear, take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature, tell someone you love them. Tell them again...and again...and again.
[from The Sycamore Sunbeam]

SISTERLY LOVE
As Christians we should be examples to each other, encouraging and loving. When our sister is down, don't mutter harsh words but be patient and kind. Greet each other with a warm welcome - whether it be a kiss or a hug. Acknowledge each others good deeds. Share with each other the excitement of just knowing each other. As sisters we are all the same. No one higher than the other. Pray for each other whether it be for strength or happiness. Don't be afraid to talk to and confide in each other. The key is love. Love your sister, because that is what she is. No matter what her color or race, whether the sun is shining or hidden. She is your sister so love her!
[by Anne Harvey from Mangere bulletin]

THE CHURCH WITHOUT PEOPLE
What would the church be without people? Have you ever thought about that? People seem to add spice to everything they get involved in. Because there are different kinds of people, circumstances are subject to change at any time. One person's dream is another person's nightmare - that's just how different people can be. There are ideal people, and there are those that are somewhat shy of ideal. It's a trustworthy rule that no one is all bad. But even the Bible says to beware when all men speak well of you - so perhaps no one is all good either! One other rule is deserving of our remembrance. We are sinful, and we all have a fault or two that should always prevent us from reaching a plateau where we feel worthy to judge or condemn others. Sometimes we forget or suspend this role, but it is not to anyone's advantage when we do. On the other side of the coin, when we accept one another as fellow citizens in the Father's kingdom - with the same relationship and in the same standing with the Father as one another - our lives mesh with greater harmony and our influence on the world increases immeasurably.

There are many opportunities to accomplish good for the cause of the Lord. For optimum success it is vital that we maintain an atmosphere of encouragement, good will, and mutual support for one another. As we travel the straight and narrow road leading to eternal life, let's rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Of course, these words aren't original, but if we will live by them, the results in our lives will be as great as those witnessed when they were first spoken. What would the church be without people? The answer is elementary - without people, the church would not be. It naturally follows that the church can only be as loving, caring, effective, and successful as the people it consists of. Let's do all we can to make the church all it can be locally, nationally, and universally...to the glory of God.
[by Tim Binkley from the Joelton Church of Christ bulletin, January 21, 1990]

PLANT HAPPINESS
First plant five rows of peas: Prayer, Perseverance, Politeness, Promptness, Purity.
Next plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip, Squash criticism, and Squash indifference.
Then five rows of lettuce: Let us be faithful to duty, Let us be unselfish, Let us be fruitful, Let us follow Christ, Let us love one another.
No garden is complete without turnips. Turn up for church. Turn up with a smile. Turn up with new ideas. Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

Looking for something to do? Study your Bible, pray regularly, visit the sick, send a card of cheer, encourage the weak, commend someone's work, and count your blessings!
[from Bulletin from the Church of Christ, 2010 Louisiana Ave. Savannah, Georgia]

Frequently the greatest things we can give to another person is the gift of encouragement.
[Worth quoting by Joe R. Barnett from 20th Century Christian]

CONCERN FOR OTHERS
A careful study of the church in the New Testament will reveal several factors that made her effective in service.

There was an emphasis upon godly and competent leadership. The church was not left to choose her own leaders arbitrarily. God gave the criteria for the selection of leaders. (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). There were specific and functional goals and objectives to keep the church focused. There was an emphasis upon discipleship with each Christian involved in building and edifying. The early Christians were constantly seeking ways to penetrate their communities. The church in Jerusalem "filled their city" with the doctrine. From there they went on to "turn the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). Every Christian realized that his gift was to be used in ministry (Rom. 12:6-8).

But another very important mark of the church in the New Testament was her genuine concern for each other. The church was involved in the lives of her people. They were not content just to attend meetings and watch things happen. Members did not merely come in, sit down and walk out. They were involved in what the church was doing. The church wasn't stagnate, but an organism always moving, acting and living. Her greater ministry occurred after the assembly was over. Each one ministered according to his/her gift, then responded to each other. Not only was there outreach, there was in-reach. They extended themselves to each other. There is great emphasis upon such mutual concern in the New Testament.

They confessed sins to each other (James 5:16). They were taught to forgive one another (Col. 3:13). In time of adversity, they bore each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2). When necessary they even rebuked one another (Titus 1:13). When in sorrow, they comforted one another (I Thes. 4:18). When there were signs of weakness, they exhorted one another (Heb. 10:25). When a brother or sister appeared to go in the wrong direction, they admonished with a view toward changing behavior (Rom. 15:14). Each was urged to edify one another and pray for one another (Rom. 15:19; James 5:16).

It was that genuine caring and concern that gave the church that sense of community and the warm fellowship. It was that inward discipline and concern that enabled the church to meet all external foes.
Our challenge today is to restore all the essential factors which made the church strong when she was young.
[by Clarence DeLoach from The Church of Christ at Sycamore Chapel [bulletin], Oct. 4, 1998, p. 3 and July 19, 1998, p. 2]

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
Individual freedom and individual responsibility mixed together in proper proportions combine to make a balanced perspective toward life. We are individuals living in a society of individuals. Life presents a dual role in the sense that we are "doers" of acts and we are also "done-to."

Individual responsibility is demonstrated early in the home environment. A child spills the milk at the breakfast table. It becomes the responsibility of someone to clean up the mess. At sometime in life a child must learn that with the freedom to eat with others comes the responsibility to be clean and unoffensive to others. The society of the breakfast table makes demands upon the mess-maker to clean up the mess for which he is responsible.

One of the earliest lessons in the scripture is the lesson of responsibility. Adam and Eve learned freedom depended upon acting responsibly toward the commands of God. Cain exercised individual freedom in slaying Abel. But, he was not relieved of the responsibility for his immoral act. His philosophy of extreme individualism caused him to make the statement, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Such a philosophy of life brings anarchy to an individual and to a society. Israel practiced this during the period of the judges when every man did that which was right in his own sight.

Freedom of choice, intelligence, education, and maturity bring increased individual responsibility to those who possess them. An important need in society, in the church, and among individuals is the policy expressed by R.H. Taft in the 1964 "Meet the Press" interview. He said, "I called for a policy of responsible individualism."

Responsible individualism is important to our nation. Ward Quall, general manager of WGN in Chicago, recently said, "The one indispensable ingredient of liberty is responsibility! If you are willing to live in enslavement, then you don't have to take any responsibility for the way the country is run." Unrestrained individualism is a curse to our society today.

Unstrained individualism is the philosophy of the robber in the night - "What is yours is mine, I will take it." It is the philosophy of the person pursuing his selfish interests in business or professional life justifying the means by the end, disregarding the effect upon others. Unrestrained individualism is beating up a strang