JUNE 13-16

Tonight will begin one of the greatest annual events of the church. It is VBS. Young people are excited and adults can be here to help and encourage. Also, there will be an adult class. Sunday night Frank Pitcock will teach concerning the Prodigal Son; Monday night, Bob Spencer will teach about the widow in Mark 12:41-44; Tuesday night, Mike Pace will teach about the men with various talents and Wednesday night, Rick Davidson will teach about laying up treasures in Heaven.

DAVID GIBSON

David Gibson has written an article about making a positive difference. Read it and think,

“Jeremiah lamented for Josiah…” (2 Chron. 35:25). Evidently he did not live to see his fortieth birthday, but even though Josiah didn’t live long, he lived well. God said of him “He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy” (Jer. 22:16). He is especially remembered for leading his people back to God after a long period of apostasy (2 Chron. 34:35). Josiah made a difference.

When Stephen was martyred for courageously preaching Christ, those who buried him “made great lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2). He was one of the seven chosen to provide for the daily needs of poor widows in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen made a difference.

When Dorcas died the widows wept. The Scriptures speak of her “good works and alms deeds which she did” (Acts 9:36). Dorcas made a difference.

Josiah, Stephen and Dorcas. When people who live like this die, their loss is keenly felt. All three could have chosen to live for themselves, but they didn’t. All three could have let others do it, but they didn’t. God was pleased with each of them because they obeyed Him and served others.

Let’s be constantly on the lookout for ways to make a difference. They are there. God has given us our resources, talents and opportunities to serve. We can’t afford to let what little time we have to be frittered away with mindless pursuits that accomplish nothing.

When we give of ourselves for others, it can be time consuming, expensive and exhausting. We may face opposition as Stephen did. There is a price to be paid. But oh how much richer our lives will be! And when we die we will be missed!

PSALM 118:24

Ever so often we need to remind ourselves of Psalm 118:24- “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Rejoice and make a positive difference and one way to do it is to be in your place of worship every First Day of the Week. Come early and stay late. Come with a Bible in your hand and a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I’ll look for you in your place.

-Pat Casey