LEVI

On February 26, 1829, a Jewish boy by the name of Loeb Strauss was born in a cottage in the Bavarian village of Buttenheim. As a young man, Loeb changed his name to Levi and wound up in California, where he opened a textile company in San Francisco. One day a gold miner walked into Levi’s shop and assailed the young merchant. “Look at these,” said the miner, pointing to the pants. “I bought ‘em six months ago, and now they’re full of holes!” When Levi asked why, the miner explained, “We work on our knees most of the time.” “What you need is some really strong material,” replied Levi. “We have some canvas. It’s used to make tents. If we make your trousers out of canvas, I’m sure they won’t get holes.” A tailor was called, and presently the miner had a set of trousers—and the rest is history. Soon miners across the West were wearing Levi Strauss’s jeans.

Thought: Christians should have the same problem that plagued that miner, pants with worn-out knees, for we ought to do some of our Kingdom work on our knees.

UNCLE WILL

My uncle, Will Moss, was a wonderful man. I still remember words he said at the Lord’s Table and as a child I remember Uncle Will getting on his knees as he led the church in prayer on Sunday morning. In years past I remember other men who got on their knees at prayer time. Some months ago I was visiting during a revival at the Missouri Avenue church and at prayer time a number of men got on their knees for prayer. Is there a certain position for prayer in the assembly that is required by Scripture? I have not found such in the Bible. Some matters are left to man’s better judgment. One thing for sure, as God’s people, we are to pray.

WANTED: MEMBERS

• All Sizes. Males and females. Baptized believers. Identified with the local church.
• Attend all Bible classes and worship services, except when providentially hindered.
• Actively participates in the work of the congregation.
• Positive thinkers. Optimistic. “Sons of exhortation.” Not grumbling complainers. Nor carping critics.
• Pray daily for the church. Speak well concerning the 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 the discouraged.
• Seek the lost. Restore the fallen. Give liberally. Volunteer for a 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.

BE HERE

On earth, nothing will ever take the place of a good Sunday worship time. Every Christian needs the fellowship that comes by being in the assembly. Your soul is stirred and your heart is challenged as you sing, pray and listen to the inspired word of the Lord. Nobody can remain strong and active in the Kingdom-Church without good spiritual food. Don’t disappoint yourself and the Lord; therefore, be in your place every First Day of the Week. It is true the Enemy may try to hinder you in your Christian life, but God can help you overcome anything in your way. Come to services with a big smile on your face and a good Bible in your hand and a happy spring in your step. I’ll look for you in your place.

-Pat Casey