You Never Know

You know, we truly never know when our last day here on earth will be. We all acknowledge that verbally, but I think sometimes we don't really accept it mentally.

Last evening, as I arrived at a weekly Bible study I have with two young ladies on Tues. evenings, I was greeted by one of them who was, I think, still in a bit of shock. She had arrived at her job extra early that morning for a supervisor's meeting and one of their key "players" in the group was late. This lady worked in the office next to the young lady and had reminded her the day before to be sure and not be late for the meeting. The girl I study with said she had told some of her other co-workers that when the other one got there she was going to really rib her about telling her not to be late.

They waited and waited and the other co-worker never showed. I believe she said it was around 9:30 or 10:00 that they received news that the woman had been found dead in her bed. She had died in her sleep. She was 42. We truly never know.

Jesus tells us that we know not the day nor the hour of His coming--we also know not the day nor the hour of our leaving. We must be ready at all times to meet our God because, you never know.

Dana Burk

Becoming Spiritual

"We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must under take something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided." Phillips Brooks

Sobering Words

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." (1 Chronicles 28:9)

What sobering words David had for his beloved son Solomon. We too should take heed of their warning. Our God is a loving and merciful God who desires each of us to return back home to live with Him. He has paid the ultimate ransom for our souls and waits patiently while we seek to come to know Him and His will. His longsuffering is immeasurable and His kindness to us is unsurpassed. Peter tells us, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward, us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9)

But, we cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into complacency by this forbearing display of mercy. David reminds his son, that if he forsakes seeking after God, that He will be cast off forever. So often, because we see no physical signs of God's displeasure in this life, we forget He will judge us and is coming without warning. We tend to believe we have a "lifetime" to repent and get ourselves right with God. Peter continues by saying, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Pet. 3:10)

When our Lord returns and ALL that is in this world is burned up, what is it you will have left that will have been worth going to Hell for--going into eternal fire and torment where there remains NO hope? Job reminds us that we came into this world with nothing and we will leave it in the same way--only our souls will remain to be judged by our Great and Just God.

David warned Solomon: if you seek God, you will find Him, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off! What are you busy doing? Seeking or forsaking?

Dana Burk

I Feel Better

I just got back from a stretching and exercise class I am taking on Saturday mornings. It starts at 7:45am--that's the only problem with it--but I feel so much better when I get out and go to it. The class is with ladies from church where I attend and so the camaraderie is also good.

In our Wednesday evening ladies study, we discussed dealing with depression and our well being and one of the things we talked about is how we need to get out of the house and even participate in mild exercise. I want to be an alive, alert and energetic Christian for the Lord and being with other women who have the same goal certainly pushes me forward. I encourage you to get involved in something similar. Maybe start your own group. We even start ours with prayer which is inspiring.

As a said at the end of the Wed. evening study that I teach--open the curtains, turn off the tube, get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine!

Have a really great day.

Dana Burk

Assembly Required

I saw a maxim on a building's sign today that read:

• The church is God's greatest gift;
• Assembly required!

Well said!!!!! It is amazing to me how many Christians believe they can be a part of the church that our Lord and Savior suffered and died for so He could purchase it with His own blood and then feel they are not obligated to assemble with the assembly. The Greek word ekklesia which is translated "church" means "assembly". We are the "assembly of Christ". How is it we don't have to assemble?

Hebrews 10:25 words it so succinctly: "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some". Could you put it any plainer? But nonetheless, there are those who have decided that does not include them. There also are those who have decided that the Hebrews writer said: "not forsaking the assembling on Sunday morning for worship only", but that is not what it says, is it? It says, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together". Where I attend worship, we assemble on Sunday morning for a Bible study, then for a worship service; we then reassemble for a Sunday evening worship service and also assemble for a Wednesday evening Bible study and then meet for a Wednesday evening worship service.

Which "assembly" can I forsake? Anyone that I choose? Many have said they can forsake all except the one on Sunday morning. Why do you HAVE to assemble at that one? They will say because it is then that we take the Lord's Supper and so they cannot forsake that one. Let's look at what Heb. 10:25 says again--"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves"--where does it say "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves when the Lord's Supper is taken"? As members of the Lord's body, we often quote the passages that teach we are not to add to nor take from the word and yet isn't that what we do all the time with this passage when we want to justify our neglecting a direct command from God to NOT FORSAKE THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER?

In His word, God says what He means and means what He says and He says in Heb. 10:25, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some..." I will assume that He meant what He said and I will be at Bible study on Sunday morning, at worship on Sunday morning, at worship on Sunday evening, at Bible study on Wednesday evening and I will also be at the short worship service we have on Wednesday after our Bible study because I can't decide which one it is that is not an "assembly".

Dana Burk

As Summer Approaches

Today was one our first really hot days where I live. As we are approaching the "hot" season, many of us begin to shed our clothes--some shed "all" there clothes or, at least they might as well. Christians need to think very seriously about how they dress and appear. Do we blend in with the world at the beach--unclothed and immodest? Are our shorts just like those of the world or do they cover us as the Bible clearly directs? Below are some scriptures and comments borrowed from a church bulletin article I received. The comments are not mine but I commend them to your reading.


1) Matt. 5:13-15--Our aim in life should be to bring glory and honor to God.

2) Matt. 5:28--Lusting in the heart for one who is not your spouse is sinful. We should not participate in it either by lusting or dressing for others to look and lust at.

3) 1 Pet. 3:3-4--Make sure you dress in such a way to reflect who you are serving on the inside.

4) Luke 17:1--I do not want to be a stumbling block in any way.

Think about how you appear before the world, but more importantly, how you appear before the Lord.

Dana Burk

Wretched Man that I Am!

We have been studying in Romans 7 & 8 in our ladies Bible class and discussing Paul's frustrations with the war between his spirit and his flesh. I believe this is a battle that each of us daily engage in or, should engage in as Christians. In Rom. 7:18, Paul makes the statement that in his flesh nothing good dwells. I understand his point to be that if we allow our fleshly side to rule, then nothing good will be produced, but only evil. It is our spiritual side that is responsible for controlling our fleshly desires.

After discussing that fact in class today, I'm afraid there are some of us as Christians who have difficulty admitting that we have an evil or wicked side to us as Paul states in Rom. 7. I believe that is the whole point of his diatribe here in Rom. 5, 6, 7, & 8. We must die to ourselves and live to Christ. My concern is, if we do not see how sinful sin is and that no matter how "small" my sin may be in my eyes, it is sin nonetheless and it can send me to eternal damnation, then we are deceiving ourselves. Thus, Paul's conclusion in 7:24, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" The comment may be made, "Paul wasn't really that bad. He was a good Christian." The only reason to come to such a conclusion is to justify our own shortcomings and not have to call ourselves "wretched".

1 John 1:10 says if we say we have not sinned then we make Him a liar. Rom. 3:23 says we have all sinned and fall short. Both of these are written to Christians. God recognizes that each of us are sinners and we need to recognize it as well. If we do not see ourselves as we really are--wretched-- then why would we bother to change? But, thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord we will be delivered from the curse of death and damnation--if we recognize our condition and repent, calling on our God for forgiveness.

We must be very careful to not think better of ourselves than we really are. After God rebukes Job for questioning what had happened to him, Job replies to God, "Behold I am vile...I lay my hand over my mouth." Just a few verses later, God commends Job for his righteousness. Which was he; vile or righteous? I suggest to you he was righteous because he recognized he was vile and that recognition caused him to humble himself before God, continuously repenting of his sins.

Paul, who suffered so much for the cause of Christ, calls himself the chief of sinners. He understood that it wasn't "how good you were or how much you did for the Lord" that would save you, but were you forgiven of your sins. We all can say with Paul, "O wretched man that I am!" We all need salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dana Burk

Curt or Rude?

I dropped off two watches at the jewelry store today to have them repaired (I thought they just needed batteries) and when I returned, the gentleman who was the owner of the store (he wasn't very gentle) got my watches for me and proceeded to tell me that one of them needed to have the mechanism cleaned at a cost of $70--replacing the battery did not fix it. I expressed to him that it was only a few months old and I was surprised that it would need such extensive work already.

Well, you would have thought that I called him a liar or something. He very curtly slapped his hand on the counter and said, "Well, what do you want me to do!" I was a little taken back by his demeanor and told him I would take it and send it back where I bought it from. He then asked where I had purchased it and I told him in the Virgin Islands--they have a factory where they make watches. Once again, he bristled like I didn't know what I was talking about and I then told him I had lived there for 8 years and had bought a number of watches at that factory.

After I left the store, I thought to myself--maybe he has had a bad day or maybe he thought I was too cheap and would never be a good customer. (I have bought two rings, a pair of earrings and a crystal pendant in the last year from that store, not to mention taken two other pieces to them to do repairs.) I began to think about how we sometimes react to people because we have had a bad day or worse yet, how we judge people that we don't even know.

Are you rude to people because someone has been rude to you? Do you prejudge people and decide how you will treat them based on how you assess them? God tells us we are not to show partiality or be respectors of persons but how difficult it is at times not to do that. This man was having a difficult time or, maybe he is just an ugly person--now I'm judging. How important it is for us, as Christians, to keep our feelings in check and remember we can not judge nor should we be curt and rude--then we become like the world and are not shining our lights.

As he put my watch in a small envelope and handed it to me, with a kind and inducing tone, he invited me to come back if he could ever help me with anything in the future. You know what I thought. If I ever do go back, I'll make sure to get one of his employees and not him as I always have in the past. I'm sure they would be fired if they ever treated any of his customers that way. (Oh, the second watch I had repaired quit working about an hour after I left the store.)

Now, I have to work on my attitude and reactions toward him. I know I must be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he had had a bad day, but oh, that can be hard. I will try to "practice what I preach."

Dana Burk

Your Mother is With You

Your Mother is always with you...She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She is your first love, your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space...not even death!
(borrowed)

VBS

We are getting geared up for VBS in June. I have spent the bigger part of my day ordering supplies and making lesson plans. Our's begins June 19th and our theme this year is King of Kings. This is always an exciting time for the children; one week of Bible studies geared toward them. Between our local congregation and the group we will go down to teach in the Caribbean in July, we are expecting about 150 children. We are blessed to have a large number of adults who volunteer to help make the preparations so that all of the materials are prepared and ready when the big day arrives.

The memories that are created for these kids will last a lifetime and hopefully will be a significant part of their spiritual lives. Please pray for our efforts as we will pray for yours and remember, if you are one of the lucky ones who gets to teach a VBS class, do a bang-up job so the children will learn to love God's word.

Dana Burk

Give Me Hope

"Hope is the power of being cheerful in circumstances which we know to be desperate." (G K Chesterton 1846-1936)

Paul tells us in Eph. 2:12 that if we are not in Christ, then we have no hope and are without God in this world. That is a very frightening thing to me. As the quote above says, because of hope we can be cheerful even in desperate circumstances. If we live with no hope, is it any wonder that people commit suicide.

Because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ and the promises I have in an eternal home, it really doesn't matter what happens to me in this life. Certainly I wish for comfort, good health, peace, etc., but if I do not have these or am lacking some of them, I can still be "cheerful" knowing that I shall have it all someday in my home in Heaven. I have hope.

If you are not a Christian, I encourage you to turn to God and His word that you too might share in this hope. If you need someone to study with or some guidance to know what you need to do to be saved and find this hope, write me in the comment section below and I will put you in touch with someone who can help you. We all need hope.

Dana Burk

Definition of a Christian

He has a mind and knows it.

He has a will and shows it.

He sees the way and goes it.

He draws the line and toes it.

He has a chance and takes it.

A friendly hand, he shakes it.

A rule. He never breaks it.

If there's not time, he makes it.

He loves the truth, stands by it.

Never, ever tries to show it.

Whoever may deny it,

Or openly defy it.

He hears a lie and slays it.

He owes a debt and pays it.

And as I have heard him praise it.

He knows the game and plays it.

He sees the path Christ trod,

And grips the hand of God.

(borrowed)

Preacher Goes Hunting

A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday and head to the hills to do some bear hunting. As he rounded the corner on a perilous twist in the trail, he and a bear collided, sending him and his rifle tumbling down the mountainside. Before he knew it, his rifle went one way and he went the other, landing on a rock and breaking both legs.

That was the good news. The bad news was the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, and he couldn't move. "Oh, Lord," the preacher prayed, "I'm so sorry for skipping services today to come out here and hunt. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish...please make a Christian out of that bear that's coming at me. Please, Lord!"

That very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to its knees, clasped its paws together and began to pray aloud right at the preacher's feet. "Dear God, bless this food I am about to receive." (borrowed)

What a hilarious story--and yet, how many times do people choose to miss services to do other things just like this preacher? I have often wondered if I chose to miss church and go camping, go on vacation, watch the Super Bowl, go to the prom,........and Jesus returned at that moment, how would He judge me?

Someone once said that if it was time for the saints to be gathered together when the Lord returned that He would go to where His church was assembled and take them all home with Him. What if I had chosen to not be there at that service?

Going back to our story--one thing that makes it so funny is that it is the preacher that has skipped the services, but members do that all the time for a myriad of reasons and we seem to think that is OK. What would we think if the preacher really did decide to not come to services one week because he wanted to go hunting or camping or whatever? How would we all react to that? Is he more accountable to God for his whereabouts on the Lord's Day and Wednesday nights than we are? I rather doubt it.

I think I will just make certain that I am at ALL the services of the church so I don't run into a bear praying for his dinner.

Dana Burk

Don't Throw Out the Baby

I was visiting with an acquaintance of mine today who left the church apparently 25 or so years ago. She is a very kind and gracious woman who would do anything for you. As we talked about our weekends, she told me she went to church yesterday with her parents at the congregation in which she grew up. She began to reminisce about different ones and old memories over the years.

Finally, I asked her where she went to church now. She replied that she didn't, to which I inquired what she believed (we both agreed this was a rather broad question). She told me she still believed in the Bible and in God. After discussing our need to do what the Bible says for a few moments and the imperfections of any given local congregation (she quit attending church apparently because of the inconsistent behaviors of some members and what she viewed as a lack of love on some members parts), I said to her, "You can't throw the baby out with the bath-water and that is what you are doing." I then invited her to come and visit with us where I attend. I don't know if she will but I am praying for her. I hope you will pray for her also.

I have reflected throughout the day on our conversation this morning. How often we do what my friend has done--if things aren't perfect, we just throw out the baby with the bath-water rather than work on the imperfections--it is the easier way. Jesus said broad is the way that leads to destruction and many will go in by it. It is the path of least resistance--it requires nothing from me. If we are to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father, it will require that we "WORK out our own salvation with fear and trembling"--notice it is WORK. It will require effort and yes, some emotions and pain. Being a Christian is not for the cowardly. In fact, we are told in Rev. 21:8 that the cowardly and unbelieving along with the murderers, the sexual immoral, idol worshipers, etc. will have their place in Hell that burns with fire and brimstone. We must be willing to put real effort into our walk with God and that means putting effort into a relationship with His church.

I believe my friend has just been living a life of least resistance and yet, I could tell that as she is growing older her life is lacking something. I'm not sure she realizes yet that it is Jesus she is lacking, but I'm am hoping and praying she will soon see that. When adversity arises in the church, don't be like my friend and throw out the baby; just throw out the bath-water and then work on developing the baby into a mature and whole Christian. In eternity, it will have been worth all the effort.

Dana Burk

Happy Mother's Day

Hope you have had a good Mother's Day. If your a mom I hope your children honored you well and if not, I hope you honored your mom.

My daughter came and spent the weekend with me which is always a pleasure and a treat. We shopped together which we don't do too often and that was fun. We had dinner with one or our sons and his family and the other son called and I got to talk to him. It has been a very pleasant weekend for me.

One of our young men made a statement during the announcements this morning at worship that I thought was well put. He stated that sometimes the world "gets it right" and Mother's Day is one of those times. He added that the Bible teaches us to honor our mothers and that is one time the world and the Bible agree. How profound. Truly the world doesn't get it right very often. How important it is that we honor our parents for all they have done for us.

This past week has been a full one for me. We have just completed an uplifting gospel meeting and had company over every evening after the meeting. It has afforded me the opportunity to grow closer not only to my God but to my brothers and sisters in Christ. What a great way to end the week by spending time with my family. Hope God has blessed you as well.

Dana Burk

Only One

Helen Keller once said, "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something." What a marvelous attitude this remarkable woman had. Despite her myriad of disabilities, she accomplished more than most "normal" people do. She pushed herself and overcame numerous battles that many of us would have melted before. Truly she was an optimist.

As individual Christians, we are only one, but still we are ONE. We cannot do everything, but still there is plenty that we can do (if we will just do it). Reflecting on the tremendous roadblocks that Helen had, we should be reminded that there are probably many more things we could do if we would simply apply ourselves.

What if we employed the energy to studying and learning the scriptures that she did to learning sign language, Braille and eventually even speaking? What kinds of things could we then accomplish? What if we honed our skills so that we might teach others about the gospel, the way she honed hers and eventually taught countless others to overcome their disabilities? What if we made it our mission in life to be an encourager of people as it obviously was hers?

I do not know what Helen Keller's religious views and convictions were, but her attitude toward life can certainly be an example to each of us in our walk in our Christian life.

Dana Burk

Humble People

Humble people don't think less of themselves--they just think of themselves less. (borrowed)

I have to really work on this one. It is difficult when I hurt or am tired, when I am stressed or angry, to not think of me and what I want. These are the times I struggle in thinking of others.

But not only is the difficulty in thinking of others, we sometimes struggle in thinking about the things of God because we are so focused on ourselves. We are having a Gospel Meeting this week and I have been amazed at the number of calls we have received with people's reasons (excuses) for not being able to attend. Certainly some of them are genuine, but I am afraid many are simply because their focus is not on God. They can go to work or shopping or whatever else they do all day, but by the time it comes to worship, they just don't feel like it. "Humble people just think of themselves less."

Jesus said in Matt. 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." We must learn to take our focus off of "us" and put it on others and especially on the things of God. When we do, not only will we inherit the kingdom of Heaven, but we will probably find we feel a lot better too.

Dana Burk

Heaven--How Do You View It?

I've been doing some research and reading recently about Heaven while working on a chapter for a book I am writing and I am amazed at the very prevalent attitude and perceptions among the "Christian" world of what Heaven will be like. I have read a number of quotes from people who have the erroneous idea that all we will do in Heaven is sit around on clouds playing harps and being bored in some vapor state of being (since we are spirits). Where do people come up with such absurd ideas?

Scriptures very plainly teach that we will have resurrected bodies, though it does not say exactly what the bodies will be like, they will be bodies nonetheless--we will not be vapor like beings. The rich man in Luke 16 had no difficulty recognizing Lazarus in Abraham's bosom. Obviously, Lazarus was familiar looking to the rich man--he wasn't a vapor. (I know there are some who say this was a parable, but Jesus never calls it one nor does He approach the story as fictional in any way.)

In Matt. 29:28-30, Jesus tells His apostles that they will sit on 12 thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. That sounds like work to me. Later in these verses He states that we will inherit eternal "life" not eternal boredom. In 2 Tim. 2:12 we are told that if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. I intend on being very busy in Heaven, reigning in the bustling city of God, walking the streets of gold, crossing the river, and going in and out of the gates that are never closed. Rev. 22 says we will not need a lamp or the sun because the Lord God is all the light we will need. If we have no body and no eyes, why do we need light to see with? We are also told we will be eating from the tree of life. There will be plenty to do and see. Heaven is a real place with a real life! I can hardly wait to get there and experience it all.

Dana Burk

What Disturbs You Most?

• A soul lost in hell - or a scratch on your new car?
• Missing the worship service - or missing a day's work?
• A sermon 10 minutes too long - or a lunch a half hour late?
• A church not growing - or a garden not growing?
• Your Bible being unopened - or your newspaper unread?
• Your contribution decreasing - or your income decreasing?
• Your children late for Bible class - or your children late for school?
• The church work being neglected - or your work being neglected?
• Missing a good Bible class - or missing a favorite TV program?
• Low attendance at worship - or low attendance at the club meeting? (borrowed)

These are some areas we really need to be honest with ourselves about. I am afraid we are often worried about the last things rather than the first. Jesus said if we do not put Him first then we have no part with Him. Ask yourself each of these and make any necessary changes to save your soul. I'm working on several myself.

Dana Burk

Thought for the Day

Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody. --Longfellow

We should apply this to evangelism. If we keep preaching and keep teaching, we are sure to wake somebody up to the truth sooner or later. Hang in there.

Dana Burk

A Refiner of Silver

I received this story in an E-mail the other day and think it worth sharing with you. Dana

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. (borrowed)

Resentment

Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. --Carrie Fisher

How true this is. When we harbor resentment toward someone, truly we are the only ones affected--most of the time the other person is not even aware of our resentment. All we have managed to do is poison ourselves and allowed it to literally eat away at our very souls.

Forgiveness is the only antidote for such poison. We must forgive the wrong and get on with life. Sometimes we choose not forgive because the other person has not asked for that forgiveness; they have not apologize or admitted wrong. We need to forgive them anyway because we need to move on and rid ourselves of the poison of resentment. We only have control over our own actions--not theirs. We can forgive regardless of their attitude and be free from resentment's hold over us. We will be happier and healthier for doing so.

Jesus taught us to pray that the Lord would forgive us of our sins as we forgave those who have sinned against us. We each need His forgiveness and can have it if we will rid ourselves of the poison.

Dana Burk

Questioning God's Word

I was just studying the Bible with a friend who has lots of questions; what does the Bible have to say about dinosaurs, did God only "create" Adam and Eve and we all descended from them or did He create others, how does the Bible say we are to dress when we go to worship, is a woman to wear a covering, etc? On my drive home I began to think about how glad I was that she not only had questions but that she was willing to ask them. That opened up opportunities for us to search the scriptures together and see what it had to say.

Sometimes we think if we question the things of God it shows our weakness or lack of faith, but I rather think it shows our desire to learn more and dig deeper. How can I come to be more like Him if I do not really know Him and His will. As the Ethiopian treasurer queried Philip about the words of Isaiah in Acts 8, he said how could he understand unless someone guide him. Truly it can be a good thing when we have questions about the word of God because it will cause us to dig, search and study, only solidifying His truths in our minds more thoroughly.

When you have a question about God, His word or His will, don't shy away from it; ask it. Find someone who has a good knowledge of God's word and sit down with them and your Bible and search the scriptures to see what they say. You will be richer and fuller of faith for it.

Dana Burk

My Cousin

I recently saw a cousin that I have not seen in about 16 years and we have been e-mailing one another and renewing our acquaintance. She and I were extremely close all the time we were growing up and simply drifted apart as adults. I don't think I have ever slowed down long enough in my life to realize how desperately I have missed her until the last week or so and I find myself becoming extremely sentimental every time the thought of her crosses my mind.

My daughter just recently visited with her while she was on a business trip near where my cousin works and they were able to spend some quality time together and get acquainted. Family is so important to all of us and I guess it does not matter how long or how far apart we are, truly blood is thicker than water. I plan to find the means and the time to go in the next few months and spend several days with her--she and I both need that.

But just as important as our "blood" relatives are to us, even so are the brothers and sisters we have in Christ Jesus. Through the years, as I have lived thousands of miles from my family, it has been the family of God that has been so terribly important in my life. I am so thankful to our Lord and Father above for providing us with family (through Jesus Christ) wherever we may be.

Be thankful for both of the faimilies that God has given you. Call someone today in your family who you have not talked to recently and make it a special day for both of you.

Dana Burk

Playing Monopoly

Does the name Charles Darrow ring a bell with you? Probably not, but you are familiar with what he did. During the great depression of the early 1930's, Mr. Darrow of Germantown, Pennsylvania was an unemployed heating engineer. With plenty of spare time on his hands, he began concocting a new board game which he made and reproduced by hand.

In 1935, Parker Brothers purchased the game called "Monopoly". Since that time, more than 90 million Monopoly games have been sold. The object of the game is strictly capitalistic. The more financial gain you achieve, the better your chances of winning. This is very much the foundation on which many homes are built today. Everything done is tied to making that next dollar. Often the more lasting, valuable things are pushed aside. The problem with this kind of living is that when you come to the end, you realize you have lost. Paul said, "For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7). Let's remember today the really important things and keep our lives in perspective.
(borrowed)

The Day God Spilled the Paint!

The Day God Spilled the Paint!

The east side of Carrizo plain, in the Temblor Range, about 50 miles due west of Bakersfield, CA. Photo taken by Barbara Matthews, May 14, 2005.

Nothing man can do could ever equal the glory of God's creation. (borrowed)

Being A Friend

A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad. --Arnold H. Glasgow

Are you that kind of friend? Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." We can be a great source of strength and comfort to our friends if we take the time to develop a relationship with them. Solomon says that two are better than one because if one falls the other can lift him up; the two can keep each other warm; they can help defend each other from the enemy. (Eccl. 4:9-12) Good and righteous friends can be important assets. We all need a true friend from time to time. Are you one?

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Prov. 18:24) That is the kind of friend I want.

Dana Burk

Called to Be Saints

• The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. The saint is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world, himself a light. --Felix Adler

Paul addressed the church at Corinth in this manner, "to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord..." (1Corinthians 1:2) Each of us who are Christians have been called to be saints. Jesus said that we are to be the light of the world and not to hide our lights under bushels but rather to raise them up onto a candlestick so that all might see and glorify God.

Are you walking through the dark paths of this corrupt world and shining as a light for Christ so that others might see or are you hiding your light from the world? The story is told of the young man who came home from college and was telling his father of all the worldliness and godlessness that existed at his university. He even talked about how his professors openly taught against God and the Bible. Disturbed, his father asked him what his friends and professors said when they found out he was a Christian. The young man proudly said, "I don't think they ever even had a clue."

Is that reminiscent of your life? Do people not even have a clue you are a servant of His? Or are you daily walking in such a way that it is obvious whom you serve? If you were to be arrested for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you? Something each of us needs to think about.

Dana Burk

Ready for Bird Flu?

A friend and I were talking about all the hype that is on the news lately about the bird flu and the preparations we need to be taking. We began to reminisce about our childhood days when everyone feared because of the cold war and were purchasing bomb shelters from the state fair displays. Disasters have always loomed before us and I suppose will always continue to do so, so long as this world exists.

Jesus said in Matt. 6:33-34 to seek the kingdom of heaven and He would take care of the rest. That is what I plan to do. I choose not to worry about what might (or might not) happen tomorrow and I am going to just worry about today. I can't do anything about the bird flu anyway. I sure will sleep better tonight knowing I don't have to fear bird flu, bombs, storms or anything else because my God has it all under control.

Dana Burk

Don't Interrupt!

• The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it. --Chinese proverb

Ever tried to go out and do personal work only to be told, "Oh, that person won't be interested in the Gospel," or "There is nobody around here who wants to hear the truth." I have; lots of times. What I have found is they usually didn't know what they were talking about.

I ran across this Chinese proverb a few days ago and thought it so apropos. If you don't want to work or have convinced yourself something can't be done, then please leave others alone who insist on trying. And, even more important, if you are doing something, don't let a discourager interrupt you. Keep on working for the Lord and He WILL give the increase. God bless you in all your ways for Him.

Dana Burk

Is God Showing Through Your Life?

A little girl, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon confused me."

The mother said, "Oh, why is that?" The little girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother answered.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?" she asked. Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl, "If God is bigger than us and He lives within us, then there's no way of keeping Him from 'showing through.'"

In fact, that is the essence of Christian living--living in such a way that people around will see God in our lives.

• Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

(borrowed)

Some Food for Thought

• The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. --William F. Scolavino

To be a successful Christian, one who is on fire for Christ, will take deep conviction. There are so many stumbling blocks in our way on the road of life. Our goal must be crystal clear in our mind and daily set in front of our eyes. As the apostle Paul said, we too must be able to say, "...for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Tim. 1:12)

If your conviction wavers from time to time, dig deep into the word of God and spend time with your Lord in prayer. Rom. 10:17 tells us that faith comes from a study of His word. Only by daily walking with God can we be assured of having the depth of conviction that will lead us home to Heaven. I'm praying for you.

Dana Burk

101%

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about people who say they are giving more than 100%? Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 181 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26,

Then:

• H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
• 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11=98%
• and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
• 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5=96%
• But, A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
• 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5=100%
• AND, look how far the L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D will take you:
• 12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4=101%

Therefore, one can conclude that while hard work and knowledge will get you close and attitude will get you there, it is the love of God that will put you over the top! (borrowed)

Was He Resurrected?

I turned on the TV for a few minutes last night just before I went to bed and was a little surprised that both CNN and FOX News had a special on about Jesus. Ironically, both programs were somewhat positive. Do you realize what an impact the resurrection of our Lord and Savior has had on this godless world when even CNN feels the need to address it, at least on Easter Sunday?

A point that one of the programs made was that Christians recognize Jesus as the Messiah, Jews recognize Him as a great rabbi and even the Muslims recognize Him as a great prophet. A further proof, in my book, that He is the Son of God, when even the religions opposed to Him will not deny Him.

If Jesus truly was resurrected from the dead, then He will certainly return someday as He has promised and every knee will bow before Him and we will each stand before God in judgment. If He was not resurrected, then this religion thing is a waste of our time--but even CNN did not deny that Jesus was resurrected; there is too much proof.

I am thankful for the attention given last night to our Lord's resurrection on National TV, even it was only for a couple of hours out of the year. If He was not real and did not do all that the Bible says He did, then He would have been forgotten in the annuls of history centuries ago. But, even the most godless honor Him. Are we ready for His return?

Dana Burk

Loved Ones

I just returned this morning from a 12 hour trip to the funeral for a very close aunt who passed away earlier in the week from complications with Alzheimer's. Though the occasion for the trip was a sad one, it was a very enjoyable one; I saw cousins that I have not seen since my mother died 15 years ago.

One cousin, in particular, I had completely lost touch with. She and I were extremely close when we were children and teens and had vowed to one another we would never be like those people who lost touch with their relatives and yet, here we were. She turned 50 last month and her daughter had tried to locate me for a surprise birthday celebration, but, without asking her mother, she had so little info to go on she gave up. I'm so sorry I missed it.

We have all briefly renewed our acquaintances and exchanged e-mails--hopefully we will do better at keeping in touch. The older I get the more important keeping those ties becomes and the more I recognize how much alike we as family really are: we all looked so much alike it was a little scary. I did question myself, however, about why we seemed to have drifted so far apart and there was one thing that became so obvious at the reunion. Those relatives with whom I share a relationship in Christ with, I have not drifted from--it is the ones who have no relationship with Christ that I have drifted from; we have nothing in common other than physical traits and history.

I love my physical family and have renewed my resolve once again to try and be an influence upon them for Christ--for some, I fear it is way too late, but for others I have slight hope. I was reminded, though, how thankful I am for the family I have in Christ Jesus through the church; I share far more in common with them than most of my physical family and I know where ever I worship with the saints, I am surrounded by my loved ones.

Dana Burk

Road to Maturity

• To be able to stick with a job until it is finished;
• To be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even;
• To be able to carry money without spending it;
• and to do one's duty without being supervised. (borrowed)

After reading the description above, I can tell I still have some growing-up to do. How about you?

Dana Burk

Special Ingredients for Living

• Enough happiness to keep you sweet
• Enough trials to keep you strong
• Enough sorrows to keep you human
• Enough hope to keep you happy
• Enough failure to keep you humble
• Enough success to keep you eager
• Enough friends to give you comfort
• Enough wealth to meet your needs
• Enough enthusiasm to look forward
• Enough faith to banish depression
• Enough determination to make each day a better day than yesterday.

Thanks to a new friend, Josie, for sending this to me. How many of us wish for trials, sorrows and failure and yet they are very necessary for building character as we journey through life. There is a lot in this little verse to meditate on. I hope you spend sometime, here today, thinking on these things. God bless.

Dana Burk

One Bulb at a Time

One Woman Planted 50,000 daffodil bulbs, one at a time, over nearly fifty years in her backyard.

Year after year, she kept planting bulbs until she had created five acres of ineffable magnificence, beauty and inspiration. After seeing the spectacular garden one woman remarked, "It makes me sad in a way. What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal 35 or 40 years ago and had worked on it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!" Her daughter responded, "Start tomorrow." The mother said, "I'll start today."

Thought: One bulb at a time. Year after year. What might we be able to accomplish if we worked at something consistently over fifty years of our lives? This unknown woman changed the world where she lived. The principle that her daffodil garden teaches is one of the greatest principles of life. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time, often just one baby-step at a time -- and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find that we can accomplish magnificent things. (Borrowed)

Illegal or Not

I have been in the car driving home from a friends, for the last four hours, listening to the news and commentators on the radio discuss the immigration/illegal alien controversy. There are some good points on both sides and I have mixed emotions about taking either position. The intention of this website is certainly NOT to discuss political views and I am not interested in doing so here, but I do want each of us, as Christians, to think for a moment about the many, many illegal aliens we have living in our country.

Recently, while a visitor in another congregation, I heard a teacher of the adult Bible class make what I felt was a very snide remark about Mexicans and allude to the fact that he would soon have to move to Mexico where there would be no Mexicans living. In the classroom were brethren of at least two other races, that I noticed, and my first thought was what did they think about his comment. My next thought was, these "Mexicans" (though not all illegal Hispanics are from Mexico) have souls that need to hear the gospel just like "white" people.

I must admit that I have a very soft heart for brethren from other countries having myself lived outside of this country for 8 years. My husband is fluent in the Spanish language and does extensive evangelistic work throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. We have many, many, many Hispanic friends whom we love dearly: I guess I am partial. Therefore, it disturbs me greatly, when I hear brethren make remarks as this gentleman did.

The Bible teaches that God created ALL men equally and that their is no partiality with Him. If you are Caucasian, how thankful you should be that God is not prejudiced against "whites". Remember, you are a Gentile and NOT of His chosen race, the Jews. Sometimes, I think we need to walk in other people's shoes before we make such flippant comments.

How much more profitable it would be for each of us if Christians were heard making comments about how they were trying to learn the Spanish language so they could reach out to and teach these hundreds of thousands of souls that are coming into our lives. Do we not see that the fields are white unto harvest and we are passing up thousands and thousands of sheaves we could be bringing in to our Lord? Illegal or not, our God loves them and so should we.

Dana Burk

Integrity

Our integrity is such an important aspect of our character. Recently I was talking with someone who was telling me how the woman in charge of the Human Resource Dept. at their corporation resigned and left her position without reimbursing a number of the employees for travel expenses. She, or course, was the only one with the authority to issue those reimbursments and she had made no provisions for someone else to take care of that part of her job. That left a number of the employess in temporary financial difficulties. She had total disregard for the bind she was putting her fellow employees in.

The Bible teaches us, as Christians, to put the needs of others above our own. Often, when we are in a situation like this H.R. director, we think only of ourselves, but that ought not be. A person of integrity would never have left so many people hanging and hurting. Christians need to be true to their word even when they see no benefit to themselves, remembering that others are depending on them. Remember the teachings of our Lord, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Dana Burk

How to Be a Friendly Church

We have visitors every week and we are thankful for them. To be regarded as a friendly church is a precious commodity. Here are some rules that will help us perpetuate a friendly environment.

• The 30-second rule. Most guest will make a judgment about us during the first 30 seconds after they enter. Let's greet people at the doors with a handshake and a smile. "We're so glad you came!"
• The front door rule. Many people need help to find their classes or a seat in the auditorium. If they find it difficult to locate a class or a seat, they may choose not to return.
• The ten-foot rule. Greet any person with whom you are not familiar who comes within ten feet of you. Make eye contact and be friendly.
• The five-minute rule. Take the first five minutes after services to seek out guests and greet them. Encourage them to return and thank them for coming.

(borrowed)

Ashamed to Wear His Name

I'm a bit behind with the news of Nancy Grace and her diatribe about the churches of Christ on CNN the other day. I only heard about it Tuesday and was viewing some blogs today and comments that had been made concerning her interview with the Baptist preacher. I was not shocked by his gross misrepresentation of the church nor her other guest's attacks on the Lord's body. I was not surprised he called the church a cult and accused it of being narrow-minded. Peter tells us in 1 Pet. 4:12-14 that we should not think it strange when we are tried and reproached for the name of Christ. Rather, he says when this happens, we are blessed because we have the glory of God resting upon us.

I was angered, however, by many, many of the comments posted to these blogs by people who supposedly call themselves members of the Lord's body. Repeatedly I read how, "thank goodness, the church is no longer strict with God's word and how it is becoming more and more main stream, as though that were a good thing." These members were ashamed of the doctrine that the church teaches on baptism and strict adherence to the word of God. One man even told how, when asked where he worshipped, he would tell people he was a member of the United Churches of Christ--does he even KNOW what they are and teach. He said he was so embarrassed to let people know he was a Christian (in the strictest sense of the word).

Jesus Christ died for this "narrow-minded" doctrine and bought this church with his blood. How dare we be ashamed of what He has taught us to do and how He has taught us to worship. We need to be proud to call ourselves members of the church of Christ--the church that truly belongs to Christ. I am thankful to be called a child of God, how about you.

Dana Burk

Is Your Christianity in Hiding?

Our ladies Bible class is studying the book of Romans and we have just begun chapter five. Yesterday, we discussed verse three (among other verses) where Paul says we are to glory in tribulations knowing they produce patience, character and hope. We then read from 2 Thes. 1:4-5. Here Paul says that the persecutions and tribulations these brethren suffered were "manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer."

Reading this verse made me begin to wonder; if one does not ever suffer persecutions or tribulations because of the cause of Christ, will he be counted worthy of the kingdom of God? Is that a prerequisite for Heaven? Jesus said, "...let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Bearing the cross carries with it the implication of suffering. 1 Pet. 4:14 declares, "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." Certainly, reproaches and tribulations for Christ's sake are not a bad thing.

We are so blessed to live in a country where it is not illegal to profess our Christianity (So Far) and we are not physically persecuted, by the government, for practicing our faith. Sometimes, however, I think some of us are so fearful of reprimand and reproach from our friends and relatives that we just make sure our Christianity doesn't show too much. As a result, we do not know what it means to suffer persecutions or tribulations for the cause of Christ.

Jesus said in Matt. 10:32-33, "Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in Heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will deny before My Father who is in Heaven." If you continue reading in the verses immediately following, Christ warns that following Him can bring division and suffering.

Finally, Paul states in 2 Tim. 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." He didn't say some or maybe--he said ALL and WILL. If we are not suffering persecutions and tribulations for the cause of Christ, we probably need to see if our Christianity is in hiding.

Dana Burk

How Are Your Roots?

Since the severe storms that passed through our area Sunday night, I have seen a lot of huge trees completely uprooted and thrown to the ground. One, not far from our home, must have been 70 feet tall or more and so huge it would have taken three or more adults to wrap their arms around it. No telling how old it was nor how many hundreds of storms it had weathered. It stood near historical Civil War sites and if it only could have talked, what history it might have told: but, Sunday night it fell.

What I have noticed about these trees is, though they are green and huge above the ground, it appears there were problems with them below the ground. Obviously, their roots are no longer strong and deep enough to anchor them tightly in their place. Perhaps in times past the roots were healthier and went deeper or maybe the trees literally outgrew their roots--I don't know; I am not a botanist. Something, however, went seriously wrong, long before Sunday night, that allowed these trees to fall under the stress and pressure of the fierce wind.

Often, when we look around at others, we are shocked to see those whom we deem "pillars in the church" to fall under pressure. Many times they sin in such ways we can hardly comprehend it or they just fall away from following God. Perhaps they become guilty of the very things they have taught and warned others about. How does this happen--they have weathered so many storms before? I propose to you that their roots have failed them.

They have allowed their anchor system to become weak in some way or another. Maybe they have become lax in prayer or study of God's word; perhaps they have stopped gathering with other Christians to worship God as regularly as before; or maybe they have allowed worldly friends to begin to influence them. Whatever the cause, something was going seriously wrong long before they fell.

We need to diligently watch our lives; we need to probe our foundations and constantly be on guard for disease that could affect our roots that hold us firm in our faith. We must look for weakness and treat the problem long before it has a chance to destroy that which anchors us to God. There are fierce storms in life that can try our root system and if it is strong in the Lord, then we shall stand planted. How are your roots?

Dana Burk

The Danger Zone

Have you ever stopped to consider what is at the base of the sin of PRIDE? One of the most dangerous places we can live is in the depths of PRIDE. Consider the following:

• P--People will be hurt (Proverbs 11:2)
• R--Relationships are strained (Isaiah 9:9)
• I--I am the only focus (Psalm 10:2)
• D--Destruction will follow (Proverbs 16:18)
• E--Evil things defile man (Mark 7:21-23)

It is very easy at times to fall into this trap. Every aspect of our lives, family, work, religion, can be infected with this horrible disease know as PRIDE. Let's remember today the dangers of buying into the lie of Satan. The lie which says human PRIDE is ok. Let's remember our reliance upon the Lord and boast in HIM, not in ourselves or our situations.

(borrowed)

Criticism

Criticism is an ugly, ugly word. I have been laboring over the writing of a book for weeks now and am about to send the first chapters for review to the publisher, so I have had two of my children, who are quite gifted with the written word, to critique it for me. Ouch!!!!! Man, are they critical. The worst of it is, most of the time I have to agree with their corrections and suggestions. Nevertheless, it is still painful to see how many errors I have made.

The criticism we receive when we read God's word is sometimes no less painful. It can point out so clearly our many faults and shortcomings. It can even point out how the things we have labored in and believed all of our lives are wrong. Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is "sharper than any two edged sword piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." And, just like with the critiquing of my book, it is painful to see how many errors we have made.

I have chosen to make many, if not most, of the corrections my "critics" have suggested because I know in so doing I will have a better book. My "critics" are only humans with imperfect judgments. God's word, however, is divine; it is perfect judgment. If I will listen to human criticism and make changes for my own good, how much more should I be willing to listen to divine criticism and make changes for eternal salvation. Something for each of us to think about.

Dana Burk

A Different Kind of Woman

Elisabeth Elliot stated, "The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman." The Apostle Paul said it this way, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28) Though all Christians are equal, they are to be unique from the world; "I...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called..." (Eph.4:1)

Jesus said we are to be the light of the world. In 1 Pet. 2:9, Peter says we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people. Is it that we are more superior than the world? No, but rather we are to be set apart from the sins of the world and be that light that can guide others to Him.

Are you shining bright enough that the world can see you? Can they follow your lead to the Savior? Are you unique from the world or do you just blend in? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

Dana Burk

Some Things To Think About

• Living in the past is the only prison that will prevent you from soaring into an abundant future. -Claudine Boutros
• The gate of Heaven is very low; only the humble can enter it. -Elizabeth Seton
• Whatever God asks you to be, He enables you to be. -Anne Ortlund
• Being a Christian is not doing certain things but doing everything a certain way. -Mary Crowley

Will Spring Ever Come

Tol's (my husband's) article in Sunday's bulletin was titled "Will Spring Ever Come" and the young man who gave the talk at our Wednesday Night Bible study expounded on it somewhat. He talked about how we must wait for God to work and answer our prayers in His time, just as we must wait for Spring to come--in His time. As he talked it made me think about another aspect of "Will Spring Ever Come?"

As we go through this life and trials come and go, we often become weary and begin to wonder, "Is this all there is; one trial after another?" Sometimes life can begin to feel like one very long winter and we may begin to ask, "Will Spring ever come?" As Christians, we always have hope of "Spring". Our Heavenly Father has promised us that there is rest for the weary in a home where there will be no more trials: no sickness, no pain, no sorrow (can you imagine) and no tears. We will finally have eternal Spring.

I get very excited, every day, this time of year, as each day brings new buds and new leaves. Today we saw a whole grove of trees completely leafed out. Spring has arrived and it is a time of renewal and life. That is what Heaven will be like. We will have a new body (thank goodness) and the energy and strength to enjoy the wonders of our new life in our new home. What hope we have as children of God. God has promised us "Spring".

Dana Burk

The Perfect Church

I think that I shall never see
A church that's all it ought to be:
A church whose members never stray
Beyond the straight and narrow way.

A church that has no empty pews;
Whose preacher never has the blues;
A church whose deacons always deak,
And none are proud, and all are meek.

Where gossips never peddle lies
Or make complaints or criticize.
Where all are always sweet and kind
And all to others' faults are blind.

Such perfect churches there may be,
But none of them are known to me;
But still I'll work and pray and plan
To make our church the best I can.
(Unknown)

Truly we each need to have the attitude this author had as he wrote this poem. There are no perfect churches but we need to do the best we can to make the congregation where we are members the best that it can be. Never let the problem with the church be you.

Dana Burk

Convenient Worship

One of the churches near us is advertising 5:30am worship services on Sunday morning. My first thought was; poor preacher then I began to wonder why they would have a worship service so early in the morning (I am not a morning person). The congregation is not large enough to need a second service, so why would they do this.

Some friends we knew, when we lived in the Caribbean, were catholic and started attending Saturday Night mass so they could "get it out of the way" as she put it. Another denomination, in the town we moved from, began having Saturday evening worship and another one not far from there even began serving the Lord's supper on Saturday evenings--"so you could get it out of the way", I suppose. All of these were arranging their services for the convenience of their members--not for the purpose of being in obedience to God's word.

So what about this 5:30am service. It is not the only service they are having--they are still having the regularly scheduled one. The only conclusion I could think of is it is a matter of convenience for some of the members and maybe to attract others to worship with them. Certainly there is nothing "wrong" with meeting at 5:30 on Sunday morning to worship and they may see the need to do this to accommodate members who must work on Sundays. But it did get me to thinking about how some churches are beginning to do what ever it takes to attract members.

Our worship to God, as Christians, is not a matter of convenience or choice--it is a matter of command. Hebrews 10:25 says, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is..." Furthermore, the New Testament makes it clear that we are to come together on the first day of the week (Sunday), 1 Corinthians 16:2. When we begin to change the day we choose to worship God and, for that matter whether we will even go and worship God, then we are disobedient servants.

According to Strong's, the word "worship" means, "serve; to render religious homage". From the definition then, it is obvious that we are going to worship the divine and not ourselves--we are going to serve at His command, not our convenience. The Jews, under their law, understood that they had no choice in the "day" they were to keep holy--it was the sabbath (seventh day, Saturday). The same is true for us today; we have no "choice" in the day we are to worship. We need to be very careful when we begin to "adjust" our worship for our convenience--it is not for us, it is for Him.

Dana Burk

Check Out These Links

I ran across two websites this week that are sure worth your time to check out. One is www.meandmyhouseinc.com. This sister from the Nashville area has a great Bible timeline for kids available for sale on her website as well as a couple of games.

The other site is www.spiritbuilding.com/WOGS/WOGShome.html. That is a long one or you could just go to the www.spiritbuilding.com and then work your way to the Women of Gentle Spirits page. This is a women's page done by a sister out of Indiana and there is a great resource page for teachers. There must be 20 or more web sites listed for Bible class aids. The spiritbuilding.com is a book publisher. The books for sale on this site were written and published by brethren. Check it out. Great web page.

I hope to have these sites added on the right over there under my favorite links in the next day or two. Hope these are of benefit to you.

Dana Burk

Preacher's Families

I'm sure most of us have read or heard about the killing of the young preacher in Tennessee by his wife on Wednesday. My son who lives in Florida, called me earlier today and we were discussing how tragic the whole situation is: a 31 year old dead, a wife who now faces the possibility of life in prison, three young children whose lives are forever scarred, in-laws and parents with no sane explanations for the destruction of their children's lives. Can anything be any darker?

Later this evening, my husband and I reflected on the ordeal. We began to speculate as to what would cause a young preacher's wife and mother to kill her husband. We talked of several possibilities but of course, no one knows at this point what caused her to do it. But I said to my husband, I don't think people realize how much stress a preacher's family is in sometimes.

Since I'm a preacher's wife, let me share some things with you. From the time we married, we have lived in a "glass house". Especially when we were younger, in our 20's and 30's; if we wore a new outfit, someone had a comment to make about the expense. If we bought a new car, the eyebrows were really raised. I even remember one brother calling a special meeting to talk about how we must be living a "lascivious" lifestyle if we could afford a new vehicle. One time, we were told that the house we were renting was not nice enough and made the church look bad; it made it look like they did not pay the preacher enough. Well?

A preacher's family, especially in a smaller congregation, must watch every move they make. And, not if, but when they make any mistakes, the consequences can be earth shattering. There is always the fear that something you say or do, or for that matter, something your children may say or do will bring scorn upon you. Other "members" can make the same mistakes and no one even notices. I am not trying to justify sin or errors but I am saying we often judge with a double standard--is that really fair? The preacher and his family are human also.

We do not know what circumstances caused this horrific tragedy on Wednesday. Nothing can justify this woman's actions but, the family is in need of our prayers and so too is the wife.

Dana Burk

VBS Caribbean Style

Once again in July, we will be heading down to the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean to the small village of Vielle Case where we will be helping the church of Christ there with a VBS. Two years ago was our first time to go and we had 25 children each day. Last year we had about 40 children attend and this year the church is expecting even more.

At this point there are six of us planning to go: my husband and a young man who is working with the congregation where we attend, two young ladies who are students at Florida College, a sister from Montgomery, AL and myself. I'm certain we could have as many as 60 children so we could sure use some extra help.

If you would be interested in going and have the time and means for a week away please let me know. Your main expense will be the airfare--from Tampa to Dominica the cost is about $600. We will be staying in a guest house up the road from the church building that will be $20 a night per person. Basically that will be it. We will all be taking some food and at most you might want $100 or so for misc. Leave me a comment at the bottom of this post if interested and I'll get back in touch with you.

If you have never been to a remote place like this before to work with other brethren, this can be a life changing experience. Pray for our efforts.

P.S. You will need a Passport to travel to Dominica and back

Dana Burk

A Prayer for Good Housekeeping

Lord, it is not the dirt and clutter in plain sight that nag at me.
It's that hidden dirt...you know, behind the refrigerator, in the closets, under the bed.
Dirt that no one sees or knows about but me.

It's the same way with my life, God.
It's those hidden sins that I can't keep up with...those
Petty little grievances, the grudges, the resentments,
The unspoken harsh feelings, the superior attitudes.
Thoughts and feelings that no one else knows about but
Me......and You, God.
Help me, Father, to clean my heart as I would my home.
Take away all dust and cobwebs of pride, ill feelings and prejudice.
The dirt behind my refrigerator will never hurt anyone.
The dirt in my heart will.
(Unknown)

This is a prayer we all need to pray from time to time. How easy it is to hide, even from ourselves the sins in our hearts--the cobwebs that linger up in the corners and crevices of our minds. After reading this, I'm sure I need to do some soul searching and clean out the hidden areas in my heart--how about you?
Dana

Live For Today

I'll never see this day again,
The seconds or the hours.
Now's the time to take the time
To stop and smell the flowers.

Today's the day to give that smile
And happiness away,
That you were saving for a friend
Some rainy, gloomy day.

This day is golden, priceless,
God made this day for you,
The deed you do for someone else
May just come back to you.

So touch a heart, hold a hand,
Call that lonely friend,
Don't postpone the love you have,
This day won't come again.

(Copied)

Hiding From God

Yesterday, a friend and I were discussing the post on this blog about my 4 year old grandson "goin' the devil's way" and she told the cutest story about her son who is 5 1/2 that I want to share with you.

He was doing something with the computer that he had been told not to and his mother scolded him but he just ignored her. Finally, she told him to stop and reminded him that God was watching him. When the child heard that, he crawled under the desk (so he could hide from God) and then said, "I want God to go and watch somebody else." Do you ever feel that way?

Often we think we are getting by with things but, He is always there--the all seeing eye. I am reminded of the children's song, "Oh Be Careful Little Hands What You Do". Each day we need to remember that "the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little hands what you do".

However, He also sees the "good deeds" we do as well and we can know that the things we do in secret, He will reward us openly for--how great and merciful our God is. Something to think about.

Have a great day and know that your loving Father is watching over you today.

Dana Burk

Taking People Where They Are

My husband's sermon title this morning was the title of this post. He talked about how Jesus took people where they were; they did not have to wait until they had become perfect before they came to Him. Ironically, in our Bible class we had just discussed a similar subject. We discussed how we are to go to a brother in sin and restore them but we are to do it in a spirit of love and gentleness, remembering that we too are sinners.

I am glad Jesus takes us where we are, because I still have not reached perfection and if I had to wait until I did, I will still be outside of Christ. Truly we have a merciful Heavenly Father.

We had two sisters restored to the Lord this morning because, He takes us where we are--His Word is powerful.

Dana Burk

It's Almost VBS Time

As Vacation Bible School time approaches I begin looking for decorating ideas and activities to supplement the curriculum we will teach. I wanted to share with you three of my favorite web sites for ordering craft and decorating supplies.

• shindigz.com / 1-800-314-8736 --Great decorating supplies
• ssww.com (S&S Worldwide) / 1-800-288-9941 -- All types of crafts and toys
• orientaltrading.com / 1-800-228-2269 -- Superstore of crafts, small toys, gadgets and decorating supplies (My very favorite) They even have an entire catalog of religious supplies.

Hope these websites are of benefit to you. If you have any others you would like to share, please leave them in the comment section under this posting and others can read your comment and get the info as well. Thanks and make your VBS a true memory for your kids and help them remember the God we serve.

Dana Burk

God's Way to a 4 year-old

The church where my 4 year old grandson goes has just begun a new curriculum emphasizing God's way versus Satan's way. My daughter-in-law says that my grandson now goes around telling his 16 month old sister that she is going Satan's way every time she gets into something she is not supposed to.


The other day he got into trouble for something and his mother asked him which way he was going. Very confidently and almost proudly he declared, "I'm goin' Satan's way." She then queried, "Which way are you supposed to be going?" She told us he dropped his head and very somberly mumbled, "God's way".

Sometimes I think we are like my grandson; we would really rather be going Satan's way though we know we should be going God's way. I don't guess it necessarily gets any easier the older we get. Which way are you "goin'?"

Dana Burk

Welcome Visitor

My husband, Tol and I went to a gospel meeting tonight in the next town from us. Although this congregation has helped my husband with money recently on one of his "mission" trips to the Caribbean, we have never been to visit with them and have not personally met the elders or members; my husband has met the preacher. We felt it would be a good opportunity for us to meet them.


When we came into the assembly tonight, no one greeted us. We went about half way down the aisle and found a seat. As the auditorium began to fill, the members greeted one another and carried on quite lively conversations with one another and still, no one greeted us. About 2 or 3 minutes before the services began, the preacher saw my husband and came and spoke to him, never even introducing himself to me, and asked him to lead prayer.


Finally, the services began and the singing was excellent as was the sermon. After the closing prayer, we very slowly made our way to the back of the auditorium. No one greeted us though we smiled and acknowledged several. The visiting preacher greeted Tol as we exited the auditorium and again, the local preacher told him he was really glad we came.


We lingered in the lobby for what seemed to me an eternity, and finally one of the elders whom my husband has spoken to several times on the phone came and introduced himself to Tol. He immediately recognized Tol's name but never even asked him how the trip he had just recently taken, went. (I would have thought he would have been interested in the work they had helped to support.) After another long space of time, the other elder and his wife came and introduced themselves to both of us. Tol told them who we were and they just said, "We are glad you came" and then walked off.


For some reason, I did not really feel like anyone was glad we came. There was another family we saw who were obviously visitors who were treated much the same way that we were. Tol had hoped to get acquainted and instead we felt totally shunned. And from the looks of things, it appears that is just the way they treat visitors. Though one or two say they are glad you are there, you sure do not feel welcome in any way. What if we had been a young family that had just moved into the neighborhood and were looking for a new church? The way in which we were treated tonight, I doubt that the family would ever return.


How do you treat visitors at your congregation? Do you ignore them and expect someone else to greet them? Are you glad they are there? If you are, then show them that you are. Ask their names, where they are from, how long they have lived in the area, etc. Make them feel that you really mean what you say. (Thanks for letting me vent.)

Dana Burk

Sell Them on E-bay

We were visiting at a congregation out of town yesterday and I met a delightful woman who had two young children. She was trying to coral them as they were running down the aisle after church and then came over and introduced herself to me. She mumbled something about their behavior and I said, "Enjoy them now, they won't be little long." She thanked me for reminding her and then said the funniest thing. She told me her husband has threatened to sell them on "E-bay". We laughed and I offered to buy the two year old.

How often we can be frustrated as young parents. I remember I was. I recall Sundays when I would question why I had even bothered to go to worship after having gotten up at least a dozen times to take one or the other of my three young children out to discipline them or go to the bathroom. (My husband was always in the pulpit so I had to manage them alone through services.) But there were sisters in the church who would remind me that I was training my children to learn to worship. That prodded me to persevere and today my children are training their children to worship their God. Finally, I see the "fruit of my labors" and it is sweet.

I look back with fondness to those days though I might have sold one or two of mine on "E-bay" if it had been around at the time. But I'm thankful for those Christians who encouraged me rather than complained about my "unruly" children. So, hang in there mothers (and fathers) and, if you see young parents struggling with their children at worship, be an encourager rather than a complainer. Be thankful these parents are striving to raise their children to be worshipers of God. If we only had more children and more young families wanting to serve God!

Dana Burk

Worth Thinking About

"Life is like a grindstone...whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends upon what you are made of."


"The future is that time when you'll wish you'd done what you aren't doing now."


"It is easy to give major attention to minor matters."

(All borrowed)

Pray For My Friend

I have a friend who was found unconscious in her apartment this morning. She is an elderly lady who lives in an assissted living facility. The special thing about this friend is her age and incredible outlook on life.

She is nearly ninety and is in constant pain from arthritis. But she never misses a service at church. She is there for every Bible class and all the worship services pushing her walker right in front of her. You can tell by her face she is in pain, but whenever you ask her how she is, she always replies, "I'm hangin' on." How that makes me smile. I have never heard her complain. She is just hangin' on.

What a tremendous example she has been to me. When I don't feel my best I think of my sweet friend and I know she will be at church worshiping her Lord and it encourages me to be there with her. Pleas pray for my friend.

Dana Burk

A Newborn Baby

Today was a good day! I had a new grand baby born. That makes number 5 for me and as I told someone who was at the hospital celebrating the birth of their first grandchild, the excitement never wanes.

As I stood at the nursery window looking at our new, six pound baby girl, and watched her stretch her long legs and flex her funny little toes, I thought to myself, how can you not believe in a creator? She was perfect; complete with the normal twenty digits and fingernails that already needed trimming. How is it that babies are born, day in and day out, just like her without the help of someone above?

Do you ever have doubts creep in your mind about whether there really is a God? Do you sometimes begin to think that maybe you are being duped by "religion"? After all, you can't see God or scientifically prove He exists. I've had those thoughts before.

The next time doubts ease their way into your thoughts, go to the hospital nursery and stand at the window for 15-20 minutes and gaze at one of the newborn babies, and ask yourself, how is it that this helpless, fragile, six pound being can grow into an intelligent, independent and free thinking adult if their was no designer or creator. And look around you at all of the order and design in nature. The doubts will soon give way to reason.

Dana Burk

What Do You Believe?

Thumbing through my files today, I came across a recent survey of U.S. teenagers (ages 11-19) who all attended churches of Christ. The survey was conducted by Robert Oglesby Jr. and Carley Dodd of Abilene Christian University and the results were rather disturbing.

• 16% believe there is little difference between the church of Christ and denominations.
• Only 10% think using musical instruments during church services is sinful.
• Only 31% believe Christians should be very different from the world in dress, language, etc.
• 65% think church membership doesn't matter as long as you love God.

Obviously, at least among this group of teens, there has been a severe lack of basic Bible doctrine taught. Sometimes I think churches are so concerned about making learning "fun" for teens that they forget to make sure they are "learning".

Hopefully, where you worship, this survey would not have the same results--or would it? And maybe you need to ask, "How would I answer that survey? What do I believe concerning the issues addressed?" Can you give Bible authority for what you believe?

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Paul instructs the young man Timothy to spend time learning God's word so he can correctly apply the word to his life. The gospel is not difficult but it does require study.

What do you believe and more importantly, do you know why you believe what you believe? If not, study; find a knowledgable Christian to help you so you can "show yourself approved unto God."

Dana Burk

Practice What You Preach!

I ran across this poem the other day and thought it graphically illustrates how we must "practice what we preach."

• I was hungry
• and you formed a humanities club
• and discussed my hunger.
• Thank you.

• I was imprisoned
• and you crept off quietly
• to your chapel in the cellar
• and prayed for my release.

• I was naked
• and in your mind you
• debated the morality of my
• appearance.

• I was sick
• and you knelt and thanked God
• for your health.

• I was homeless
• and you preached to me
• of the spiritual shelter of the
• love of God.

• I was lonely
• and you left me alone--
• to pray for me.

• You seem so holy;
• So close to God;
• But I'm still very Hungry,
• and lonely,
• and cold.

(Author unknown)

Sinners Among Us

"We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another." (Jonathan Swift)

The above quote I'm afraid is all too familiar. I am just reading an e-mail I received from someone who is confiding about how their relative has been recieved by brethren at church where they go. The relative is not a Christian and is obviously living in sin. Apparently, some of the members have shunned this visitor and even talked behind their back about their lifestyle. Needless to say, the talk has come back around to the visitor. Now, how does my friend handle this tough situation?

We as Christians are sometimes so incredibly judgemental and self-righteous. We have learned to hate sin but we have not learned to love the sinner. A growing church should have all kinds of people in it. It should have mature, righteous Christians, babes in Christ who make messes and hopefully it will also have non-Christians, who are full of sin, visiting to check out what God is all about, like this relative of my friend. And we as Christians, need to treat them all with love and be glad they are among us. Where else will they learn what they need to do to be the kind of people God wants them to be?

The next time you see an obviously worldly, sinful person come into the church, make sure you show them you love them and are glad they are there. You are glad they are there, aren't you?
Dana Burk

Recycled

Abraham Lincoln failed no less than 11 times prior to being elected the 16th president of the United States...

He failed in business in 1831, was defeated for the legislature in 1832, failed again in business in 1833, had a nervous breakdown in 1836, was defeated for Speaker of the House in 1838, was defeated for elector in 1840, was defeated for Congress in 1843, was defeated again for the same office in 1846, was defeated for the Senate in 1855, and was defeated for vice president in 1856. He tried the Senate once more in 1858 but lost.

Feel like a failure? Remember:

• Moses failed - Acts 7:23-30
• Samuel failed - 1 Samuel 8:1-3
• David failed - 2 Samuel 12:7-15
• Peter failed - 3 times on the night prior to Christ's crucifixion.

Not a single one of these men was thrown away by God. They were all "recycled."

(Don Campbell)

Praise to the Women on My Journey

To the women on my journey

Who showed me the ways to go and ways not to go,

Whose strength and compassion

held up a torch of light and beckoned me to follow...

To the women on my journey

Who showed me how to live and not to live,

Whose grace, success and gratitude

lifted me into the fullness of surrender to God...

To the women on my journey

Who showed me what I am and what I am not,

Whose love, encouragement and confidence

held me tenderly and nudged me gently...

To these women I say bless you and thank you

from the depths of my heart,

for I have been healed and set free

through your sacrifice.

by: Melissa M. Bowers (adapted)

I found this poem on a card sometime back and it has always been one of my favorites. We truely are what we are because of many women we have met on our journey in life. Hopefully, we have been priviledged to meet many godly women who have influenced us and molded us for the good and glory of God.

Dana Burk

Bulletin Boards for Adult Classes

Sometimes I think we forget the importance of our wall space in adult classrooms. Adults like color and visuals as well as kids and there is certainly the opportunity to teach important principals or carry out the theme of the quarter on a blank canvas; a bulletin board. When we allow an adult classroom to be four blank walls, we may also be sending a message that this class is not really all that important.

I often like to take a scripture and illustrate it on the computer and then make my images oversized by tiling them onto several sheets of paper (most graphics programs offer a tiling feature) and then glue them together like a puzzle. Above are a couple of recent bulletin boards I have done for some of our adult classrooms where I worship. I apologize for the picture quality but I think you'll get the point. These bulletin boards are approximately 3 feet by 6 1/2 feet in size. I encourage you to use your imagination and brighten and enlighten the classrooms where you are.

Dana Burk