Some Advice For The Weekend

While there are serious times in life, there is also a need to regularly celebrate the fun part of life. Take a moment to tell a friend or loved one a joke, make a humorous observation, sing a silly song, or even pull a practical joke. Your friend or friends will feel better, and so will you.

Here's A Good Point To Ponder

James Howell, a former elder of the Vultee Church of Christ in Nashville, had surgery at Baptist Hospital in 1999 but died a few months later. Not knowing he had died, the hospital sent a survey regarding his care while in the hospital.

Finding the form in May 2006, his family completed the survey and returned it. Several of their answers showed the strong spiritual heritage that James Howell left. "Who is your physician now? Jesus, the Great Physician. Physician's address: Heaven. If your address given above is not correct, please provide present address: #1 Pearly Gate. Dr. Telephone number: 1-800-CALL-GOD."

Reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate

Real Reasons For Optimism

Do you ever have a day when most things seem to go wrong? There is sometimes the tendency to allow the negative to take over the emphasis of our lives. The following is a listing of some basic points for us to keep in the forefront of our thinking, especially when things seem difficult. These are some reasons for optimism.

1. There is a God. The Bible begins by declaring the certainty of God: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Mankind did not evolve over billions and billions of years. We owe our existence solely to God. Unique in all of God’s creation, we have been made in His image (Genesis 1:26 & 27). The reality of God underscores the assurance that He will never forsake or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5 & 6).

2. The promises of God are true. Sometimes in life we may be discouraged by the carelessness of people in keeping their promises. It is wonderful that we can place our complete trust and confidence in God’s promises. Remember, it is impossible for God to lie (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18). The apostle Peter describes the promises of God as being “exceedingly great and precious” (II Peter 1:4). As you read the Bible, be sure to notice the precious promises of God.

3. The Bible provides mankind with comfort, strength, and hope. One aspect of the greatness of the Bible is how that it meets our needs. The Bible is not a book of abstract theories, but it deals with the realities of life. Consider how that this was the view of David toward God’s Word, as he declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Every area of life is addressed in God’s Word. Do not view the Bible as an old and antiquated volume. The apostle Peter reminded Christians that the Word of God lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23-25). Indeed, we need to study the great doctrines of the Bible for stabilization (Ephesians 4:14), but we also need to study the Bible with the intention of applying its teachings to our lives in specific ways (James 1:22-25).

4. There is a place called Heaven. After our time on earth is over, our soul will continue to exist (Ecclesiastes 12:7). To be sure, we will not be in a state of nothingness. For the people who have prepared themselves there is the blessing of an eternal home in home. As Jesus promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). While the journey of life may become frustrating and difficult at times, the reality of heaven should provide us with motivation to keep our spiritual eyes focused on doing the Lord’s will. As the apostle Paul, may the promise of the joy and glories of heaven always remain true and real to us (II Timothy 4:8).

Some Thoughts On America

I have been blessed in having been born and raised in America. The opportunities and privileges available here are at best only distant dreams for many people in other parts of the world. Even with the problems and challenges facing our nation at this hour, America is still viewed as "a land flowing with milk and honey" by much of the world.

It seems to me that each generation has the responsibility of making their part of the world a better place. Our nation has had a wonderful history. In reading the history of the forefathers of our nation, it is inspiring to read of their diligent devotion to putting our nation on a proper foundation. They were willing to put their personal agendas aside, and combine their efforts for the common goal of freedom and democracy. An important characteristic of their labors was a genuine excitement. To me, it seems that this attitude continued into the twentieth century. But during the last quarter of the twentieth century this attitude began to wane. More often personalities began to overshadow the continuing goal to make America a better country. This aided in personal agendas having an easier time in gaining the spotlight. Unfortunately, these attitudes have continued, and are growing. The excitement of making America a better nation is no longer as evident.

I do not consider myself a pessimist. There are many things that are encouraging in our nation today. While some of the leaders may be self-serving, there are some great people serving our nation today. But good leaders alone are never enough. While still in the early years of the twenty-first century, it is absolutely crucial that a change of attitude sweep across America. To be sure, there will continue to be a vast difference in the political philosophies of our nation. But in our quest to make America an even better place, we need to rediscover the art of civil discourse. More often we must remember that we are "on the same side." An important key is attitude. It begins in our families. It reaches to our local communities, to our states, and hopefully to our nation. I believe that a change of attitude will help produce a much greater and stronger spirit of patriotism.

The Power Of Negative Thinking

Soldiers who have been held as POW’s personally know what it means to be held captive. This involves the enemy taking control of you, leaving you in a powerless position. Sometimes soldiers have been held captive in these conditions for many years. As serious as a situation it is for a solider in war to be held captive by the enemy, there is another type of captive situation that is more of a threat to our personal lives.

The kind of situation I want us to ponder concerns our thinking, and specifically, negative thinking. In my life I have had the occasion to come in contact with people who were “experts” in being negative. In fact, it is accurate to describe such people as being held captive by a negative attitude. Instantly, there were always ready and even anxious to tell you what is wrong with something or to offer words of complaint. In a way I feel sorry for these people because they never seem to be able to relax and enjoy life. They spend their days always expecting the worst to happen.

A person’s attitude is the result of choices they have made. Individually, we are neither in charge of or responsible for anyone’s attitude but our own. Therefore, we are faced with choices each day. How will you and I respond to what will come to us in life? As we consider our attitude in daily life, I want us to be reminded of the power of negative thinking. Negative thinking has the power to remove bit by bit the excitement and enjoyment from our lives. Also, the person who lives life with a negative attitude spreads the influence of this mood into the lives of the people with whom they come in contact.

But there is a better way for us to live our lives. We can choose to live our lives on the higher and nobler plane of optimism. To be sure, this does not mean that we become blind to reality. Some things in life are difficult. But to choose an attitude of optimism for our lives means that we refuse to be held captive by the difficulties and discouragements of life. The reason is that we are able to look ahead, and know that each new day brings the possibility of many good things.

The often-used illustration that compares the difference between a positive and negative person is by the glass that is half-filled with water. The optimist will describe this glass as being half-full, while the negative person will describe this glass as half-empty. The power of negative thinking in a person’s life will even cause them to say that the half-empty glass will probably soon be broken, thus spilling the glass of water. And on and on the cycle of being negative holds a person’s life captive.

Decide today that you will strive to look for the positive and good things in life as your emphasis. Be strong in the face of discouragement and difficulties. The result will be that you will be equipped to rise above negative thoughts that come into your life.

It's Up To You

Everyone has one, but only you can control the one that belongs to you. I am referring to your attitude. In every area of life the attitude we choose is evident, sometimes even before we say a word.

The familiar tag line from a commercial from several years ago said, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” In a much greater way, “Only you can choose your attitude.” An optimistic and friendly attitude makes the world around you a better place. It makes discouraging days easier for others to bear.

It is relatively easy to complain or to bemoan what is wrong. The challenge is to find sunshine where it seems there are only shadows. By choosing an attitude that emphasizes optimism, joy, and happiness, you will bless the lives of others and also your own life.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

From Regret To Relief

Approximately three years ago I received a telephone call from a friend inquiring if I had heard that a mutual friend had passed away. I was stunned upon hearing this news, and responded that I had not heard of his passing. This friend, whose name is David McCain, and I have been friends for about seventeen years. It has been almost three years since we have seen each other. During the preceding year we had talked a few times about getting together to share a meal. I recalled he had come through the town where I live, but had been unable to find me. Upon hearing that he had apparently passed away, I regretted these missed opportunities. If only, I had made more of an effort to spend time with David.

But I still could not believe this news. I remembered that David had suffered a heart attack a few years before. But he had enjoyed a good recovery. He also maintains a heavy schedule. I did not want to believe that David had passed away. I thought about his wife, Janice, and their children. This is one of the happiest families I know.

Soon I went to the internet and did some research about David’s apparent passing. In the newspaper in which I was looking, I did find that David McCain had passed away. His funeral had been during the past week. But the David McCain who had passed away was not the same David McCain who is my friend. I was greatly relieved. But to complete this cycle, I immediately called my friend, David. His wife answered the phone. The first thing I asked her was, “How is David?” I told her the story of what had happened. Then David and I shared a typical conversation for us. We enjoyed a good visit on the phone. Also, we made plans to get together and enjoy supper one night in Mount Pleasant, where he lives.

This episode reminded me of some important life’s lessons. Please consider these carefully. I hope they will benefit your life.

1. One of life’s greatest treasures is a good friend. Good friends can serve as “shock absorbers” during the difficult and challenging times of life. While during our lives we make many acquaintances, good friends occupy a special place. Therefore as we live our lives, we need to make a special effort to cultivate good friendships.

2. Good intentions alone seldom enrich our lives. It is easy to make plans. Also, it requires no effort to discuss things that ought to be done. Before confirming that my friend David had not passed away, I thought about the intentions we had to meet together. I will admit there was feelings of regret beginning to burn within my heart.

3. Let’s use the opportunities of today to their greatest benefit. The reality is that life is brief, fragile, and uncertain. A person who is seemingly in the best of health today can pass away before the next morning. If there is a friend or a loved one we have intended to visit, resolve to do this as soon possible. Today is the only day of which we can be sure.