NEWS NOTES July 6, 2025
 
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service. Other services remain virtual.
 
 
Persistence
Suggested by a message by Daniel Mobley 6/22/2025
 
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:3-7 NKJV
 
In 2001, after much research, Dr. Daniel Schacter of Harvard University published a book about his conclusions called "The Seven Sins of Memory: How the Mind Forgets and Remembers. Having a good memory can be very helpful; but memories can also be problematic.
 
One of the “sins of memory” that Schacter coined was Persistence--the unwanted recollections people can't forget - unrelenting, intrusive memories of traumatic event(s) you or others close to you experienced/witnessed.   Or the tormenting memories can be something done/said or failed to do/say that harmed someone.  People who fixate on such memories often turn to drugs, alcohol, bitterness, or violence against self/others, which compound problems. 
 
Consider these examples.  After betraying Jesus for money, Judas Iscariot was overcome with remorse and committed suicide (Matthew 27:3). 
 
Overcome by human fear when he was challenged, Peter denied Christ three times.  Then Peter remembered Jesus’ warning and “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).  But Peter did not follow Judas’ destructive path. Despite those horrid days between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection,  he still trusted in God.  Then Jesus, in effect, talks Peter through the haunting memories by making sure Peter knew he was forgiven and loved, and by giving him purpose: “Feed My sheep” and “Follow Me” (John 21).  The past, cannot be changed, but Jesus Christ forgives and gives us His work to do (Titus 3:3-8) that changes today and the future.
 
The trauma of witnessing Stephen’s stoning and Saul’s (later called Paul) atrocities against Christians could have caused the believers to crumble.  Instead they went everywhere preaching the good news of Christ (Acts 8:1-4; James 1:2-8).
 
Paul never forgot what he had done: I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.   Yet this remembrance did not negatively torment him.  Like Peter by God’s grace, he obeyed Christ (Acts 9:1-22).  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they [other apostles] all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. I Corinthians 15:9-11 NKJV
 
Peter and Paul show that persistence in memory does not have to be a “sin” the way Schacter described it or even a roadblock.  We are blessed when we persistently remember God has forgiven us of the sins we commit, and we can forgive ourselves and others who have traumatized us.  We are weak on our own, but loved and valuable to God who gives strength through His Spirit.  Because of this Paul, near the end of his life, writes to Timothy that he served God with a pure conscience. Paul focused on joyful memories and gratitude to God (II Timothy 1:3-7).


NEWS NOTES June 29, 2025
 
You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12 NIV 1984
 
Welcome to our in-person service.  Jay Graham is our speaker today with a potluck and birthday celebration after morning services.  We are expecting some from other congregations to join us for lunch.
 
Summer trips are in full swing with several missing.  Travel can be refreshing, especially when we are able to meet with other Christians. 
 
Upcoming events:  
  • Anaheim congregation is hosting a 4th of July celebration at their building.  Bring something for them to BBQ and a side dish or dessert to share.  Arrive any time after 11 am and in sufficient time to have your meat cooked for a 1 pm meal. 
  • The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO is June 30 - July 4, 2025.
 
 
Prepare to Meet Thy God
Adapted from a message by Douglas McKenzie 7/4/2021
 
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4 NIV1984
 
I was watching an old episode of The Walton’s and it made me think.  The family was listening to FDR on the radio, the day after the December 7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.  Many fine young men died with great loss of ships.  People were suddenly living in fear.  Although the government knew something was brewing, the attack was a total surprise.
 
In the 1950’s during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, around Alaska, the US built the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line  - a network of manned radar stations to provide early warning if a Soviet air attack was on its way to North America.  We didn’t want to be surprised again.
 
A wise man prepares for the unexpected (a rainy day fund) and future events (retirement savings; burial expenses).  Many people prepare for everything except what is inevitable - eternity. A true wise man also prepares for what comes after death.
 
No one can avoid meeting God.  Both the saved and unsaved will meet God at His great white throne to be judged according to what he has done (Revelation 14:11-15).  Like a river running unbroken through a valley, God’s demands are the same throughout the Bible - obey His commandments. 
 
Yet we are sinful and unrighteous in our natural state, how can we be saved?  How can we prepare?  The answer is Jesus Christ.  He has done his part (John 14:1-4).  We must reach out and embrace what Christ has done for us.  It starts with repenting, leaving our sin behind by living differently (Luke 13:1-9), being baptized (Acts 2:38), and then walking Christ’s direction always, to the very end of our life.
 
On the Niagara River (the border of US/Canada) signs and buoys alert boaters that once they pass the point of redemption, no matter how strong their vessel is nor how skilled the captain, they will go over the falls and likely be killed.  God has provided his Word to alert us to the consequences of sin.  Don’t delay in submitting to God.  Get out of harm’s way now and go God’s way (2 Corinthians 6:1-2, Hebrews 4:7). 
 
‘And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’(Ananias to Paul - Acts 22:16 NIV)


NEWS NOTES June 22, 2025
 
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.  The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service. 
 
Upcoming events: 
  • Jay Graham will be our speaker next week June 29, 2025 with a potluck and birthday celebration after morning services.
  • Anaheim congregation will be hosting a 4th of July celebration at their building.  Bring something for them to BBQ and a side dish or dessert to share. 
  • The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO is June 30 - July 4, 2025.
 
 
OUR  CONFIDENCE
Adapted from a message by Jay Graham
 
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. II Thessalonians 3:3-4
 
We can learn a lot from the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time. While their attitudes of religious arrogance and self-righteousness were to their ultimate spiritual detriment, we are benefitted by our opportunity to observe such behavior and spirits. We can learn, not to be emulators of their behavior, but rather to learn from and do the opposite of what they did and thought. Their confidence was not in the Lord, nor was it in His Word through the Law He had given them. Their confidence was in themselves. That ultimately was their downfall. This misplaced confidence in themselves led to their lack of obedience and humble submission to the Lord.
 
We see this thread throughout the Gospels as Jesus and others interacted with them. We can see this as they either personally went out to hear Jesus’ words and teachings or they sent spies to try to trap Jesus and find faults with Him. They were not interested in truth. They were only interested in bolstering their own perceived “value” in the eyes of the people.
 
We see this in the attitude of the Pharisee in Luke 7:36-39 toward the repentant woman. He felt superior to, not just the woman, but also to Jesus.   He showed this by not showing the common courtesy of providing Jesus with water to wash his feet and then wondering how Jesus could be a true prophet if he allowed such a woman to touch Him!  We see this misplaced confidence as they challenged Jesus and His disciples for not following the “tradition of the elders” (Matthew 15:1-2).
 
Another Pharisee pitfall was comparing themselves to others (Luke 18:9-12).  Whether they be fellow Christians or non-believers, we should only compare ourselves to Christ (II Corinthians 10:12). We should not look at others with religious disdain or arrogance. We should look to them with the desire to help them walk with the Lord and His Ways, not our ways.
 
The apostle Paul assured the brothers and sisters the Lord would establish and guard them from the evil one (II Thessalonians 3:3-4). He felt assured the brethren would do the things they had been commanded. What gave him this assurance? It was his confidence in the Lord, not in his own nor their “righteousness.” It was in the Lord’s righteousness. Paul was confident in Christ and His crucifixion and Christ’s subsequent power and glory! Paul’s confidence was in the Lord’s working of His Grace and Peace in the lives of His people.
 
The apostle Paul also warned we should have “no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).  What did he mean?  We can be tempted to put confidence in physical things such as our own efforts, our accomplishments or our family heritage for salvation.  Paul considered all these things as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
 
As Christians, it can be easy to become like the Jewish leaders. To look at our own perceived “goodness and righteousness,” when in reality we have none. What goodness we achieve comes from Christ. What righteousness we have comes from Christ. This is why Paul said we should “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16) Our confidence must be in Him alone.


NEWS NOTES June 15, 2025
 
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:4-7 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service.  We are back in our familiar building.  A big thanks to everyone for the “clean-out” immediately after the fire, the restoration work and oversight, and the final “clean-up” last week to get us back.  We are grateful for the open arms welcome of our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk the last ten weeks.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application.
 
Blessings: Today is our national holiday to honor fathers.  Intentional fathers and “bonus dads” are truly a blessing. 
 
Upcoming events: 
  • Jay Graham will be our speaker June 29, 2025 with a potluck after morning services.
  • Anaheim congregation will be hosting a 4th of July celebration at their building.  Bring something for them to BBQ and a side dish or dessert to share. Come in even time so food can be on the table by 1 pm.
  • The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO is June 30 - July 4, 2025.
 
 
Intentional Fathers
Adapted from a lesson by Charles Fry (6/16/2024)
 
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. II Samuel 7:12-15 ESV
 
God promised David that He would be a father to David’s son who would inherit the throne.  God chose to be a steadfast loving father.  Adam named his wife Eve (Zoe in Greek), which means living or life.  Motherhood and Fatherhood go hand in hand.  Each has a responsibility.
 
Responsible fathers are intentional, not accidental.  II Samuel 7:12-15 lists three healthy notions for fathers (also described in Psalm 89:19-33):
  • Establish a kingdom (vs12).  Fathers provide opportunities and a foundation for their children’s success as adults.
  • Provide appropriate and consistent discipline (vs14)
  • Give steadfast love even in tough times (vs15)
 
God is intentionally our Father.  We can address God as “Father” (Galatians 4:5-7), which is something the Jews didn’t do.
 
Mark 1:9-11 records God speaking directly to Jesus, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  Earthly dads should say that to their children.  Children need to know when they have pleased their father.  Earthly dads need to spend time with their children in all kinds of settings.  Jesus was with God from the beginning (John 1:1-4).  Dads should make God’s Word a part of daily activities (Deuteronomy 6:1-9).
 
God’s love is intentional and steadfast - even before the world existed.  Children who feel loved and secure because of consistent boundaries, expectations, and affection want to please and imitate their earthly dads.  God, our Father, is the ultimate example of that (Ephesians 5:1-20).
 
There are costs and sacrifices to being a good, intentional father.  It’s a commitment that lasts a lifetime and can’t be delegated to other family members, earthly organizations, or left to “chance.”
 
Not all earthly fathers are present or good.  But “Bonus Dads” can fill in.  Each man, whether he is a father or not, can step up for children who need a dad.  You can show steadfast love and provide godly guidance even if they aren’t your kids.  Think how Mordecai stepped up for Esther and how Paul did for Timothy.
 
Building families is not popular right now.  But it’s critical and rewarding.  Being a father is a worthy goal and doing it right is a blessing (Psalm 127).  Children are a reward and a strength.  It’s not just making babies, but being godly fathers.


NEWS NOTES June 8, 2025
 
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. I John 4:16-17 NIV1984
 
Welcome to our in-person service with the Norwalk congregation.  We are grateful for the open arms welcome of our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk the last couple of months.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application.
 
With the exception of a few minor odds and ends, the work is done at our building.  A work party is planned for tomorrow (Monday) to dust, sweep, vacuum, put songbooks back in the benches, move extra chairs out of the back hall, etc. so we can meet there on June 15.  We will start the work party about 10 AM and appreciate everyone who can help even for an hour. 
 
Upcoming events: 
  • Jay Graham will be our speaker June 29, 2025 with a potluck after morning services.
  • Anaheim congregation will be hosting a 4th of July celebration at their building.  Bring something for them to BBQ and a side dish or dessert to share. They plan to eat at 1 PM.
  • The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO entitled “Weathering the Seasons” is 6/30-7/4/2025. 
 
 
Loving Your Neighbor
Adapted from a lesson by Michael Manning (7/9/2023)
 
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV1984
 
The Old Law standard was to “love your neighbor as yourself” Leviticus 19:18.  Christ gave us a higher standard: to love one another as He has loved us.  In other words, love like God does (Matthew 5:43-48). 
 
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. I John 4: 18-21 NIV 1984
 
God allows us to experience relationships in this life to understand spiritual relationships.  Looking back on my childhood, I think God gave me my sister so I could learn to get along with others.  You probably had siblings or others in your life who were a catalyst for learning how to get along peaceable with others. “Getting along” means having harmonious or friendly relationships.  The older I got, the more I appreciated my sister and our relationship as brother and sister. 
 
Also, think about the two perfect institutions that God made - marriage and the Church.  Nothing is more beautiful and they work perfectly until people enter the picture.  Yet husbands are to love their wife as Christ loves the Church and give His very life for the Church (Ephesians 5:28-29).  The natural instinct is to take care of yourself physically and spiritually - the same care should extent to your wife.  A high standard!
 
As imperfect as we are, God loves us (John 3:16) and we should love ourselves.  Hatred is often of self that is directed in hateful ways to others.  Loving ourselves is easier as we work on getting rid of what is unlovely in ourselves.  The New Testament has many lists (Romans 13, Galatians 5, I Timothy 1&3, Titus 1, and Revelation 21) of life style choices that make us unloving to ourselves and others; things like being quick-tempered, quarrelsome, jealous, loving money, drunkenness, lying, and more.  But with God’s help and Christ’s example we can work toward being perfect or mature as God designed.  Replace these choices with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and love as Christ loves us.


NEWS NOTES June 1, 2025
 
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV)
 
Welcome to our in-person service with the Norwalk congregation.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application. Inside painting is almost done at our building.  About half the boxes that were hurriedly filled just after the fire have been emptied and contents put back in the cupboards.  New insulation in the attic part of the auditorium and new drapery is pending.  Fabric is back ordered.  Outside some repair work is needed to the roof and stucco on the north side.We thank our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk for their continuing support. 
 
Upcoming events:  Jay Graham will be our speaker June 29, 2025 with a potluck after morning services. The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO entitled “Weathering the Seasons” is 6/30-7/4/2025.  Several of our group are planning to attend.
 
 
Choose This Day
Adapted from a lesson by Emery Wright 12/12/2021
 
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15 ESV)
 
When Joshua spoke these words to the tribes of Israel he was nearing the end of his public service and life.  Idols had been a problem since the days of Abraham.  God called Abraham out of a land of idolatry and he remained faithful to God and God only. 
 
Idols and idol worship became a problem for the Israelites in Egypt.  They were constantly surrounded by them in the Egyptian culture.  They carried this problem with them into the wilderness.  Moses was hardly out of sight when the people asked Aaron to “make us gods who shall go before us.” (Exodus 32:1).  Aaron complied, personally fashioning a golden calf for them to worship, sacrifice to, and dance in front of (Exodus 32).
 
Joshua knew idols could easily be a problem in the promised land after his death.  That’s why he called them together - to challenge, to demand they make a choice, to make it clear to them what he and his family had chosen to do. Joshua feared God and chose to serve in sincerity and truth.
 
Christians are vulnerable to the modern day gods of comfort, social media, sports/entertainment, careers, false religions, and putting family and friends before God.  We have to choose to both “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” and “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:19-25).
 
Jesus made it clear that we can’t just look like a Christian to the world (Matthew 6:24).  We have to be more than surface Christians.  “Hold fast” Christians are true when it’s not convenient or popular.
 
Service is a choice.  It seems an obvious one and easy in good times.  But what about if it makes you an outlier?  Joshua refused the golden calf.  When the 10 other spies doubted the Israelites could take the land, Joshua and Caleb chose to believe the Lord could and would help them conquer the land.  Joshua served under Moses as a choice and worshipped God with an undivided, unwavering faith no matter what.
 
The Israelites that Joshua was addressing also said they would serve like Joshua.  But not all did.  Will we be like Joshua or like those who ended up as backsliders?
 
We can only serve consistently if we are glad and appreciative for what God has done for us.  Parents service is an example to their children and others (Proverbs 22:6).  Bottomline is that it’s not for our own glorification (earthly things will fade), but to eagerly serve an eternal God.
 
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.  Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:24-26 ESV)


NEWS NOTES May 25, 2025
 
“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. (Exodus 12:14 ESV)
 
Welcome to our in-person service with the Norwalk congregation.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application. Tomorrow is Memorial Day, set aside as a day when our nation remembers and pays honor to those who died while serving in the U.S. military.  The Israelites were commanded to observe Passover as a memorial each year, both to remember their deliverance from Egyptian slavery and in anticipation of the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ).
 
We thank our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk for their continuing support.  Complications with scheduling slowed the painting last week, but progress is proceeding.  We are optimistic we will soon be able to unpack boxes and refill cupboards at the building that were hastily empty in the days after the fire damage.
 
Blessings: Church brethren at Bakersfield S. Fairfax, together with others from various congregations, provided an uplifting time of fellowship and praise yesterday that continues today. 
 
Upcoming events:  Jay Graham will be our speaker June 29, 2025.   The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO 6/30-7/4/2025 is entitled “Weathering the Seasons.”
 
 
Do This As My Memorial
 
“…the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this as my memorial.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, as my memorial.”  (I Corinthians 11:23-25 ESV)
 
Human memory involves the ability to both preserve and recover information we have learned or experienced.  Memory is tricky and precious.  At the sensory level, we may not remember an outside sound or smell for more than a few seconds, unless there is some reason to remember them.  Short-term memory, such as remembering a phone number while reaching for our cell phone to enter it, is also quickly lost.  Memories people recall months, years, even decades later are part of their long-term memory.  Yet even long-term memories fade or become difficult to recall unless they are regularly called up.  Some fading of memories is a blessing in circumstances where we have experienced intense pain, sorrow, or horrible events.  Learning from, but not dwelling on these events, allows us to heal emotionally. 
 
Chris Oakes in recent comments at the Lord’s Table mentioned the inscription at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City: “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”  For most people this is only aspirational.  But regularly calling up, thinking about, participating in a related activity, and reviewing the facts with others of an important event, keeps the memory fresh.  Meeting with our fellow Christians regularly is a key activity of worship, encouragement, and collective memory for us:
 
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV)
 
Our Savior’s sacrifice for us is a memory we must never take for grant nor allow to fade: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:3 ESV). 
 
Jesus set up his own memorial for us to celebrate each Sunday to remember what he has done for us.   This is the way the first Christians remembered (Acts 20:7).  In addition to Sunday, Christians are daily doers: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:22-25 ESV)


NEWS NOTES May 18, 2025 
 
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV 
 
Welcome to our in-person service with the Norwalk congregation.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application.  For the codes, email us at comelearnofme5909@gmail.com.  We thank our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk for their continuing support.  
 
Upcoming events:  
  1. Bakersfield Fairfax is hosting a Memorial Day meeting May 24-26.  Please RSVP by calling/texting Charles Fry at 661-703-1500 or email cfry@bak.rr.com. 
  2. Jay Graham from Arizona will be our speaker June 29, 2025.  
  3. The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO 6/30-7/4/2025 is entitled “Weathering the Seasons.”
 
 
Habits  Are  Hard  to  Break!
Adapted from message from Jay Graham
 
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:1-2 NKJV
 
Have you noticed how hard it is to break a habit that you have developed over many years? It can be one of the hardest tasks to accomplish. I have been typing (really hunting and pecking) for at least 50 years. When I started it was common to put two empty spaces following each sentence because there were not a lot of sizes for the built-in font(s) on the old-fashioned typewriters. Hitting the space bar twice before starting the next sentence allowed for uniformity between sentences.
 
But today, thanks to the computer, the modern printers, and the programs that drive them, there is no need for two spaces between sentences. The new way is to hit the spacebar only once; the computer keeps the sentences a proper distance between the endings. Easy, right? Not for me! Just in the sentences I have typed thus far in this article, I have had to go back and correct almost every sentence ending! It is hard to break a habit!
 
This principle is neither good nor bad. It is a reality in how we are created. We naturally are creatures of habits. For this reason it is so important we create good habits. Habits will be part of our lives, and good or bad, they are hard to break.
 
This is just one more aspect in which the Lord knows how we are created with regard to habits as well as other things. It is for this reason we are urged, as the people of the Lord, to do the things we participate in as members of congregations we are part of. We do these things over and over. This is how we learn to do good. When we have developed good habits, we will naturally continue in these activities as they become second nature. This principle applies to living our lives in a righteously.
 
I opened this article with a passage about Cornelius. Luke writes that he was a devout man who feared the Lord. As a result of his devotion he prayed to God “always.” The ESV phrases it that he prayed “continually.” Do you think this became a habit of his? I am certain of it! By continually praying to God, it surely became a “habit” to him. This became his normal way of life as all habits do.
 
What a great concept! When we practice righteousness and holiness in our everyday lives, such actions become second nature to us. Conversely, when we practice living in an unrighteous manner, that too becomes second nature to us. Which actions does God prefer to see in us?
 
Let us strive to learn and practice good as Jesus did. The more we do it the more such actions will become part of our lifestyle. We will not even have to think about what we are going to do. We will simply do it.
 
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Psalms 119:1-4 NKJV


NEWS NOTES May 11, 2025
 
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV
 
Welcome.  Now more than a month after our building was damaged from a fire at a neighboring house, we are still meeting with the Norwalk church of Christ congregation on Ferina Street.   At our building, the inside is being sealed and painted.  Draperies for the auditorium were ordered.  We thank our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk for their continuing support.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application. Email us at comelearnofme5909@gmail.com for meeting codes.
 
Today: is our national holiday of Mother’s Day.  The title is a singular possessive by design to emphasize that each family honor its own mother.  Ben Fry from Bakersfield is our speaker today. We will have soup, salad, sandwich, and bakery lunch after services.  Everyone is invited to join.
 
Upcoming events:  Bakersfield Fairfax is hosting a Memorial Day meeting May 24-26.  Please RSVP by calling/texting Charles Fry at 661-703-1500 or email cfry@bak.rr.com.  The 41st annual Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO 6/30-7/4/2025 is entitled “Weathering the Seasons.”
 
 
A Woman of Worth
 
Who can find a woman of worth?  Far beyond jewels is her value. Proverbs 31:10 NABRE
 
The Hebrew word חַיִל (chayil) would seem an odd choice to describe the woman in Proverbs 31:10.  Most often in the Old Testament it’s used to describe men who were wealthy, influential, or part of an elite army band.  In the contexts of the Proverbs woman, English Bible translators have variously rendered it as: virtuous (KJV), worthy (ASV), excellent (AMP, ESV), capable (AMPC), valiant (DRA), and wife of noble character (CSB).  These are all good choices.
 
Written in the literary styles of both an acrostic and chiasm, the woman’s achievements almost seem overwhelming.  But her success is based on her right relationships with God (v 30), her husband (v11, 12, 23, 28), her children (v28), and others in her sphere of influence.  Her selfless focus on them, fuels her other endeavors.
 
Ruth is also described with the Hebrew word chayil (Ruth 3:11).  Although she was very poor at the time, she was rich in right relationships with God and others.  Putting first things first, led to better circumstances and more opportunities for her to be a blessing to others.
 
Who can find a woman of worth?  Far beyond jewels is her value.
11 Her husband trusts her judgment; he does not lack income.  12 She brings him profit, not loss, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks out wool and flax and weaves with skillful hands.14 Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar. 15 She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household, a portion to her maidservants. 16 She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor. 18 She enjoys the profit from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
20 She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.
21 She is not concerned for her household when it snows— all her charges are doubly clothed.
22 She makes her own coverlets;  fine linen and purple are her clothing.
23 Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.
24 She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her: 29 “Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates. Proverbs 31:10-31 (NABRE)


NEWS NOTES May 4, 2025
 
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21NASB1995
 
Welcome.  We are again meeting with the Norwalk church of Christ congregation on Ferina Street as repairs on our building continue.  We thank our brothers and sisters meeting in Norwalk for their continuing support.  Other services are virtual via the GoTo application.  For meeting codes, contact us at 
comelearnofme5909@gmail.com
 
Upcoming events:  
  • Ben Fry will be our speaker May 11, which is also “Mother’s Day.”  
  • Bakersfield Fairfax is hosting a Memorial Day meeting May 24-26.  Please RSVP by emailing Charles Fry at cfry@bak.rr.com. 
  • The 41st annual Midwest Bible Camp-out in Eminence, MO, entitled “Weathering the Seasons” is 6/30-7/4/2025.
 
 
Outbursts of Anger
Adapted from a message by Neal Pollard printed in our 1/6/2013 bulletin
 
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—Colossians 3:8-10 NASB1995
 
From professional athletes to entertainers to politicians to people driving their cars, to people on cruise ships, it seems the vogue to burst out in anger throwing punches/objects, making obscene gestures, and/or delivering a slew of verbal profanities when you are unhappy about something.  Healthcare professionals call it a “disorder” that is harmful to the out-of-control person and those around them.  The Bible goes further.
 
“Outbursts of anger” is listed amongst the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB 1995) with the consequence that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  What an expressive word “outburst” is.  It is an outbreak, which sounds like a disease.  It is an eruption, which sounds like a catastrophe.  It is a sudden release, which sounds like somebody with their finger on the nuclear bomb button.  Call it by any other name and its effect is no less destructive.
 
Anger is a human emotion that can be beneficial in motivating us to righteous action.  As Christians we are commanded to be angry without sinning: “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB1995). Moses’ “anger burned” (Exodus 32:19-20) when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf image; he took swift action to destroy the image and punish the people appropriately.
 
James gives three keys to anger management: 1) quick to hear, 2) slow to speak, and 3) slow to anger.  “Quick to hear” means we train ourselves to listen to the whole story, taking time to deliberate unhurried, considering all the facts and the other person’s point of view.  “Slow to speak” means we THINK rather than spout off emotionally.  Part of the thinking is to ask ourselves “what would Jesus say and do” and to then carefully select words that diffuse contentious feelings, promote goodwill, and build harmony.  How much happier life would be if we would always remember to think before we react rather than ruing and regretting after the fact that we didn’t!  “Slow to anger” requires the same thoughtful deliberation.  Anger is a choice in the same way kindness is.  Ask yourself, will anger help or further escalation the situation.
 
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32 NASB1995