Posts from 2022 (Page 2)

Posts from 2022 (Page 2)

Check Your Balance

How often do you consider the importance of balance in your life? If you see a nutritionist, you have probably been told about the importance of eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, veggies, and carbs. Likewise, if you drive a car, you have probably heard a mechanic tell you that you need to have your tires balanced to prevent them from pulling in one direction or another. Good balance, it seems, is part and parcel of our everyday living;…

Burdened Beyond Strength

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul said, “…we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” Have you ever felt like Paul? Has a particular circumstance or state of affairs caused you a great deal of grief or concern – even to the point that you grew weary of life itself? If so, please understand that you are not…

A Distinctive Church

In Luke 11, as Jesus was teaching His disciples, a woman called out and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” (v. 27). This was intended to be a compliment, of course, but Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (v. 28). As Christians, we often busy ourselves with evangelizing, preaching, teaching, clothing the poor, and feeding the hungry – but so do our…

Let’s Invest in People!

Good morning church family! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nicer weather we had last week, and that you have come to the building with gladness in your hearts as we prepare to lift our voices in worship to God. As you know, from time to time I like to share articles from across the brotherhood. Today’s article by Mike Riley discusses the importance of investing in people. May we take Mike’s words to heart as we continue to reach…

Shoelaces and Ties

When you tie your shoes, what method do you prefer? Do you use the “bunny ears” or do you “loop, swoop, and pull”? Chances are you don’t often think about the name because the process has become second nature to you. The same is true for tying a tie. There are at least 18 different ways to accomplish this, but what really matters is learning the process not the name. While there is only one way to become a Christian…

This Little Light of Mine

I’ve spent enough time in small Texas towns to know that after about 6 o’clock, things begin to shut down pretty quickly. Stores that were once hubs of energy and excitement are vacated until dawn, and the brightly flashing neon lights of “mom and pop” eateries are promptly switched off. Not surprisingly, those who aren’t familiar with small-townliving are often shocked when they find that most businesses and restaurants have been abandoned. They may even begin to feel a sense…

Who is Your Inspiration?

Professional athletes are often seen as giants among men because they accomplish in one year what it would take most people two lifetimes to do. While we might be tempted to conclude that they look up to no one, many sports stars have their own heroes. For instance, Muhammad Ali was influenced by boxer Sugar Ray Robinson; Tony Romo was influenced by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach; Phil Mickelson was influenced by Arnold Palmer; and Barry Bonds was influenced by…

An Embarrassing Lapse in Judgement

Have you ever celebrated a victory in your life only to experience a setback in the days and weeks to follow? During my junior year in high school, our 2A football team triumphed in the playoffs over a team that was far superior to us. However, a week or two later, we succumbed to a team that we should have easily beaten. And, to add insult to injury, their fight song was “Frosty the Snowman.” Ouch. That story reminds me…

Are We Going To Be Ready?

Although there are few things more painful than the death of a loved one, there are also few things more reassuring than when that loved one was obedient to the gospel. That ’s because we believe Jesus’ words in Revelation 2:10 when He said, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. ” Over the last year, Bell Avenue has lost several precious members and loved ones. And while that isn’t unusual for a congregation…

Unashamed

In 1989, rock musician, Tom Petty, released a song entitled, “I Won’t Back Down.” In the lyrics, he affirmed that even though the world was trying its best to drag and push him down, he would stand his ground; he would be immoveable and unshaken. Today, there are few things that remain stationary. Like a raging river that dumps its refuse into the ocean, everything and everyone seems to go with the flow – even if it leads to their…

The Gentle Slope

In The Screwtape Letters, author C.S. Lewis unveils some frightening truths about the nature of Satan and his goal to lure as many souls as possible away from a relationship with God. Perhaps the most alarming passage comes at the end of chapter twelve when a demon named Screwtape writes, “Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden…

Cut From the Same Cloth

Long before Armani, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren became household names, men’s suits were often produced on those old pedaloperated sewing machines that now adorn the shelves of antique stores. The talented seamstresses that operated them knew that it was essential to cut both the jacket and trousers from the same piece of fabric because it was the only way to ensure that the suit would match. Although most of the quaint sewing shops of yesterday have been replaced by…
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