I’m sure everyone is aware of how important an example can be. There are many things in life which we learn when someone gives us an example. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic all call for learning by example.
Having good examples is important when it comes to morality and virtue. The morals of a nation are set by the examples we give our children. Too often we fail to give that ‘good’ example and we tell our children, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.”
When it comes to teaching our children Christian character, there is nothing more important than setting a good example. The Apostle Paul recognized this when he wrote to a young man new to the ministry. In 1 Timothy 4:12 he writes, “…be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Paul was asking Timothy to be an example as he mentored young believers in the basic requirements of the Christian Faith because he knew we learn best by example.
Have you thought about the example you are setting for those who are new to the Christian Faith, or for that matter, the example you are setting for those who are not Christian? Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, ”You are the salt of the earth, … You are the light of the world.” Salt brings flavor to life, and light dispels the darkness of this world.
Therefore… BE THOU AN EXAMPLE!
Looking for churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Ray Eddy
This is the story of Billy the Butterfly. Billy wasn’t always a butterfly; he used to be a caterpillar. He was confined to the ground and everywhere he went, he had to crawl. Then one day he had the urge to build himself a house (Cocoon). He crawled into it one night and the next time he awoke he found that he was no longer looked like a caterpillar. His many legs were gone and he had these two fixtures on his back. When he attempted to crawl on the ground, he found it was very difficult.
One day another butterfly noticed him crawling on the ground and he flew down to him. “Why are you crawling” he asked? “What do you mean” said Billy, “I’ve always crawled, only now it has become more difficult.” The other butterfly said to him. “That’s because you’ve been changed. You’re no longer a caterpillar, you’ve been ‘transformed,’ you’re a butterfly, and butterflies are made to fly.” With that, Billy spread his wings and soared off into the air with his new-found friend.
Many Christians, after they have been ‘transformed’ (Romans 12:2), still try to crawl along in the world as they have always done before, because no one told them that they are a ‘new creature’ in Christ. They are no longer ‘conformed’ to this world, but have been ‘transformed’ (like that butterfly), and they are to ‘put off the old and put on the new’ and begin to fly.
Don’t crawl! Read God’s Word for Flying Instructions!
Looking for Santa Clarita churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
One day another butterfly noticed him crawling on the ground and he flew down to him. “Why are you crawling” he asked? “What do you mean” said Billy, “I’ve always crawled, only now it has become more difficult.” The other butterfly said to him. “That’s because you’ve been changed. You’re no longer a caterpillar, you’ve been ‘transformed,’ you’re a butterfly, and butterflies are made to fly.” With that, Billy spread his wings and soared off into the air with his new-found friend.
Many Christians, after they have been ‘transformed’ (Romans 12:2), still try to crawl along in the world as they have always done before, because no one told them that they are a ‘new creature’ in Christ. They are no longer ‘conformed’ to this world, but have been ‘transformed’ (like that butterfly), and they are to ‘put off the old and put on the new’ and begin to fly.
Don’t crawl! Read God’s Word for Flying Instructions!
Looking for Santa Clarita churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
IT'S A REMARKABLE THING! by Ray Eddy
In the Concise Webster’s Dictionary ‘remarkable’ is defined by only two words, ‘noteworthy’- that is worthy or taking notice of, and ‘extraordinary’- that is uncommon. Both of these words as well as the word “remarkable” could be used to describe the Bible.
It is ‘noteworthy.’ Think for a minute about what you know about God? As a Christian, everything you know about God is what you’ve learned through His Word. The Bible was written by men through the inspiration of God that we might know God and His Son and of God’s purpose for His creation. That is truly ‘noteworthy!’
The Bible is ‘extraordinary’ in its origin and preservation. It began with the spoken word carried down through generations, its accuracy preserved by God. Eventually it evolved into the written word. While we do not possess the original writings, archeological discoveries have continued to prove the accuracy of the Bible as we have it today. It has defied attempts by those who would seek to destroy it. It is truly extraordinary.
It is ‘remarkable’ in its power to transform the lives of those who are exposed to and accept its teachings. It’s ‘gospel’ is “the power of God unto salvation” to those who believe in it (Romans 1:16). It is described as “…quick and powerful” in Hebrews 4:12, and “…is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” in the same verse. It is a ‘remarkable’ book; it is God’s Book. Let it ‘transform’ your life! (Another remarkable thing)
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
It is ‘noteworthy.’ Think for a minute about what you know about God? As a Christian, everything you know about God is what you’ve learned through His Word. The Bible was written by men through the inspiration of God that we might know God and His Son and of God’s purpose for His creation. That is truly ‘noteworthy!’
The Bible is ‘extraordinary’ in its origin and preservation. It began with the spoken word carried down through generations, its accuracy preserved by God. Eventually it evolved into the written word. While we do not possess the original writings, archeological discoveries have continued to prove the accuracy of the Bible as we have it today. It has defied attempts by those who would seek to destroy it. It is truly extraordinary.
It is ‘remarkable’ in its power to transform the lives of those who are exposed to and accept its teachings. It’s ‘gospel’ is “the power of God unto salvation” to those who believe in it (Romans 1:16). It is described as “…quick and powerful” in Hebrews 4:12, and “…is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” in the same verse. It is a ‘remarkable’ book; it is God’s Book. Let it ‘transform’ your life! (Another remarkable thing)
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
MAKE PREPARATION! by Ray Eddy
Before each round in professional golf, the player’s caddy walks the course. He marks down distances, notes where the traps and water hazards are, and notes the pin placement on each hole for that day. He makes those preparations so that his player can successfully navigate the course with the lowest possible score.
In many ways, life is like a round of golf and you, as a caddy, have to prepare for it. In golf, there are easy holes and there are more difficult ones. There are hazards to avoid when possible and if you find yourself in one, you need to know how to get out of it. Some golfers even resort to prayer when they find themselves in difficulty. (Prayer helps in life also.)
The bottom line for the average golfer is to finish the course with his temper and his clubs intact and to reach the 18th hole. In life the 18th hole is death. When the round is over there is no time to wish you had done something differently; no going back and replaying a hole.
Paul obviously wasn’t thinking about golf when he said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished my course.” But he was thinking about the conclusion of his life on earth, and because he had properly prepared his time on earth with Christ as his Savior, he could say that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. How’s your round of life going?
In many ways, life is like a round of golf and you, as a caddy, have to prepare for it. In golf, there are easy holes and there are more difficult ones. There are hazards to avoid when possible and if you find yourself in one, you need to know how to get out of it. Some golfers even resort to prayer when they find themselves in difficulty. (Prayer helps in life also.)
The bottom line for the average golfer is to finish the course with his temper and his clubs intact and to reach the 18th hole. In life the 18th hole is death. When the round is over there is no time to wish you had done something differently; no going back and replaying a hole.
Paul obviously wasn’t thinking about golf when he said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished my course.” But he was thinking about the conclusion of his life on earth, and because he had properly prepared his time on earth with Christ as his Savior, he could say that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. How’s your round of life going?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
IT'S STILL AMAZING! by Ray Eddy
According to a Music web site, the song ‘Amazing Grace,’ has been recorded 6,000 times, which may make it the most recorded song on the planet. The song was written in 1779 and what is remarkable is that it is as popular today as it has ever been. It was the theme song, as sung by Cliff Barrows, for the Billy Graham Crusades.
It was played at the site of the Oklahoma bombing memorial, the 9/11 memorial service after the attacks on the twin towers, and the memorial for the 32 students killed at Virginia Tech., as well as numerous funeral services around the world.
It was written by John Newton who as a young man deserted from the English Navy, was recaptured and punished and then became involved in slave trading. He later had a religious awakening and became a poet, song writer, and a clergyman. It has no reference to Jesus, just God and the Lord, yet it is un-mistakenly Christian by the word ‘Grace.’
As amazing as the song may be, God’s grace is even more amazing. We may talk about God’s love, but it is “by grace’ that we are saved” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace will be around as long as there is sin in the world, the need for forgiveness and the need for the daily presence of a living, loving savior to be our guide and strength each day.”
Grace, God’s unmerited gift to us!
Looking for Santa Clarita Churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
It was played at the site of the Oklahoma bombing memorial, the 9/11 memorial service after the attacks on the twin towers, and the memorial for the 32 students killed at Virginia Tech., as well as numerous funeral services around the world.
It was written by John Newton who as a young man deserted from the English Navy, was recaptured and punished and then became involved in slave trading. He later had a religious awakening and became a poet, song writer, and a clergyman. It has no reference to Jesus, just God and the Lord, yet it is un-mistakenly Christian by the word ‘Grace.’
As amazing as the song may be, God’s grace is even more amazing. We may talk about God’s love, but it is “by grace’ that we are saved” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace will be around as long as there is sin in the world, the need for forgiveness and the need for the daily presence of a living, loving savior to be our guide and strength each day.”
Grace, God’s unmerited gift to us!
Looking for Santa Clarita Churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
"THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!"
Some people may not understand the above statement. To them, the church is the building. Walk into any community and stop someone on the street and ask them where the church is located. They will probable ask you which church you are looking for. Then they will begin to name the various church denominations that they are familiar with. When this person has determined what denominational church you are seeking, they will, no doubt, direct you to a specific address where that church building is found.
The Greek word for ‘church’ is ‘a called out people’ i.e. the people of God.
The people who are called the church often meet in a building which over time has come to be called a Church. But the building is not the church.
When the church is in the building it is ‘gathered’ for the purpose of worship, teaching, and other activities for personal spiritual growth. When the church has left the building it is ‘scattered’ for the purpose of witnessing to people they meet daily. At any time the church may be driving a bus, waiting tables, teaching pupils, shopping in a mall etc., this is where church fulfills its purpose.
Since the church is out of the building more than it is in it, people of the world should be able to recognize it, not by its denomination, but by its demeanor. Are you the ‘church’ when you’ve left the building?
The Greek word for ‘church’ is ‘a called out people’ i.e. the people of God.
The people who are called the church often meet in a building which over time has come to be called a Church. But the building is not the church.
When the church is in the building it is ‘gathered’ for the purpose of worship, teaching, and other activities for personal spiritual growth. When the church has left the building it is ‘scattered’ for the purpose of witnessing to people they meet daily. At any time the church may be driving a bus, waiting tables, teaching pupils, shopping in a mall etc., this is where church fulfills its purpose.
Since the church is out of the building more than it is in it, people of the world should be able to recognize it, not by its denomination, but by its demeanor. Are you the ‘church’ when you’ve left the building?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU! by Ray Eddy
Believe me, people will talk about you. People are sure to form an impression of us by what they hear as a family, a community, a society. But what will they hear, and what will be the gist of their conversation when our names are mentioned? It would be nice to be a fly on the wall just to hear what they have to say. Sometimes you meet people for the first time and they say, “Oh, I’ve heard about you.” If you ask them what they’ve heard, they hem and haw and somehow sidestep the question. That’s when you know that what they’ve heard was probably not good. But wait, are there things in your life that you would be embarrassed to know that people are discussing in your absence? Has anyone ever asked you if your ears were burning because they were talking about you?
The best way to avoid this problem is to live a life that is above reproach, one that exemplifies the righteousness that God demands of us. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Paul, in writing to the church of the Thessalonians in his first letter says in chapter 1 that people everywhere were talking about them, but it was their “Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope,” (v3, 7-9) that they were talking about.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT YOU?
Are you looking for Santa Clarita churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
The best way to avoid this problem is to live a life that is above reproach, one that exemplifies the righteousness that God demands of us. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Paul, in writing to the church of the Thessalonians in his first letter says in chapter 1 that people everywhere were talking about them, but it was their “Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope,” (v3, 7-9) that they were talking about.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT YOU?
Are you looking for Santa Clarita churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
HEAVEN! IT'S A WONDERFUL PLACE! by Ray Eddy
Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? There are many questions about heaven. Will there be animals there? Are the streets really paved with gold? Will we see God? Just exactly where is it located? Will there be trade and commerce? And just what will we be doing all the time in a place where there is no day or night? How will we know one another? Will we be of different ages? And if so, who will care for the babies and little children? If heaven is a city, will there be a country outside of its limits? And what about agriculture, or will we even have to eat?
So many questions and so few answers, and if you are reading this expecting to find answers, let me assure you in plain words, “I don’t Know.” Then what’s the point of talking about heaven if we don’t know what it is going to be like?
The point is this, Heaven is not so much a ‘place’ as it is a ‘people.’ What will make heaven ‘heavenly’ are the people we will see there. I’m not sure we will see God except as God wishes to be revealed to us, but I do know that we’ll see Jesus, and we’ll see all those people of God found in His Word. We’ll see friends and loved ones who have died and gone before us, in a grand reunion before God’s throne.
‘PEOPLE,’ it won’t be heaven without them! SEE YA THERE!
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
So many questions and so few answers, and if you are reading this expecting to find answers, let me assure you in plain words, “I don’t Know.” Then what’s the point of talking about heaven if we don’t know what it is going to be like?
The point is this, Heaven is not so much a ‘place’ as it is a ‘people.’ What will make heaven ‘heavenly’ are the people we will see there. I’m not sure we will see God except as God wishes to be revealed to us, but I do know that we’ll see Jesus, and we’ll see all those people of God found in His Word. We’ll see friends and loved ones who have died and gone before us, in a grand reunion before God’s throne.
‘PEOPLE,’ it won’t be heaven without them! SEE YA THERE!
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
ANTICIPATE THE UNEXPECTED! by Ray Eddy
The unexpected is often ushered in by the phrase, ‘Surprise!’ Most of the time surprises come at expected times, that is at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. At these times, surprises are anticipated and welcomed. They bring feelings of joy and gladness.
When the surprises come at an unexpected time they may be good or they may be bad -- most of the time they are bad. Here are some examples of unexpected surprises which are un-anticipated and un-welcome:
Surprises like these bring feelings of gloom and despair. But, if we anticipate these kinds of unexpected surprises by being prepared mentally and spiritually, we will be better able to cope with them. There are some who say that religion is nothing but a crutch, but only a fool would try to walk with a broken leg. God invites us to rely on him in times of ‘unexpected surprises.’ Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the day of trouble.”
Anticipate the unexpected and trust God!
When the surprises come at an unexpected time they may be good or they may be bad -- most of the time they are bad. Here are some examples of unexpected surprises which are un-anticipated and un-welcome:
“Honey, the dog bit the mailman today!”
“Honey, there’s a man on the phone from the I.R.S!”
“Honey, that wasn’t hash you ate, that was Alpo!”
“Honey, I’m home. I got laid off today!”
“Honey, the Bank statement came, we’re overdrawn!”
“Honey, I got a speeding ticket today!”
“Honey, our daughter says she has to get married!”
“Honey, did you forget to pay the Electric Co?”
“Honey, wake up. The alarm didn’t go off!”
Surprises like these bring feelings of gloom and despair. But, if we anticipate these kinds of unexpected surprises by being prepared mentally and spiritually, we will be better able to cope with them. There are some who say that religion is nothing but a crutch, but only a fool would try to walk with a broken leg. God invites us to rely on him in times of ‘unexpected surprises.’ Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the day of trouble.”
Anticipate the unexpected and trust God!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
WE AIM TO PLEASE! by Ray Eddy
A certain Pastor was aware that many of the members of his church and the community were not actively involved in the work of the church. As a result, their Christian life, if they ever had any, was withering away instead of growing. Many of them had ceased to be in regular attendance and only came occasionally. Many from the community had never bothered to come at all.
To them, and to all others who had expressed their excuses for not attending church, he mailed the following message concerning a future meeting he called the, ‘No-Excuse-To-Stay-Home-Sunday’:
"Please make every opportunity to attend this service. There will be… cots available for those who say Sunday is their only day to sleep in… eye-drops for those who have red eyes from watching late Saturday night TV… steel helmets for those who say the roof would cave in if they went to church… blankets for persons who think church is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot… score-cards for those wishing to list all the hypocrites present …TV dinners for those who can’t cook Sunday dinner and take time to go to church, and both… a sanctuary decorated with Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who have never seen Church without them. We aim to please!"
WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE AND IS IT VALID?
Looking for Santa Clarita Churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
To them, and to all others who had expressed their excuses for not attending church, he mailed the following message concerning a future meeting he called the, ‘No-Excuse-To-Stay-Home-Sunday’:
"Please make every opportunity to attend this service. There will be… cots available for those who say Sunday is their only day to sleep in… eye-drops for those who have red eyes from watching late Saturday night TV… steel helmets for those who say the roof would cave in if they went to church… blankets for persons who think church is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot… score-cards for those wishing to list all the hypocrites present …TV dinners for those who can’t cook Sunday dinner and take time to go to church, and both… a sanctuary decorated with Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who have never seen Church without them. We aim to please!"
WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE AND IS IT VALID?
Looking for Santa Clarita Churches? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"YOU'RE NOBODY 'TILL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU" by Ray Eddy
As an avid listener to an “Oldies” radio station I have heard the above titled song many times. Its message may be true in the natural realm, but even more so in the spiritual realm. According to scripture, we are a ‘nobody’ in this world until ‘somebody’, God, loves us.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2 that we are “dead in trespasses and sin.” It tells us that the god of this world (Satan) controls our lives and that by nature we are the children of wrath. There is no reason for God to love us, but He does, and because God loves us we have the possibility of becoming a ‘somebody’. No longer are we the recipients of God’s wrath. We can be free from the control of the god of this world and we can receive a new nature that is not conformed to this world and its evil desires. (Romans 12:2)
This has all been made possible through the grace and mercy of God who loves us. It remains for us to respond to His love by accepting the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, and to receive Him as the Lord of our life. He was crucified on the cross as the price that was paid for our sin, and, He even gives us that faith. (Ephesians 2:1-10) When you receive Jesus you will become a ‘somebody’ in God’s sight.
Now that’s something to sing about!
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2 that we are “dead in trespasses and sin.” It tells us that the god of this world (Satan) controls our lives and that by nature we are the children of wrath. There is no reason for God to love us, but He does, and because God loves us we have the possibility of becoming a ‘somebody’. No longer are we the recipients of God’s wrath. We can be free from the control of the god of this world and we can receive a new nature that is not conformed to this world and its evil desires. (Romans 12:2)
This has all been made possible through the grace and mercy of God who loves us. It remains for us to respond to His love by accepting the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, and to receive Him as the Lord of our life. He was crucified on the cross as the price that was paid for our sin, and, He even gives us that faith. (Ephesians 2:1-10) When you receive Jesus you will become a ‘somebody’ in God’s sight.
Now that’s something to sing about!
Looking for Churches in Santa Clarita? Check out Heart of the Canyons.
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