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DO YOUR BEST!! I was using Micah’s question and answer for the sermon last Sunday morning: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” (6:8) I asked our worshipers to make a list in answer to the question without giving Micah’s answer to them. Bro. John informed me Sunday evening of the answer he had for the question and it was different than what I had in mind. His answer to what does God require was that we must do our best. I liked his answer! Since God has given His best for us surely He would require our best. He has provided His One and Only Son for our sins. No other sacrifice would do. No other person or gift could atone for our sins. It took God’s best to provide for our salvation. It is only right that God would require our best. Doing our best! Being the best husband or wife, neighbor, worker, worshiper, minister, elder, deacon, mother or father, friend, witness, example of a disciple, employer or employee, citizen is our goal because God has given His best for us. To give the best it cost God. He made the sacrifice necessary to provide what sinners needed. We are to consider ourselves servants of God who have given our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice. According to Paul in Romans 12:1-2 we are able to give proof of God’s will in our lives through our worship and service to Him. The way He writes, I believe he calls for us to give our best to God. Is there any better feeling than when
we have done our best and we know we have? What a blessing to
know that God has received our best. By Max Pratt
P.S. Everyone of us chooses daily whether we give god our best. If you are not choosing to do your best for the Lord today, come join us at Ninth Street where we believe in doing our best for God. THE FUTURE A small group of serious Bible students gathered each Wednesday afternoon to work through the last book of our Bible. Revelation is unique. It is a challenge. It is a dramatic book of symbolic pictures that tell of future events. Some great discussions and debates over what it all means has been and will be a part of the Christian age until Jesus comes back and it all becomes clear. One obvious message from Revelation is that there is a future. There will be an end. Jesus will return and judgment will happen. The righteous will be saved and rewarded while the wicked will be judged and punished. The book is about helping Christians to prepare for their future. There are a multitude of messages. I particularly like the message of how God and Christ are the center of all glory and honor. But I am also partial to the message of how the faithful will be the benefactors of the greatest blessings ever bestowed on humanity. When you think about the future, of what are you thinking? Is it about those retirement years that are getting closer? Is it about what you will be doing once that day comes? Is it about schooling and choices of a career? Is it about marriage, family and children? Is it about a move and new job or career opportunity? Is it about a new home or some form of investment or insurance? Let me suggest that while all these are important and giving some thought and planning to them is significant, they pale in the face of the preparations for one's spiritual future. Often in the letter of Revelation all readers are instructed, "He who has ears, let him hear what the spirit says..." Effort is made to encourage every member, every congregation of God's church to be faithful to God's calling. Are we thinking enough about the eternal future of our souls? Do we give as much thought to the eternal matters as we do the physical and temporal? If you find that your future is basically about this life, let me suggest that you broaden it to include the next one. Let's all prepare for it as well as our future days here on earth. by Max Pratt P.S. At Ninth Street we are preparing for an eternal future through the activities of the church fellowship. If you would like to have someone with whom you can plan your eternal future, come visit with us. 365-2330. Worship service Sunday at 10:00 am. Ninth Street Church of Christ , 1100 Ninth St. Ballinger, Texas.
FATHERS It isn't because I receive gifts and cards on Father's Day that I am thankful for this special day in our nation. It is the recognition that the role of fathers is so important to the family that I give thanks for this annual day of honor given to those men who have become fathers. Like so many others around me, I cannot physically visit or call my father. It has been a few years now since we could celebrate the day together due to his passing from this life. And like others I too would like to celebrate the day with him. I was privileged to have my father for 55 years of my life. For everyone of those years he was there. He took the role of fatherhood seriously because of what the Bible taught him. The most important matter to him was serving God and caring for his family. He provided for us with hard labor. He taught us Christian principles by which to live. He lived the Christian example before us so we could follow in his footsteps. I know that for many their father is unknown to them. For others dad is not taking the God- given responsibility of being a father as they should. The principles of righteousness do not shape the lives of many fathers. God's Word hasn't touched the hearts of some fathers. The affects of such is seen in the lives of the children. One of the great messages from the Bible is that God wants to be a Father to us all. He invites us to become His children. His desire is that we call upon Him as our Father who is in heaven. So whether or not we have been blessed with earthly fathers who have enriched us with Christian examples, God will be our Father who is perfect in every way. All that He does for us will bless us. I hope you know the Heavenly Father. That is why Jesus came to this earth. He intends to help us all become children of God.
by Max Pratt P.S. If you would like to know more about our Father in heaven, contact us: Ninth Street Church of Christ, 365-2330.
CHASING RABBITS
Living just on the edge of Amarillo allowed us the opportunity to have some livestock all the years I was growing up. Among them were our horses and ponies. We had several, but the one that provided lots of great riding enjoyment for us kids was Star. He was a Welch pony that had lots of spirit and was well trained by the time dad purchased him. We had him for many years.
I borrowed the railroad right of ways and someone’s large
pastures to ride in most of the time. And in that large rough
pasture were jack rabbits. I am not sure whether Star or I
enjoyed chasing them better. Let one jump up behind a yucca
plant or a bunch of cactus and the chase was on. I think
sometimes I even carried my pellet gun along. We never brought
back one that I can remember. I am thankful for so many childhood memories. Because of the Christian home under which I was raised along with my siblings, I have good memories, including chasing rabbits. What a blessing!! When I listen to the news, I realize that so many children will not have lingering memories of pleasant days of childhood entertainment. Far too many will be haunted by abuse, neglect, abandonment and chaos. What will they see that will remind them of their childhood someday?
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother --- which is the first commandment with a promise--- that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
By Max Pratt
P.S. The Church will bless every home with support in keeping the commandments of God. Through keeping the commands, great blessings are secured. The Ninth Street Church will help you have such blessings. 365-2330 Come join us for worship.... Sundays 10:00 am.
LOVE MUST BE SINCERE
Most all of us know that the apostle Paul wrote those words down by inspiration in his letter to the church at Rome. He made several direct and important statements of instruction to the church. Often I have remarked concerning those statements found in Romans 12: 9-21 that if we could all keep these in our lives we would encounter tremendous blessings. We would see remarkable things happening in our lives. It is a great section of the Bible to memorize. But a much better part of God’s Word to put into practice daily. “Love must be sincere”. It just cannot be stated any better, can it? For love to be meaningful, for love to be fulfilled, for love to be love it has to be sincere. There are other places in the book that help us to understand love and point us toward understanding this almost indescribable virtue. Paul’s description of what love is and what it is not in First Corinthians 13 helps us get a handle on how this God given quality acts and reacts to life. There is no option for the Christian here. Our Love for God, Christ, our mates, children, brothers & sisters in Christ, friends, those lost in sin, the stranger, an enemy must be without deceit or impurity. It must be genuine. I recall the words to the song from the movie, Pure Country. I am not sure of its title nor who sings it. But the words are great. The man sings to his girl of their unconditional love. He crosses his heart and promises her and declares that in all the world she will never find a love as pure. For love to be sincere it takes crossing our heart and promising to be and to do all that love demands. God’s love is as pure as it gets. Let ours be the same. It makes all the difference in the relationships of life.
Max Pratt
P.S. It is God who can make our love sincere. Come share the love of the Heavenly Father with us at the Ninth Street Church of Christ. 365-2330.
"I'M DONE GROWING!" Our youngest grandson is four years old. Like most of us he has his favorite shirt. His is a Buzz-Lightyear one. One day recently his mother was talking to him about his shirt getting smaller on him because he was growing and getting bigger. She said that it was about time to pass down his shirt to a younger cousin. To this suggestion or idea, Collin informed his mother that they didn't need to do that cause he was done growing! He wasn't about to give up his favorite shirt! Through faith in Jesus Christ we develop a spiritual relationship with God. This relationship can grow. It should grow. God designed it to grow. We need to be sure we allow it to grow. The apostle Peter gave this instruction to Christians: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". How do we grow spiritually? Prayer is certainly an avenue through which our relationship grows. We are communicating with God through Jesus. We develop a trust and confidence in Him. We grow through the study of the Word of God. There is the milk of the Word and also the meat. We grow spiritual because we feed the soul with spiritual food. Sharing our faith with others is another way to grow. the Scriptures say that when we suffer for our faith we can grow through it. So, are you done growing or are you praying, studying, sharing and/or suffering. Make certain you have spiritual activities happening in your life today that allows for growing up in the Lord! Max Pratt P.S. Contact us at the Ninth Street Church of Christ. We will help you grow. 365-2330
MAKING JESUS LORD Our relationship with Jesus depends upon His being Lord of our lives. Jesus will be our friend, savior, counselor, brother. The relationship with Jesus is described in many ways in Scripture. He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep. He is the Physician and we are sin-sick. He is the Teacher and we are students. He is the Leader and we are followers. Jesus made a statement about our relationship with Him. He said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." Jesus tells of those who were doing things in His name, claiming a relationship with Him and giving Him the credit for the deeds they were doing for others. But Jesus said they were wicked and that He never knew them. The claim to relationship was flawed. Making Jesus Lord of our lives is more than claiming His name. It is a faith that leads to a complete surrender of our will to His. Jesus shared a parable about a father that had two sons. He told his sons to go work in his vineyard. One son said he would go, but never did. The other son said no to his father, but later repented and went. Jesus asked those around Him which of the two sons did what the father said. Obviously, it was the one who did the father's will. Relationship with Jesus is based upon a faith that leads to obedience. Obedience is our following the laws of God. Jesus asked this question, "Why call Me, 'Lord, Lord', and not do what I say?" Conforming our lives to the teachings of Scripture provides the opportunity to have the relationship God desires. By Max Pratt PS The Ninth Street Church of Christ is about helping folks develop a relationship with Jesus. Call us at 365-2330 or E-mail us at GTNEWS@juno.com
WHY THE CHANGE? I noticed some figures about church membership and attendance. About one fourth or one fifth of the younger folks today have a church affiliation compared to the previous generation. There is a growing interest to do church at home. TV evangelist should like that. The assembling together to worship and break bread is waning. Our culture is not Christian oriented any more. It is business driven and pleasure-mad. Making money and spending it on pleasure and possessions rules too many hearts. For many Christians squeezing in Sunday morning church is about all the time for religious activity. Life is too busy for fellowship, ministry or other gatherings. My good friend Grady lives in Ukraine. He married a lovely Ukrainian wife and is raising his children there. The mission work started for both of us in 1993. He moved there while I was helping to establish a new church. We have worked on that field together for many years. We have seen many changes. The changes in some ways are astounding. When we first visited there many things we could get at any grocery store here could not be bought at any price. It wasn't there. I think now, the grocery stores are as well stocked as any here in the USA. The folks there have seen great change since the Soviet Union fell. Something else has made a notable change. In 1993 and a couple years prior we planned campaigns in various cities and filled auditoriums with folks who were excited to hear the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. We handed out Bibles to folks who had never owned one. The new Christians began meeting together and sharing in worship and regular study times. They were so excited. Groups were springing up all over this former Soviet State. Their new freedom allowed all this religious activity which had been forbidden for those seventy years of Communist rule. But the excitement and interest is gone. The Gospel is still being preached. Bibles are available to be shared with anyone who doesn't have one. Churches meet regularly for study and fellowship. Ministry is extremely active. But the flood of those seeking it is no longer there. My good friend Grady says that something else won the hearts of the people. For so long they had no hope of a better live than what the Soviets dictated. Now they have the opportunity to live beyond the poverty. Money and the effort to not be poor has replaced the yearning for religious knowledge and practice. This past Fall I stood outside the Orthodox church in Sumy and watched the people as they went in and out. They can come by, enter with reverence for a few moments and leave quickly to whatever business awaits. Unlike many years before when I watched people gather around the open doors of the churches that had been shut up for years. Then they stood and visited. It was more of a gathering place for greeting neighbors and friends and sharing in fellowship. Things had changed. It took many generations to change American and lest than one in Ukraine. I pray for change to come. Revival needs to happen here and there. By Max Pratt PS What has won your heart? Let's talk. 365-2330. gtnews@juno.com
THE LEAST BECOMES THE GREATEST Jesus told this parable about the church: "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." Mark 4:30-32 I was reminded of this comparison last Saturday. I joined my brother-in-law and son-in-law in Ft. Worth to help take down a live oak tree. The recent heavy snows damaged the tree and it fell on my in-law's garage/apartment. Since Juan's dad isn't physically able to climb the ladders and use the chain saws as he once could, we came to help. My mother-in-law some thirty years ago planted an acorn she had picked up in the hill country where she was raised. It sprouted in the green house and then they set the small tree out in their back yard. That was the tree we were cutting down. The branches reached far beyond the height of the two-story apartment. We had to rent a lift to reach near the top. The trunk of the tree is still standing because we had no saw large enough to cut through it. The branches were massive. We rented a chipper to shred the smaller branches. We worked hard all day long on it. When dark came some of it still stood in the horizon. A mountain of branches lay on the ground. That tiny little acorn had become such a massive living tree. We were all impressed with what that little acorn had become! God takes the smallest things and makes big things out of them. The kingdom of God began very small. Just a few disciples in Jerusalem, but it grew into a faith movement that covered the Roman world in only a few years. That same faith has developed into an ongoing movement throughout the world since its beginning. The Gospel of Jesus and Christian ministry effects and affects the lives of millions of people around the world every single day! Jesus taught His disciples that the least in His Kingdom would be the greatest. He taught those men who would be leaders in His church to be great by becoming the servant of all. It should not surprise us that God can take the seemingly least thing that could be said or done and make it have the greatest impact upon someone's life. A cup of cold water given in the Lord's name could save millions! One kind word spoken could save a soul that is worth more than all the world. A forgiving spirit can make a great change in any relationship. The widow gave all she had into the temple treasury. It was worth about a cent. Jesus said it was the greatest of all gifts that day.
Never doubt how God can take your forgiving spirit, kind words, thoughtful deeds and turn them into something great!
By Max Pratt
Zumbuddy I have yet to see a "Zumbuddy". Well, maybe I should clarify that statement. I have seen pictures of them. I joined my wife in her hunt for them over the internet. The reason for the hunt was that our only granddaughter was having her tenth birthday earlier this month and she had Zumbuddies on the top of her list. The problem we found was that they were not in the stores. And on the internet they were out of stock or would be available in a few weeks. So, when we celebrated birthday, cash was in the card for the soon to be purchased gift. News has come that they found them and she is delighted with her birthday gift from us. As I was thinking about this adventure and quest of ours, I thought about life and how so often everything doesn't fall into place as we plan, expect or hope. Life is a series of adventures and quests that have challenges along the way. Sometimes we find ourselves facing roadblocks and detours. To continue on in life we adjust the journey. The pursuits in life whether they be business, education, professions or ministries all have times when the direction has to be reset due to circumstance. When the apostle Paul had made plans to take the Gospel of Christ into a certain area of the Roman Empire, God's Spirit prevented him. We don't know why. No explanation is given. However, we conclude that God had another place for the apostle to be preaching. Immediately after putting a halt to his plans, God opened a door for ministry in another place. We just accept the fact that this opportunity provided greater ministry for the Word. The fruit of his preaching was recorded as some of the most successful in all of his missionary journeys. Can we have faith today in God directing our lives when circumstances come altering our life's plans? I hope we all can!! The Psalmist advises: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." By Max Pratt PS If you need some help developing such a trust, let's visit. 365-2330. The Little Things Add Up Every year when our members bring their Ukraine Mission Work change cans back to the church building, we open them up and pour the money into a plastic water jar. We play a guessing game to see how close we can get to the exact dollars and cents. This year we had four members who were within $5.00 of the total. We have a great time with the game and enjoy the fellowship in sorting and counting it. About twenty five from among the congregation shared in it again this year. I am always reminded of how our little bit of change collected over a few months of time all brought together can add up to some great totals. Then when we add our collection to the other fifty some congregations who have done the same, thousands of dollars have been contributed to the mission fund. The next day I was visiting about the collection this year with one of the members. We shared the totals and discussed how good it was during a recession time. We confessed that we keep our quarters. But shared our smaller change. My Christian brother talked about finding lots of pennies for the collection. He said that convenient stores are a good place to find them. So he had been diligent in finding these rather insignificant coins and turning them into a good donation to the Lord’s work. Little things add up. A telephone call, a note of thanks, some little act of kindness, fixing breakfast, holding the door open, a short visit, some regular volunteer work and so much more can be listed as the little things that are not so costly in time nor treasure, but they add up to some large deposits. The total for UMW makes a significant difference in what can do in and on the mission field. The little things we do in life to help and care for someone add up to make a significant difference in life and relationship. Let’s be attentive to all the little things we can do. You know, picking up pennies seems insignificant until you put them all together. The little things make a difference. By Max Pratt ‘WITH JESUS YOU’LL
WIN IN 2010" I was commenting on how difficult it has been to maintain the study time needed for the midweek study group over the past several months. The study has been on the book of Revelation. So it has required more study time than I have been able to a lot each week. The response from one person was: "That’s easy! We Win!" That’s right! The overall message to God’s people from the Lord’s prophecy is that everyone who is with Him and faithful to Him will win in the end. The message is a bold one; We have to be, need to be, must be with Jesus to win. Winning is a big deal in our world. Winning right now among the NFL teams makes a difference about the playoffs. Soon the Basketball playoffs will be shaped by those who win. Any sport has a theme of winning. Then there are those who place their bets on the horses, or their lottery tickets to win the big one for them. I’m not so sure that too much winning is experienced for those who purchase them. It appears that most of the gambling is a losing proposition. Winning does provide confidence. When a team is having a hard time winning any games confidence is easily lost. I am sure that God intended for all of us to be very confident in the future. All the promises made through the provisions of salvation should give us such assurance. the old words to the song come to mind: "Blessed Assurance Jesus Is Mine....O what a foretaste of glory divine"... I hope and pray we are all beginning this new year in our spiritual assurance God intends for us to have in Jesus His Son. I hope this to be true for all who belong to Him: "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long". Max Pratt PS If you are not with Jesus and would like to share in the spiritual victory He provides, give me a call. 325-365-2330
Crunchy Grass My California grandchildren are about to make a visit to our home for the holidays. Our son and family will be arriving in a few days for the first Wintertime visit in several years. I recall one of the observations the older two grandsons made the last time they were here for Christmas. They said that Nana and Papa have "crunchy grass". In South Central California where they live the grass stays green year round. So whether it is in the dead of winter or the heat of summer when they go outside to play the yard and parks are the same-- Alive and green and apparently soft! They noticed we have crunchy grass. They didn't say dead or brown or dry, but crunchy. That has been a good memory for us. I am wondering if they will use the same terminology this trip? Isn't it interesting what different perspectives we have? I am made aware almost daily how my view of things have changed through the years. I know now that I was not near as good a minister to our elderly folks when I was just beginning to minister the Word of God. And I am made to wonder now just how good I am at doing God's work with the youth that are within the scope of my ministry. I use to be able to play softball and basketball with our all our young folks at church. It would be a real stretch to call anything I do in such things as playing. Maybe I could still participate! Aging does change our perspectives. It Is true with experiences also. Losing parents to death changes a lot for families. Having health problems, financial troubles, children leaving home, job changes, marital problems, teenagers, and so on; will change our perspective of life. The message I would leave with you today is that God and Christ and The Holy Word provides us with stability in a changing world and through our growing older. We have the resource to see the values that matter and the grace to help while we are growing up in the Lord and aging on this earth. Perspectives are going to change, but in this changing process called life, the Word is that "Lamp" and Jesus is "The LIght". I hope you are taking the true light for your journey. Max Pratt
THE EYES HAVE IT!! I had a great Thanksgiving holiday. My wife's side of the family has had a long running tradition of fishing on the Texas Gulf on Thanksgiving week. Although we have not been able to share in this tradition as often as we would have liked, we have certainly enjoyed the ones we have had. This year was no exception. We had some great weather the three days we were there. The winds were a little strong one day, but then it settled and we had probably some of the best weather you could ask for. And the fish were biting. Unfortunately most of those we hooked were too small to keep. But we enjoyed the exercise anyway. After a great Thanksgiving evening meal and visit among all the family my brother-in-law informed me he was heading out about 6:30am and If I wanted to go along we would start our fishing day early. I was ready and we headed to one of our favorite spots. We were on the water and it was calm. All we needed to do was get to our spot and get to fishing. I didn't know that Ralph was driving his boat by watching his GPS. It was telling him where the channels were. I saw the markers and knew that normally we would take a route on the other side of the stakes we had just passed, but before I could say a thing the boat came to a sudden halt. We were on the flats. There was about four Inches of water under the boat and it would not float. We did everything we could think of to move it toward the deeper water, but we were not strong enough. We made a call and informed the others that we would need help when they came, in the meantime we waded out to the channel and began catching the undersized trout. I don't know what happened, but one thing I know my eyes were guiding me better through the channel that morning than the GPS did for Ralph. God's Word is a lamp and a light to a godly man's path, so says the wisdom of Proverbs. The study of the Bible will prepare its student to live life acceptable to the Lord so says the apostle Paul. Jesus said it is the Truth! God will give us the right directions every single time. God speaks and He doesn't lie. So if you are looking for a sure guide in life let me recommend you follow the one true guide. He will prevent you from getting stuck! by Max Pratt P.S. Using what God has created far exceeds what man can make. "GOD JUST MADE MY DAY!" Our only granddaughter is really in tune with all the pretty, frilly things in life. She loves the new clothes. When we buy clothes for her and her two brothers, she will almost immediately want to wear then and will make over them. With the boys we might get a thank you, with a question wondering what is coming next, surely clothing isn't the only thing we had for them. Sarah is also an artist. she can do things with scissor and paper that I have never been able to do. Last year she had one piece of her art work selected to be in a show among her peers. It was good work. So she has an eye for life's pretty things. She captures the moments and takes in that which has beauty. It was last week when our daughter called to tell us about a special moment for her and Sarah. They were in the car driving West late in the day. The boys were not with them, so it was just a girl thing--which always makes for a pleasant time for Sarah to have mom to herself. Driving toward the sun while it began to set, Sherri called the sunset to Sarah's attention. In the telephone call Sherri said the whole sky turned a hot pink color and was spread across the entire evening sky. It was a beautiful sunset. Sarah's comment about it was: "God just made my day!" What a joy it is to know our granddaughter didn't just see a colorful sunset, but saw the artist who made it. Not everyone who looks at the earth's beauty knows the Creator. Sarah does. And because she does, the pleasure of the sunset became so much more. It became a personal gift to her from God. I believe with all my heart that it would be a very healthy thing for everyone of us to witness our personal gifts from God. If we can just see the hand that makes the night so bright, the sun so warm. If we could just take thought for a moment of the One who gives brilliance to the Fall foliage. In the relationships of life we could see the Creator at work in giving us someone to love and someone to love us. To understand that our work is not just to draw a pay check, but it is an opportunity to care for ourselves and to provide something for those who are in need.
If we did see such things we too might be declaring, "God just made my day!". By Max Pratt P.S. Has God made your day special in
any way today? I suspect He has. WEATHER We often visit about the weather. I was visiting with the postman at lunch about how his work must be very pleasant today because it was such a beautiful day. The last couple days have been noticeably beautiful. We notice weather, don't we? If it is cold, hot, windy or stormy we take note of it. While packing clothes for my overseas mission trip recently the one big question was what would the weather be like where I was going. My question was anticipated and answered by the missionary on the field. He had pulled up the forecast and shared it with me. He knew the challenge of making good decisions on what clothes to take. While I was in Ukraine Juan and I talked about several things during our telephone calls. We never failed to report how the weather was on each side of the Atlantic ocean. Weather is something we deal with every day. We may not have to be out in it. But it is part of our lives. Most of us find ourselves affected by any big changes in it. Almost without fail if we plan some event outside, we are concerned about what the weather will be like and whether it will allow us to carry out our plans. I was visiting with a friend in a neighboring state a few weeks ago and she was the mother making plans for an outdoor wedding. It had rained every day for a week. Do you think she was nervous about the weather? It would be good if we were as plugged into the Word of God as we are the weather. In reality God's commands will affect our lives much more than the weather. If we would only notice them like we do the changes in the weather! As important as it is for the rains to come and the seasons to allow for the growing of crops, so is the receiving of God's Word into our minds and hearts to reap the harvest of righteousness. I'd like for us all to be as attentive to the spiritual influences in our lives as we are the temperature of the outdoors. I'd encourage us all to let our spirits soak in the warmth of the Son light. Max Pratt CANOEING ON THE
BRAZOS Juan and I were invited to join Sherri and our three grandchildren for an outing. Several in their congregation had planned a Saturday event for individuals and families. It was a ten mile canoe trip down the Brazos river. Seven canoes launched that morning just after 10. And we all made the trip. It was a cool morning. Some were cold enough to do some shivering. I noticed that the kids were pretty much into the activities along the way and didn’t notice that it was cloudy and cool, not what the weatherman had predicted; while the adults just kept talking about how the day was to have been sunny and much warmer. It was a good day regardless of the weather. The fellowship was great. The scenery was great for our part of the world. Fact is, I hadn’t seen much of that area and didn’t know it was so nice. Spending time with family and church family is always special. The hours passed by quickly as we took in the all of nature. On the lunch stop the kids were busy collecting rocks and shells. They had a pretty good load in the canoes before we left. Driving back home that afternoon took me on a highway I had never traveled. It too was a scenic drive. The landscape was something to view. So my day was spent enjoying the view God made for us. I wonder what kind of day that would have been for an unbeliever? The scenery would be the same. The association with good friends and family could be the very same. But what would come into the heart of one who has no faith in the One who made the world and gives us life? I was happy to share the day with everyone thinking all along the way of what God had done. The world was full of beauty to enjoy. The church family made for some special friends with whom to share it. I credit the family to God for He gave us children and has given our children, children. Counting blessings and soaking them in was a big part of the day. My faith just kept leading me to give thanks for not only a pleasant canoe ride down the river, but for so many great blessings in life. Without that faith, what would I have seen or felt? I don’t know. I do know that seeing it through faith and with faith made for a beautiful day.
By Max Pratt
MEANINGLESS!
MEANINGLESS! Solomon’s words are repeated over and over throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Anyone reading this part of the Bible cannot miss the attitude the writer has toward life. We may conclude that this man is critical of life, depressed and bitter. That could explain why he keeps telling us that 'this' is folly and 'that' is vain. A closer look at the message is that it isn't about his attitude, but about his learning from experience. He has learned some things about living life here on this earth and he wants to pass it along to those who follow after him. And he is setting the record straight regarding some beliefs about this life. His writing tells us that seeking happiness and fulfillment in the pursuit of wealth, wisdom, power and fame is vanity. It will vex your spirit. Instead of finding purpose and fulfillment, it leaves you empty. So to warn his son and everyone else who follows in life after him, he advises that we not search for our meaning in life through such things. He is not advising that we not work, that we gain nothing in this life nor seek education and learning. His advice is not to prevent us from being in a position of importance and authority. He is not telling us we cannot enjoy any pleasure in life. What he wants to do is to keep us from making any of these our life’s objectives. He testifies that he has been down each one of these roads and found at the end they left a huge void. No real satisfaction will be found within them. His advice is that we have a much higher objective upon which we should spend our time and talent. He suggests that we begin early in life while we are still young remembering our Creator. The object of our attention should be the Creator, not the creation. By "fearing God and keeping His commandments", we will not get lost or caught up in the pursuit of temporal things. The eternal part of us will be at the center of our lives. We live in such a materialistic world it is a battle not to be so engaged in the physical that the spiritual gets pushed aside. Keeping in view that after all is said and done, everything in this life is left behind and what lies ahead is an accounting of how we spent our life before God; I think Solomon gave us some great advice. Don't you? By Max Pratt P.S. Do you find life to be meaningless? Come learn about faith in Jesus. You can find purpose for every day living. (325) 365-2330
Safe From Thieves 9/19/2009 Not so long ago there was this rash of burglaries in our town. I was one who heard the emotions from victims. Some of the things stolen would not be replaced. The things that had special value because they belonged to one's mother cannot be replaced. Another one just exactly like it will not do. It did not belong to mother. I understand that loss. I feel for those who were victims. I've also heard the pain in the voices of those who have lost things through other tragedies as well. Fire, floods and storms are among those experiences that bring loss. Those losses come from nature. They couldn't have been stopped. Who turns the tornado from its course? But thieves invade people's lives in a different way. Having something stolen is an invasion into one's life because of evil. Ungodliness and sin is the reason for this loss. And it should not be! God knows how we feel when we are hurt by such a sin. God's will is against stealing. Thieves don't get to live with God in heaven the Bible tells us. But even that threat doesn't deter the thieves from their evil deeds. We can lock our cars and houses. We can try to protect ourselves from the loss and invasion from these uninvited robbers, but they still come and sometimes are successful in taking what belongs to us. I was given a list of good quotes the other day. This one really caught my attention as it did the good Christian lady who shared it with me. The quote says, "You can be robbed of what you have but not of what you are". I don't know who should be credited with this saying, but they hit the truth square on. Jesus warned His followers not to store up things on this earth where thieves break in and steal and where moth and rust destroys. His advice was and is: "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust can destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal". If we don't want to be a victim of theft. If we want to protect ourselves from robbers. Well, the only sure way is to know what they cannot steal from you. Everything we have on this earth can be lost. Thieves can get to it: that is the things we have. But who we are is beyond their grasp. Jesus teaches us how to live safe from thieves. How Could We
Forget? It is September 11th. This is the eighth anniversary of the attack upon New York. What a tragic day. The memory of that day and its images are etched into our minds just like those of Pearl Harbor. I do not listen to the news nor read it on any regular basis. I hear only bits and pieces. so I am not sure just how much is being said about this anniversary. I was surprised that the San Angelo Standard Times didn't have any mention of it as I glanced through this morning's edition. I had received an e mail encouraging everyone to fly our flags today in honor and in memory of those who lost their lives in this vicious attack. I haven't seen too many today, but I haven't covered much of the town either. Surely we haven't forgotten, have we? I am sure those families directly touched by the death of loved ones have not forgotten. Sometimes people forget. Men, if we forget our wedding anniversary, or her birthday..... you know!! We need reminders. We keep dates, important ones written on calendars or notes posted in places where we will see them. Our electronic age helps us with this memory thing too. We can program the computer or phone to beep us and then we read our own message that reminds us of a meeting or whatever. Jesus knew that we needed reminders. He set before His followers a memorial supper. We are taught by Him and His apostles to keep vigilant in observing it so we will not forget the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus. The Scriptures tell of some Christians who forget about when and how they were purified from their sins. What a terrible state for any believer to be found in. Not forsaking the meeting together with other believers is the instruction that helps us to never forget that great sacrifice made for our salvation. I hope today we remember the innocent who died on Amarican soil. And I pray we remember all those who have died since trying to protect us from it ever happening again. I would also pray that we who have placed our hope in Jesus will never forget Him nor His gift of life. How could we ever forget?
FREEDOM TO PRAY The school bells rang this morning calling all our youth into another year of educational experience. My recent visits with some students tell me not everyone was finished with summer. This bus driver wasn't through with summer either. But we can better fit ourselves for it by quoting the Scripture verse, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.". We'll pray that the year gets started off in the right direction for everyone. Speaking of prayer reminds me of two things I will mention here. First, I appreciate the call from our school's superintendent asking that I come to the opening day of staff in-service and begin the meeting with a prayer. Getting the opportunity to bath the staff and students in payer as the new school term begins is important to me. I cannot think of a better way to begin than asking God's guidance and protection in all the planned programs and activities of the year. This may not happen in many school districts across our nation..But I'm grateful today that it takes place here in Ballinger. The second thing is that I read about the two men from Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Frank Lay and Robert Freeman, the principle and athletic director are facing charges for praying before eating a meal at a luncheon along with some booster club members. They could be fined up to $5,000. and face six months in prison for saying 'grace'. Obviously, this has upset many throughout our nation regarding our first amendment rights. This is just one more example of efforts by some to remove religious and in particular Christian influence from the public arena. What can we do about it? I suggest that we pray for them and their circumstances. We can do so and no one can prevent it. I didn't get it a thought, I wasn't worried at all about praying for our teachers, kids and the administration staff. No threat of being fined or jailed for me or the school's superintendent is expected. That is a blessing that we cannot take for granted.
"SEE YA IN HEAVEN"
Nearing
the end of summer break from school we have had three of our
grandchildren with us. We vacationed together, visited family
and the had them stay at our house without parents for part of a
week. It has been exciting. These memories will be great ones to
have in days to come.
LOCKS OF LOVE by Max Pratt P.S. Jesus living within our hearts will help us to use what we have to bless others.... Is Jesus living within?
Celebrating our Independence
Max Pratt P.S. Freedom in Christ-----I'll help you find it and will celebrate it with you. ( GTNEWS @juno.com or 365-2330 )
Grandkids and Gardens For years
when the grandkids visit us about garden planting time, I enjoy
having them help me put the seed into the ground. I think that
may something to do with family tradition. I can remember at a
very young age helping my dad plant the garden. I solicited the
help of my children as well. So now it is with the grandkids.
Max Pratt P.S. We have traditions at Ninth Street that will bless the soul. Come share in the blessings!
INSPECTIONS
We all
know about inspections. Every year all the automobiles have to
be inspected. We have an inspector who visits our church each
year to inspect our fire
extinguishers. My son tells of all the inspections that are done
in California on commercial buildings before they pass all the
code requirements. Sometimes when I unpack a product from its
shipping box there will be a slip of paper telling me that what
I bought had been inspected by "Inspector 57". Max Pratt P.S. We train inspectors at Ninth Street.
GRADUATION!!!
All of you parents out there that have little ones in
elementary school, beware of the sudden jolt that will come your
way when graduation day is theirs. Time slips by so rapidly. For
all the seniors who are reaching this milestone in life we say a
special 'Congratulations'. It is with mixed emotions that we say
farewell to our comfortable high school setting and step out
into whatever adventures await us beyond the high school days.
Where ever you graduates are headed, we pray a
prayer of blessing.
A BALANCING ACT
All of us have enjoyed the spellbinding acts of the high wire
performers. I remember well the circus acts of those who
balanced themselves and other objects high in the sky. Some of
my playtime was spent trying to balance things . The home made
stilts were a challenge and so was the pogo-stick. We made our
stilts out of scrap lumber and had a great time learning to walk
around on them without falling off. I loved bouncing on the
pogo-stick counting how many bounces I could make before I lost
my balance. At my age now those activities are probably
not advisable. I'm not sure I would have the balancing ability
it took to enjoy them as I did. How balanced is your life? Can we help you get your balance? A Firm
Foundation Playing Catch SPRING BREAK
NATURE
Wind
One day last week
when the wind was light my good friends and I commented
on how beautiful was the day. To us it was nice because
the wind was not blowing at its usual pace. I added to
our observation that we had all lived too long in the
Texas Panhandle not to appreciate a calm day. Then about
that time one friend said that we might not think it was
so beautiful a day if we owned a few of the wind
turbines. Sure enough, we learned yet again that it
depends upon one's perspective as to what makes the day
beautiful. Right now, a rainy day would be so
lovely! Don't you agree?
Most every morning when the weather is not too cold
I ride my bicycle to the bus barn. It is a little
exercise. And when the gasoline prices were soaring, I
was saving a fair amount of pennies. One morning
recently the wind was already pretty strong. I was
facing it as I peddled the incline. My mind reflected on
how much harder it was to go up hill and against the
wind. Sure, it was better exercise, but not as easy or
fun.
For some reason my question that morning was when
does a bicycle rider take note of such? For the new
rider who is busy learning to balance, to turn, to
brake, to push off and dismount; the wind isn't much of
a consideration. I have noticed that when my
grandchildren come to visit or I'm visiting with them,
riding the bicycle isn't connected with weather. Cold or
hot, windy or not, it's just something they want to do.
Anytime is a great time to ride. Uphill and/or against
the wind doesn't seem to bother them. So, I have
decided my question comes from an adult trying to lose
some weight, get some exercise for health reasons and to
save a few pennies.
Depending upon our age, current circumstances,
health, prosperity and past experiences we develop our
perceptions. I think we all want the "winds to be
favorable". Regardless of where we are in life's journey
we like it when we are coasting downhill with the wind
behind us. But, life's journey, just like any bicycle
ride isn't always that way. Living with faith in Jesus
Christ enables us to live life like kids on a bicycle.
We can enjoy the ride regardless! He said, "In this
world you will have tribulation, but be of good courage
I have overcome the world". The apostle Paul said, "I
have learned the secret of being content in any set of
circumstances" and "I can do all things through Christ
who gives me strength".
If today, the wind is against you and your peddling
uphill, Christ can give you this perspective: "Consider
it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces endurance"....."We exult in our tribulations;
knowing that tribulations bring about perseverance; and
perseverance, proven character; and proven character,
hope; and hope does not disappoint; because the love of
God has been poured out within our hearts,....."
by Max Pratt
ISSUES WITH
TRUST
Surely
you have seen the TV commercial for car insurance. The now
famous "lizard" is conversing with the company guru. The subject
matter is that of trust.
How could they get people to trust their company more? That led to the overzealous CEO wanting to do the trust fall with the gecko. I think it is hilarious. The expression on the face of the soon to be flattened gecko tells the tale. Trust is at the very core of human development. Learning to trust as well as being trusted is essential to normal growth. Our social and emotional needs are met when trust is something we experience. But we all know that life doesn't always bring trust our way. Attitudes and conduct by others develops distrust. Poor judgment and choices make it difficult to trust ourselves later on. Experience any kind of abuse be it verbal, emotional, physical or sexual and you will find it hard to trust again. Deception sure does undermine trust. That is what Satan used with Eve to help convince her she should disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit. The Devil still uses it to break up homes, dissolve friendships, create fear, limit the ability and productivity of people. The deceptions of today blind us to the truth and lead us to make choices, putting our trust in the wrong thing. "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" is the old hymn sung by millions of Christians. It expresses the confidence that is found only in Him. It is a wonderful experience to have the "Rock Of Ages" to hold to, lean upon, to help carry our burdens. This is especially true when uncertainty comes. In our present hour there are so many unknowns. Our government, financial institutions, investments, homes and jobs are not secure. There are no trust issues when we put our trust in the Lord. That is what Jesus was teaching a couple thousand years ago. And His Word is still just as relevant today as it was then. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding." (Prov. 3:5) "You trust in God, trust also in Me..." John 14:1 If you have some trust issues today bring them to Jesus. By Max Pratt
WEARING
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