Dear River Reach Family, I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:27-28 This past week voters elected officials to represent them at various levels in our representative democracy. Our newly elected officials will swear…
Normal greetings in my world tend to be a smile and firm handshake. I remember the awkwardness as an early teen of the first time I was greeted with the traditional Italian kiss on the cheek. Prepared for a nice smile and handshake, the very friendly older Italian lady ignored my extended hand, grabbed my shoulders, pulled me through the interpersonal danger zone and gave me a nice kiss on the cheek! My experience in life and society hadn’t prepared me for that moment. I was stunned!
Dear River Reach Family, Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.” 1 Thessalonians 5:25-27 The long awaited day arrived. I was 16 1/2 years old. I had taken a driver’s education class, practiced driving…
Dear River Reach Family, Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 This…
Dear River Reach Family, But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Have you ever been in a rush at the store? Your moving through the aisles, grabbing items off the shelf and throwing them into the cart. Your knocking out…
Dear River Reach Family, Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Whether on a smartphone, or a vehicle navigation system, most people today have access to GPS guided maps…
Gratitude and gratefulness seems to have almost vanished from our society. Anger, hatred, outrage, worry, complaining, and their close companions seems to have taken over the news media, social media, talk shows, politics, and even popular fictional entertainment. The tragedy of all these sins is that it blocks its victims from recognizing the incredible blessings they enjoy! Political activist groups foment anger and discord while living in the most peaceful nation on earth enjoying a wealth of technology and the blessings of freedom. Objective observers can quickly become outraged at such ungratefulness 🙂
Have you seen those people who seem like they are always talking to people on their hands free earbuds? It seems like they are talking to themselves until you get closer and realize they are on the phone. What they ate for lunch or their afternoon plans to get their nails done must be important enough to justify tying up their friends ear. Long before the unlimited cell phone plan God invented the unlimited prayer connection. No expensive hardware or bluetooth connection is necessary to talk to the most important person in the universe!
Dear River Reach Family, Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I’m sure we’ve all heard people opine, “I’ve had a bad day!” On significantly less frequent occasions we may even hear someone say, “I’ve had a good…
How do you respond when someone hurts you? People can be difficult to get along with (1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love is patient). If you spend enough time around people at some point you will most likely be hurt by their words or actions. Most of us have an unpublished list of rules for others to follow when they interact with us. Don’t be late. Don’t share my weaknesses with others. Be caring and compassionate. The list could go on and on!