Don't Let the Stones Cry Out

In the nineteenth chapter of Luke a multitude of Jesus' disciples began to praise God for all the miracles He had performed. Then when the Pharisees approached Jesus and asked Him to rebuke His disciples, Jesus responded to their request with indignation, saying, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (see verses 37-40).

Do you think you could witness to people in your neighborhood like the disciples did in the first century? If you can, you will be involved in the Core Values of our church, as Disciple-Making is a clear mandate from Christ. Done effectively, this will promote growth in our church.

Ed Unruh

The 5 Miracles of Easter: Miracle #1 - Ear Healed

In Gethsemane, after Jesus had pleaded with God, His Father, to take the cup of suffering from Him, a crowd of people came into the garden looking for Jesus.

When they laid their hands on Him to seize Him, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's slave Malchus. Jesus stopped Peter from going any farther, touched the mans ear and it was healed.

Ed Unruh

Never Give Up

Long in his eventful career, Winston Churchill, the great British statesman, was asked to address the graduating class of Cambridge. With slow and deliberate steps, he mounted the podium and hung his cane on the lectern, then surveyed his audience for several minutes in silence.

The first three words delivered in his unforgettable tones were these,"never give up." He paused and repeated himself, "Never Give Up" and with one final glance at his audience, he added a closing sentence "Never - Give - Up" and just as deliberately, he took his seat. The audience erupted in wild applause.

So, if you are struggling with a difficult situation, go to God in prayer and never give up. We need not worry because He does not leave us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5).

Ed Unruh

Making a Difference

In our life here on earth, we have many opportunities to make a difference--and making a difference depends largely on our attitude and the decisions we make.

If you allow yourself to be controlled by your old sinful nature, your attitude could reflect hatred, anger and the desire to get even. However, the Bible tells us in Romans 12:19 that we are not to take revenge, but to leave it in God's hands. So,
lead a Godly life, and as you do, you will make a difference in a positive way.

Ed Unruh

Keeping Ahead of the Enemy

In Ephesians 6:12, The apostle Paul reminds us of the struggles that we will encounter with the force of evil in this world today. Oswald Chambers confirms this danger when he says, "we should not be an easy target for the devil's lies."

What is important here is to take time to study God's Word. By studying His Word, we will know what is right and what is wrong. Then when Satan deceives us, we'll be aware and be able to react accordingly.

Satan can and will deceive us every chance he gets. So, be on guard with the Sword Of The Spirit. Memorize God's Word and you will stay ahead of the enemy.

Ed Unruh

Mistakes

When mistakes happen, they can be pretty embarrassing. You might even remember a mistake that you have tried to forget, but just have not been able to. However, mistakes do happen and that's because this is not a perfect world we live in.

In the beginning God created a perfect world, but when Satan, the master of evil, tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, it was no longer perfect.

Because this world is not perfect, mistakes will happen. So, is there any way to overcome them? Yes there is and it's in the Bible. We are told God is faithful and that He will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one, (II Thess. 3:3).

Knowing God is on our side, we will then be able to forget our our mistakes and get on with our lives.

Ed Unruh

Making Choices

When seeking employment, it is important to contact as many companies as possible. Your application should include a resume. You choose the companies that are most attractive to you and then you wait. You wait hoping at least one will choose you.

Moses, the author of the book of Genesis, reminds us in Genesis 1:27 that God made a choice to create man in His own image, and in John 15:16, John quotes the words of Jesus when He says, "you did not choose Me, but I chose you".

Today we make choices based on our past experiences. When God created us, He chose us for what we could become. So let's do the best we can for our employer and for God who chose us from the beginning.

Ed Unruh

Loving God

An unknown author once said, "you can't make someone love you, but you can make yourself into someone who can be loved". How many times have you wanted to express your love to your family, but just couldn't bring yourself around to do it? And, how many times have you wanted to express love to God and didn't do it?

Love comes from God because God is love (John 4:8). Additionally, we are told, "the love of God controls us and we desire to love God also" (II Cor. 5:14-15). Is that desire a part of your life today?

In Deut. 6:5 God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. If you will really try to love God as He wants you to, His promise in Prov. 8:17 says, "I love those who love Me". God will not force you to love Him either - that choice is yours.

Ed Unruh

Looking Forward to Hindsight

When we are going through a difficult situation and just can't see any possible solution, maybe it is time to start over again. Not really!

We need to keep trying, knowing God wants us to, and at the same time, He will give us the strength we need. In Psalm 37:5, it says, "commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him". So, why not keep trying?

We don't know why God allows some things to happen until they are solved. Then in hind sight, we will look back and realize that God was with us the whole time and He had everything in control, (Heb. 13:5).

Ed Unruh

Keeping in Touch

Do you ever ask God to bless you and then just go on your way? It seems that's all that we have to do to receive it, right?

If you want to receive a blessing from God, it really is necessary to keep in touch with Him. After all, He is near to all who call upon Him (Psalm 145:18). Yes, He does desire our attention more then we realize.

Communication with God works two ways. First, we ask for a blessing, and then, we keep in touch with Him. God's response can come anytime, and we don't want to miss out on it when it comes.

Ed Unruh