Does the Lord see my good days?

By Ron Thomas     Hosea 6:6 (ASV). For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. When the Lord speaks of goodness, what does He mean? In Micah 6:8, the Scripture reads, He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God? Thus, “goodness” is best understood to be in relation to kindness, humility, and living in accordance with God’s way (justly). The Lord did not minimize any of His commands of a sacrificial approach to Him, but if sacrifices offered had no substantive foundation under them, the offering came crashing down, so to speak. When one approaches the Lord, he (and she) must trust Him through and through (cf. Prov. 3:5), for without that, all one presents is form, and no substance.     Hosea 7:2 (ASV). And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now have their own doings beset them about; they are before my face. As we turn out the lights to our homes, as we engage in activity that no one can see, the Lord’s eyes shine brightly on our actions. “But I am not doing anything!” might be the reply. The Lord sees that also. In the dark crevices of one’s mind, there are thoughts, even as few as two, swirling around thinking about some pleasure or vengeance to be perpetrated; maybe there is no thought about anything, but suddenly something flashes across the mind and stops. “But I didn’t do anything, I only thought it!” one might reply. The Lord sees that also.     The Lord’s warnings are many in Scripture, but words of encouragement are also there. Jehovah is righteous in all his ways, And gracious in all his works. Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth (Psa. 145:17-18). There may be many bad days from which one tries to run, but to the Lord when we run to Him, the Lord sees that as a good day.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

The House of God

By Ron Thomas I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah (Psalm 122:1, ASV).     This speaks to the attitude of heart/mind. Those who love the Lord have a desire to do as He commanded, and there is a desire to be in the presence of the Lord. In the days of the Old Testament, it was appointed for the men-folk to make three trips to Jerusalem to worship the Lord according to His commands. There were those who went because they were commanded; Psalm 122:1 does not give attention to those who thought/think like this. It does give attention to those who went (and go) because they wanted to please the Lord and present themselves to Him that they might be received.     A New Testament application: do you love the Lord? If so, does your attendance reflect that? Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1).     This verse does not need explanation, for the reading of the words makes it clear what is meant. That which man builds from the ground up will decay. It is just that way. That which the Lord built from the ground up will last until He no longer wants it to last. It can be no other way.     The basic unit of civilization is found in the individual; as each individual marries, the two become one, called a family. It was the Lord who instituted civilization with His creation of the family. Society, however, a liberal and progressive society, seeks to destroy what the Lord created. It won’t work, however, that is, it won’t work in the end. Try as it might to thwart all things associated with God, those who do so (and / or support) will meet the One who created it on Judgment Day. What will they do then?     If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). If the Lord builds a nation, that nation can’t fall! What about Israel, did not the Lord build that? He did! Did they not fall? They did! What gives? They fell through their rebellion. It was not long after the Lord brought them to the land of promise that Israel started wandering off the course the Lord set for them. Because they wandered off, the Lord in His mercy was slow to respond (purposely), and they continued to exist longer than they deserved. Still, they fell into sin and were carted up into physical captivity. They suffered much.     The Lord did not establish the United States of America, but we would not exist if He did not allow us to come into existence. Since the time of our existence, the moral underpinnings of our country are all but destroyed. “Lord, have mercy on our country!”     In the New Testament, the Lord built only one church; it is called the Lord’s church, the church that belongs to Christ (the church of Christ). With the Lord anchoring and building up His church, the church is able to get through any storm. Yet, in our confidence, if we allow our anchor to be removed by the force of strength that Satan hurls at us, we will be blown away by the wind. Satan will only have success if individual saints allow him to infiltrate the mind of corrupt one’s thinking. Writing about the church, Paul said, Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye (1 Cor. 3:16-17, ASV).     Don’t allow yourself to be defiled and, therein, defile the Lord’s body, His temple, the church.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Israel's Invitation

By Ron Thomas
    In the parable of the invitation, the king sent out his invitations to his subjects, bidding them to come to the wedding feast. Those special invitations were refused. The king took great exception to this slight. It is a matter of good judgment to accept the king’s invitation; when he is refused, the effect of this is mockery, saying he is not worthy of the invitee's time. The response of the king was wrath.    This parable refers in application to Israel. They received the Lord’s invitation (the King of kings), but they refused His offer of salvation. They knew not they were lost, though the King did. Instead, they were comfortable in their environment, and they wanted no upheaval in their lives or time, even for a few hours. The King deemed them unworthy; thus, He sent His invitations to people the originally invited guests disdained (cf. Acts 22:21-23).    Lesson: invitations from others are not to be summarily dismissed as unworthy of your time, for the one who invites will not forget. When an invitation comes from the King of kings, and this invitation is rejected, He who invited will not forget. It was Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, ASV).    We are all tired, and the Lord offers rest. The King is inviting us to come to Him. Wisdom will take Him up on the offer.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

What Makes A Man

By Ron Thomas     He has to have a directional compass not of this world. A good many people live life not knowing where they are going. They graduate school, get into the workforce and plan for retirement. When they arrive, the years slipping by much quicker than they thought, they ask “What happened!?” The Lord said to Joshua, Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore (Joshua 3:4, ASV; cf. Isa. 48:17). Without the Lord, there is no chance a man knows where he is going. Though he thinks he does, he knows nothing at all.     Moral fortitude. The word fortitude conveys the idea of strength. Without the strength of a moral character, knowing what is right and wrong is fleetingly slick. Have you ever tried to grab oil? From where does one’s moral stand come from? There are only two sources of origin: God, not-God. That is, it. If the Lord is your moral fortitude, victory is assured. If not-God is your moral fortitude, then your morality is shaped by this world’s thinking. There is no victory in that!     Courage. To have courage, one does not have to have the strength of superman, but he must have a willingness to put himself in uncomfortable situations for that which is right and for those in need of help. Sometimes this means he stands alone. To stand alone means one must have a conviction of heart that makes his standing alone on a firm foundation. The best foundation upon which any can stand is Jesus. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).     Leadership. In any group, one stands out as a leader. In the family, that is the man/husband/father. That is the way the Lord designed it, and if he fails in his duty to be a leader, then someone takes his place, and the Lord is displeased. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body (Eph. 5:23). If a man is not the leader in his home, there is no chance he can be a leader in the church.     Humility. Are politicians humble? It appears some are not. God’s man must be. Without humility confidence turns into arrogance. Arrogance is a useless personal quality. The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life (Prov. 22:4).     A hearing ear. There is a difference between hearing and listening. I can hear, but if I am not listening, then what you are saying goes in one ear and out the other. If that is the way a man is, avoid him; he will not listen to the Lord, much less to any other. An exhortation from the Lord is continuous, if any man hath ears to hear, let him hear (Mk. 4:23).     Words that are few. A man does not need to hear himself speak, neither does he need to impress any with the height of his wisdom. If he speaks too much, it may be that he needs to convince himself he is wiser than he actually is. Words to the point accomplish their purpose. He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding (Prov. 17:27).     A responsible work ethic. A man is one who takes responsibility and refuses to make excuses for failure to accomplish his tasks. He is aware of the occasional occurrences outside his control, but he works in such a way to minimize outside influences that adversely affects the product. He gets us early and gets after it. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox (Prov. 14:4).     A willingness to trust (31:11). A man is a man who willingly puts his trust in the Lord and lives according to that trust.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Israel, Sacrifices and True Isreal

By Ron Thomas     In our Bible class discussion on Wednesday night, I gave attention to forgiveness and the Law of Moses. Let me elaborate on that a little more. Forgiveness is always a matter of God's declaration; it is His gift to those who obey Him. Since it has always been the case that one is justified by faith, then those justified by the Lord receive the forgiveness of sins.     But, in the context of the Levitical setting, there is something much different. The Lord brought a nation (Israel) from out of another nation (Egypt). The new nation formed by the Lord was to be to all people God’s kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6). The Lord brought them from Egypt and placed them in Canaan (Palestine) to be His shining light in a dark world. Before He led them to the land of promise, He gave Israel His covenant law, the foundation being the Ten Words (Commandments). As a nation they lived according to that, and all other laws were built upon that foundation.     From Hebrews 10:4, we learn the blood of animals can’t remove sins, but in Leviticus we learn the men (males) offered blood sacrifices, a sweet aroma to the Lord. Women did not do this. In fact, regarding women, when they offered sacrifices, this was in relation to childbirth and their menstrual cycles. Were the men only ones forgiven? Not hardly! If that were so, then in what way was there atonement (Lev. 1:5), or forgiveness (the word “forgive” is only used 10 times in the book of Leviticus (ASV), and it is always in relation to sacrifices)?     Since the blood of animals could not remove sin, but one was forgiven with the blood of animals in specific sacrifices, what gives? The forgiveness granted was not a personal application, but one that was "corporate”, or, in other words, forgiveness was granted to the individual family through the head of the house. With this being the case, sacrifices in the national context perpetuated the nation of God's people, meeting the principle of Exodus 19:6.     When the nation was loyal to the Lord, they were effective in their mission work. When they were not loyal to the Lord, the Lord warned them His protective barrier was going to come down. They refused to listen, and they paid the price for their disobedience. Finally, the Lord brought Israel to an end (Mt. 23:37-39; Rom. 15:8) and established a new Israel, the church of Christ (Rom. 9:6).

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

When God Speaks

By Jeff Arnette
    In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.    The silence of Job’s friends highlights an important truth: human wisdom has its limits. For thirty-seven chapters, they argued from their limited perspective, convinced that they knew the mind of God. But when God begins to speak, their words and accusations fall silent. It reminds us that in times of suffering, even the well-intentioned words of friends can be misguided. There is a deeper wisdom and plan at work, one that only God understands.    When God speaks, He doesn’t give Job a direct answer to his suffering. Instead, He asks questions that point to the vastness of His creation and power. These questions reveal Job’s limitations as a man and the supreme authority and knowledge of God. God is not being harsh; rather, He is gently reminding Job that there are things beyond human understanding. Like a loving father teaching a child, God shows Job—and us—that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).    In our own lives, we often seek answers, especially in times of hardship. We demand explanations from God, just as Job did. But sometimes, instead of answers, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty (Haggai 2:20). It’s not that He is indifferent to our pain—on the contrary, He reveals Himself to us because He cares deeply for us. Yet, His wisdom far surpasses ours. We can trust that He knows all things and works them for good (Romans 8:28).    The final reminder of God’s love for us in 1 John 3:1 shows the heart of the matter. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, still chooses to call us His children. This relationship changes how we view His corrections and teachings. Even when life seems overwhelming, we can rest in the knowledge that our Father is guiding us, sometimes through questions, but always with love.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Walking Wisely

By Jeff Arnette     The Bible is very clear that believers are not to turn to unbelievers for advice or form binding relationships with them, such as in personal or business partnerships. This principle is outlined in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Psalm 1:1 reinforces this point: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”     However, this does not mean that we are to completely avoid unbelievers. We are called to reach out to them and show love and compassion just as Jesus did. Matthew 9:10-13 shows us Jesus spending time with those who did not believe, setting a powerful example for us: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’”     Unfortunately, many people use Psalm 1:1 and similar passages to argue that we should entirely avoid non-believers but doing so would contradict Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Similarly, Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”     Psalm 1:1 and similar scriptures say is that we are not to seek advice from unbelievers, form close personal relationships, or marry them. Why would we seek guidance from someone who isn’t walking the same spiritual path? Unbelievers do not prioritize what God says, which can lead to conflicting values. Even in marriage, being with an unbeliever can lead to significant problems because the very foundation of love for Jesus is missing on their part. By adhering to the word of God, we can save ourselves from many heartaches and struggles.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Recognizing the Need for God.

By Jeff Arnette “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)     The psalmist’s words may strike us as severe. To call someone a “fool” for denying God’s existence feels blunt. But the Bible often uses strong language to reveal deeper truths. Here, a “fool” isn’t merely a person who lacks intelligence. Instead, it describes someone who lacks the wisdom that acknowledges God’s reality and authority over creation. This denial of God leaves them vulnerable to poor judgments, leading them down paths that harm themselves and others.     When we rely on human understanding alone, our decisions often fail us. But as believers, we’re blessed to have access to God’s guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Guidance for Our Journey     Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). And through the psalms, we’re reminded that God’s Word illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105). God’s guidance is a precious gift, leading us away from folly and into life-giving wisdom. We can approach each decision with confidence, knowing that He desires to guide us. The Corruption of a Foolish Heart     The Bible speaks plainly about the consequences of rejecting God. To deny His presence and guidance doesn’t just lead to personal harm; it ultimately separates us from Him (Heb. 2:3). It’s easy to think of “fools” as people who reject God outright. But at times, we may notice areas of our own lives where we ignore His guidance, choosing our way over His. In these moments, we must return to the Lord with humble hearts, seeking His wisdom over our own. A Call to Love and Compassion     Jesus never called us to judge or mistreat those who lack faith. Instead, He urges us to respond with compassion. It’s a gentle reminder that, without Jesus, we all fall short and face the same condemnation. Our hope rests not in our righteousness but in His grace. Let us remember to approach others with empathy, knowing we, too, are recipients of undeserved mercy (Rom. 3:23; 10:9). Reflection     Take a moment today to reflect on areas where you might be tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God’s guidance. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in your decisions and for a heart that humbly acknowledges His presence. May we also extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that we all stand in need of God’s mercy.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/ **

Trusting in God’s Faithfulness

By Jeff Arnette
    From a young age, David understood the power of God in his life. Through various trials, he learned firsthand what God could do when he trusted in Him. David witnessed God’s work in many ways: during his encounters with the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37), and as he faced the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50). In each situation, God protected him and granted him victory.    The ordeal with King Saul further illustrates God’s faithfulness in David’s life. Saul, consumed by jealousy over David’s popularity (1 Samuel 18:7-9), relentlessly hunted him (1 Samuel 19:1-2; 1 Samuel 23:14). Yet, the Lord guided David through those tough times, keeping him just out of Saul’s reach until Saul’s death in battle (1 Samuel 31:4). This protection was part of God’s greater plan for David’s life.     God had a purpose for David: to lead the people of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). To prepare him for this task, God protected him and guided his steps. David, recognizing the immense gift of God’s protection and guidance, honored it by documenting his experiences in the book of Psalms (Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 34:1-22). He also refrained from putting himself in harm’s way unnecessarily, trusting in God’s timing and provision (1 Samuel 24:10-12). Similarly, as believers, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that we are protected by our faith in Christ: “In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).    David’s life encourages us to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Like David, we all face moments when challenges seem like a giant in our path—whether it’s a personal struggle, a difficult relationship, or uncertainty about the future. During these times, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. Let me encourage you to reflect on the ways God has worked in your past—how He has protected you, guided you, and provided for you when things seemed impossible. Let these reflections build your faith for present challenges.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Faith Under Fire

By Jeff Arnette     The depth and severity of Job’s struggles demand repeating. It’s necessary so that we learn from his life and struggles. He nearly lost everything of value to him—he lost all of family except his wife, his servants, and wealth. Even his health was taken from him and was brought to the very edge of death’s door. Considering all that he suffered, his faith was surprisingly strong. Most would have given up or questioned God’s love for us.     It’s not that Job never got down or discouraged from all this. Like any of us, he felt hurt and pain. He felt lonely and defeated. It would not be a stretch to say he was depressed at times. The key to what made Job successful is found in our verses for today.     His faith in the Lord never wavered. It was as strong in the hard times as it was in the good times. Through the hard times and the good, it was just as strong. His circumstances didn’t influence how he saw the Lord. “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 21)     He knew where all the good had come from… “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) but just as importantly he knew where all the bad had come from… “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)     Life may get us down at times. Yet it is our God who can truly deliver us from the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23) and bring us to the mountain top of victory again. Keep following the Lord, keep loving and trusting Him. The world may fail us, but our God will not. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

God's Mercy

By Brian Mitchell
    The story is told of a mother who came to Napoleon to request a pardon for her son who was to soon be executed. Napoleon responded to the mother by saying that this was her son’s second offence and according to the law, justice demanded death and that is what her son would receive. The mother responded by saying that “I am not asking you for justice, I am pleading for mercy.” To which Napoleon responded by saying, “but your son does not deserve mercy.” The mother replied, “Sir, it would not be mercy if he deserved it and mercy is all that I am asking for.” At her continued requests, Napoleon finally responded by saying, “Well then, I will show mercy and pardon your son, sparing his life from certain death.”    What is mercy? As the story illustrates, it is receiving a pardon we do not deserve. In the spiritual sense, what each of us deserves is justice, we deserve to be eternally lost because of our sins. But God has shown mercy, and because of His mercy He has granted us with the opportunity to be saved instead--Ps.86:5, Eph.2:4-7.     In Paul’s 1st letter to the young preacher Timothy—1 Tim.2:12-17, he provides: An illustration of God’s mercy—1:12-14, The reasons for God’s mercy—1:15-16 and The proper response to God’s mercy—1:17. What can mercy do for you? To answer that question, I believe it would be helpful to consider what God’s mercy had done for Paul. What did God’s mercy do for Paul? It enabled Paul to do the work of the Lord.    Ministry—is from the Greek word from which we get the word service. Thus, Paul, because of the Lord’s mercy, had literally been put into the service of the Lord. Something he would have been unable and unworthy to do otherwise. Specifically, Paul was in the ministry or service of the gospel. It was to the defense and spread of the gospel that Paul had devoted his life.    Why, because the Lord had enabled him to do so. Enable—to make strong. Thus, the Lord had literally given Paul the strength he needed to carry out his ministry for the Lord—Phil.4:13. Why did Jesus do this? Because He had counted Paul faithful which means trustworthy. Even though Paul had persecuted the church, the Lord knew him to be a faithful man. Whatever Paul did, he did it to the best of his ability. Thus, the Lord showed Paul mercy and put him into the ministry.    What does this have to do with us? Everything and here is why. Consider Paul’s life before he received the mercy of God—v.13. He was a blasphemer, which means to speak in a way that brings harm to others. He was a persecutor, which literally conveys the image of one who puts another to flight and then pursues him with intentions of harassment or worse (Jackson, p.41). He was insolent and this, according to Wayne Jackson, is a truly dramatic word. The word speaks of both one’s attitudes and his actions.    These things however, Paul, did in ignorant unbelief. The historical record of God’s Word makes it clear that in all of his hateful actions against the Lord, Paul had been pursuing what HE THOUGHT was a proper course of action. “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). “I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Christ” (Acts 26:9). Thus, Paul thought he was doing what was right but he was acting in ignorance.    Yet despite it all, Paul had found pardon in the mercy of God and a place in His service. Paul stands out as one of the greatest examples of God’s grace in human history. If one such as Paul could obtain mercy; who can’t?

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Esther and the Providence of God

By Jeff Arnette
    The providence of God is seen throughout the entire Bible. Even though God is not named in Esther, His providence is seen. A prime example is the Lord at work to save the people of Israel through a clear timeline of events.    The story begins with Nebuchadnezzar taking Judah into captivity. This allowed for the positioning of Mordecai (Jeremiah 25:11). We see the Lord placing Mordecai exactly where he needed to be to accomplish His will. As time progressed, Mordecai’s continued presence in Babylon under the reign of three successive kings—Cyrus, Darius, and Ahasuerus—further illustrated God’s active role (Ezra 1:1-4). Mordecai remained in the precise location necessary to fulfill God’s purpose for His people, as highlighted in Romans 9:11, which speaks to God’s sovereign choice and purpose.    God’s providence is also evident in His work through Mordecai’s cousin, Esther, whom he raised as his daughter (Esther 2:7). Esther found favor with the king’s steward, Hegai (Esther 2:9), and later with the king himself, who loved her and made her queen (Esther 2:17). This favorable positioning was crucial, especially since Haman, unaware of Esther’s Jewish identity, devised a plan against the Jews (Esther 3:5-6). God’s foresight and planning, long before the events unfolded (Romans 8:28) which assures us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.    Finally, Mordecai’s challenge to Esther to save the Jews emphasizes the Lord’s involvement, encapsulated in the phrase “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Just as God orchestrated the events in Esther’s life, He often works in our lives long before we recognize the need. This is a reminder of God’s timeless involvement in human affairs and His precise timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Trusting in His timing and His ability to place us exactly where we need to be when we need to be there is essential, as supported by Hebrews 2:4, which speaks of God bearing witness through signs, wonders, and various miracles.    Throughout the story of Esther, we see God’s providence and His unwavering commitment to His people. Esther’s story is a testament to how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His divine plans. It serves as an encouragement to trust in God’s timing and His purposeful placement of us in various situations for the fulfillment of His will.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Hell, Sin, and Judgement

By Dan C. Bailey
    I suppose that the least talked about subject today is the subject of hell. Many politicians are more concerned about being re-elected than about the eternal destiny of their souls. Many grocery store owners would rather sell alcohol and filthy magazines than to face the fact that someday they will have to answer for helping to pervert and destroy the minds of millions. Many lawyers are concerned about winning cases for money, and not about what is just or unjust. There are groups everywhere which are rallying behind the banner of sin. According to some the Sodomite is no longer a sinner; he's just "living a different lifestyle." The drunkard is not a sinner; he has "a disease." The adulterer simply "made the wrong choice the first time." The infant that is aborted is just a "fetus." And the doctor who performs the abortion is "just helping to keep the birthrate down."    No, my dear Friend, there are not too many people today who are discussing the subject of hell. But it's still in the Bible. Jesus said, "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:29-30).    Someday there will be a lot of people who will be cast into hell. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17). The wages of sin will be reaped! God will settle all accounts. The books will be opened on the last day, and my Friend, we are all going to be judged. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" (Rev. 20:12). Forsake sin today!

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Five W's of the Second Coming

By Edd Sterchi
From God’s PerspectiveWHO: Jesus (Matt. 25:31; Acts 1:11; 2 Thess. 1:7)WHAT: Coming again (John 14:3; Heb. 9:28; 1 John 3:2)WHEN : The last day - a day that God has appointed (John 6:40;John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31)WHERE: In the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 1:7)WHY: To judge the world and to deliver the kingdom of God tothe Father (Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 15:23-24; 2 Tim. 4:1)From Man’s PerspectiveWHO: You, me, everyone (Matt. 25:31-32; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 1:7)WHAT: To be judged (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:11-13)WHEN: No man knows (Matt. 24:36-44; Acts 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:2)WHERE: Everywhere, then gathered before the judgment seat of Christ (Rev. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-13)WHY: To receive our eternal “reward”, either good or bad (Matt. 16:27; Col. 3:23-25; Rev. 22:12)    Jesus stands ready to do His part – are you ready for Him to come?
“Yet the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.In that day the heavens will vanish in a tearing blast,the very elements will disintegrate in heatand the earth and all its works will disappear.In view of the fact that all these things are to be dissolved,what sort of people ought you to be?Surely men of good and holy character,who live expecting and workingfor the coming of the day of God.”(2 Peter 3:10-12, Philips Translation)

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

Should We Kneel in Prayer

By Bob Prichard     Worship that is acceptable to God has always involved the inner and the outer man. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The word translated worship means “to bow down to the earth, to do obeisance before another.” The idea is to show reverence and humility before another. It can refer to bowing before men, such as when Abraham “bowed himself to the people of the land” (Genesis 23:7), but it usually refers to bowing before deity. Mordecai refused to bow before Haman (Esther 3:2). God warned Israel, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” (Exodus 20:3-5 a). God alone deserves worship today.     The Psalmist says in Psalm 95:6, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” This is only direct mention of kneeling for worship in the King James Version, here used synonymously with “bow down” in the parallelism that marked Hebrew poetry. Ephesians 3:14 is a similar passage, where Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” asking God’s blessings on the Ephesian Christians. Certainly it would be right and proper to kneel for prayer, but it is not the only acceptable posture for prayer.     The usual posture for the Jews to offer prayers to God was to be standing, with uplifted hands. Paul told Timothy, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a publican (tax collector), who both went to the temple to pray. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14). Both men stood, but the posture of their hearts was different. Only the publican, who prayed in humility, pleased God.     The outward posture of prayer may reflect something of the inward devotion of the worshiper. Kneeling may help the worshiper feel his need to humbly approach God. Whether a prayer is offered kneeling, standing, or lying down, however, the important issue is the attitude of the heart. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.