The family of God here at Dowagiac Church of Christ wishes to extend to you a warm welcome. If you have questions about our worship services and why we do what we do, we will be glad to give you a biblical answer. The uniqueness of the Church of Christ is that we are trying to restore to the best of our ability those things that we see the first century Church doing. We are also working hard at building the spirit, unity, and love that Jesus taught and prayed for. We have no clergy, but are working together as equal co-workers trying to serve one another and the area in which we live. Come study with us, grow with us, and serve with us as we strive to do God’s will in all things.


Larry Brewer is having a review of the first chapter of James this morning. Next week Larry will be taking a break for the summer and Karl Marcussen will be teaching the Sunday morning class. When we meet on Wednesday evening Bill Gibson leads us in a search of Old Testament prophecies pertaining to Jesus and how those prophesies were fulfilled in the New Testament.

Karl Marcussen will be speaking this morning and Larry Brewer will be speaking this evening.

Let us remember all the people we know who are in need of our prayers. We have several that have had health issues this past week: Patty Gibson, Lana Fox, and Audrey Gibson. Others continue to have health concerns: Maelene Salmons, Debbie Salmons, Janice Love. There are also friends and loved ones that have various concerns that are listed on our prayer board. John Clayton is traveling to Ontario, Canada, on a retreat in the “bush” (wilderness). Let us keep all of these in our prayers this coming week.



Once again, I was reminded that God did not bless me with a good singing voice.

I used to wish that I were a wonderful singer, so I could entertain thousands of adoring fans packed into crowded stadiums. In reality, my singing can’t even please one six year old.

I also used to wish I were a great orator. I’ve always envied people who could speak eloquently. I have trouble completing a sentence that can be understood by a preschooler.

I may not possess the talents I would have preferred to be born with, but I still have the ability to change the world … and so do you!

Changing the world doesn’t require wealth, talent, or a huge investment of time. Right now, you (yes, you), with your current limitations and abilities, have tremendous power to impact others.

Don’t believe me? Have you ever had a day in which everything you touched went wrong? When you were at the end of your rope, did someone speak a kind word or help you out? Do you remember how it warmed your heart and perked up your spirit? Small, loving acts make a profound difference. Everyone longs to feel noticed and appreciated. That’s why it means so much when someone surprises us with a simple act of caring. It assures us that we matter.

Discouraged people are everywhere. They need you. Don’t overlook opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. A smile, a note, or a phone call won’t take much effort, but they can make someone’s day. Not only will your kindness be appreciated by the recipient and rewarded by God, but it will enrich your own life, too.

Many folks say, “I’m just one person. I can’t make a difference.” If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a hug just when it’s needed, you know one person’s concern is powerful. Do you compare your contribution to a tiny drop of water in the huge ocean? Mother Theresa’s view was that the ocean would be less without that one drop.

There could be no mountains, if not for the tiny grains of sand from which the mountains are made. Little things pack a big punch. Encouragement takes only a moment to give but it delivers an important message of love and concern to the recipient, and it could last a lifetime. Your empathy and time can lessen someone’s load and make their life journey easier.

We may not speak like Billy Graham or sing like Frank Sinatra, but we each have our own unique talents that God wants us to use. Have you considered that you may be exactly what someone is praying for?

Open your heart. Show you care. Share a little love.

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8 TNIV).

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200905/20090512_littleacts.html



This story was told by a chemistry teacher at school. A female student wanted to make some potassium hydroxide solution (aqueous) and decided to throw a large lump of potassium into a bucket of water.

Out of the corner of his eye, her professor observed what she was about to do and hurried toward her. After confirming what she was intending to do, he asked her to first stir the water in the bucket for five minutes before adding the potassium.

She was puzzled and asked the purpose of this action. “It will give me time to get away,” said the professor.

There are times when running away is the proper response. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said to “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and “Flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14). Fleeing is especially important when we encounter temptation. We sometimes make the mistake of putting ourselves in situations where we are tempted, thinking that we are strong enough to handle it. Sometimes we are, but often we are not.

Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife? She “cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Genesis 39:7). Joseph refused to commit adultery with her, but she persisted to the point that finally Joseph needed to flee. “He left his garment in her hand, and fled outside.” (Genesis 39:12).

There may not be a Potiphar’s wife in your life, but there is likely some temptation which you find difficult to resist. If alcohol is your temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid people and places where alcohol will be readily available. If sexual impurity with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid situations where you are alone and the temptation is stronger. If inappropriate use of your money is a temptation, flee. Stay away from the mall!

The worst mistake any of us can make is to think that “I can handle it. I know this is a strong temptation but I won’t give in. I’ll hang around close, but I won’t cross the line.” The real question we need to consider is this: “Who (or what) do we want to stay close to?” Because fleeing is not just running away from something; it is also running toward something.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

Father, more than anything in this world I desire to be close to you. Help me to flee from those things which tend to pull me away from you, and draw me close. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

(http://tftd.faithsite.com /content.asp?CID=20111)