Everyday we do things that are important to us...we go to work, take care of our homes, and talk with friends. Important, yes, for now. Most of these things are only temporary, they are only important while we are here on earth.

In our Bible reading today, the writer talks about something we can do, and if we do, it will make a difference forever. "PRAYER" In verses 17 and 18 James told us about Elijah. Elijah prayed and God answered.
Every day we have the opportunity to pray. I hope that you are willing to take time out of your busy schedule to pray for other people. Pray for...the leaders of our country and other countries, people who are sick, and people who do not know about Jesus. Oh, and please pray for me, that God will help the work and protect my family.

This prayer for others will have eternal results.

Again, I encourage you to pray today! We can change the world through prayer.

~Philip

PS. Remember FAITH+OBEDIENCE=SALVATION

Today's Bible Reading: James 5:13-18

The Devil wants people to sin and not follow God. The Devil is busy today trying to influence people - both Christians and non-Christians, but we need to be strong standing against the Devil.

Many of the problems in the world today are caused by sexual sins. Our Bible reading today tells us that this was a problem in the church at Corinth. Paul wrote these words to correct and help the Christians there. In verses 6 through 8, Paul even warned the church that even one sin can spread. He reminded the people that they should be full of goodness and truth (verse 8).

Then Paul continued telling the people that they should not even associate with a Christian who is willfully sinning sexually. In verse 11, Paul said, "Don't even eat with a person like that." Sin is wrong!
Maybe you will face situations involving sexual sins today...depend on God to help you stand strong for Him. We can defeat even sexual sin with God's help.

Faith + Obedience = Salvation

~Philip

Today's Bible reading : I Corinthians 5:1-13

Once I read a story about a shepherd and his sheep dog. Each morning the shepherd and his dog would go and get the sheep; rounding up any that had wondered away. Then they would take the sheep to a meadow near a small river, there the sheep would eat and drink. In the afternoon the shepherd and his dog would gather the sheep and bring them back to the farm (home).

As the dog worked he got muddy and dirty. So the shepherd would bathe the dog every night, then allow him to come in the house to sleep. Do you think the shepherd stopped loving the dog because he was dirty? No!

In the same way, God does not stop loving us because we sin. God has made a way for us to get rid of sin and be clean. That way is through the blood of Jesus. God wants every person to accept His Son, Jesus, and be washed clean. I hope you have decided to allow God to wash away your sins! God loves you and wants you to live forever with Him. Faithfully obey His will today!

Faith + Obedience + Salvation

~Philip

Today's Bible Reading: 1 John 1:5-10

The Old and New Testaments are filled with miracles. A miracle is an amazing work that can only be done by God's power.
Today's Bible reading tells us about a miracle that God did for King Hezekiah. Hezekiah became ill and was ready to die, but he prayed and ask God to help him. God heard Hezekiah's prayer. God told him he would get well and live for another fifteen years. Hezekiah wanted God to give him a sign that this would really happen. So God made a shadow move backwards.
This miracle and all the miracles of the Bible show us God's power, and prove God to be who He claims to be. All the miracles help us to know for sure that God is real, and that Jesus is God's son. Do you believe in God?
Faith + Obedience = Salvation
One love that teaches us to love!
~Philip
Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 38:1-20

Lot was Abraham's nephew who lived in a city called Sodom. Sodom was a very wicked city and God wanted to destroy it, and one other wicked city, Gomorrah. Abraham, naturally, was concerned about what would happen to his nephew.

Abraham talked to God about saving the cities. He ask God to save the cities if 50 good people could be found there, and God agreed. God would even save the cities for 45 good people. 40? 30? 20? Yes, God would save the cities if just 10 good people could be found.

So, what happened? God could not find 10 good people in Sodom and Gomorrah. So He planned to destroy both cities with a great show of power. However, God remembered Abraham's nephew, and gave Lot and his family the opportunity to be saved.

This great Bible story shows us that God is fair and loving. We also see that God is just. Abraham believed God could do anything, including saving two cities or destroying them. God is a powerful God, and one we can talk to. Talk to God today, He will pay attention.

~Philip

Today's Bible reading: Genesis 18:20-32

One of our deaf members told me about a time she went swimming with her brother. Her brother told her if she would go down the water slide, he would catch her. She went down the slide, but her brother couldn't catch her. She went under the water for what was only a few seconds, but it seemed like a very long time. She felt like she was drowning, she left the pool angry and crying.
There are times in our lives when we feel like we are "drowning" in troubles or sorrows. It is in these times, we should remember God has always been faithful to us during good times and bad. Sometimes He has removed the bad situations in life, other times He walked with us through the rough times.
Our Bible reading tells us about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. When they saw the high waters, they probably wondered how they could cross. Verse 16 tells us, "the water stopped flowing...the people crossed the river near Jericho." God led the Israelites to a new land, and He will lead us to where we need to be. No matter what we face in life, God will help!
~Philip
Today's Bible reading: Joshua 3:10-17

We have talked about mothers and First Ladies in the month of May. We even covered the subject, "Don't worry about Mother, she can take care of herself" for our Mother's Day lesson. Today we look at the last First Lady.

Laura Bush is the wife of George W. Bush, and the daughter-in-law of Barbara Bush. Laura is a woman of great strength and compassion. She is a quiet woman, and when America was attacked on September 11, 2001, she used her calm spirit to help many Americans.

On that day, Laura was forced to leave the White House. As the all clear was given, she returned home to meet her husband. Some who were there said Laura comforted each person who was afraid, and spent a lot of time just listening to people. Laura also told parents in America to help their children understand that they are safe. She encouraged us parents to hug our children, read to them, and listen to them.

I think Laura would agree, the way to be calm and assured of hope even in a hard time, is to depend on God. Verse 2 of our Bible reading says, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my place of safety..." I hope each of us will depend on God today...after all, that's what He wants us to do!

~Philip

Our Bible reading today is Psalm 18:1-6 and 28-33

Mrs. Barbara Bush is the wife of George H. W.Bush, our 41st President. She is the mother of President George W. Bush, the 43rd President, and Jeb Bush , the former Governor of the State of Florida.
Barbara loves to make people laugh. One time Barbara used this great sense of humor to ease a very tense situation. She and the President were guests at a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Japan. As they were eating, Barbara looked at her husband, who suddenly became ill and passed out. Very concerned about her husband, she made sure he was taken from the room and given medical help, but she stayed in his place at the dinner. She even joked that the President became ill because the Japanese Emperor had beaten him in tennis!
Our Bible reading reminds us that sometimnes we need to say "the right word at the right time." (Verse 23). Barbara Bush was, and is able to do just that. Once when they were celebrating an anniversary, the President became teary eyed on national television, patting his leg she told us "he's a softy", but turned to him with just the right word, "I love you!.
Say words that help and build-up. That is what God wants us to do!
~Philip
Proverbs 15: 13-15 and 23

Claudia Johnson was the wife of the 36th President of the United States, and everyone called her "Ladybird". One United States senator said, "She is the greatest I have ever known. She is good and kind and she doesn't have a mean thought." The senator was not even a Democrat.
Ladybird's chldren said they never saw her lose her temper. She worked hard helping her husband, even traveling with him most of the time. When Ladybird entertained guests at the White House, she always learned the people's name and greeted them that way.
President Johnson was reported to have a bad temper, but Ladybird calmed him down and helped him to be more balanced. The President valued her opinion and always asked her advice before he made an important decision. For several years, Ladybird helped people plant trees and flowers across America, with some extra attention being given to Texas.
Verse 2 of our Bible reading reminds us to live in peace with other people, and to be gentle and polite. Many people thought that Ladybird Johnson obeyed this verse. Are you obeying this verse?
Faith + Obedience + Salvation
~Philip
Today's Bible reading is Titus 3:1-2

Our Bible reading for today encourages us to help people who need food, clothes, or even just a visit to a person who is sick. Eleanor Roosevelt was a lady who did these things. Her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was the 32nd President of the United States.
President Roosevelt was crippled, and Eleanor became his helper; even reporting to her husband about his on going projects. During her first year as First Lady, Eleanor traveled 38,000 miles gathering information for her husband.
During World War II, Eleanor traveled to many countries. She encouraged soldiers and took care of the wounded. Back at home she became well known for taking care of the poor. Eleanor even encouraged companies to provide better working conditions and pay for their employees.
When Eleanor was old, she said that the most important thing in life was to do her best for God. Are you doing your best for God?
~Philip
Bible Reading today: Matthew 25:31-46

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States. Grace was his wife, but even before marrying Calvin, she was a teacher at Clarke Institute for the Deaf. Once she said that Helen Keller was her favorite person of all the guests she had entertained at the White House.

Grace was a cheerful person, the White House staff called her "Sunshine". Her husband and children adored her. One time Grace was quoted as saying, "The best thing parents can do is to raise their children in the Lord". Grace's family attended church every week, and she taught the children of God's will.

Verse 6 of our reading says, "teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path". (ETRV) We too should teach our children and grandchildren the right way to live. Ask God to help us find the best way to teach the childeren in our lives about Him, and who knows we might just learn a thing or two ourselves.

~Philip

Today's Bible reading: Proverbs 22:1-6

Verses 16 and 17 of our Bible reading tells us to live like a servant of God, and to show respect for all people. From what history tells us, Lucy Hayes was a woman who obeyed these verses. She was the wife of our 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes.
I understand that Lucy was very involved in church, and encouraged her children to do the same. Lucy started each day with a family prayer and ended the day by singing a hymn. Often poor people came to the White House to see Lucy, and almost every time they left she would send the doorkeeper to take some money to them.
After her husband's retirement, Lucy taught Sunday School and was the President of a women's group. Lucy was involved in starting an orphan's home just after the Civil War, and she worked with young deaf boys at a nearby institute. (Yes, she signed!)
Lucy set a great example of living as a servant of God. She was willing to give of her time, talents, and treasures so that others would benefit. I hope we are living like that today!
FAITH + OBEDIENCE = SALVATION
~Philip
Today's Bible reading: I Peter 2:1-17

Abigail was the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States. She was also the Mother of the sixth President, JohnQuincy Adams. Abigail was the daughter of a minister, and had a great faith of her own.
Abigail and John loved and respected each other. He knew her to be a very intelligent woman, and John would often ask for her adivce; even while he was President. They were often separated from each other, as John served as a soldier during the Revolutionary War and Ambassador to France. John trusted Abigail to take care of their home, finances, and to instill Godly values in the children.
As First Lady, Abigail supported her husband, their family, and even worked to stop slavery in America. Abigail showed the characteristics that Paul mentioned in verse 2 of our reading. "Be joined together in your love for each other. Live together by agreeing with each other and having the same goals." God wants us to be people that others can trust. Do your best to be trustworthy.
~Philip
minister@elbachurchofchrist.com
PS. Remember our goal of beating our recently established attendance record of 147 this Sunday.
9am Bible Class

Martha was the wife of GeorgeWashington, the first President of the United States of America. Martha had been with George through very hard times and great times. Before becoming President, he led the American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. While George was fighting, Martha spent many hours with him, and helping the soldiers with food and clothing. The soldiers called her "Lady Washington".
Matha supported her husband while he served our nation as President for eight years. Many people praised her for her good manners, her humility, and her love for her family. One time she told some reporters that, "I had learned to be happy in all situations and love the people God gave me to love."
Paul said, in verse 12 of our Bible reading, almost the same thing. "I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens".
Maybe you are facing problems today. Instead of complaining, thank God for His strength. Then depend on Him to encourage and help.
~Philip
Bible reading for today: Philippians 4:10-13

Elba Church of Christ Daily Update
06 May 2009 / #77

Our Bible Reading today talks about a very special woman. Verse 23 tells us that people respect her husband, and he is a leader of the people.
In the United States, the leader of our country is the President. The President's wife is often called the "First Lady". So maybe the woman in Proverbs 31 is like an American First Lady should be.
The wife of a United States President has influence in many areas. Often she helps needy people, and even the President himself. And of course most of them are Mothers. For the next few days I will share some things about several American First Ladies, that may help us to understand the characteristics from Proverb 31.
Whether you are a man or a woman, you should want to live a Godly life filled with good. Woman, maybe, especially Mothers, teach us so much.
Live your life for God today!
~Philip
PS. See you tonight at 7pm for our Family Bible Study time.
Bible Reading for today: Proverbs 31:10-31

Our Bible reading today is a song of thanks that David sang to God. > God's special box of the agreement, the Ark of the Covenant, had > been returned to David and God's people. The Israelites praised > God and thanked Him for taking care of them. > > This must have been a very wonderful time of fellowship between God > and the Israelites. Years later, God's people turned away from Him > and worshipped other gods. God punished the people by allowing other > nations to capture them and take them far away. During those times > there was not much fellowship with God. > > At just the right time, God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth. Why? > Because He wanted to have that fellowship again with His people. > Through Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and be close to God. > > We should as a result of our great hope, be like the Israelites in > our reading. We should praise and thank God for salvation. We too > can have wonderful fellowship with God if we follow the plan of: > > Faith + Obedience > > ~Philip > > Bible reading today: I Chronicles 16:1-43

Forgiveness is a great thing! When we become a Christian, and really study the Bible, we learn how to live the life that God wants for us. We learn how to do things God's way. God tells us many things that will help us in our daily life. Two of these great teachings are gentleness and forgiveness.

That may bring up a problem in some of our lives. We have all at some point, been hurt by someone. Something in us may say,"He/she doesn't deserve forgiveness," but Christ said, "God forgave you. You must forgive them!" We need to forgive, but how?

A friend was telling me about a time when he chose not to forgive. He became more angry and bitter. I ask him, "What did you to about it?" He told me he had found the story in our reading, about the Israelites and the bitter water.

The Israelites found water, but it was too bitter to drink. God told Moses to put a tree in the water. "When he did this, the water became good to drink" (verse 25). We, with God's help, can change bitterness to sweetness. Ask for God's help, pray for the person, and soon you will find forgiveness. extending forgiveness even makes it easy to be gentle and speak kind words of and to the one we need to forgive.

Look to God today. He will forgive you and help you forgive others.

~Philip

Bible Reading today: Exodus 15:22-27

So Moses brought Israel from the Red

Our Bible reading today tells us more about Peter and the other disciples. Jesus had died, was buried, and had risen again. Jesus was by the Sea of Galilee, and several of the followers were in a boat. They had fished all night, but had not caught any fish. Jesus said to them (verse 6) "Throw your net into the water on the right side of your boat. You will find some fish there."

As the people in the boat obeyed Jesus, they caught so many fish that they couldn't pull the net into the boat! Verse 14 says, "This was now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His followers after He was raised from death." Jesus wanted His followers to know for sure that He had risen. Why? Because Jesus wanted them to know He has power over death. That also means Christians can also live again after they die.

Do you want to live forever? Our goal should be to live forever with God and Jesus. That will be wonderful!

FAITH + OBEDIENCE=SALVATION

~Philip

minister@elbachurchofchrist.com