Words
Roger Rush

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that a Christian has the continual ministry of "holding one's tongue." How important is a bridled tongue? James wrote: "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is vain" (James 1:26).

Although only air in motion manufactured into sounds, words have tremendous power. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue' (Proverbs 18:21). "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness" (Proverbs 15:1,2). Misspoken words have started wars, caused murders, produced broken homes, and filled lives with fear and anxiety. Often the deepest wounds are ill spoken words which cut to the heart of the hearer.

On the other hand, the right word at the right time can be a positive force for good. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). We decide whether our words will be caustic and cutting, or kind and caring. For Christians that decision has been made for us. Paul wrote: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each other" (Colossians 4:6).

Words should not thoughtlessly flow from our lips. We should be swift to hear and slow to speak (James 1: 19). True children of God do not slander, use filthy language, or lie. In a positive way, our speech should be kind, pure, and true. Before we say anything we should ask ourselves three question. Is it kind? Is it pure? Is it true? If we can't answer I yes to all three questions', we should be silent. If we are not going to say the right thing, we would be better off saying nothing! ❧

Too Many Hypocrites?
Author Unknown

“I don't attend Bible study and worship because there are too many hypocrites.” How often have you heard that comment?

Hypocrites are everywhere. You work with them; they live in your neighborhood; you shop where they shop. And yes it’s true — there are hypocrites in the church. But, if you were drowning and the lifeguard was a hypocrite, would you refuse to let him rescue you? If your house were on fire, would you refuse to allow a fireman to save you because he was a hypocrite?

Those who continue to reject Christ and His church because of hypocrites, will spend eternity in hell. Oh, and by the way — hell will be full of hypocrites!

Too many hypocrites in the church? Come on in, there’s always room for one more!

Wednesday Singing
This coming Wednesday evening is the fourth Wednesday of the month and the designated night for singing practice. Please attend and participate as we try to improve our singing.

Ladies Work Group
The Ladies Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) evening at 7 pm in the ladies’ work room. All of our ladies are invited to attend and be a part of this group’s good works.

Add To Your Directory
Please add the following information to your Orange Street directories (the information is posted in the online directory):

Nance, Estelle

Change For Ghana
If you have not done so already, now is the time to turn in your Ghana change containers. The containers may be given to Tammi Paye for counting. The missionary team will be leaving on June 16th. Keep them in your prayers.

Men and women are going to give serious thought to eternity some day. There is no reason to doubt these good intentions, but when are we going to live as if we realized that this is life. This is what we came here for, whether we are thrilled, or disappointed, or happy or bored. -- "Amid all the duties and privileges and joys of life, if we fail to listen to God who alone knows the way, life shall have been lived in vain."