Some People Never Learn
Brandon Britton

There are people in life, and in the church, who seem to never learn from their mistakes. They make the same mistakes over and over, continuing in the same vicious cycles. This is most often true of people with addictions, but it is not limited to such extremes. It would be very easy for us to point fingers, place blame and pat ourselves on the back in order to make us feel better, but what good would that do any of us? The truth of the matter is that we have all been there at one time or another. We have all made half-hearted, desperate promises to God, that we did not keep or became enamored with high expectations, only to fall well short of them. Why does God put up with it? Why does He take us back time and time again when we come crawling back after messing up our lives? Though we've all been there, we do not want to stay there, neither do we want to return there, but how do we break the cycle? These thoughts will be the focus of our study, breaking the cycle and truly changing.

Nowhere To Go But Up (Psalm 78:34-35) - The Psalmist is describing the Israelites being chastised by God for not believing the works of God, for their lust for more and for their persistent sins after coming out of Egypt. God had given them everything they needed, much of what they wanted and it still was not enough. They were like spoiled children complaining about what they were given and then when they get what they want they reject it. When God removed His blessings and replaced them with curses, they realized how good they had it and returned to God. When people started dying and suffering they "sought" (consult, enquire of, seek in prayer and worship, to ask for) God. They also "returned" (turn back, return from evil, repent) to Him "early" (without delay).

It is amazing how little time and attention we, the people of God give to Him, until a crisis comes in our lives. "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early" (Hosea 5:15). "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" (Psalms 119:71). Too often when trouble comes, suddenly there is an urgent need for God, but it only lasts until things get back to normal; this is not genuine repentance. His desire is to bring about true repentance/ change in our lives.

Lip Service Is No Service (Psalm 78:36-37) - It quickly becomes apparent that they were not genuine in their repentance and newfound commitment to God. They "flattered" (opened mouth wide to seduce and deceive), which the Lord simply calls lying. They were big talkers, perhaps telling all that they were going to do and really praising the Lord, but it was all for show. The problem was that their heart was not in it and did not belong to God. Because their heart was not in it, they were not willing to do more than talk. They did not keep His covenant (obey His commands) because that required change and commitment. If a person is just looking for a get out of hell free card from God, he will not change. In my experience, people who are overly eager to tell you how committed and spiritual they are, are all talk and no action. "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" (Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31-33). It is easy to say "Amen" or "Good sermon", but quite another to hearken to the words of a sermon when they call for change.

All We Are Is Dust In The Wind (Psm 78:38-39) - Knowing all of this, why did God continue to give them, and why does He continue to give us, 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances? One reason is His compassion, which is also defined as "mercy." Another reason is understanding of the frailty and brevity of man (Psalm 103:8-18). The key difference between those whom the Lord destroys and those whom He redeems is their willingness to truly repent and keep His commandments. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19). "'For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12:6,7).

Where do we stand? Do we learn from our mistakes? Mistakes of others? Do we truly repent and change or do we just straighten up for a time and talk a good game?

June Calendars
The June edition of the Activities Calendar and Those To Serve List is available today in the foyer. We apologize that it is a week late this month and hope it has not been a serious inconvenience.

Change Your Directories
Please make the following changes in your directory. Matt and Kim Faneuf have moved. Their new address is:

FANEUF, Matt & Kim

In our extended family, Jeff McNeal’s new address is:

McNEAL, Jeffrey

and former members Roy and Pat Conner now live at:

CONNER, Roy & Pat

Ghana Change
Thanks to those who have collected their change this past year to help the Ghana mission trip. To date you have "made your change count" to the tune of $674! See Tammi Paye to turn yours in if you haven't already done so. Don't forget to start a new jar for next year's trip!

We are advised by Psychologists that the giving of sincere praise brings outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation to others. Kindness is a two way street.