Dad Taught Me
Joe R. Barnett

Vance Havner is a widely recognized preacher with a unique talent for pointing unspiritual and ethical truths in a penetrating manner. I have been especially impressed with his frequent mention of his father, who was an extremely strong influence upon him. In one of his books Havner says:

"My father was faithful to the house of God. When he felt like it and when he didn't, when the preaching was good and when it wasn't my father was there:

Whether the weather be good
Or whether the weather be hot,
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be not
Whatever the weather, he weathered the weather,
Whether he like it or not."

What great impressions (for good or bad) parents make upon their children.

One of the thrills of Christianity for me is the privilege of giving. The most powerful lesson I ever learned on giving did not come from a sermon, nor from Bible class, nor from something I read . . . though all these have made their impact. The most powerful lesson that ever came to me on this subject came from my father.

It was during the war. Dad's wages were low. He and mother wore old clothes and provided as best they could for my sister and me. We were poor; but frankly I didn't know it then.

Yet, while it was hard to "make ends meet" Dad always gave liberally to the church. It was during this time, when he and mother needed new clothes, and would have so much enjoyed a bigger house, that I saw him contribute a check one Sunday morning. It was for $7.00.

That was a lot of money then; well over 10 percent of his income. And he gave that amount every week. I've seen that check in memory hundreds of times. I'll always be grateful that my dad taught me, by his example, that the Lord should come first! ❧

Can We Determine If A Man Is Sick?

1. Does he miss worship service? If so, he may be sick.
2. Does he miss work? If so, he is probably sick.
3. Does he miss his favorite sport or amusement? If he does, he is really sick!

If this were not so serious, it would be comical. I wish I could say it were not true, but tragically, it often is. Sick on Sunday sure does not mean that WORK will be missed on Monday. Sick enough to miss church assemblies rarely (if ever for some) means they will miss the ball field, football game, fishing or hunting outing, etc.

Conclusion: What do your children "hear" you teaching them regarding your love for and priorities to God?


Restored
Jason Powell came forward this past Sunday evening confessing sin in his life and asking for forgiveness and the prayers of the church. We thank God for Jason’s courage and pray that we can be of service to him and he to us as we all travel the path that is set before us.

Ghana Campaign 2006
Bob Bauer, Jim Hall, Brian Kenyon, Daniel Stearsman, Chad Tagtow, Brad Hurn and Chris Howell left this past Friday for Ghana West Africa. Keep the team in your daily prayers that they may have a successful and safe journey.

Paul referred to some who were idle, who were tattlers and busybodies speaking what they should not speak. (I Tim 5:13) Verily if the elbows and knuckles of some were as exercised as their jawbones they could greatly improve the world.