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struggles Archives - B. Thomas Free Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/tag/struggles/ Simple Solutions, Free Bulletin Articles and Free Website Content Wed, 17 May 2017 00:46:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 Can’t We All Just Get Along? https://beethomas.com/cant-just-get-along/ Sat, 13 May 2017 01:29:04 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1263 There are different types of people in every collective group. These groups may consist of school students, church members, or employees. Everyone within these groups won’t think alike. How do those differences affect the objectives for each group, learning, worshiping God, or completing the mission of the employer? Such differences can cause trouble.

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]]> This free church bulletin article was written by Brian Humek from Irving, TX. You are free to use this in church bulletins, church emails and on church websites. No credit needs to be given. Simply clicking the book link at the end of this free bulletin article will help more content to be placed on this site. Donate your own free bulletin article here.

free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Romans 14

There are different types of people in every collective group. These groups may consist of school students, church members, or employees. Everyone within these groups won’t think alike. How do those differences affect the objectives for each group, learning, worshiping God, or completing the mission of the employer? Such differences can cause trouble. One type of people may believe themselves to be better than others; this was the case in the Roman church in the mid-first century.

There were two types of people in the Roman church, the weak and the strong. The “weak” were those Christians from a Jewish background who thought it was sinful to eat certain foods. These Jewish Christians also held some days to be more important than others. The “strong” were mostly Christians from a non-Jewish background and some of the more progressive minded Jewish Christians. These Christians thought all foods were clean and that all days were equal. The idea is that one type of Christian thought there was more freedom found through Christ and the other group thought that there was less freedom and felt bound by some traditions. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Paul spends Romans 14 talking to both these types of people. Paul specifically states in Romans 14:3 that both types of people should treat the other with respect. He goes on to say in Romans 14:7 that none of us live for ourselves but for God. Paul is saying that each Christian, whether “weak” or “strong” should put God and his desire first. The people of God should do all they can to accomplish God’s desires above their own. What is God’s desire? He wants people to come back to him. Look at Luke 15 and those wonderful stories. Look at 2 Peter 3:9 and God’s desire that everyone go to Heaven. We should do all we can to help God’s will happen. Sometimes, helping God’s will to happen in regards to unchurched people means becoming a bit uncomfortable with our methods. If I step outside my comfort zone to win some for Christ, then let God be praised. Paul said the same in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Six times in that passage he says he changed his ways in order that he may win some to Christ. That’s what it’s all about folks, winning people for Christ.

The non-technical term for insanity is: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If doing church like the 1950s doesn’t exactly have our never churched friends and relatives banging down the doors to our congregations, then maybe something has to change. Maybe we need to offer what the people want in regards to closer personal relationships through small groups. Maybe we need to worship in the heart language of the people we are trying to reach. Maybe we just need to be led by God’s desire and Paul’s desire to reach out to people who don’t intimately know our savior Jesus Christ. Maybe we just need to get back to the Bible and do God’s will.

Romans 14:13-15 has often been misinterpreted in order to keep anything from changing in our churches. In the original language, the words “stumbling block” and “obstacle” refer to something that keeps people from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. An “obstacle” or “stumbling block” is something that trips someone up and causes them to stay away from or fall away totally from Christianity. The idea in Romans 14:15 which states that we shouldn’t cause our brother “pain, offense, or distress” is speaking to the “strong” which were looking down on the “weak” to the point of forcing them to do something against their conscience. Then later in that verse, Paul says not to do anything to “destroy” your brothers and sisters. Here again is a reinforcement of the idea that Paul’s concern is the spiritual destruction of our fellow Christians. This passage should never be taken out of its context. It should not be used to keep any change from ever taking place. This passage should be used to keep people from treating others with disrespect and with actions that can endanger one’s soul. Let us always look at the correct context of passages.

My plea is that we open our minds and hearts, maybe even just a few millimeters, in order to accomplish the will of God. The “weak” and “strong” together, can help rid our communities of hopelessness! And remember, God loves both the “strong” and the “weak.” Now excuse me as I step down from my soapbox.

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]]> Why do the Evil Prosper? https://beethomas.com/why-do-the-evil-prosper/ Fri, 12 May 2017 21:05:06 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1242 A question arose the other day, “How can I be doing wrong if things are going good for me?” This question has been asked for thousands of years and I’ve come to realize that life is simply hard to understand at times. Have you or anyone you know ever asked this question?

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Psalm 37:35-39

A question arose the other day, “How can I be doing wrong if things are going good for me?” This question has been asked for thousands of years and I’ve come to realize that life is simply hard to understand at times. Have you or anyone you know ever asked this question? If so, this may be evidence of a great need in the life of the one asking.

David offers evidence in Psalm 37:35-36 which demonstrates that prospering does not equal a blessing from God. He states, “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.”

Those who do wrong and prosper won’t prosper forever. Some may say they will get what they deserve. However, my prayer is that they simply change their ways and become a forgiven follower of Christ. For if we look at things truthfully; the greatest difference between the evil who prosper and the devoted follower of Christ is the forgiveness provided by the blood of our savior.

This past week, I’ve heard stories of painful lives full of distressful decisions which need to be made. I will leave you with a similar sentiment as was found in my tidbit from last week, “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” – Psalm 37:39.

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]]> Keep Pressing on – Church Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/keep-pressing-church-bulletin-articles/ Fri, 12 May 2017 20:44:56 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1237 Time flies doesn’t it? It has been almost 20 years since I began reading THE UNDERGROUND EMPIRE by James Mills. This book looks with great detail, into the world of illegal drug trafficking. As a youth, I had a fascination with big level drug dealers and how their organizations were structured. Don’t ask me why. The basic point of this tidbit is to celebrate my achieving a milestone. I have finally made it to page 800.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Philippians 3:12-14

Time flies doesn’t it? It has been almost 20 years since I began reading THE UNDERGROUND EMPIRE by James Mills. This book looks with great detail, into the world of illegal drug trafficking. As a youth, I had a fascination with big level drug dealers and how their organizations were structured. Don’t ask me why.

The basic point of this tidbit is to celebrate my achieving a milestone. I have finally made it to page 800. For those of you who think I’m almost finished reading this book, you be the judge. It has taken me almost 20 years to read 800 pages. Mathematically, that means I’ve read on average, 40 pages a year. I only have 365 pages to go. Judging by my past, I should be done reading this book in nine years. I will keep on reading. One day, I will finish this book.

I will, as the Apostle Paul writes, “keep pressing on.” Whether it is finishing a 1,165 page book, completing a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, working on a successful marriage, or living a life worthy to be called a “Christian” life, perseverance is the key. We must keep going. We must be more energetic than the Energizer bunny. Despite setbacks, we must go forward with our desire no matter what obstacles are placed in our path. Let us help one another back up when life knocks us down. Does that sound like a good plan to you?

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]]> The Superman Devo https://beethomas.com/the-superman-devo/ Fri, 12 May 2017 13:30:09 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1200 Superman was a mighty strong man. He could leap buildings in a single bound. He was powerful enough to stop a train. Superman was faster than a speeding bullet. Even with all that strength, if he came into contact with kryptonite, he became very weak. When he was falling down, barely able to walk, did Superman look strong? No! He was unable to do anything. None of us would say, “Wow! He’s weak and that makes him so strong!”

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Superman was a mighty strong man. He could leap buildings in a single bound. He was powerful enough to stop a train. Superman was faster than a speeding bullet. Even with all that strength, if he came into contact with kryptonite, he became very weak. When he was falling down, barely able to walk, did Superman look strong? No! He was unable to do anything. None of us would say, “Wow! He’s weak and that makes him so strong!”

It’s strange that a worker for God, the apostle Paul, boasted in his weakness, his thorn of the flesh. Paul said he delighted in hardships, insults, persecutions, and difficulties. I doubt Superman said, “I delight in the kryptonite.” I’m a bit different than Paul. I really don’t like insults. I’m pretty wary of persecutions. I hardly ever embrace hardships and I distaste difficulties. What’s wrong with me? I’m surely not like Paul. He knew that God’s power is made perfect through our weaknesses.

If we never had any insults, persecutions, hardships and difficulties thrown our way, God’s power would never be made known in our lives. I understand that God wants to do good for us and how could he do good if there is never bad? Maybe I’m beginning to understand that a bit better. God is good. He wants to show us his love for us. Maybe I should sit back and enjoy his miracles, his love, and the amazing and peculiar ways he wants to help me. It won’t be easy to do, but I should try my best. By the way, did you experience any weaknesses yesterday? I did.

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]]> Can You Go to Venice? – Church Bulletin Article https://beethomas.com/can-go-venice-church-bulletin-article/ Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:34:12 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1173 The city of Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Have you ever wondered how happy the people in Venice must be? They can never be depressed or unhappy can they? After all, they live in Venice.

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: I Thessalonians 5:16

The city of Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Have you ever wondered how happy the people in Venice must be? They can never be depressed or unhappy can they? After all, they live in Venice. What problems could they ever have? We know of course, that just because Venice is one of the ultimate vacation destinations for many, the folks in Venice as well as anywhere else can and do have problems.

I was reading a picture book to my son a while back titled Little Toot on the Grand Canal, it was set in Venice, Italy. As I was reading it, I came to the following line, “No one can be unhappy in Venice.” After reading that line, my innocent little boy said nonchalantly, “I guess we can’t go to Venice.” His words made me think for a moment. It made me wonder what type of life Daddy and Mommy were showing him? There have been some very tough times in our life over this past year and we have neglected to let the joy we have down in our hearts to be seen at times. I guess my son notices things like this. What five-year old wouldn’t? If that picture book philosophy were true, that no one can be unhappy in Venice, could you go?

I Thessalonians 5:16 implores us to “be joyful always” because as it says, “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I know I don’t exhibit the joy God wants us to show as often as I should. Privately, I may show joy a lot more often than I do in public. I don’t think this is what God had in mind. I look at my son and see the joy in his heart, the joy in his words, and the joy in his actions. He’s just happy to be around. I pray that God will protect that joy in him. I pray that no person or circumstance will ever take that heartfelt joy from my son. I want him to be the same joyful person as an adult that he is today.

I pray the same for you. I pray that no circumstance or individual will ever take away the true joy we have down in our hearts. Sometimes that joy is just hidden underneath layers and layers of muck. If your joy is stuck in the muck, may God bless you this week by allowing some of it to melt away.

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]]> Directions – Free Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/directions-free-bulletin-articles/ Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:17:11 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1170 Husbands or males in general, have a bad reputation. There’s something that we usually do that gives us that reputation. O.k., maybe there’s more than just one thing that gives us that bad reputation, but I’ll focus on just one today. One word says it all, “Directions.” Do you get where I’m going yet?

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free Bulletin articles Bible Passage: Psalm 143:8-10, 12

Husbands or males in general, have a bad reputation. There’s something that we usually do that gives us that reputation. O.k., maybe there’s more than just one thing that gives us that bad reputation, but I’ll focus on just one today. One word says it all, “Directions.” Do you get where I’m going yet?

Now I’m different than most husbands, but that’s because my wife is different than most wives, at least when it comes to traveling. When we travel, we travel far. We don’t fly, we just drive. It can be monotonous (simply stated that means “uuurrrgggghhh!!) We are usually out in rural areas where directions need to be asked or we might get lost. That’s where we as a couple are a bit different. I have yet to hear my wife complain to me about never asking directions. When it comes to directions, I have no manly pride. I hear my wife say the following sometimes, “You were asking directions again weren’t you?” Or she might say, “Why do you have to ask directions every time we stop somewhere?”

I always tell my wife (Mary Ann) that I ask because I enjoy talking to people. From a simple asking of directions, so many things can be talked about. It might be that, or maybe I am just an untrusting soul and I want to make sure that the last person wasn’t leading me astray. Whatever the reason of my constant asking of road directions, I am an odd duck, a male that asks how to get somewhere when lost or almost lost. When I am in places such as Prairie City, SD; Dunning, NE; or Ft. Yates, ND, I am so good at asking directions when I lose my way. Why don’t I do that more often as a Christian when I don’t know where I’m going in life?

Psalm 143 is a wonderfully written account of what God wants us to do when we lose our ways.

1) Pray to Him –vs. 1

2) Remember what God has done – vs. 5

3) Ask God for direction and trust him – vs. 8

4) Ask God to teach us His will – vs. 10

5) Ask God for his Good Spirit to lead us – vs. 10

Let us focus on verses 8-10. Three times in these verses, David asks God for directions. I don’t know how often he asked for directions when he may have got lost between Shiloh and Jerusalem, but I do know that he asked directions when he most needed them. When he needed guidance, when he was persecuted, when God seemed most distant, David humbled himself before the Lord and asked God to guide him. Shouldn’t we do the same today? And if we do it sometimes, shouldn’t we do it more often?

Read the words of David: “Show me the way I should go.” vs. 8

“Teach me to do your will” vs. 10

“May your good spirit lead me on level ground.” vs. 10

Would our lives be less burdened if we humbled ourselves before God and asked directions (guidance)? Why of course!!!! Let us not be like typical men. Let us ask directions when we feel lost. Let us follow the example of a real man after God’s own heart – let us follow the example of David.

God Bless Ya’ll (or is it Y’all?),
Brian Humek

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]]> No, I Don’t Know – Free Bulletin Articles https://beethomas.com/no-dont-know-free-bulletin-articles/ Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:34:07 +0000 http://beethomas.com/?p=1147 Gossip is a killer. I know I partake in it in some way because, like most people, I don’t know where the fine line between fact and gossip exists. Over the years, people have come up to me and said, “You know about so and so, don’t you?” More often than not, my reply has been, “No, I don’t know.”

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free bulletin articles Bible Passage: Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20; 26:22

Gossip is a killer. I know I partake in it in some way because, like most people, I don’t know where the fine line between fact and gossip exists. Over the years, people have come up to me and said, “You know about so and so, don’t you?” More often than not, my reply has been, “No, I don’t know.” Now let me make one point clear. The people who have wondered if I’ve heard about so and so aren’t necessarily those who are gossiping. Many of these individuals just assume we’ve heard what they’ve heard.

There’s no telling how many times this has happened to me over the years. These occurrences were not at the workplace or at school; they were at church and concerned church members. Unbelievable huh? You’re shocked aren’t you? You’re not? I didn’t think you would be.

My wife and I have both told people that we don’t know about “so and so” or about a particular situation. We either run with the wrong crowd or we just aren’t overly interested in gossip which also constitutes slander at times.

There are times when church members can’t help themselves. When a negative story floats around about Little Miss Perfect or about the son of Mr. High and Mighty, the temptation to tell someone is often times too great to resist, especially if we don’t like that person.

Well, I declare today that we must resist that temptation. If Christians are going to exhibit real love, then we better start going to the object of every piece of juicy gossip and confront that person instead of talking about them. This gossip could be in the form of personal or theological matters and all points in between. We need to stop murmuring and mumbling and just go directly to the source.

Unless you yourself are living a mighty exalted Christian life right now, you probably have someone you should confront. I know I do. Let’s do it together this coming week. We can get on our knees this weekend and pray that we have the guts to stop the rumors, gossiping, murmuring, and mumbling, and clothe ourselves with the love God wants us to exhibit to others.

Amen?

Finally, listening is part of the problem. Even if I declare I won’t tell another soul about a piece of juicy gossip, my listening is half the problem. Gossip doesn’t happen unless there is someone to talk and another to listen. Forgive me God for those rare times I listen to gossip and thank you for the strength I’ve had to change the subject when I’ve needed to do so. By the way, some of you receiving this email have seen me listen to gossip and I ask God for forgiveness for those times I’ve been interested in gossip.

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