by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 14:1--24

Those to Help

After teaching that we should not invite to a dinner those who can pay us back, the Lord spoke of inviting the poor, the maimed, the lame, and so on. Then He said,

14 "And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luk. 14:14).

Therefore, make a point of looking for people this coming week who need help, but cannot repay you. Help them. Watch what happens to your spirit and to the spirit of those you help.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Second Samuel 1 and 2

Pursuing Brethren

After Saul died and David became king, there was a brief war between Israel and Judah. It was a sad day that brothers were fighting one another. Finally, the general of Israel said something to the general of Judah that ended the war.

26 Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the latter end? How long will it be then until you tell the people to return from pursuing their brethren?” (2 Sam. 2:26).

What is the result of brethren fighting one another as they were doing? Bitterness will reside in everyone's heart. Therefore, if you ever find yourself pursuing brethren, look carefully to see the reason. Be sure that it is God's reason. Otherwise, cease immediately.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read First Samuel 30 and 31

The People Who Will Oppose You

Everyone in Israel who was in distress, in debt, and discontented joined David as he fled from Saul. Later, here is what the Bible says about those same men,

6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God (1 Sam. 30:6).

One of the hard realities of life is that when you decide to take on a good work, or to lead an organization, or do some other noble task, the people who should be your biggest supporters sometimes can be your greatest detractors. When this happens, remember David.

1. Remember that even a great man as he had this problem.
2. He did not give up and quit.
3. He did not turn his back on those who turned their backs on him.
4. He went out and did a good work for those opposing him.
5. He strengthened himself in God.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 13: 23--35

Why Do People Want to Know the Numbers Saved?

Someone asked Jesus a question that I have had asked of me many times.

23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” (Luk. 13:23).

Why was this a concern to this person? What difference does the number make, as long as I am saved? The first part of the answer of Jesus was to tell the person to do everything he can to be saved. Once we are saved, we naturally want others to be saved, but whether many or few are saved cannot deter from our quest for salvation.

I have known many people over the years, who when they found out that the Scriptures exclude certain people, decided that they did not want to have anything to do with Christ. The only thing that does is to insure that person will be lost. We can protest the Lord's decisions all we want, but that will not change what He has determined is needed for salvation.

Therefore, the pressing question of the day is this: Are you saved?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 13:1--22

Jesus Was a Teacher

Do not despise teachers or teaching in the church, for he who does, despises Jesus and His work. Luke wrote,

22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem (Luk. 13:22).

Jesus used miracles as opportunities to teach. Therefore, remove teaching from His ministry and what is left? There is nothing left. If we were to remove teaching from the church, the church dies.

Are you a teacher in the church? Do you honor or dishonor our Teacher by your teaching?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100