by Don Ruhl

Think of someone you know who has been in Christ a long time, is gracious, patient, pleasant, forbearing, mature, that is, someone who has all the traits that you believe the Bible teaches a religious person should have. My guess is that he or she has been doing the three things revealed in Psalm 111:10.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. (Psa. 111:10, NKJV).

 First, this person no doubt fears the Lord. 

Second, he or she eagerly and delightfully does the commandments of God. Third, this Christian praises God. Am I right? Do not be surprised then that this disciple of Christ has the wisdom of God and is a person of good understanding just like Jesus. I wonder then what I should do to be like that member of the church?

Don Ruhl 441 Damont Street Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601-2311

by Don Ruhl

Let Christians excel in tolerance! However, let us be tolerant in the right ways. Yes, let us be kind, gentle and patient, working with people who want to come out of sin, but we cannot tolerate in the church one who has no intention of repenting. Listen to Paul.

 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles--that a man has his father's wife! (1 Cor. 5:1, NKJV). 

 Our ancient Corinthian brethren misunderstood the proper application of tolerance and were willing to tolerate a fornicating member among their number! Tolerance by Christians should be of such a nature that people want to change their lives, but if we are showing tolerance that encourages someone to continue in sin, then we have misapplied the teachings of our Teacher Jesus Christ. Examine the way you treat people, in particular members of the church and be sure you are following the example of Jesus. 

Don Ruhl 441 Damont Street Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601-2311

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Try to answer the question of the psalmist.

 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD?
 Or can declare all His praise?
 (Psa. 106:2, NKJV).

 I heard a preacher speak of the amazing process of blood entering the lungs and the exchange of oxygen that takes place, demonstrating that such could only be the design of God. Why did that preacher select that example? Moreover, it was the only illustration of God's mighty acts that he used in that sermon. If he tried to declare all of the mighty acts of God, the sermon would still be going on! 

by Don Ruhl Pick any part of creation or any story in the Bible, and gaze at the work of God as He works things perfectly according to His will. No doubt, you will finally conclude the same thing that the psalmist concluded in the passage above. Our God is an awesome God.

Don Ruhl 441 Damont Street Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601-2311

by Don Ruhl

Think on Paul's three questions in First Corinthians 4:7,

 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you glory as if you had not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7, NKJV).

1. First question: "For who makes you differ from another?" Answer: God. Every person is unique from the moment of conception because God has created us individually. 
   

2. Second question: "And what do you have that you did not receive?" Answer: Nothing. Every good gift and every perfect act of giving is from the Father of lights.
   

3. Third question: "Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you glory as if you had not received it?" If I have received everything from God, then I should glorify God and not myself. Why should I glory as if I had not received it, but got it all on my own? 
   

Therefore, whatever we do, let us do it to the glory of God.

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

by Don Ruhl

 I may have mentioned this in a past e-mail devotional, but the truth is important enough to write it again. Please give your full attention to this verse, 

 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11, NKJV). 

 Many things bring people to Christ, but if He is not laid quickly as the foundation in a person's life, something will arise that will drive that person away from Christ and the church. I knew a man, who witnessed a murder, and immediately he wanted to become a Christian, but as the memory of the murder faded, so did his devotion, until he fell away completely. Another man rededicated himself to Christ after discovering that he had a brain tumor. The surgery frightened him greatly. Before and after the surgery he was a faithful Christian, but as he recovered and did well, we saw him less and less, until he fell away. 

 Therefore, friends, please be sure that Jesus Christ is the foundation of your life. Any other foundation will fail you.

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