The Believer's Actions During Trials

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."—James 1:19

During trials, the believer is given three admonitions. These admonitions are good for all Christians at all times, whether or not in the midst of trials. However, they are especially given for those enduring trials.

1. Be Swift to Hear.

The first thing we need to hear is the Word of God. There is nothing more important for anyone—especially people in trials—than the blessed, unchanging Word of God.

Next, we need be swift to hear the counsel of other good Christians. Sometimes, in the midst of trials, our minds get foggy; and if we're not careful, Satan will confuse us. Sometimes we need counsel from other Christians.

2. Be Slow to Speak.

In the midst of trials, especially if they're what we consider serious trials, we may find ourselves wanting to pour out all our thoughts and feelings. Thus we must restrain this inclination. No one ever learns anything while talking.

Another reason to be slow to speak during trials is that sometimes we may be in so much pain we might say things we shouldn't say.

3. Be Slow to Wrath.

The order in Ephesians 4:31-32 is: 

Bitterness

Wrath

Anger

Clamor

Evil Speaking

Malice

Anger is like throwing gasoline on the fire. That's when wrath bursts into flames. Following anger comes clamor. That's an outburst- hollering and screaming. That is followed by evil speaking, which is followed by malice. Evil speaking means saying things that are designed to hurt people. Finally, malice is the desire to hurt someone physically. So you see what wrath, if not dealt with, can lead to.

We must guard against wrath when we're undergoing trials or suffering!

—taken from 'Responding Properly to Trials' by Dr. Curtis Hutson.

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Why We Shouldn't Give Up on the Bus Ministry. Part Six

Why We Can't Quit.

There are some things that come and go. Serving Jesus and reaching men, women, and children for Christ is not one of them.

We Are Commanded. We are commanded to go and tell others about Jesus. Bringing people on the church bus fulfills all three parts of the Great Commission.

Our Love For Jesus. According to the Bible, when we take care of the poor we are taking care of Jesus.

We Need God's Blessings. God blesses those that take care of the poor. He gives special promises throughout his Word for those that take care of the poor.

Helps Us Be Thankful. Seeing the condition of others causes us to be thankful.

What God Values. No, one bus may not change the nation, state, city, or even neighborhood; but it can make an eternal difference in one soul.

*This concludes this abridged series. We hope you have enjoyed it. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

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The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

Tips For Working in a Class as well as the Bus Ministry. Part Five

Working in a Class.

Your joining the bus ministry might not mean you are now working in a class or Junior church, but here are a few small tips in case you are. 

Participation. One of the best things a worker can do in class is to sit in the midst of the children and participate. Be quiet when it's time to be quiet, sing when it's time to sing.

Discipline. Many times it's easier for the worker that is sitting right next to the children to ask them to behave than it is for the teacher to have to address the situation.

When to Discipline. You discipline when someone is affecting others. You usually do not discipline when someone is misbehaving but keeping to himself.

Sunday School Worker Roles:

- Eagle Eyes - these are the workers who have the prizes and are watching for the best boy or girl to reward.
- Rest Room - you can't send a child alone to the restroom, so someone has to walk him/her.
- Secretary - If the same person keeps track of attendance each week, record-keeping will be more efficient.
- Helper - There's something you can do. Whether you think it's small or big, it will be a blessing.

*We hope you enjoy this abridged Bus Ministry series. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

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The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

What Are Some Things I Can Do In The Bus Ministry? Part Four

The Role of the Bus Worker:

Driver. Without someone willing to get his CDL, your bus will sit in the parking lot. Make sure you take good care of your driver. Have good communication with your driver.

Captain. This is the leader and organizer of the bus and is responsible for making sure everything is prepared and lined up.

Secretary. The bus secretary's job is to make sure that every person that rides is accounted for and that records are kept up.

Secretary's Assistant. Every week when a child gets on the bus, his hand needs to be marked to signify which bus he rode so workers can know where he needs to be in order to get home.

Runner. Every bus needs someone who will run to each door to knock and ask if the child is coming.

Monitor. The bus monitor helps keep the children behaving and excited.

Helper. He is usually the unsung hero who makes a difference by investing time talking and listening to the children.

*We hope you enjoy this abridged Bus Ministry series. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

	Price: $1.95 Number of Pages: 21 Quantity Discounts Available Quantity Amount 1 to 9 $1.95 10 to 99 $1.56 100 to 299 $1.37 300 or more $0.98
The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

What Should I Expect When Working on the Bus? Part Three

Practical Tips on What to Expect:

You Are Working With Children. Patience is essential when working with any people, especially children. 

The Background of the Children. It's important to realize that most of the time the reason the children are on your bus is that they don't have a parent or anyone else that would take them to church. 

Problems Will Arise. No matter how much you prepare for the day, the Devil works overtime to cause problems in order to defeat your purpose and discourage you.

A Program on the Bus. Each week your bus should have  a program that includes songs, games, stories, and preaching. Be mentally prepared for how loud it can get.

What to do When Problems Come. It's important not to react to every problem but to act calmly and correctly in each situation. 

*We hope you enjoy this abridged Bus Ministry series. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

	Price: $1.95 Number of Pages: 21 Quantity Discounts Available Quantity Amount 1 to 9 $1.95 10 to 99 $1.56 100 to 299 $1.37 300 or more $0.98
The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

How To Be A Great Bus Worker. Part Two

Bus Worker Requirements:

A Desire to Be Christlike. It's important that you appropriately represent the company for which you work. As servants of God, it is important that we do our best to represent Christ to others. 

A Difference From the World. True, we have a desire to live like Christ. It is also important that there be something about us that is visibly different from the world. We don't need to be influenced by the culture, we need to be influenced by Christ.

A Determination to Be Faithful. Your faithfulness is what will surely set you apart and show your love and care for your riders and their families.

A Dedication to Follow Leadership. Whether you are the director, captain or worker, it is important that you always follow the leadership that is set over you in the bus ministry.

*We hope you enjoy this abridged Bus Ministry series. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

	Price: $1.95 Number of Pages: 21 Quantity Discounts Available Quantity Amount 1 to 9 $1.95 10 to 99 $1.56 100 to 299 $1.37 300 or more $0.98
The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

What is the Bus Ministry Good For? Part One

Why Do We Need the Bus Ministry?

A. To Get People to Jesus. The purpose of the bus ministry is to bring people to Jesus who would not be able to come of their own power. 

B. To Give You a Place to Serve. The Bible teaches that we are not to be hearers only of the Word but also doers of the Word. 

C. To Care About What God Cares About. Some people tell God they love Him, but they don't care for the things that God cares about. 

*We hope you enjoy this abridged Bus Ministry series. If you would like to read this in its entirety, please click the cover below. Quantity discounts are available!

	Price: $1.95 Number of Pages: 21 Quantity Discounts Available Quantity Amount 1 to 9 $1.95 10 to 99 $1.56 100 to 299 $1.37 300 or more $0.98
The goal of this booklet is to prepare the reader to be successful in the greatly needed bus ministry. Whether you are just getting started in the work or have worked in it for a number of years, here is instruction that will help you do it right—which will lead to the harvest of souls God promised in Psalm 126:5, 6.

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The Believer's Proper Attitude Toward God During Times of Trials

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."—James 1:2-4

Verses 12 through 18 emphasize the believer's proper attitude toward God during the times of trial. 

According to Jesus in Matthew 22:37, the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." If to love the Lord is the greatest commandment, then the greatest sin is not to love the Lord the way we should.

In the midst of our trials, there are many temptations. Some say, I have served God all these years. Why is this happening to me? Satan may make us wonder if it pays to serve God. He will call our attention to some wicked person and remind us that that person never served the Lord. He'll try to get us to become bitter, hard, angry, or he may try to get us to turn against God altogether.

God never varies. He's the same yesterday, today and forever. Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." If God changed, He would have to get worse or improve. If he improved, that would mean He was not perfect before; and if He got worse, it would mean He is no longer perfect.

In times of trials, we must keep loving God. And we must realize that the temptation to evil during such times is not from God but from Satan himself.

—taken from 'Responding Properly to Trials' by Dr. Curtis Hutson

The Believer's Proper Attitude Toward Trials

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."—James 1:2-4

- Chapter 1 of James tells the believer how to behave during trials.
-Verses 2 through 11 give us the proper attitude of the Christian toward suffering.
-Verses 12 through 18 stress the believer's proper attitude toward God during the times of suffering.

The Scripture says we are to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." The trials that come into a believer's life are perfectly matched for that particular individual to bring out in him what God desires. He knows what He's trying to accomplish.

It's easy to count some trials as joy; but when other trials come, they are much more difficult to accept.
But no matter what the trial, the believer must always count it joy.

The idea is to prove your faith, purify your faith, to make it quality faith. It's like putting gold into the fire to refine it to get rid of the dross.

The trying of your faith worketh perseverance or endurance. When trials come, it's easy to cry out to God and say, "I cannot endure any more." The human thing is to want to get out of the fire. But we're to let patience have her perfect work.

There are two things God is accomplishing with our trials. First is our perfection. Not sinless perfection, but maturity. God wants every believer to be mature. Second is for Christians to be complete. The purpose of trials is that we be perfect and complete.

—from the booklet 'Responding Properly to Trials' by Dr. Curtis Hutson

Why Does God Have the Right to Expect Obedience?

Why does He have that right?

Because He is God. 

Now the Lord who created the universe, the God who sits on the throne of the universe, the God who has "all power...in heaven and in earth," if that God is who we believe He is, if He is who the Bible teaches He is, the very fact that He is God means that He has the right to command and expect implicit, unquestioned obedience on the part of His subjects.

Who am I to presume to know better than God what is best for me? Who am I to question the wisdom and judgment of God? 

If God commands, He is right. If God gives the orders, He cannot make a mistake.

Because He Has Redeemed Us.

He has redeemed us and saved us by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. God tells us, "Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19,20).

When I look at Calvary and hear that cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I remember that I am not my own. It is the price of my redemption, and I feel like falling down at the feet of Jesus, taking those nail-pierced feet into my arms and saying, "Lord, I ask no greater privilege than to go with You anywhere and to do anything You say!"

11 Poor Boys

1. John Adams, second President of the United States, was the son of a grocer of very moderate means. The only start he had was a good education.

2. Andrew Jackson was born in a log hut in North Carolina, and was reared in the pine woods for which the state is famous.

3. James K. Polk spent the earlier years of his life helping to dig out a living out of a new farm in North Carolina. He was afterward a clerk in a country store.

4. Millard Fillmore was the son of a New York farmer, and his home was a humble one. He learned the business of a clothier.

5. James Buchanan was born in a small town in the Allegheny Mountains. His father cut the logs and built the house in what was then a wilderness.

6. Abraham Lincoln was the son of a wretchedly poor farmer in Kentucky, and lived in a log cabin until he was twenty-one years old.

7. Andrew Johnson was apprenticed to a tailor at the age of ten years by his widowed mother. He was never able to attend school, and picked up all the education he ever had.

8. Ulysses S. Grant lived the life of a village boy, in a plain house on the banks of the Ohio River until he was seventeen years of age.

9. James A. Garfield was born in a log cabin. He worked on the farm until he was strong enough to use carpenter's tools, when he learned the trade. He afterwards worked on a canal.

10. Grover Cleveland's father was a Presbyterian minister with a small salary and a large family. The boys had to earn their living.

11. William McKinley's early home was plain and comfortable, and his father was able to keep him at school.
—Rocky Mountain Advocate

To Walk in His Will is Best

As I stood in the morn at the foot of the hill, 

With my spirit forlorn, unresigned to His will–

"Oh, dear Lord," I did cry, "I'm so weary today,

And the hill is so high—is there no other way?"

Then my Shepherd replied, "Though the pathway be steep, 

I'll be close by your side, and your feet I will keep.

I'll be holding your hand, and your strength I'll supply.

Till at even you stand on the hilltop so high."

So together we went, with His hand upon mine,

And I found sweet content in His presence divine.

Then my pathway seemed bright as we traveled along,

For my spirit grew light, and my heart filled with song.

At the close of the day on the summit I stood, 

Looking down at the way where my Sheperd so good

Had been leading me on; and it seemed not so steep

As it had at the dawn, nor the valley so deep;

For He leveled the road, step by step, as He led; 

And where dangers abode, He was always ahead.

So I learned on the hill, as I stood at the crest,

That to walk in His will is the way that is best.

—unknown

You Don't Want This Child? Right to Life Sunday

You're having a baby;

How perfectly grand!

They bring more joy

Than houses or land.

What? An abortion?

You don't want this child?

This innocent babe

So helpless and mild?

It's just a "thing" yet;

You don't want it, you say.

But you're wrong, so wrong,

And someday you will pay.

This gift is from God. 

He entrusts it to you

To love and to guide

Into "life anew."

Please search your heart

For any love at all

For this tiny infant

So frail and small.

There're thousands of women

In the world, you must know

Who'll never give birth

To a child, and so

Think of them if you can

As you think on this act.

But if you can't, 

Please remember this fact:

Abortion is murder, 

Clear and plain.

What's reasonable to you,

Seems to us, insane.

What kind of answer—

What will you say

When you stand before God

On His Judgment Day?

Think of it now—

Of the answer you'll give

About the baby He gave, 

And you denied it to live.

—Audrey A. Hill

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Where was Judas' Mother?

by Mrs. Gordon Lindsay

Where was Judas' mother when he was born? Was she on a dirty pad at a "love-in" giving birth to an unwanted illegitimate child; or was she in the shelter of her home, be it ever so humble, anxiously awaiting the words of the midwife, "You have a son"?

Where was Judas' mother when he was a toddler, needing to cling to his mother's skirt? Was she busy spending her days and nights in a round of social activities, sipping cocktails, dancing into the wee hours, while a babysitter tended to her little one; or was she home with him, crooning a lullaby while enfolding him in her arms?

Where was Judas' mother when it was time for the lad to go to school? Was she in bed sleeping off a hangover from a life of dissipation; or was she up on schedule preparing him his breakfast, then reading to him the wonderful miracle stories of the Old Testament and praying with him, asking God's divine protection, blessing and guidance on him before he skipped off to school?

Where was Judas' mother when problems arose in his life (as they do in the life of every child)? Was she too busy or too impatient to counsel with him?

Where was Judas' mother when he needed discipline? Did she always take his side against the rest of the family, his classmates, his headmaster; or was she an advocate of "self-expression" never crossing or curbing any word or deed of her offspring? Did she follow the advice of the wisest man, who said, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Prov. 13:24)?

Where was Judas' mother when it was time for the family altar hour? As a teenager was Judas driven to the hangouts and dives for want of companionship, understanding and love; or did his mother help supply this lack by taking her turn to lead in prayer and to read the Holy Scriptures? Did she believe the words, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6)?

Where was Judas' mother when he brought his friends to his home? Was he ashamed of the ill-kept quarters, or was he proud to introduce his mother and share with his buddies the "goodies" his mother had baked?

Where was Judas' mother when it came time each Sabbath to take her boy to the synagogue? Had she availed herself of the "preparation" day (Luke 23:54) before the Sabbath, seeing that Judas' clothes were clean and in readiness; or was she "too tired" was it "too rainy" "too hot" "too cold"? Did she set an example of faithfulness to her son and the community by leading the way?

Where was Judas' mother when he was establishing values in his life? Was she, by her grasping actions, saying that temporal niceties, pleasures, security and luxury–creature comforts–are man's ultimate goal; or was she by example directing him to "seek...first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33)?

Where was Judas' mother when Jesus began to preach throughout all the land? Was she skeptical about His being the Messiah, or did she gladly accept Him as her Saviour and introduce Him to her son?

Where was Judas' mother when he decided to be a disciple of Christ and go from city to city preaching salvation, healing the sick and casting out devils? Was she overjoyed at his decision; or did she berate him for choosing such a low-paying, insecure, unsure vocation?

Where was Judas' mother when he became disillusioned in Christ when he learned that Jesus had not come to set up an earthly kingdom at this time but was talking about His earthly temple's being destroyed and His actual burial? Did she encourage her son to remember the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and the miracles that Jesus did, which no mortal man could perform; or did she urge him to "throw in the towel," take all he could and get out while the getting was good?

Where was Judas' mother while he was meeting secretly with the Jewish leaders to sell his Christ for thirty pieces of silver? Was she in the streets crying, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" or was she at home interceding for her son's soul?

Where was Judas' mother when at last her son, the world's most infamous traitor, had collected his measly thirty pieces of silver and, after the overwhelming weight of his heinous deed had borne down upon him with full force, had hanged himself on a tree?

Where was Judas' mother in all these instances? Eternity alone will reveal it.

(from CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS and used by permission)

With All My Heart

"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart."—Psalm 9:1

Teach me to trust Thee, Lord, everywhere,

To cast upon Thee my every care,

To seek Thy wisdom ever in prayer

With all my heart, Lord, with all my heart.

Teach me to love Thee, Saviour so kind,

With all my heart, my soul and my mind.

In Thee all pleasure ever to find,

With all my heart, Lord with all my heart.

Teach me to serve Thee; I'm not my own.

Come, take possession of my heart's throne,

With joy and gladness, serve Thee alone

With all my heart, Lord, with all my heart.

Teach me to sing my praises to Thee

For Thy great love that saved even me.

Oh, I will praise Thee, eternally, 

With all my heart, Lord, with all my heart.

—Mable R. Miller

No One Expected Me!

How to Make Your New Year Worthy and Worthwhile

1. A worthy New Year's resolution: "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:15).
2. A worthwhile new opportunity: "Ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4)
3. A worthwhile compass in a changing world: "Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end" (Psalm 102:27)
4. A worthy prospect for the new year: "My presence shall go with thee" (Exod. 33:14).

Thoughts on Cancer

Dr. Curtis Hutson, our second President and Editor, was diagnosed with cancer in 1992. During his 3 year battle, he continued to preached across the nation winning countless souls to Christ. He penned these words that have encouraged so many through the years. We would like you to share this post to help those that are battling cancer.

• Cancer can hurt you, but it cannot harm you.
• Cancer can shorten your earthly life, but it cannot affect your eternal life.
• Cancer can steal your days, but it cannot steal your dreams.
• Cancer can cause you to be immobile, but it cannot keep you from being immovable.
• Cancer may make you weak, but it cannot take away the joy of the Lord which is our strength.
• Cancer can incapacitate you, but it cannot captivate you.
• Cancer may bring pain, but it cannot keep you from praising the Lord and rejoicing in His name.
• Cancer may make you look bad on the outside, but it cannot change the inside where you have everlasting life and the very presence of God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit.
• Cancer may take your physical life, but it cannot destroy the everlasting life which is given to you the moment you trust Christ as Saviour. As a matter of fact, it can't even diminish it. It is just as real in your weakest moment as it was the day you trusted Him as Saviour.
• Cancer may put you in the grave, but it cannot keep you there. There shall be a resurrection.
• Cancer may destroy the physical tabernacle in which you live, but it cannot touch the heavenly mansion that is being prepared for you.
• Cancer may cause a temporary separation from your family and friends, but it cannot stop the blessed reunion that is going to take place someday when all of God's children are called on to Heaven either by way of death or the rapture.
• Cancer may weaken your body to the place where you cannot even say to your dearest friends, "I love you" but it cannot keep you from loving.
• Cancer, at times, may cause you to want to give up; but it cannot keep you from going up. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
• Cancer may follow you to the graveyard, but it cannot follow you beyond.
• Cancer may rob you of strength, but it cannot rob you of your Saviour.
• Cancer may make you weep for the night, but it cannot take away the joy that is coming in the morning.
• Cancer may temporarily separate you from friends, but it cannot separate you from the love of God.
• Cancer may confuse your mind and understanding, but it cannot confuse or change your standing with the great Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which has been settled by a simple act of faith in Him.
• Cancer may stop your labors, but it cannot undo your works.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth...that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
—Rev. 14:13

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."—Romans 8:38,39

Newest Title Now Available - Get You Unto the Great Men

We live in a world of debauchery and depravation. We, like the prophet Jeremiah, must get unto the great men of old who have trodden the way before us and allow them to inspire and instruct us as we navigate life’s treacherous paths. Those great men—not men of perfection, but men of courage, faith and focus—did not capitulate to the culture of their day.The answer to revival in the hearts of men and women in this hour is simply to fall in step with the giants that are now in Glory and Get You Unto the Great Men.Whom are you trusting to set the bar in your life? The so-called heroes of today or those who have stood the test of time and have known the ways of the Lord?

                     

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The Ten Best Dressed Women

1. The woman whose modesty adorns her.
2. The woman who clothes herself in good works.
3. The woman who does not garb herself with tattling and gossip.
4. The woman who refuses to wear the garment of idleness, but stays busy.
5. The woman whose warmth is generated by an inner love for others.
6. The woman who dresses that she may not be a stumbling block to younger women, or men of any age.
7. The woman whose feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.
8. The woman who sparkles, not with jewelry, but with her love for her family.
9. The woman who drapes herself with chasteness and fidelity.
10. The woman whose best suit is her love for Christ and His church.

If Jesus Had Not Come

there would be many a vacant lot where spires now reach toward Heaven. The world's libraries would be noticeably smaller and of poorer selections. Tyrannies would exist where democracies now prevail.

The Bible's message would end with Malachi and the condemnation of the Law with no hope of salvation, no comfort for the bereaved, no word of glorious resurrection, no open door to Heaven—only despair, weeping and sadness.

No single event has left a deeper impression on the soul of man than the indisputable fact of Jesus' birth!

The angelic host said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The shepherds heeded the message and went to Bethlehem to see the Christ and found Him lying in a manger. Simeon saw the Christ. Living in the temple, Anna waited for Christ.

Do you see beyond the distractions at Christmas the love of God in Christ? Do you see Christ's sacrifice on the cross for your sins providing a passport to Heaven?

Acts 16:31 invites all to come to Christ:
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

Did You Miss Christmas?

Discipline in the Bus Ministry

—Guest Post by Pastor Jeff Fugate

The question that is asked most about the bus ministry is in regard to discipline. I will offer ideas and reminders to help us in this important area. Let me say from the start that discipline on the bus—and in the classroom—is very important.

If we are not able to control behavior and have the attention of the young people, we are not going to fulfill our purpose of teaching and preaching the Word of God.

There Must Be a Planned Program From Start to Finish.
From the time the riders board the bus until they depart, there must be a planned program in which the bus captain and workers are positively engaged with the riders on the bus.

There Must Be a Positive Atmosphere.
The bus ministry must include some fun, laughter and positive interaction with the bus riders. The riders are not soldiers, the captain is not a drill instructor, and the young people are not required to attend.
A positive atmosphere begins on Saturday when visiting the riders. Is your spirit positive? Do you have a smile in your heart that is expressed on your face and in your actions? Are you happy to see those young people? Do you pray with them for special needs and requests?

There Must Be a Reasonable Expectation.
Sometimes we may expect a bit too much when it comes to behavior. It's okay to have your personality on the bus route; but if you expect the bus riders to behave as well as some children who have been reared in church, you may have a difficult time.
Still, there is a level of behavior that is expected. There must be a level of order that allows the riders to participate in the program in a way that enables them to learn the truths and principles being taught.

There Must Be Written and Defined Rules of Behavior.
I have written about this in Church Growth Through the Bus Ministry, so I will not do so again here. I recommend that a set of a few rules be posted on the bus for all to see.

There Must Be a Reward System or Program. 
There are some who do not like the idea of this; but if there is a punishment for breaking rules and bad behavior, it is okay to have a reward for good behavior. The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus will return and will have His reward with Him.

Five Keys for a Happy Home

1. Give God the first hour of each day - Mark 1:35. Pray in the morning.

2. Give God the first day of the week - I Corinthians 16:2. Serve in your church to save your community.

3. Give God the first portion of your income - Proverbs 3:9. Keep books on what you give to be sure you don't think you are giving more than you actually are.

4. Give God the first consideration in every decision - Matthew 6:33. This includes your choice of house, close friends, work, church, school, etc.

5. Give God's Son first place in your heart always - II Corinthians 8:5. Live in His presence as though He were the unseen Guest in your house—He is!
—Ord L. Morrow

Who Said That? Take Our Quotable Quotes Quiz!

Who Said That?

Test your knowledge to see if you know who actually said the quotes listed below. If you get stumped, you can find the answers in our Twitter-feed dating from November 16th - December 15th of this year. Good luck and have fun!

1. Without God, the world would be a maze without a clue.
D.L. Moody Woodrow Wilson Ronald Reagan John R. Rice
2. Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.
John R. Rice Vance Havner D.L. Moody William Cowper
3. No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.
Abraham Lincoln D.L. Moody A.W. Tozer Ronald Reagan
4. If they are kicking you from behind, it only means you are in the lead.
Charles Spurgeon Woodrow Wilson Vance Havner B.R. Lakin
5. Many pray with their lips for that for which their hearts have no desire.
John R. Rice Charles Spurgeon Jonathan Edwards Tom Malone
6. God alone can give us songs in the night.
D.L. Moody W.B. Riley Charles Spurgeon Billy Sunday
7. It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.
Thomas Jefferson A.W. Tozer Vance Havner Curtis Hutson
8. Someone has said of Christianity that the more you export, the more you have at home.
Bob Jones, Sr. D.L. Moody Abraham Lincoln William Cowper
9. Don't defend yourself; your enemies won't believe it, and your friends don't need it.
Tom Malone Curtis Hutson Ronald Reagan B.R. Lakin
10. A little faith will bring your soul to Heaven; a great faith will bring Heaven to your soul.
D.L. Moody John R. Rice W.B. Riley Charles Spurgeon

The Clock of Life

The clock of life is wound but once,

And no man has the power

To tell just when the hands will stop,

At late or early hour.

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed.

To lose one's health is more.

To lose one's soul is such a loss

That no man can restore.