Articles
Dinglehoffer's Den
Dinglehoffer's Den
(The following is a parody of a men’s business meeting. However, in my opinion based on my own experiences in congregations without elders, it is not too far from reality. There is Divine wisdom in doing things God’s way, including church organization. Troubled and dying congregations would do well to stop making excuses and give up business meetings where “Every man did what way right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25), and appoint qualified elders as the scriptures require. --Paul R. Blake)
Business meetings not always like that. Many times meet, very little business. Been to some that were real clambakes. Met one time to discuss new time for Sunday evening service. Some wanted earlier; some wanted later. Finally set time to please most. Could rush out to get home for favorite TV programs. Employed good reason. If don't have services so visitors can get home for TV programs, "they" won't come. Clearly, they were thinking of others.
One meeting, brother who lived by stopwatch thought morning services dragged. Said if we eliminated one prayer, one song, and unpleasant announcements about sick and infirm; could get out fifteen minutes earlier. Knew his trouble. He chafed because Methodists and Baptists beat him to cafeteria. Didn't object too much to cutting song, prayer, and announcements. Saw red when he wanted to cut my sermon. Such a thing is going too far; loved to prolong sermons after that. He squirmed as thought of waiting in cafeteria line.
Hard to keep brethren on subject in meetings. One time discussed helping needy sister. Case stated: hospitalized three months, husband out of work, she had taught class and was faithful for years. Whole family faithful. "How much hospital bill?" "Three thousand and growing." "Medical costs have increased," said one. "Them doctors gettin' rich," said another. "It's gov'ment that's doin' it," said third. Round table discussion of government, sorry doctors, welfare state, and personal experiences with operations. After cultural exchange, I asked, "What'll you do about her?"
Thoughtful pause. One said, "We've had a lotta expense lately. Can't tell what the future may bring. Suggest we go slow until we see what the budget will stand." Heads nodded at this careful course. "We've got other expenses," said one. Before they could stop, decided to spend three thousand on parking lot, five thousand on new roof, two thousand on air conditioner, and bring reserve fund up to seven thousand in case of bad storm. Decided to send sister twenty-five dollars. Said, "after all, twenty-five here, twenty-five there, soon adds up." Heads nodded. Wise course. Brotherly love. Compassion. Golden rule.
Talked about cracks in floor, painting door, fixing leak in restroom, new lawnmower. "How sound we are!" "Better than rotten liberals." After an hour in the meeting, brother timidly said, "We need to take some action and allocate some funds to teach the gospel to the lost." Suggestion greeted by earsplitting silence! Throats cleared. "We've discussed enough business for tonight. Suggest we table that for future." Motion seconded. Meeting dismissed. Shouldn't have introduced foreign matter into business meeting. Meeting over. Brethren pleased. Satisfied to know that the Lord's cause was marching on. They had just decided that. (via Gospel Teacher)
Gratitude
There are so many little, everyday things to remind us of our blessings; for instance, a good woman said: "They huddled inside the storm door--two children in ragged out-grown coats. 'Any old papers, lady?' I wanted to say no... until I looked down at their feet, little sandals slopped with sleet. 'Come in and I'll make you a cup of hot cocoa.' Their soggy sandals made marks upon the hearthstone.
Worrying Unnecessarily
We often worry about things which are unlikely to occur. There is a story told of a man standing on a crowded bus. A young man standing next to him asked, "What time is it, sir?" The man refused to reply. The young man moved on. The silent man's friend, sensing something was wrong, asked, "Why were you so discourteous to the young man asking for the time?"
He answered, "If I had given him the time of day, next he would want to know where I am going, and then we would talk about our interests, and if we did that, he would invite himself to my house for dinner, and if he came, he would meet my daughter, and if he met her, they would both fall in love, and I don't want my daughter marrying someone who can't afford a watch."
Let's not worry about something that might happen in the future. We have enough on our plate in the present without adding tomorrow's fears (Matt.
I can think of only one kind of person who needs to fear tomorrow: the one who is unprepared to meet God. May your sleep be troubled, your meals unsatisfying, and your quiet moments fretful until you obey the Gospel of Christ. Your soul is too precious to treat casually (Heb.
A Moments Wisdom
--On sharing responsibility: No single raindrop believes it is to be blamed for the flood.
--Light is the task where many share the toil.
--The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
--Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
--If you want the rainbow, you must put up with the rain.
--Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
--A ship in the harbor is safe -- but ships were not made to remain in the harbor.
--He that cannot obey, cannot command.
--Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.
--I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.
--No man can climb out beyond the limitations of his own character.
--God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.
--Time adds years to our life; faith adds life to our years.
Upcoming Sermons
12/10/23 AM & PM - Appointing Scriptural Elders and Deacons, Lessons One & Two
12/17/23 AM & PM - Appointing Scriptural Elders and Deacons, Lessons Three & Four
12/24/23 AM - “By Your Patience, Possess Your Souls”; PM - “But, I Want It Now!”
12/31/23 AM - Agents of Salvation; PM - Guest Speaker: Mark Dunagan
