The expression "you have to crawl before you walk" certainly could be applied to some people when it concerns the job market. Don't get me wrong because I'm not in favor of employers paying cheap wages and not providing benefits for their employees. I believe that according to the word of God those employers are wrong and they will answer to God (James 5:1–6; Colossians 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:18; Deuteronomy 24:15).

However, some people refuse to work at McDonalds, Burger King, and other low paying jobs because they say that it doesn't pay enough. True that is, but $6 an hour is better than making nothing at all. Working at those places is honest work and one will have nothing to fear from the police by gaining income from those sources. If a person is out of work that person should take what he can find if he is able to do the work, and keep his eyes open searching for the job he would really love to have.

Hope to hear from you or see you at the services.

People who refuse to be liars, cheaters, thieves, and back stabbers are a rare and beautiful breed of human beings. These wonderful souls understand how God meant human relations toward one another to be (Ephesians 4:25, 2 Corinthians 8:21, Eph. 4:28, Psalms 15:3). Why can't there be more people aspiring to obtain these kinds of characteristics? Can you imagine what kind of neighbor, spouse, co-worker, boyfriend, girlfriend, classmate, and citizen we would all be if more of us were like that?

Some people may read this and scoff at what is written here, but I tell you this: remember these words the next time you are wishing for someone to back you up. I know you wouldn't want a liar, thief, cheater, or back stabber standing guard for you. So this writing does make sense. Everyone reading this should make an effort to place the good traits of which we write into their lives. Why not start now?

Hope to hear from you or see you at the services.

I'm aware that some people don't like to be told what they can or cannot do. However as a person who has read the Bible, I know some things that those who haven't read it don't know (John 5:39). I also know that some people are aware of what the Bible teaches but refuse to obey it. So you need to make your choice as well. You can do things God's way or you can do things your way. But just remember, you will have to answer to God for either choice you make (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10–12, 1 Cor. 4:5; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 4:13).

When it comes to family and marriage, God said that woman is the companion of man (Genesis 2:18–25). When it concerns children, God said have them in marriage (1 Timothy 5:14–15). When it concerns sex, God said have sex in marriage (Hebrews 13:4). When it concerns divorce, God said only divorce a spouse if that person is guilty of fornication (Matthew 19:9). God also said marriage is to be taken seriously for a lifetime (Romans 7:1–4). If you didn't know these things, now you know. So make your choice.

Hope to hear from you or see you at the services.

No one enjoys going to a funeral (at least I hope not). However, some of us reading this material will probably be going to a funeral at some time during 2004. Question is, will you be lying in the coffin at your own funeral? Or will you be present at the funeral of someone else? As of this date, the U.S. has lost over 300 men and women since the Iraqi war began last March. The chilling thing is those dead soldiers were alive this very date last year. So you see, going to a funeral is no figment of the imagination. It is no drunken illusion. It is no nightmare. Going to a funeral is a fact that cannot be denied (Hebrews 9:27, Job 30:23, Psalms 90:10, 1 Samual 20:3).

Since man cannot cheat or hide from death; man might as well get ready to face it (Ecclesiastes 8:8–10). But facing death would be eternally fatal were it not for the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ died on the cross for the sins of everyone, and only those who accept His word will be able to face death with confidence (Acts 4:12, 1 John 2:1–2). Can you face death without fear?

Hope to hear from you or see you at the services.