“The tipping point” is a phrase that has been used for years to describe the point at which things change rapidly and drastically. We’ve all seen it many times and in many ways. We’ve seen it in regards to individuals—a man is pushed to the edge by an antagonist until he suddenly explodes in a rage. We’ve seen it in families—a man or woman has one affair after another until the spouse refuses to take it anymore. We’ve seen it in businesses—little “mom and pop” stores hang on for years until the big chain store finally drives them out of business. We’ve seen it in churches—slowly over the years the membership declines to the point that the congregation can’t pay it’s bills and it disbands. It also happens to nations.

 For several years our country has been tottering on the brink. In a democracy the majority rules and we are rapidly approaching (and may have already passed) the tipping point. And when it happens there will be a deluge of un-Christian things that take place. It will be like the straw that broke the camel’s back–a rapid and complete collaspe. Our enemies will seize the moment and do everything in their power to make this nation what they want it to be—and that’s not a pretty picture!

I’m not saying we should “throw in the towel”–giving up as though there is no hope. We ought to fight for what is right to the very end. But we need to face reality. It’s bad and it’s going to get worse. The good news is that it will also get better. After it gets worse than it has ever been, it will get better than its ever been. The best is yet to come. It’s just a matter of time!The coming of Christ will make all things right.

In the meantime we need to be busy doing what matters most. And we don’t have to wonder what that is. It’s clearly defined for us in Matthew 28:19-20. We dare not let the good crowd out the best. We must not get distracted from the work God has given us to do.

Don’t be discouraged by the troublesome times–these things must come to pass. We are promised that God’s grace is able to sustain us, the Holy Spirit will help us, the Bible will nourish and guide us, and Jesus will never forsake us. What more could you ask for? We have good reason to be in high spirits. Keep pressing on until that glorious day when we see our Savior face to face. As the song says, :It will be worth it all.” God never short changes His servants! THINK ABOUT IT!

Well, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. One of my favorite radio stations now plays Christmas music 24/7, the aisles at the stores are jammed-packed with potential gifts, and we see reminders of Christmas nearly everywhere. Maybe this is a good time for a word of warning. Hereʼs four things we need to remember.

1. Donʼt let the hassle rob you of your happiness.

Maintain a sweet, Christ-like spirit.

2. Donʼt let the pressure rob you of your peace.

You donʼt have to yield to every demand. You canʼt

attend every party and purchase every present – donʼt

even try! Your kids really will survive without the

latest game or gadget.

3.Donʼt let the rush (exhilaration) rob you of your

reasoning.

Christmas is an adrenaline high for some folks. They

get so caught up in the excitement that they go into

debt up to their eyeballs. They end up paying

exorbitant interest rates on the charges theyʼve

made. Not smart!

4. Donʼt allow the pleasure to distort your proper

priorities.

Itʼs always a struggle keeping first things first, but itʼs

even more difficult when pursuing pleasure. The

Christmas season can be a lot of fun, but we have to

be careful that the most important things donʼt get

crowded out. We should never neglect church

attendance and our Christian duties – these are top

priorities. Keep your focus on Christ and you will

So much to do and so little time! I’ll bet that’s the way some of you feel about Christmas. People run themselves ragged trying to get everything done–to the point that they’re in a foul mood throughout the Christmas season.

In an old “Peanuts” cartoon, Lucy asked Charlie Brown,”Did you ever know anyone who was really happy—–“. But before she could finish her question, Snoopy comes dancing into the next frame and continues dancing through the frames that followed. In the last frame Lucy finishes her question, “Did you ever know anyone who was really happy–and was still in their right mind?”

No doubt there are those who think that a normal person can’t really enjoy the Christmas season, with all its attendant problems. Show them they are wrong! Maintain a sweet spirit through the Christmas rush and it will make an impression on others. As Christians we should determine in our hearts to show others the difference that Christ makes. “Rejoice in the Lord” throughout the season and others are sure to notice. That’s the least we can do.

We just finished a “Revival Meeting” and now comes the test. As we listened to the Word of God, hearts were stirred, sins were confessed, and vows were made. Many resolved to start obeying God and now we wait to see what happens next. I’m optimistic! I really believe that lives have been changed and that we will see fruit as a result.

One of the encouraging things about this meeting was the obvious interest of some of our young people. They not only attended the services, they wanted more. They wanted to learn how to study the bible for themselves and a special class was made available for them.That’s encouraging! When a person gets serious about Bible study it will affect the way they live. I’m looking forward to seeing the difference it makes.

During this meeting we were reminded of our duties as disciples and that God has a work for each of us to do. Every member of the church is important, because each one has a special function to fulfill. You have a wonderful opportuniy to serve God and to make a difference in the world. It’s my prayer that each person who attended will accept the challenge. Discover what God wants you to do and do it. That’s what revival is all about.

I just noticed a news headline that said, “Monday Night Football tops TV cable ratings.” That’s not at all unusual. People love sports. Entire TV networks wre dedicated to sports of all sorts. You can watch sports 24-7. It’s unbelievable!

Now I’m not against sports. I have my favorite teams just like most people. But it is dangerous to be obsessed with any sport. Far too many people have the wrong heroes. “Superstars” are idolized by many, especially by young people. Instead of admiring people because of their character or their contribution to society, they admire and heap honor on people because of their physical abilities. That’s ridiculous!

I just read about a certain quaterback who plans “to play with (a) broken finger.” What’s the big deal about that? Considering that he is being paid millions every year to “play” a game, he should be willing to play with a broken arm and leg.That’s no hero.

If you want to find a real hero, go to the Walter Reed Army Hospital and visit those who were injured while serving their country; go to the home of a single mother who is trying to raise her children alone; go to a missionary who left fortune, family, and friends to minister to people who hate his guts and threaten to kill him. Those are some of the real heroes!

It’s silly to get all bent-out-of-shape because your favorite team loses a game–it’s just a “game”. Just about everything is more important than that. If you’re going to be troubled about something—concern yourself with the soldier who lost a leg, or the wife who lost her husband, or the missionary who left the comforts of America to live in a third world country. These are the people who deserve to be honored. Think about it!