Lemon Grove Church of Christ

OPPORTUNITIES Light shines brightest in the darkness. Emptiness offers the chance to fill.... Turmoil creates a hunger for peace. Strife allows brotherhood to show a better way. Hopelessness sees relief in hope. Opportunities abound!

I have posted this article on my parler.com page. Enjoy and I love. Donald @Scorpianstings Psalms an Introduction Introduction: (8 November 2020) Welco...meencourage - Our lesson this morning is titled: Psalms an introduction. -- The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). (Psalm 23:1) --- The source of strength and comfort is the Great Shepherd. - The inspired writers of the book of Psalms are many, such as, David, Moses, Asaph, sons of Korah, Solomon and others. These songs were written from the time of Moses until the exile of the Hebrew nation from Jerusalem. -- The book of Psalms contains 150 psalms or praises assorted into five divisions and are most likely arranged by the priest Ezra. Book 1 is composed of Psalms 1-41, Book 2 is composed of Psalms 42-72, Book 3 is composed of Psalms 73-89, Book 4 is composed of Psalms 90-106 and Book 5 is composed of Psalms 107-150. All but 34 psalms have titles, and these are labeled as the orphan psalms. -- David is the author of 73 psalms, 12 are credited to Asaph, 9 to the sons of Korah, 2 to Solomon, 1 to Heman, 1 to Ethan and 1 to Moses. - The purpose of this book of poetry highlights humanities need of and reliance on God. This mixture of psalms was a song book for God’s people. The word psalms, means praises I. First of all, there are psalms that speak to humanity about character, happiness, misery or sadness, vanity, humility and the perfect law of God. - The pursuit of happiness is found in Psalms 1:1-3 -- The Psalm begins with a ‘blessed’ man‘blessed’ being a biblical term that corresponds to our secular idea of happiness. The Psalm envisions this happy man in idyllic terms as a ‘tree planted near streams of water’ yielding fruit in season, never withering but always prospering (verse 3). The image is one that connotes peace, refreshment, and fruitfulnesswhat many would consider elements of happiness. (https://catholicexchange.com/what-psalm-1-teaches-us-about-) -- If we desire to be happy, we will walk with God. --- Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24) - The plea for mercy and healing: Psalms 6:1-4 - Psalm 19:7, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; -- The word converting within the verse means to retore the soul. - Psalm 32:1, Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. The book of psalms is rich within understanding the condition of the soul of humanity, may we learn the wisdom of heaven regarding our spirit. II. Secondly, there are psalms that speak of God’s goodness, mercy and care. - Psalm 13:5-6 - Psalm 23:6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell (return) in the house of the LORD Forever (To the end or length of my days.). (NKJV) - Psalm 103:8, The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (NKJV) -- II Corinthians 1:3, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; God’s goodness, mercy and care for His people is great. III. Furthermore, there are psalms of thanksgiving. - Psalm 100:4, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. -- The word thanksgiving has reference to praise thus we praise the Lord. - Psalm 111:1-4, Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.1 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.2 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.3 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.4 - Psalm 95:1-3, Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.1 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.2 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.3 (NKJV) - Psalm 92:1-2, It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;1 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,2 The book of Psalms is filled with words of gratefulness. IV. Also, there are psalms that express penitence, worship, trust, hope and intercession. - Psalm 51:1-4 - Psalm 33:18-22 The book of Psalms can uplift our souls and encourage us to endure in this world. V. Finally, there are psalms of history, that review God’s care for His people. - Psalm 122 -- James 1:1, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. --- The phrase the twelve tribes, is a Hebraic term referring to God’s people under the New Testament of Christ Christians. -- Acts 2:29-37 We are God’s people today and we have a history that demonstrates God’s love for all people. Conclusion: - Today we were briefly introduced to the Book of Psalms. First of all, the Psalms speak to humanity about character, happiness, misery or sadness, vanity, humility and the perfect law of God. Secondly, the Psalms highlight the goodness, mercy and care of God. Furthermore, the Psalms teaches us to be thankful. Also, help us to understand the value of repentance and restoration. Finally, the Psalms refer to history to understand how God cares for His people. Questions: 1. Does God desire that we be happy? Y or N 2. Describe the mercy of God? ___________________________________________________ 3. Do the Psalms teach us to praise the Lord? Y or N 4. Did King David appeal to God for the forgiveness of sin? Y or N 5. Why is history important to understanding the Nature of God? ________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Morning Devotion Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euod...ia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near *Philippians 4:1-5 (Since we are citizens of Christ’s heavenly kingdom), is how therefore should be understood in Philippians 4:1. It reaches back to Philippians 3:20-21 to an everlasting Kingdom where Jesus exerts all power into subjecting all things unto himself. Therefore, Paul explained, Christians should think, act, and behave in a certain way. We are different because we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Therefore we can REJOICE! *Paul could rejoice in the Lord, though he was confined to a Roman Prison. -He could rejoice in the church of Philippi, which the Lord used him to plant * Acts 16. -He could rejoice in their care for him as he traveled the globe on missionary journeys, for they supported him financially *Phil 4:10, 15-18 -He could rejoice in his contentment in God Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:11-13. Paul could rejoice in their faithfulness in Philippi and in the new converts in Rome, including those in Caesar's household Phil 4:22 *The church at Philippi could rejoice in the Lord as well. -They could rejoice in the fact they had strong, mature, & dedicated workers, including at least three women, Euodia, Syntyche, & Lydia (acts 16). -They could rejoice in the fact that they had taken God seriously and appointed elders and deacons * Phil 1:1. -They could rejoice because they had committed Christians like Clement & Epaphroditus along with many others whose names were written in the book of life Phil 4:3. *Christians today can rejoice in the fact that we don’t need to worry about the cares of this fallen world but rather pray. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7. -We can rejoice in our relationship with God through Christ and think on a higher plane. Thus keeping our hearts and souls anchored in the faith. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things Phil 4:8. -We can rejoice in the fact that our names are written in the book of life and in the fact that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Phil 4:19-20 When the kingdom of heaven on earth (the church of Christ) is walking and working within God’s purpose it is the most powerful entity in the world. It is unstoppable and immoveable Matthew 16:18. In order for the Lord’s church to be all she can be, She must strive to be +Biblically organized 1:1 +Bereft of internal squabbles vs. 4:2 +Be Joyful, prayerful, & peaceful 4: 4-7 She must be heaven focused in Her thinking 4: 8. She must have sound biblical teaching 4:9. She must be committed to supporting faithful preachers/elders/missionaries 4:15-16. She must love God and love people Mathew 22:37-39. Christians have benefits the world does not have access to. The wonderful blessings of God. Blessings of peace that surpasses all understanding, prayer that changes things, and contentment in God for HE is more than enough. Let the church (kingdom of heaven on earth) be all we can be for the Lord. God bless you Jerry Groves

Sticky Reminders! :)

Morning Devotion Please send this to anyone suffering from depression. "I am third" ( Philippians 2 "Dealing with depression) by Jerry Groves D.Min.... Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 There are popular videos on the internet called I am second. The idea of the broadcasts is noble and seems to be based on the greatest commandment. And He said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF *Matthew 22: 37-38 God first-Me second. But what about others? Where do they rank? The Holy Spirit inspired book of Philippians gives us further insight and clears up the meaning of the greatest command, along with giving us four great examples to look to in chapter 2. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Many people are suffering from hardship and some become depressed. This is often heightened this time of year with the holidays and all. Add to that pandemic fatigue and the troubles of this world and you have a recipe for depression. The Christians in Philippi were suffering for the faith *Philippians 1:29-30. Does the Bible give us an antidote for depression? The apostle Paul, writing while in Roman imprisonment, gives us deeper insight into this subject. As we concluded from yesterday’s post, we must first control our focus (see yesterday's post). It starts with our head We must focus on the encouragement in Christ, the consolation of love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit vs.1 It moves from our head to our hearts we are to regard others as more important than ourselves; This promotes empathy & unity (same mind & purpose) vs.2 It is brought to bear with our hands (service)- we are not to look on only our needs, but he needs of others vs. 3-4 I am third. Jesus is our first and greatest example. He gave up heaven, descended to earth, to be ridiculed and slain for you and me. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be [f]grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. *Philippians 2:5-8 Jesus was first but became last for us. Paul himself is our second example. He gave up a flourishing career within Judaism where he was the next rising star and prominent leader. He counted all of his accomplishments as dung for the sake of Christ * Philippians 3:7 Paul suffered much for the preaching of God’s word and gave up prominence for the sake of saving others * 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Timothy the evangelist suffered alongside Paul for the sake of the church and not for selfish gain. Paul wrote For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus *Philippians 2:20-21. Last but not least was the minister Epaphroditus, who almost died for the faith, but was more concerned for the Christians in Philippi than for his own life *Philippians 2:25-30. Paul, Timothy, & Epaphroditus put others before themselves. They were third (God, others, self). Yet Paul had joy in the midst of his dire circumstance Phil 1:4, 1:25, 2:2, 4:1. Therefore, the secret to overcoming depression is to love God first and to serve others before self. Helping others Helps us ( George A. Everly Ph.D. co-author of Psychological first Aid Johns Hopkins University). This begins in our heads focus our thinking on the goodness of God. It moves to our hearts, think of others before ourselves, and culminates with our hands serve God and others. Some may reply but what about me? If we all had this mind of Christ, we would be so busy serving God & one another that no one would be neglected. Let's begin now God bless you Jerry Groves

I heard many times (even at preaching school) to stay away from "hobby horses." Yet I quickly found as a young preacher that finding, feeding, and riding a hobb...y horse is astonishingly easy. I also found out that those hobby horses can camouflage very well to the one riding it (while sticking out like sore thumb to the audience). My horse was named Politics. As a young preacher in my early twenties, I thought I was just a man of God that wanted to see the wickedness of abortion and other moral sins go away. I wanted to help this sinful world. I thought offering the blood of Christ, alongside a portion of politics was needed. I remember one particular month leading up to an election, that my horse and I really became acquainted with one another. Social media was where I grazed my horse and I even preached a few sermons on politics. I was invited to speak at a Preacher’s Luncheon, so what did I speak on? How to talk about the election from the pulpit. Boy, did I do my research. I found out how far I could legally talk about candidates and issues from the pulpit, I passed out that information to encourage my fellow preachers, I was proclaiming the truth! Sadly, I never saved an unborn baby or helped a sinner repent while in the saddle. Instead, I hurt people. I created walls that made it hard to introduce the blood of Christ to the lost. I got into arguments (publicly on social media) with fellow Christians that I did not 100% agree with their political view. I was starting to lose any effectiveness I had for the Kingdom. It was time to put my horse out to pasture. I needed to remember that no politician has the power to save souls and that our citizenship is in heaven, not the USA. As a Christian, I can appreciate us doing our part in voting and in prayer to try to uphold certain characteristics of a "Christian Nation." However, how are you letting this election affect your behavior? 1 Peter 2:12 says that I need to keep my behavior EXCELLENT among the Gentiles (insert non-Christian), so that in the thing in which they slander you as evil doers, they may because of your GOOD DEEDS, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. Did you notice that the non-Christian watches you? What are they seeing? I find it interesting that in the very next verse, Peter starts a discussion on submission. And what is the first example of submission he uses? Submission to our government. For us, this would mean being in submission to our government, whether you voted for them or not. Christian, instead of riding a hobby horse and driving away the world around youcan you determine to watch your behavior? Yes, please do vote. Yes, please do pray. Yet, please, watch your behavior. What happens if the man you vote for DOESN’T win tomorrow? Christ will still be King, and you will still be one of His spokespersons. Please, keep your behavior EXCELLENT! You don’t have to blast the party, or the man that did win. What happens if the man you vote for DOES win tomorrow? Again, Christ will still be King, and you will still be one of His spokespersons. Please, keep your behavior EXCELLENT! You can be joyful and thankful, yet you do not have to taunt and rub your victory in others' faces! Remember, the world is watching us! And we want them (as the verse said), to learn to glorify God. Show them how with your excellent behavior.

Job 13:4 But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. Matthew 27:3-8 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, re...pented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,3 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.4 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.5 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.6 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.7 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.8 "Physicians without a Cure" My comfortless friends are like physicians without a cure. They may say swelling words and really they have no meaning at all. These friends of mine say they care and all they do is say that I am wrong. A physician without a cure is a person who is unwilling to help. They may diagnose what they believe your illness could be but they will not help or offer a cure, for all they have are words that condemn and hurt. Job’s friends were called physicians without a cure, when he needed comfort he received none, when he needed support and friendship he was rejected by those who claimed to be his friends. We too can find ourselves in Job’s circumstances of life, we too can have friends who condemn, criticize and say you are wrong without knowing the details of life. Our friends can be like Job’s friends, physicians without a cure. Donald Underwood 2016 "Beatitudes of the Heart" pp 64-65

No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar. - Abraham Lincoln 29. The rules are simple: they lie to us, we know they're lying, they know we know they're lying, but they keep lying to us, and we keep pretending to believe them. - Elena Gorokhova Telling one lie almost always requires another, and before the storyteller knows it, they will be caught inside of their own web. - Jenna Alatari... Lying is done with words, and also with silence. - Adrienne Rich I'd rather hear an ugly truth, rather than an obscure lie. - Ana Monnar The more you defend a lie, the angrier you become. - Mitch Albom I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you. - Friedrich Nietzsche No one believes a liar. Even when she's telling the truth. - Sara Shepard If you don't want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today. - Bruce Lee When people cheat in any arena, they diminish themselves-they threaten their own self-esteem and their relationships with others by undermining the trust they have in their ability to succeed and in their ability to be true. - Cheryl Hughes If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. - Mark Twain

As a result of presenting a lesson on the wisdom literature, I am building a series of lessons on Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Enjo...y and I love you. Donald Job an Introduction Introduction: (1 November 2020) Welcomeencourage - Our lesson this morning is titled: Job an introduction. -- There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and turned away from evil. (Job 1:1/ASV 1901) -- The meaning of the name Job is uncertain, it could mean doubtful or object of enmity. Job represents wealth and a pious landowner who lived in patriarchal times. -- The land of Uz is believed to be near Edom, there are various ideas regarding exact location. - Job is the first book of five books classified as wisdom literature or poetry. -- Hebrew poetry had its substance in thought rhythm or parallelisms or synonymous or antithetical couplets, i.e., the sentiment or teaching of one line is echoed in the following line. Sometimes these couplets or two lines are doubled, or tripled or quadrupled, making 2 lines, 4 lines, 6 lines or 8 lines within a text. -- The book contains 42 chapters and takes about one hour and 40 minutes to read. The lesson for us today: Salvation is ours only if we are willing to endure the severest tests and challenges to our faith. - The book of Job is perhaps the greatest masterpiece of the human mind. Victor Hugo - The book of Job rises like a pyramid in the history of literature, without a predecessor and without a rival. Philip Schaff I. First of all, Job is mentioned in other books of the Bible. - Ezekiel 14:12-14, 20 -- The righteousness of Noah, Job and Daniel delivered them personally. --- Noah (Genesis 6:9 and Hebrews 11:7) --- Daniel (Daniel 6:4, 5, 22) --- Job (Job 1:1, 8 and 2:3) -- Ezekiel 18:4, 20 - James 5:11, Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. -- The word patience means steadfastness, endurance or perseverance. -- Job 19:25, But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth, And at last he will stand up upon the earth: (ASV 1901) --- The Redeemer of Job is his Vindicator. Through his patience Job will be justified. Job is a real person. II. Secondly, the example of Job serves to encourage us to be faithful. - II Corinthians 5:7 - Hebrews 11:6 - Revelation 2:10 Job was real, his faith was real, and he never stopped believing in God. III. Finally, there are six soul searching questions asked within the book of Job. - Does Job serve God for nought? -- Job 1:6-9 --- Satan’s question implies Job’s faith is superficial and hypocritical. - Why am I (a righteous person) suffering so intensely? -- This question is implied by the multiple questions that Job asked in chapter three. These questions came about, as a result of Satan being allowed to take Job’s possessions, family and his health. -- Job 3:1, 3-10 - Could a just God allow a righteous servant to suffer intensely? -- Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar affirmed the negative to this question in their discussions with Job, thus implying that Job did something sinful and wrong. -- Job 4:1, 7 -- Job 11:1-5 --- An interesting thought from this text of reproof against Job, is the fact that Job never said he was sinless, on the contrary, he was baffled by the severity of punishment and what sin did he do that deserved such punishment. - Would the evidence of evil (suffering) prove the non-existence of God? -- This question is implied within the context of the various relationships within the book concerning Job, and the answer to this question is no. -- Romans 8:28, And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. (ASV 1901) - Is it not the case that suffering has value in spiritual discipline? -- This question was asked by Elihu, a younger man, he waited until the three older men had their say in Job’s matter. -- Job 32:1-10 -- Within the context of chapters 32-37 Elihu presents that God is loving and God will do the right action in the end and God will (chapters 38-42). - Can people be a true judge of God’s creative activity? -- This question was asked by God Himself. Job has lost everything in life, and he is left alone with his integrity and faith in God. Job is perplexed but has not given up on God. -- Job 42:1-6 God blessed His servant Job greater at the latter end than at the beginning (Job 42:12). Conclusion: - We have learned several truths from our lesson this morning: Job an introduction. First of all, Job was a real person. Secondly, the example of Job encourages us to remain faithful through trials and challenges in life. Finally, the book of Job is filled with many questions and we looked at only six questions. Questions: 1. How do we know that Job was a real live person? _____________________________ 2. How can Job encourage us to be faithful today? _______________________________ 3. Why are questions a good source of learning and gaining knowledge? _______________ ________________________________________________________________________

Go to The Ant Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:6 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,7 Provideth her meat in the summer, an...d gathereth her food in the harvest.8 (Proverbs 6:6-8) The wise man taught the servants of God not to be lazy, but to be wise workers and prepare for the coming months ahead. As Christians we can learn from this simple truth by preparing ourselves for the coming months ahead, especially the months of November and December. During these two months many companies in our country offer food items on at reduced prices or on sale. It is a good thing to buy food items especially those items that can be stored in a home food pantry or our congregational pantry to give to those in need. The reasons why food items are found at reduced prices are due to two holidays that our nation recognizes Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Thus, we as God’s people can benefit from buying food items at a reduced price, saving us monies in the future. Let us learn from the ant of Proverbs 6. Donald