“Urgent and Important” is that priority ranking used by time managers to designate a task which must be completed without delay or neglect.  This ranking denotes top priority and says to those involved, “If there is not enough time to do everything assigned, make sure this task is completed.” A task so designated is usually essential or pivotal to the successful completion of the over—all missions.

​As Christians, living in this sinful and undisciplined world, we are challenged each day to set priorities.  We must always set those things that are spiritual above those things that are carnal.  Those things that are spiritual demand the “urgent and important” designation.  One such task is that of Bible Study.
Observe:

• Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path – Psa. 119:105
• Order my steps in thy word:  and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psa. 119:133
• Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  Matt. 11:29
• Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  II Tim. 2:15

The Psalmist reminds us that the word of God lights (guides) our path; and asks God to direct his steps according to the word. We as Christians should do likewise. Jesus invites us to come learnof Him.  In this dispensation we can only do that through the study of the scriptures. Finally, we are admonished to study in order to become approved workmen—approved by God and man.  These things are essential to the successful completion of our Christian mission.  Bible study then is also a pivotal task; and becomes deserving of the high priority ranking of “Urgent and Important.”

At this congregation we respond to the urgency and importance of bible study at 8:45 each Lord’s Day morning; Worship at 10:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. and Mid-Week Bible Class at 10:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. each Wednesday.  All members are expectedto attend.                                                    

Elder Harold D. Cannon
​March 16, 2011

A careful look into the General Epistle of James reveals many exhortations and admonitions concerning living the Christian Life.  Consider these:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (1:22)”.  “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (1:25).

Seemingly too many present day Christians have “looked into the perfect law of liberty” and either misinterpreted or ignored what is found there.  Many of us today seem to think that the freedom extended by the law of liberty permits us to do only that which is pleasant, or in some instances, nothing at all. Too many of us will attend one church assembly each week (usually Lord’s Day morning, if convenient) then go home, never to be heard from again until the next convenient time.  In so doing we become as the man described in James 1:23 one who “Beholdest his natural face in a glass, goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was”.  An added danger is that soon we deceive ourselves into believing that this is acceptable service.  Beware, for this is deception indeed!  

Jesus said, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38).  The words “taketh” and “follow” denote actions rather than passivity. One cannot take his cross and follow Jesus from a sitting position!  If we are to be true disciples of Christ as every Christian must be, then we must do the work He has commanded us to do (II Cor. 5:10).

As Disciples of Christ we teach and are taught the doctrine of Christ. When a degree of learning has taken place, then a discipline evolves to complete the process. Discipline in this context has been defined as:  “training intended to produce a special character or pattern of behavior”. Discipline then, denotes the doing of that which is taught.  It is in this context that I humbly beseech you brethren that we teach only that which is becoming of Sound Doctrine and that our behavior be characterized by the discipline of doing to the extent that the world may know us as doers of the word and not hearers only.

Elder Harold D. Cannon (December 14, 2011)

Mothers are essential!  They raise us, watch out for us, and teach us to follow Jesus. And, if we're being honest, Mother's Day isn't just about traditional "moms". We have birth mothers, some of us have adoptive mothers, and many of us have spiritual mothers: those who dedicated their lives to teaching in the church.  Being a mother is not easy.  The pay is horrible, but the rewards can be great!  Proverbs 23:25 states,“Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.”  As children we should seek to give our mothers a reason to rejoice.  That is the best Mother’s Day gift ever!  Even if your mother is no longer living, you can still honor her memory with your life.  We can make our mothers glad by:

Clinging to the teachings of our mothers.  Mothers are our first teachers.  Their teachings are rooted in love.  Rather than being resistant to a mother’s wisdom, embrace it.  It will save you a lot of pain.  Those who resist the teachings of their mother often confess later that mother was right.  Proverbs 6:20-23 (NCV), 20 “Keep your father’s commands, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching. 21Keep their words in mind forever as though you had them tied around your neck. 22They will guide you when you walk. They will guard you when you sleep. They will speak to you when you are awake. 23 These commands are like a lamp; this teaching is like a light. And the correction that comes from them will help you have life”. 

Honoring our mothers.  Children should show respect for their mothers, honor them financially, and see that they are cared for when they are unable to care for themselves.  Proverbs 23:22 (CEV), “Pay attention to your father, and don't neglect your mother when she grows old. Proverbs 20:20 (NASB) He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness”. 

Serving the Lord.  Christian mothers invest in their children in anticipation of their children becoming faithful Christian. 2 Timothy 1:5-7 (NCV), 5 “I remember your true faith. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I know you now have that same faith. 6 This is why I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire. 7 God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control”.  

​This Mother’s Day, in addition to a card and a meal for mom, make your mother glad by making a commitment to please the Lord all the days of your life.

While we slept, the evil of materialism invaded our society and now holds captive great multitudes of those who should be numbered among the beneficent. Even among the saints…Christian families and children, this evil specter too often rears its ugly head.   While the strong slept, Satan convinced the weak that it is proper to compare men by what they have rather than by what they do. Consequently, material success rather than righteous living has become the standard by which one is valued; and popularity and acceptance rendered accordingly.

While we slept, hatred replaced brotherly love as the standard of behavior, and physical confrontation replaced reconciliation in the affairs of men everywhere.  As we slowly awake, still groggy and drowsy from a prolonged sleep induced by the drugs of apathy and indifference, we see chaos all around us and cry out in anguish, “What shall we do?”  Jesus

Christ is still the answer, ever the way. His written Word reminds us:
~Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.  (Matthew 6: 19-20)

~But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  (Matthew 6:33)

~Let love be without dissimulation.  Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (Romans 12: 9-10)

~Ye have heard that it hath been said; Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  (Matthew 5:43ff).
            
Christians Awake!  Teach The Word….Live By The Word
Brother Harold D. Cannon - August 24, 2011