By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

It is no secret that there is turmoil in our nation.  The word “disrespect” is probably one of the most used words in today’s language.  Allow me to add my two cents.  This picture is an enormous depiction of the “Star Spangled Banner”, the flag that inspired our national anthem.  Both this model and that original flag are displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.  And they are just a couple of examples of the patriotism on display there.

Patriotism is a beautiful thing.  I believe in it and I love to see it happening.  However, patriotism will not save a soul.  Our national anthem is sung as a reminder of the greatness of this nation and those who fought and died to keep us free.  However, that great song will not save a soul.  Our flag, whether flying clear and crisp, torn and tattered, or folded neatly in the proper triangular form and handed to a soldier’s widow at his grave, is to be respected, saluted, and pledged to.  However, that flag will never save a soul.

The rampant disrespect is not really against those things.  It is completely against those who stood and fought, and especially those who never had the chance to return home from battle.

I’ve told you all before that I promised myself several years ago that I would not let these emails become a political forum, and I’ve kept that promise.  This isn’t about politics, who is in office, or anything else of the sort.  This nation is hemorrhaging because some individuals who make entirely too much money have mistakenly assumed that they know what’s best for the rest of us.  And they couldn’t be more wrong.  It isn’t one knee that needs to be taken.  It is two.

The Bible reminds us that one day every knee will bow in respect to God the Father. EVERY knee.  We each have two.  Take a stand for what is right and against what is disrespectful, but take two knees and pray that God Himself will forgive the ignorance.

Just a thought.

By Ryan Kelly –

It’s such a joy to be able to help others in the name of Jesus. Spending time with fellow believers and helping with their needs is not just a mission of the church, but a true priveledge that each Christian can enjoy. 

But, how often do we really do this?  How often do we get caught up in our own lives and neglect our brothers and sisters?

Philippians 2:4 says, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As we stay in constant fellowship with God, we too should keep the interests of fellow believers at heart. 

Take an opportunity this week to reach out to a brother or sister in Christ and see how they are doing and maybe pray with them for a need they they have. If you can, take the next step and help them with that need. You’ll be glad that you did. 

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Have you ever reached a point in your life where you absolutely didn’t care?  You felt so low that you didn’t care what happened next, and you felt like no one else cared either? I pray you’ve never felt this way, but sadly many people do at times.

I snapped this photo of my youngest as we ventured into Georgetown on our most recent D.C. trip.  We had enjoyed a full week and were all tired, and she chose this moment to rest — leaning against the post that clearly says “No Standing”.  At that moment, she didn’t care.

Very recently, I was put in touch with a young man who will never read this, and whom none of you will know, so I feel confident in sharing his story.  Simply, he felt as if all was lost.  Basically homeless, except for the kindness of one lone friend.  Wife ill and hoping for help from a disability filing.  Part-time work with not enough pay to take care of the basic bills.  Applying for help, but stuck in the waiting period.  Heartbroken because they can have no children.  Estranged family members because of a sad misunderstanding.  No car for transportation.  And the young man truly felt as if no one cared.  After a long afternoon, I still can only pray that I managed to convince him otherwise.

God always cares.  When it seems as if your world has fallen apart, God cares.  When it seems as if no one loves you or is concerned about what happens to you, God cares. When you seem as if you have nowhere else to go and you are crying for help, God cares.  And, God wants to use His children to show that caring love to a hurting desperate world around us.

Listen, someone is calling for help — right now.  Before it’s too late, introduce them to the One Who cares.