Mike's Musings.

09/04/2026

Mike’s Musings …
Foggy Is My Mind
Years ago, a friend of mine, whose life was greatly troubled, shared with me the following riddle: “Foggy is my mind, thus my soul. I am the creation of my past, the misinterpretation of my present, and the possible hypotenuse of my future. So, what am I?” Without going into all the discussions we shared, just let me focus on his riddle. I submit that all of us have pondered our purpose in life, especially when confronted with matters far beyond our capability to change – yet we are involved! “Can I fix this?” “How can I convince that person to obey the gospel?” “Why does that Christian continue to do things and say things that aren’t helpful to the furtherance of the gospel?” These and dozens of other questions fill the mind described in the above riddle.
First, we had no control over our creation. We are the product of our parents and cannot change that production. Second, if our present is “misinterpreted,” that is our fault. A lack of learning, or more likely, a lack of application of righteous teaching and godly examples, leads to a “misinterpreted” conviction of life’s responsibilities. Third, any result of a “hypotenuse” is directly related to the “right angle” of our past and present!
All this means is, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16) From our youth up, we need exposure to and firm teaching from God’s word (2 Timothy 3:15; 2:15-16; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; et al). As we apply that life to ourselves, we must use that goodness toward all men, especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Then our future (if God allows one) will allow us growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It requires diligence (2 Peter 1:1-11). I muse with great comfort of mind on the benefits of this mindset!

09/02/2026

The fourth lesson from Luke 22 has been added to our website, www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org We pray you will listen to it and profit from the study. You are encouraged to avail yourselves to all the materials on our site. All questions and comments are welcome as we stand willing to study with you from God's word only!

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

08/31/2026

It has been some time in coming, but the once
"wintertime study" has been published. ANGELS ARE MESSENGERS is now available through Gospel Amory. See link below.
https://store.gospelarmory.com/pro.../angels-are-messengers/ I am only the author. All questions and/or comments regarding the book's content should be directed to me. I pray you find the study beneficial to your spiritual growth.

08/26/2026

Mike’s Musings …
Dolly Parton Died
The news of her passing devastated my granddaughter. Rylan got to meet her and even shared the stage with her, receiving one of the millions of books Dolly famously gave to kids. The president ordered our nation’s flag to be lowered to half-staff in Dolly’s honor. Entire newscasts dedicated their hours to a review of her life, including eulogies spoken by celebrities who shared prominence with her. Seemingly, millions around the world grieve at her loss. Obviously, she had an indescribable impact on this world through her music, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. One ponders if anyone accomplished more in their lifetime than this famed person. Honestly, I believe there is One who did more!
Jesus sang (Matt. 26:30), but we know neither the words nor the melody. Jesus built His church (Matt. 16:18), but few obey His commandments to gain entrance to that eternal kingdom. Jesus’ fame and miraculous healings were generously given to multitudes (Matt. 4:24), but we read of only a few who expressed gratitude (Luke 17:15-16). Jesus died, shedding His blood for the remission of sins, making eternal salvation available to all of mankind (Matt. 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-25), and few there are who obey Him to obtain this salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9).
I muse on the emotions of mankind and how we are affected by the deaths of notables. But I find it incredibly crass that so many ignore the importance of Christ Jesus and His accomplishments for our eternal benefit! There never has been, nor will there ever be, a greater gift to the world than Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Yet, I’ve never known a nation to lower their flag in His honor, grant hours of news reports and social media attention to Him, nor receive the praises of world-renowned notables to exalt Him as they have Dolly and others. Maybe they don’t realize the Lord’s accomplishments on our behalf; or maybe worse, they don’t care.
For us who know the Lord (1 John 2:3), we know Whose accomplishments are greater and deserving of our daily praise and thanksgiving. And by the way, He lives eternally! (Heb. 13:8)

08/26/2026

Please mark the dates of our fall gospel meeting as September 27 through October 3. These young men all preach in rural churches of Christ in Lawrence, Orange, Greene, and Vigo counties in Indiana. They each have secular jobs by which they support their families, but they remain dedicated to preaching as often as requested. We are happy to introduce them to a larger group of souls, eager to hear the gospel. As we are encouraged by these men, we trust you will be encouraged as well!

08/19/2026

Mike’s Musings …
An Appreciated Mystery!
This past week, a package addressed to me arrived. Since Nancy is the one who receives Amazon packages, I didn’t notice it was addressed to me; I thought it was hers. She opened it before I got home and told me, “This book came for you.” I often order books but haven’t done so lately. The mystery is, we don’t know who sent it! The title intrigued me: YOU’RE ONLY OLD ONCE: A BOOK FOR OBSOLETE CHILDREN by Dr. Seuss. That made it even more curious!
Reading it took less than ten minutes because it’s written in the typical Seuss style. It instantly brought laughter! It is a delightful read, but the mystery remains … who sent it to me? I called the usual suspects for such a deed, and each denied involvement. I mentioned it in my daily email to the brethren and even posted a “thank you” on Facebook. I still don’t know who my benefactor is, but I am grateful!
When I reached the office this morning to begin the day’s duties, I noticed several books in my library. I’ve had the habit of always writing in the flyleaf of these books the name of who gave it to me (unless I purchased it myself) and when they gave it to me. Even my Bibles have that indication because I’m grateful for the gift and the benefactor. But because I cannot yet identify the giver of this book, I’ll have to write “From Someone Who Thought of Me,” date it, and still ponder!
Of course, the content is most important! These Bibles teach me God’s word and assure me that He is my Benefactor of all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). Further, within the content of His book (or books if you prefer) I find all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Some human may have presented these books to me, but it is CHRIST who is the author of eternal salvation to all of them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9) and the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Even if we credit writers like Moses or the prophets, or the apostles for writing the Bible, we must acknowledge they were guided by the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:1-4; 2 Peter 1:21). Therefore, it remains GOD’S word, (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
I muse on the magnificence of God’s word and thank Him for His provision and preservation of it through the ages, and into eternity! (Matthew 24:35) While I may remember the benefactors who gave me these Bibles, I value WHY they gave them to me!
Now, while I value the newest book in my library and appreciate its content, I still have the mystery of who gave it to me!

08/18/2026

Good morning! This is a new page -- TIME FOR GOD -- to Face Book. It comes from the Orleans church of Christ, and is planned as a daily Bible Study article. Our objective is to increase the faith of every reader (Romans 10:17) and do so by "proving all things; holding fast to that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) We ask you please to share this page with your family and friends, and when possible, come and study with us at in person! Let's be sure to devote as much TIME WITH GOD as we can!

08/13/2026

Mike’s Musings …
Class Reunion
This year marks the 55th anniversary of my high school graduation. Ours was one of the largest classes to graduate from Marietta Senior High School: if memory serves, there were 409 of us! Now, nearly twenty-five percent of us have crossed the chilly waters of death. One of our classmates has kept a list of these names and publishes additions as they sadly appear. A reunion has been planned, and a member of that committee recently shared with me a list of those attending. The total is fewer than seventy. The reasons for not attending are several and varied. To one of the committee members, I wrote, “Please tell them I said hello, if they remember me.” She replied, “They’ll remember you.” Maybe.
I noticed a few names were unfamiliar to me. Fifty-five years seems to dull the memory a bit. Surely, my name has faded from several of their minds as well. In an unrelated picture in which my niece appears, I learned that a classmate was also pictured. I had to ask which face was hers. Time changes physical features!
Oh, most of the names I remember. I could tell you something positive about each of them, but the few I don’t recall would undoubtedly have the same lost memory of me. That’s one of the reasons for having class reunions: you can read the nametags and remember who we are!
The fact is that we remember those we have stayed in touch with and continue those long-held and respected friendships.
Though I’ve never attended any of my class reunions, I know what similar reunions bring. Reminiscing is the most common topic, followed closely by present-day realities of the family (including grandchildren), work, or retirement therefrom, and aches and pains experienced with age. We change physically and mentally, and sometimes, spiritually. The lessons we learned or failed to learn have somehow molded the maturity we now hold; maturity we pray is much stronger and more wholesome than the inexperienced life we once lived. We readily admit that we wouldn’t want our children or grandchildren to do what we did but urgently desire that they know and do what we know is right now! (James 4:17)
I muse on the blessings of life and the lessons learned throughout these years. And how I wish I’d learned earlier what I know now! God has blessed us with this process we call “life,” and by His favor has allowed us to last in this world a bit longer than others. We must recognize the reality of Hebrews 9:27 but not fear it. Instead, we must prepare for it. If we have obeyed God’s word faithfully and remained faithful to it (Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 1: 1-11), as the song says, “What a gathering of the faithful that will be.” It won’t matter if we recognize one another: the faithful will all be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-2). Friends, that’s the gathering I’m wanting to attend … and not be in the gathering on His left-hand side. (Matthew 25: 31-46)

08/11/2026

Our website has been updated to include our most recent bible studies and sermons. We are presently studying the book of Luke, and today we began chapter 22. The sermons from last Lord's Day are WHEN JESUS COMES (the truth about AD 70) and THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS CHRIST. We invite your study with us.

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

08/08/2026

Mike’s Musings …
Rubbing Elbows with the Elite
In my brief seven decades, it has been my honor to “rub elbows,” as we say, with some very celebrated people: at least they are in my mind. Some of these notables are now very close friends of mine. The list includes past presidents of prestigious organizations, past leaders of government from city to state to federal positions, and sports figures whose success remains atop the record books. It also includes notables in the educational realm, and notables in the business world as well as manufacturing. And yes, I’ve rubbed elbows with some prominent people in the Lord’s church. While each of these people merits recognition, based on the diligence of their life’s work in making positive impacts on the fields of their endeavors, each has something in common: they are just as human as I am!
I’ve eaten very common meals with these notables. I’ve stayed in their homes. I’ve shared laughter and tears with them. We share thoughts and sometimes debate our differences. But we find ourselves absolutely equal in the fact that we’re just human!
Our backgrounds are of similar meager means; our education is more from “experience” than formal classrooms; our interests in the joyful things of this world vary as we each have our focused endeavors, but we find we need the expertise of each other to accomplish our own goals. None of us were “born with a silver spoon” in our mouths, but through hard work and especially God’s mercy in these labors, we’ve reached some level of success. We realize we can’t accomplish anything of value on our own: we’re human!
So many grow excited when they find a type of “celebrity” in their midst or learn of someone who is well acquainted with such a person. To them, an elevated elegance exudes from someone who is associated with “someone.” But again, we’re just human!
I muse on the contrast Paul gave to such esteemed notables. “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.” (Galatians 2:6) When you read the context of Paul’s encounter with these men, you will note these “notables” agreed with Paul in the work of taking the gospel to the lost! They all were human: what made them most notable was the gospel, which emphasizes Christ, not man. After all, we’re just human… He is the Son of God! Now that’s “rubbing elbows” with a Being most important to anyone’s life!