Mike's Musings.

06/05/2026

Mike’s Musings …
Reminders
This past week, a friend shared pictures of the June 2, 1990, tornado that devastated a large area of Lawrence County, IN, and surrounding counties. It reminded me of where my family was on that afternoon. We had been warned of the tornado, and since our boys were young, we took precautions. However, my love of watching storms got the better of me, and I watched from our back porch. I saw to our west as the tornado touched down on the south side of Bedford, about seven miles from our house. It never approached our place, but not long after the storm, we began to hear the reports of death and destruction.
Not many years later, another tornado outbreak hit our county. This one was more devastating than the 1990 twister. Our youngest son was on the VFD and worked as an EMT for the local Ambulance service at the time. His duties demanded that he help surrounding townships, so his awareness of the extensive devastation was keen. I remember the following day or so, he gave us a tour of the area; still exhibiting the destruction of homes where our friends had lived, roads closed with huge trees obstructing travel, and large areas in the woods cleared by the massive power of the tornado.
Nature, a synonym for “God’s power within this temporal world,” was extremely strong on those occasions. I recall a baby was sucked from its mother’s arms in the 1990 storm. Her strength and love for her child, though immense, were no match for the strength of the wind. I recall the second storm flattened the brick home where once a dear friend and his wife had lived. They had passed away just a short while before the storm and thus were spared the heartache of losing their home. Another home where dear friends had lived was also leveled, with only the foundation left intact. Again, those friends had died years before and thus never knew of that loss.
Nature, again a synonym for God’s power within this temporal world, is beyond man’s control. God’s power is simply too strong for man to defeat. Yet, greater still is the power of God’s word (Romans 1:16-17). When obeyed, it can save the soul of any believer. Strangely, too many wait to see the devastation of a soul who rebels against it before they recognize its power. Just so, those who do obey are amazed that even the vilest of sinners are washed clean of sin by the blood of Christ when immersed into Him via baptism. (Romans 6:1-6)
I muse on the several reminders of God’s power, both in this world (i.e., nature) and spiritually. Especially of a spiritual nature, man must consider the warnings God has given and earnestly heed them (Hebrews 2:1-4). Eternal death awaits those who care nothing for these warnings. Eternal LIFE is the promised blessing for those who obey Him. There will be no pictures of Judgment Day to remind us of the devastation of this sinful world. The present reminders are the words we constantly repeat: “Prepare to meet thy God.” (cf. Amos 4:12)

05/28/2026

Mike’s Musings …
It’s A Small World … But A Great World!
Even when traveling, Christians must never forsake the Lord or the assembling with His saints (Hebrews 10:25). Thanks to the diligent efforts of several brethren, online directories of the addresses of churches of Christ are readily accessible. (For example, Find the Church/Where the Saints Meet). While these directories are not always accurate, they are a helpful guide for the traveling Christian. Further, acquaintance with other brethren in various states helps with identifying faithful places to worship.
Last week, Nancy and I utilized both resources as we sought out a place to worship. While I know a few gospel preachers in Arkansas, I’m not familiar with the congregations scattered throughout the state. So, I called one of these brethren, and he highly commended one within a mile of the interstate we traveled. We found it easily, and upon entering the building, we were greeted with “southern hospitality” that was exceeded only by the hospitality of being Christians (Romans 12:13).
When one of their brethren introduced himself to Nancy, he said, “I know who you are!” She was taken aback and called to me, saying, “Do you recognize this man?” His face was familiar, but I couldn’t recall his name. When he introduced himself, I immediately remembered him! He and his wife worshiped with the Westside church of Christ in Salem, IN, and he once served as one of their elders! For health reasons, he and his wife moved to Arkansas, where their son lives. What a joy to find brethren you know from “back home” when traveling! It is a small world … but a great world!
What makes this earthly abode great is not always the people or the environment we find as we go from place to place. What makes this world great is the righteousness found within it! Solomon said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) Think of this great blessing! If we had had trouble, brethren were near to help; and they would have! If we needed food or shelter or medical assistance, etc., brethren were near to help; and they would have! How do I know? That’s what faithful brethren do! (Romans 12: 9 – 21)
Some might think it a mere coincidence that a man from “back home” happened to be in Malvern, AK. But I muse more on the reality that wherever we go, if we look for the faithful, we’ll find them, and because of our fellowship in Christ (1 John 1:5-10), we’ll be among friends, not strangers! After all, God’s Kingdom, the church, is the greatest world in which to live!

05/26/2026

Online at www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org, we just uploaded four recent sermons and added a new Bible study category -- the book of Hebrews! This newest study is being taught by Jesse Jenkins, one of our younger members. Also, under the Sermons category, you will find two recent sermons preached by Jesse. Come and be with us in person, and you'll gain much more from these studies!

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

05/16/2026

After some "cyberspace gymnastics," I was able to reinstall FB to my home computer, which let me upload the articles for Mike's Musings. and Orleans Church of Christ. Since then, I've also updated our website www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org with our latest sermons and bible studies. We pray you find these materials helpful to your daily bible study. We encourage you to come and study with us every Lord's Day (Bible study -- 10:00, preaching at 10:45 and 5:00), Tuesday mornings at 10:00, and again Wednesday evenings at 7:00.

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

05/16/2026

Mike’s Musings …
The Old Fire Bell
Built in 1912, the present Washington Street Elementary School in Marietta, OH, still holds a vast storehouse of memories for me. My parents both taught in that building, and for some twenty-five years, Dad was its principal. Among the changes in that building was a complete replacement of the fire alarm system. When they removed the old pole-activated alarms, the school system let Dad keep one of those bells. It now adorns a space above the window in my home office. Trinkets like this make me muse on wonderful memories that lead to present-day lessons of value.
I remember the sound of those bells! The fire department set scheduled fire drills for all the schools. Only the administrators were aware of the scheduled drills, since the priority was to train students and staff on the safest and quickest exit routes, should a real emergency arise. Everyone knew the sound of those bells, and their continuing “clanging” until the drill concluded and the system reset.
I muse on that certain sound. Though that old bell hasn’t rung in years, I can mentally recall its sound. Occasionally, I go over to that bell and “peck on it” just to remind myself that its sound hasn’t changed since it was built. Yes, if re-energized as it used to be, it would ring with that same certain sound. And I am certain that those of us well-trained in its sound would still respond as we did many years ago!
The same is true for all souls well trained in the certain sound of the gospel of Christ Jesus! The frequency of “safety drills,” if you will, prepares us to respond quickly and safely to dangers surrounding us. But unless we are attuned to the sound and trained in the proper response, we become a danger unto ourselves! Don’t delay the training! Be alert to the sound of truth, and muse on the eternal value in rendering the proper response!

05/07/2026

Mike’s Musings …
My Job is to Watch Their Tears
Countless tears were shed this past week for several reasons. Because I am a Christian (which always precedes the work of preaching), I’ve stood with several as tears flowed uncontrollably. Loved ones whose lives are ebbing away from this world to the next have had that effect upon us. Remembrance of those most precious to us in this world blends with the present realities of additional loved ones who have not yet crossed the chilly waters of death but have their feet in its river. Just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), we weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). My job is to watch those tears and occasionally join them.
I muse on those whose professions don’t permit them to cry, at least not in the presence of those who grieve. Doctors and nurses, funeral directors, emergency personnel, and others must form a “tough exterior” in such circumstances because their training says, “Don’t get emotionally involved.” However, these same people do cry, often profusely, when they finally find a time and place for privacy. Yes, even we preachers find ourselves quite frequently within a place of solitude, weeping, after we’ve endured, often unsuccessfully, watching others weep. While standing with these precious souls, we desire to share compassion but simultaneously avoid invading their privacy with the expression of love – the expression we call “tears.” Still, our job is to watch their tears until it is deemed appropriate to share the weeping.
How thankful I am for those loving souls who do permit my tears to flow with theirs. They graciously say, “It’s fine.” They understand some of us are simply unable to stop the flow of that God-given emotion. Frankly, it makes my role as a Christian and a preacher a bit easier when they are not embarrassed or affected negatively by my tears. As I watch their tears, they watch mine, and we weep together.
This past week has been challenging in that regard! One dear friend, a sister in Christ, left this world for eternity last Tuesday night. Another brother in Christ awaits his departure in a hospice facility, and yet a third brother (and this man’s brother in the flesh as well) is not far behind in his journey. Yes, I’ve seen the tears of their loved ones, and I’ve joined them without shame in shedding tears of my own. Granted, my “job” is to watch their tears. But I rejoice in knowing they willingly let me join them in weeping. It somehow eases the sorrow I bear.
How wonderful to know God created us with this emotion and the ability to use it with love. I muse on its value and benefit for our souls! Solomon said, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) At times, tears accompany both extremes. Somehow, tears ease the pain of grief, and tears often increase the joy of laughter. Either way, watching their tears is more difficult than joining their tears! Maybe we should muse on which position is needed most at the time: watching their tears or joining them as they weep. That, dear reader, is worth our musing!

05/07/2026

We just uploaded the second lesson of the Song of Solomon, chapter one! (See www.Orleanschcurchofchrist.org) Now you have four lessons to listen to for this wonderful book of love: two introductory lessons and the two lessons for chapter one. As we progress through the study, be looking for the additional lessnos for each chapter!

05/02/2026

Mike’s Musings …
An Old-Fashioned Prayer Meeting
Last Wednesday evening, instead of our usual Bible Study, we devoted our time to prayer! We had announced that two of our members were in critical condition and two others were ailing. Several of us knew of others whose conditions needed our attention in prayer, and we ushered all of these names to the throne of God the Father. Several mentioned, as they left the assembly, “That was among the most humbling of services we’ve ever attended.” But better yet is the reality of God’s grace favorably answering our petitions! By the morning hours, both of the critically ill members and all of the others mentioned had improved!
Prayer works! (James 5:16; 1 John 5:14-15; et al.). It isn’t a “miracle” that we beheld; it was and is the graciousness of God answering “Yes” to our prayers. Since we asked according to His will (see also James 4:15), His answer was right and would have been right regardless of the physical outcome of these brethren. We rejoice that their lives have been spared a while longer, and now we must thank God in prayer for His kindness while continually asking, “Thy will be done … give us strength to accept Thy will.”
I muse on why “prayer meetings,” as we used to have them, are seemingly rare nowadays. They shouldn’t be. We’re told to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Perhaps we’ve forgotten the many stories in the book of Acts about brethren coming together to pray! They worked then, and they work now. Setting aside the time of discussion (i.e., bible study) isn’t wasted time at all! We might discover the time is more profitable if given to prayer!

04/25/2026

Mike’s Musings … The Pain of Pain
Pain hurts! No one likes it, and those who experience severe pain find only momentary relief from various sorts of pain relievers. When we express our pain, some say, “Oh, I’ve had that, and …” bringing attention to themselves as if their pain is always worse than the one seeking sympathy. And if someone is doing what they can to eliminate their pain, everyone you ask offers a different cure. Even when someone’s pain is of a notably debilitating nature, some will dare to claim their pain is at least as bad, their cure better, and they don’t understand why others complain when they “know” they feel worse! And so, the cycle of pain and suffering continues, both literally and imagined. Or don’t we say, “I know how you feel …”
But have you ever pondered this question: “Does God experience pain? If so, what type of pain?” Note this passage: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) To understand how one might “cause pain” to God the Father, read that entire chapter. What within that listing do we ignore, not do, or think has no bearing on us? By living our lives in the opposite direction of those directives, we grieve the holy Spirit of God! Whether that is the Holy Spirit or the “life” of God, if you will, pain, i.e., grief, comes from our sinful actions! Regardless of how “innocent” we think our words and deeds might be, sin is always offensive to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! It causes them pain! And the only remedy is our repentance! By the way, sin causes us pain as well! Maybe if we understand the pain sin causes God, we’d be more careful to avoid sin … and start feeling better ourselves. Just muse on that for a while!

04/15/2026

Mike’s Musings …

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Without apology, this week’s THOUGHTS WORTH THINKING is one of the lengthiest articles published in this format. Nonetheless, its content is meant to prick the hearts of those who have departed from us and stir the hearts of those of us who diligently seek to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) To some, it may be offensive. It is not meant to be, but if it helps to pull souls out of the fire, then let it be offensive to their sinful ways! I pray that it be effective for the souls who need to hear it and bring them to repentance! MJD



The Lord’s Church Must Please Christ, Period!

Read what the inspired apostle Paul wrote to the Lord’s church at Corinth: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 18) What is negotiable about this commandment? What makes this a “choice”? Where does “allowances for our desires” fit into God’s plan?

Throughout the New Testament, serious students notice that the Lord’s church is HIS, not ours! We who have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:36 – 48) are privileged to be part of HIS body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1 Peter 2: 5 – 10), but we must remember it is HIS, not OURS! Therefore, those who obey the gospel have no right to even suggest changes in any part of HIS church! Still, some souls, admittedly, are not satisfied with the blessing of being part of HIS church and insist that their desires be accepted as “acceptable” practice. These same people would be insulted if someone, even an appreciated friend, were to come into their home and insist on changes that suit the guest but are not authorized by the owner. Why, then, should anyone think the Lord is not insulted when souls claiming to love and obey HIM depart from those congregations of the Lord’s church that insist the church belongs to CHRIST and does not bow to the wishes of men, including its members? The Lord’s church must please CHRIST! Period!
“If you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that barks is the one you hit.” Proverbial, yes, but its truth is seen all too often when souls are disgruntled for selfish reasons. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” is another truthful metaphor, but it should never describe a Christian! The faithful soul does not grumble about doing what God has commanded us (1 Corinthians 10:10) because the faithful are content to obey God without question. They realize they can neither add to nor subtract from the truth and righteousness of God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19), and they remain content to be HIS servants (Hebrews 13:5). The faithful realize that the church (of which they are a part) must please Christ, PERIOD!

Are we, the faithful, to be concerned for the souls who have left their first love? (Revelation 2:4) Certainly! Being spiritual, we are to restore the erring in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we be tempted (Galatians 6:1). But notice that the wayward must be willing to repent and be restored for our efforts to succeed! Also, notice that the faithful are under no obligation to cater to the whims and fancies of those who would have us engage in error only to please the flesh! The faithful realize we can have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:6 – 17). The faithful realize we cannot indulge the ways of the world (1 John 2:15 – 17). Yet disgruntled souls say, “I’m not happy,” or “It doesn’t suit my needs,” or some other selfish excuse, and are really saying, “I’m not satisfied with what Christ authorized His church to be and do.” Why not? It is HIS, not yours! By what authority should Christ bow to man’s wishes to please man? It is man who must obey HIM. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

The faithful are neither “babysitters” nor “fetchers of the fallen” who don’t want to return! Granted, we are to feed babes in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14), but we must also feed meat to the full-grown (ibid.). The father of the prodigal did not chase after his wayward son, though we can certainly understand his aching heart over his son’s loss! Instead, he patiently waited for the son to “come to himself,” and when he returned, the father welcomed him home! (Luke 15:8 – 32).

“I don’t feel loved” is the worst excuse offered by departing souls. They may feel that way, but the question must be asked, “How much love did you extend to the brethren?” If love is only “one direction,” then how can it be true love? Christ gave His life for us, and we ought to give our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16). Unfortunately, those expressing this selfish attitude want only to receive without giving. They often try to “monopolize” certain ones to capture their individual and exclusive attention, saying, “He/she is my best friend” when in reality they are their OWN “best friend,” wanting all the brotherly love and attention without returning any love of their own toward any other member. Which member of the Lord’s church does Jesus love more than another? To which member does He grant “exclusive” attention? Is it not the WHOLE body of Christ (i.e., the church) that He loves? Is it not the fact that HIS church is “fitly framed together and compacted by that which every joint supplies” (Ephesians 4:16)? That which compacts us together is LOVE. The Hebrew writer commanded us, “Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1). That is impossible if brotherly love does not first exist! And brotherly love cannot exist if YOU are not extending it! Why? Because true love is GIVEN more than received (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:22-23).

Notice Paul’s inspired words to Titus: “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Titus 3: 9 – 11) Notice also John’s inspired statement regarding such souls: “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” (1 John 2:18-20) These souls simply refuse to accept that the church belongs to Christ alone! If they aren’t happy with that fact, if HIS church is not “suitable to their needs,” if they don’t “feel loved,” let them examine themselves and see if they be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). They will find they are either faithful or unfaithful: they are either pleasing Christ or they are not! There is no “middle ground of satisfying favor.” (Matthew 12:30) Unless they are willing to accept this fact, there is nothing the faithful can do to change them! They MUST remember they are members of the LORD’S church, and it does NOT belong to man!