Hi From ICYC

I didn't think that I would have time to write a blog note from camp, but here I am on Monday with a great staff and a good bunch of kids writing from good old Indian Creek Youth Camp. We have a group of 110 this week, which is a great size, though we would always love to have one more. No, the green ghost usually doesn't come anymore, but camp has lots of new traditions and it is great fun each year. New friends, old acquaintances, and a great time to recharge your spiritual batteries. There is not much news to tell yet, but I am sure there will be some blogworthy things that I will try to write about later. Happy camping!

On Vacation

Susan had a conference in Destin this week and I went along for a short vacation. It was great- weather, food, accomodations, etc. I went deep sea fishing on Monday and had great fun. Caught bunches of fish, but unlike most others on the boat, most of mine were small and had to be thrown back. Snapper have a 16 inch limit and I caught a bunch about 14 inches. Well, anyway. Next week is camp week at Indian Creek and I know it will be great. I have been working on lessons today. Paul(Kelsey) put together our class book and it looks like a great study on Example. While on that subject, maybe you would like to read my bulletin article for this week. Here it is-

When In Rome
David Courington
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” That may be good advice when it comes adapting to many customs of a foreign land. One hardly wants to drive on the right side of the road when everyone else is driving on the left.
But when it comes to our having Christ-like behavior, we need to be cautious. The Bible warns us that Christians and the world do not have much in common when it comes to morality. Paul said, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 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. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”(2 Cor 6:14-17). Paul also warned of allowing evil companions to corrupt us, saying, “Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."(1 Cor 15:33) (NKJV).
The world that we live in has its way of doing things. Some people do not know what it is like not to drink alcoholic beverages. They have learned that way of life from their youth at home. If you speak of drunkenness as being sinful (See Gal 5:19-21), they will likely, first, look at you funny, and then either laugh at you or ridicule you. It is not their way to leave alcohol alone. That’s the way it is in “Rome!”
But you are a child of light, not darkness. Paul warned the Thessalonians, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”(1 Thess 5:5). When the “Romans” drink or curse or cheat in their worldly, customary way, you and I must be reminded that we are not “Romans”.
When you dress, you should dress as a Christian, not a “Roman.” Last Sunday night in Destin while we were waiting for church to start a family came in and sat down in front of us with 4 teenage girls. They were dressed properly and of course my thought was, “Here are some folks who have their priorities right. Even though they are in a place where hardly anyone seems to think about God, they are remembering Him by coming to church on Sunday night.” Then the girls started to look at pictures on their digital camera(again before the service started). Their “itsy bitsy, teensy, weensy bikinis” looked like anything but the dress of modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety, with which Christians are to cover themselves. (See 1 Tim. 2:9-10). No, I doubt that anyone on the beach would think it was anything out of the ordinary, but remember, what is ordinary for the world, is not always what is right for the child of God. We are light, not darkness.
Next time you go to “Rome”, will you do as the “Romans” or as the Christians?

Ned The Neighbor

For a picture of Ned aka Josh, check out Katie's blog at
http://www.katiebug1023.blogspot.com

VBS Week/Camp Week- Retirement?

Sorry I have been so long posting, but it is crunch time for VBS and Camp. This week is our VBS at Sylvan Springs. We had a good start of 125 Sunday night and 105 on Monday. Do you start your VBS on Monday night? Sunday works better for us. It is usually one of the largest nights in attendance. We are studying neighbors and a highlight has been Ned the Neighbor visiting each night. He is quite an interesting neighbor with his unusual looks and Bible insights. I am enjoying teaching the teens this time. They are a great group and very good to participate in class. In a few years I am going to retire from pulpit preaching and become a youth minister where I can really have some fun.
June 17 starts my camp week at Indian Creek Youth camp so today I am printing schedules, letters to parents, certificates. A lot of work goes into a camp week. This year I have tried to spread some of it out a bit and have some great guys helping me. Daniel C called and is working on our sports schdule. Paul K has worked hard to get our class material, teachers and speakers arranged. Clay C is in charge of night activities. I talked to Becky P. yesterday and she is working on crafts. Susan C. went to a cooks meeting a couple of weeks ago. I know the food will be too good, as we have come to expect. This is just some the things that have to be done. Why do we do it year after year for no pay and some degree of aggravation? Because we love the Lord, the kids, and the camp. My target date for retiring as a camp director is 2025. Lord willing, that is the year I will turn 70 and I hope to be just a camper that year. But I could change my mind!

Preachers and Powerpoint

My wife passed this on to me and I completely agree. What do you think?

"Johnson's Fourth Law of Presentations: PowerPoint doesn't bore people. People bore people"

Love's Top Ten

Love’s Top Ten
Love is the greatest of all of God’s laws.(Mt. 22:36-38)
Love is the crowning touch of the Christian graces.(2 Pet. 1:5-8)
Love is the most permanent of all of God’s commands.(1Cor. 13:13).
Love is the heart of the golden text of the Bible.(John 3:16).
Love is the first sign of one’s being spiritual.(Gal. 5:22).
Love is what we must be grounded in if Christ is to live in us.(Ep. 3:17).
Love is the glue that holds us together and makes us a complete Christian.(Col. 3:14).
Love is the outward sign by which others can tell that we are Christians.(John 13:35).
Love is a key to Christian growth.(Ep. 4:16).
God is love.(1 John 4:16).
by David Courington(5/14/07)

P.S.- To all of my family, friends, and God's children who read this blog, I love you. David

Instead Of “Engaging” Our Culture, Have We “Embraced It?

I came across a statement the other day in a book that grabbed my attention. It said, “The early church engaged its culture and transformed it.”(Preaching With Passion, p. 46). How true this is! Paul and his company at Thessalonica were accused, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”(Acts 17:6). They said this because an uproar was created after Paul had reasoned in their synagogue for three weeks and “persuaded” many of the devout Greeks and leading women.(Acts 17:1-3). The early Christians set out to change the world, to persuade men to come to Christ and to leave their false ideas of worship. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”(2 Cor 6:14) and said to them, “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord…”(2 Cor 6:17). Yes, they engaged(Webster says, “to enter into conflict or battle.”) the culture of their day.
What a change when we look at the present day church. In many instances, instead of “engaging” our culture, we have “embraced” it. “Cultural correctness” is often seen as more important than “Biblical correctness.” Many flatly reject God’s teaching on unpopular subjects, saying, “We are living in different times.” What Jesus said about divorce (Read Matthew 5:32; 19:1-9) is seldom mentioned for fear of offending someone. The Bible’s teaching about the horrible nature of homosexual offenses and other immorality is not taught (Read Romans 1:26-32). Why? Because it is offensive to so many in our day. Preachers who confront the false doctrines of denominationalism are said to be wasting time that could be better spent on “relevant issues”(i.e. felt needs). We could site many more examples, but many churches and “Christians” have thrown in the towel, being changed far more by the culture, than changing it.
Yes, Jesus taught a gospel of love, and the teaching of the church should always be in love. But in the very context where Paul said we should speak the “truth in love”(Ep. 4:15), he warned against being “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.”(Ep. 4:14). God’s children should be loving, but they should be determined to believe, teach and obey the truth- not error, and to teach the gospel to the world that they might repent and be saved. Jesus knew that love and rebuke were not at odds, for John quoted him as saying, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:18-19). We do not show love by throwing our arms around the sinful culture of our day and leaving sinners untaught. We show love by teaching them the “more excellent way.”(1 Cor. 12:31). David Courington

MSOP Lectures

It was a joy for me to be able to speak at the Memphis School of Preaching lectures on Tuesday. The school has a beautiful new library and new student housing being built. I got to hear some great lessons and see several friends. There was a dinner honoring Don and Jane McWhorter on Monday night that I attended. They have been such an inspiration to so many. I never knew that Bro. Don had preached to the Dolly Lama(sp?) or spent three hours visiting Johnny Cash in jail. As I said there were many great lessons preached, and all are available for viewing on the net at the link above( Just click on the arrow in the top left corner above.) In fact, they have 5 years of the lectures archived. Check it out.

Wedding Bells

This post finds me in Virginia for my Aunt Marie's wedding. We met Paul yesterday and the 82 year old bride and groom seem to be a matched pair. They have been in the news and you can follow the link for a story on Lynchburg TV. The wedding is 2:00 and I will post more later.

Not Dead Yet

It is hard to believe that it has been almost a month since I have posted anything. I thought the last few weeks would be calm, but alas, the nearly chaotic took over again. Last week we had a gospel meeting with my old college roommate Bill Ward. He did a fantastic job but got sick and I had to preach on Tuesday. I think almost half the church has been sick with a bad stomach virus over the last 2 weeks. Most of our family has had it, but Susan and I have escaped thus far.
But I did not escape another of my "abcessed tooth-root canal episodes" that started last Friday.
I was very happy and smiling again after having 2 bridges put in over the last month. But one of the teeth one of the bridges went bad. It always seems to happen on Friday. It was Monday before I could get the endontist, Dr. Chris McCallum for a root canal. He is a mess. He talks to you like Donald Duck while working on you. Talk about adding insult to injury. I told him that he was even crazier than my regular dentist, Shane Roberts. He said that was a compliment. Really, both of these fellows are fine people. All of the pain isn't gone yet, but it is much better.
I had a chance to go to Faulkner Univ. on Tuesday. It was a chamber of commerce day in Montgomery. My fondest memories of Faulkner are of walking around the campus in a daze in the springtime when I was dating my forever sweetheart, Susan. Those were the days--- as well as these.
What a shocker on Wednesday night at church to find out that Brian and Tina Maddox are expecting. They only have one child, Sydney, a 13 yr. old. We are excited for you guys! Super!
Well, I better go and see Dr. Gerald. I have an appointment this afternoon for a shot for a rotator cuff problem that is keeping me up nights. I am afraid that a "little arthroscopic surgery" is soon to follow. I have to get my pitching arm fixed so I can play ball with Addi. We are going to practice with her tomorrow and she is about as pumped as a 4 year old can get for softball. What fun!

Not Calm, Not Chaos

Just a short note to let you know I am still alive after a couple of busy weeks. This time certainly hasn't been Calm, but I wouldn't exactly call them Chaos either. This week started with some sad news, learning of the passing of Bro. V.P. Black. Bro. Black will be so greatly missed in the Lord's church, especially in Alabama and at Faulkner U. The last time I heard him preach, he looked frail, but his preaching was as powerful as ever. Bro. Black used words as skillfully as any brain surgeon has ever used a scalpel. He was unique in many ways. It seemed to me that one of his greatest attributes, was a great ability to speak the truth very plainly, and yet to speak it in a way that would not be unnecessarily offensive. It was a great privilege to know him.
One of my best weeks of the year is going the the Freed Hardeman University lectureship. The lectures that I heard seemed to me to be above average this year. The joy of having a chance to see so many old friends is dear to Susan and I.
On Wednesday afternoon Kim called to tell us that we were going to be grandparents again! What an exciting time as we anticipate our 4th grandchild.
Addi said it is going to be another girl and that she is going to be the babysitter. I don't know if she is qualified for that position yet, at age 4, but she is certainly confident! Congratulations, Paul and Kim! We will be praying for you.

Blest Be The Tie

The first verse of one of my favorite hymns reads:
“Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above.”
The tie that binds us is the sweet communion that we have based on or relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are in fellowship with Him, then we can be in fellowship with one another. John summed it up, saying, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Indeed it is a marvelous blessing to share with our brethren the “common salvation” that Jude spoke of in Jude 1:3. God’s children meditate upon what we have in common each Lord’s day as we take the Lord’s Supper, just like Christians have done since the days of the New Testament. Acts 2:42 records, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Yes, we have a tie that binds us.
The next verse says,
“Before our Father’s throne, We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares.”
Here we are reminded of the wonderful privilege that we have as God’s children to pray with assurance that he hears us. Paul told the Colossians that he did not cease to pray for them (Col. 1:9). He urged the Thessalonians, “Brethren, pray for us.”(1 Thes. 5:25). How encouraging it is to know that my brothers and sisters are praying for me, as I pray for them.
Then the song reminds us,
“We share each other’s woes, Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows, The sympathizing tear.”
What a joy to know that we do not bear our burdens alone, rather we bear one another’s burdens(Gal. 6:2). Many worldly people will rejoice with you, but concerned brethren “weep with those who weep.”(Romans 12:15).
The fourth verse brings to mind our common hope, as it says,
“When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.”
Even at death, saints are “joined in heart” with the hope that only God’s children enjoy. Paul says in 1 Thes. 4:13-14, “ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
If you are my brother or sister, I love you. If not, why not come to Christ and enjoy the blessing of the tie that binds?

Are Your Children Prepared?

Faced with the difficult task of child rearing, some parents focus on the daily joys and trials and fail to consider the "big picture". Proverbs 22:6, says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse not only points out that training is necessary, but also the goal of rearing children- that when they are old, they will continue in the right way. In order for that to happen, we need to see that they are prepared for what they will face as adults. They won't be little long, and your job involves preparing them for growing up and, eventually, leaving home. One cannot anticipate every detail of what life may bring, but he can equip a child to be able to adapt and cope with many obstacles.
Preparation for employment- Much emphasis is often placed on the child's education, and rightly so. One should help his child to obtain the training necessary for a job. Today, that usually goes beyond a high school education; if not college, then training for a trade. Even here parents may fail to really prepare the child by allowing them to cheat and take short cuts. Consider this statement, "Although by high school, most teens have accumulated a variety of weapons in their arsenal (English, math, science, history), many lack the most important preparatory tool of all - ethics…" (Prepping Teens for the Workplace, Lorin Shields-Michel ). If a child is not trained to be honest by the teaching and example of their parents, will he be able to hold a job and continue to provide for himself and his family. How many jobs have ended in firing because the employee simply would not work honestly, or do a day's work for a day's pay? Proper childhood training will include a heavy does of teaching on "… Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17).
Preparation for being on their own- This is often looked at as one of the things that young adults have to experience in order to learn how to cope. While experience teaches one some things that he does not learn in other settings, it is foolish to wait for experience to teach everything that one needs to know. This is equivalent to the "sink or swim" method of swimming instruction. In reality, this is seldom practiced, or more children would drown. But a lot of young adults are drowning. Some are drowning in debt because their parents did not give them any financial responsibility along the way or tell them anything about managing finances. An allowance is a good place to start. Children should be taught to give some(1 Cor. 16:1-2), save some(Proverbs 6:6), and spend wisely. When they overspend and don't have money for what they want, they should be allowed to suffer the small consequences so they won't have to suffer larger consequences later. A good explanation of the statement, "…the borrower is servant to the lender."(Proverbs 22:7) will help a young person see the pitfalls of too much borrowing and that he has to pay back what he borrows plus interest. Children should be reminded that it is wrong for one not to pay back what he owes(Romans 13:8).
Responsibility, not only in money matters, but also in relationship to one's spouse and children, is best taught by a good example of godly parents. What are you teaching your children about being accountable for their obligations?
Preparation for marriage- Again, one would not think of allowing his child to get behind the wheels of a car with no training, handing him the keys, and saying, "Drive on, you are on your own now." Years of a good example in the home help any child to prepare, but specific teaching should be part of our youth's preparation for marriage. They need to be taught about the danger of divorce and the permanency of marriage(Matt. 19:1-9), about how to love and treat a mate(Ep. 5) and how they are no longer children who can depend on Mama and Daddy for everything. Some parents complain about their adult children's failures, but they have never been taught how to succeed.
Preparation for eternity- This may sound a bit morbid, but parents would do well to consider it, "Death will come to every child." Every adult was once a child. People are much more likely to obey the gospel and be faithful to God, if they are taught to do so from their youth. Paul said of Timothy, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.(2 Tim. 3:15) David Courington

Camp On My Mind

Camp on my mind? This may seem to be a strange post for January, 16th, but tomorrow it will only be be 5 months until(Lord willing) I will direct another week at Indian Creek Youth Camp, June 17th, 2007. I don't know exactly how many camp sessions this will make that I have directed, but it is more than 25. It will be the 35th summer that I have been to camp at ICYC.
Actually, camp never gets too far from my mind. About 50 of us Sylvan Springs Church of Christ folks are going to ICYC this weekend for Survivor Weekend. If it turns out to be as cold as earlier predicted, the name may really mean what it says.
But also, Brian Gentle called me today to asked about setting up our display for Challenge Youth Conference. Thanks Brian, for your work for ICYC. If you have an interest in ICYC, your help is needed to promote the camp, as well. We now have it ready to rent year round. And also, though our numbers have been good, we want to come closer to filling it up each week.
Also, Gayla Bradford called me today to tell me that Kevin had the week of June 17 for his vacation and they are coming to camp this summer. Good help is hard to find, especially men counselors, so this is always good news.
Camp never gets old, just better. I got to go to Exposure Camp with our youth the week of Christmas. What a joy to be with all of those young people as they learn more about Jesus and learn more about the joy of being around other Christians. How sweet heaven will be!

10 Things I Want You To Know

Some things are just too good to keep to yourself. We simply have to tell our friends, even strangers, about a favorite movie, a special book, or a great “bargain” store. Good news travels fast because we want to tell it. But there is other news we cannot help but tell our family and neighbors such as, “Have you heard about the tornado warning?” Those kinds of things may be upsetting, but good friends do not keep them to themselves. Some of the things I want you to know are heart warming things, and a few may be disturbing, but you need to know them. Please read them in the spirit of love with which they are written.

1. I want you to know that there is a true and living God who created heaven and earth. Gen. 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Perhaps the most convincing argument for the existence of God is the evidence of his creation. Did it get here by itself? Can there be an intelligent design without a designer? Hebrews 3:4 says, “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.”
2. I want you to know that the same God who made us, gave us a book of laws to follow. I recently bought a new camera. It is a bit complex. Of course I needed some guidance on how to use it. God did not assemble us and then fail to give us an instruction book. David loved God’s law. He said, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalms 119:104)
3. I want you to know that though these laws may not always be to our liking, they are for our good. Deut. 6:24 says, “And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.”
4. I want you to know that all men are sinners and lost apart from God., in need of salvation. (Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
5. I want you to know Jesus. God loved you so much he sent his Son, Jesus, to save you. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”The more you learn of Him, the more you will love Him.
6. I want you to know that you can be saved from your sins. There is no sin that is too big for God to forgive. Jesus showed God’s attitude when he was on the cross saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."(Luke 23:34) If Jesus could forgive his own murderers, he can forgive you. To have your sins forgiven you must hear God’s word(Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as God’s son(John 8:24), confess your faith in him(Romans 10:10), repent of(turn from) your sins (Acts 2:38), and be baptized into Christ(Mark 16:16).
7. I want you to know that there is a right way and a wrong way to live. Jesus himself said that there is a broad way that many go that leads to destruction, and a narrow way that few people find that leads to life(Matthew 7:13-14). There is one lifestyle for the Christian and another for the lost. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
8. I want you to know that God wants all men to worship Him. John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Biblical worship includes singing(Eph. 5:19), praying(1 Thess. 5:17), giving(1 Cor. 16:1-2), preaching and taking the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week(Acts 20:7). If you are able, you should not fail to attend church services (Heb. 10:25).
9. I want you to know that Jesus died to establish a church that all of the saved are in. When those that Peter preached to were saved, they were added by God to his church. Acts 2:47 says, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Jesus died for his church and he cherishes it(Ephesians 5:23-30). There is only one true church that we read of in the Bible
(See 1 Cor. 12:12-13).
10. I want you to know that I love you. Not only does God want you to be saved, but I do too. Please consider these things carefully. There is nothing more important than your soul. How can I help you in your obedience to the Lord? Please let me know.
Your Friend,
David Courington

Banned Words In Churches of Christ

The so called “guardians of English” at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan have come out with their most recent list of words that should be banned from the English language. Since 1976 they have compiled an annual 'List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use or General Uselessness.' The list includes such words as “Boasts” stating, “Used in the real estate classifieds, as in "master bedroom boasts his-and-her fireplaces." What's next? "The bathroom apologizes for cracked linoleum." Another word is “Awesome” with the comment, “Sneakers are not "awesome." The word will be banished until such time as it can once again mean "fear mingled with admiration or reverence; a feeling produced by something majestic." They also selected “Truthiness,” saying “Popularized by "The Colbert Report," this word that used to ring true is getting all the truth wrung out of it.”
Many who read this blog know that there are certain phrases that members of the church of Christ tend to “misuse, overuse, etc.” I submit the following for your consideration:

“Awesome”- to borrow a word from the list above, to describe God as awesome and then to describe banana pudding the same way just can’t be right, can it?

“Our fellowship”- can’t we, at least occasionally, identify the church as the church? Are there faithful brethren that we do not fellowship? If so, isn’t something wrong?

“Separate and apart”- as you already know, the rest of the phrase is “from the Lord’s supper.” If something is “separate”, isn’t it also “apart?”

“Providentially hindered”- Some would question whether "God's providence" really "hinders" us in the first place, but regardless, I submit this word for overuse. Is one providentially hindered from coming to church when he chooses to go to work instead of worship because he wants to make more money? Is a whole family "providentially hindered" from coming to church because one kid has the sniffles?

“Arbitrary commands”- They may seem arbitrary to us, but don’t you think God had a reason for giving them?

I know I will think of some more later.

Feel free to nominate your own words in comments.

What Happened To Namaan's Leprosy?

What Happened To Namaan’s Leprosy?
How would you feel if you had terminal cancer and someone healed you of it completely? One can only imagine the degree of joy that he might have. Namaan(2 Kings 5) was a powerful man, but he was not immune to disease. He had contracted the dreaded disease of leprosy. Not only was it an incurable disease with horrible symptoms, but one would usually be separated from others so they wouldn’t catch it.
Namaan’s wife had a young servant who was an Israelite and she told him of a prophet of God, Elisha, who could heal him. He found Elisha and was told to dip seven times in Jordan and he would be healed. Namaan reluctantly did so, and because of his faith, he was healed.
As on might expect, Naaman was appreciative of his healing and he wanted to give Elisha a gift (2 Kings 5:15). The text shows Elisha’s reply, “But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.” (2 Kings 5:16). Elisha had a servant named Gehazi who then went out after Namaan and asked for a gift for “two young sons of the prophets.” Namaan gladly gave him a gift. Gehazi then came back to Elisha and lied about the matter. Because of this Elisha told him, “Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.” (2 Kings 5:27). So that is what happened to Namaan’s leprosy!
The lesson is a needed one for all. Greediness or covetousness is no small sin. The Ten Commandments declared, “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17). Paul said to Timothy, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Gehazi allowed his desire for money to make a liar and a cheat out of him. That has happened to so many people, not only gamblers and schemers, but businessmen and faithful Christians who let Satan come into their heart. Jesus’ warning is clear, “And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15). David Courington

Great Shock -Great Christmas!

We had a wonderful holiday with the family. I think it was the best in a long time, probably because we now have 3 small grandchildren. Addi and Levi were so excited. Hannah was smiling at everyone. We topped off the day with a real shocker. We talked to my dear Aunt Marie(Mom's sister, Marie Short who lives in Hurt, Virginia and my only aunt. She has been a widow for about 10 years and is a spry 82 years old) and she told us that she got an engagement ring for Christmas! She had told us she had been seeing a friend, Paul, from New York. She had also said many times that she wasn't looking for a man(Maybe one was looking for her.) They are planning to be married this spring. We really have something to look forward to in the new year. Of course we wish them the best.

Bargain Shopping- What Would You Do?

I love to find a bargain. Last week I found a John Deere lawn mower at Lowes(Wildwood) for a great price. The salesman said it had not been sold, but had a minor repair. We found that the flap assembly(where the grass comes out of the mower) was missing and I asked him if they would get me one. While waiting for him to see, another salesman told me that they would surely get me the part. The salesman then told me the dept. manager said they would not. I got agravated and decided not to buy the incomplete mower. Upon further reflection, I decided it was too good a buy to pass up. I went back the next morning and the mower was gone, but a similar one next to it was still there, missing the flap assembly that it had the day before. They sold the mower I wanted to someone else that same day, with the part from another mower. I am sure I will not get any satisfaction out of this, but do you think I should pursue it with the general manager? Since everbody is always calling such unfairness discrimination of one kind or another, maybe it was "fat boy" discrimination, or perhaps "preacher discrimination", or maybe even a "gray hair" bias. Think I should sue them? Any lawyers our there?

How Old, Again?

My dear wife Susan(who is and will always be older than me) really got a kick out of the latest attempt to deflate all of my ego. I dropped by her school library(which is by the way, new and beautiful)the other day and when she referred to me as Mr. Courington, one of her students asked, "Is that your Daddy?"
If I had enough hair, I would dye it(even though I took a vow several years ago not to ever do so). One vow I will not break (unless I go nuts) is not to get a toupee(Is that how you spell it? It somehow doesn't look right, and it never will!)
Guess I will just have to look distinguished.