New Melody Church

ONE MOMENT In one’s youth, life seems to stretch on endlessly. Minds attuned to enjoyment of the pleasures at hand, care little concerning things in the far, far away future. Death is only a word and life hereafter smirked away casually. Trying to introduce them to the Christian concept of eternal life is a struggle in futility. Theirs is not a firm rejection of reality but a condition of maturity. Time will seen to accelerate as they mature in wisdom and knowledge and appear to speed on toward death. The closer the general times comes the more quickly the moments turn to seconds. Some then seek the face of God. Some still rebel and sadly many continue living the “good life.” Christians don’t be surprised if this group does not fear COVID-19 and rush to you for instructions on coming to Christ. Fear is a tool Satan presses onto God’s people and not his own. Press on. Reach as many as possible. Figuratively or in reality only a moment remains. 1 Corinthians 13:11 “ When I

RESPONSIBLE Bible study had been fruitful. It was time for services at a local church in Duffield, Virginia. Time and chemo have taken a toll on a mind already weakened by an early life of information derivation and a late turning to God. I rose from the pew and mounted the stage. Fear whittled at my confidence. It was not a God doubting fear. It was the fear of responsibility. There were several levels of Christian growth in the sanctuary. For the most part, they had come to gain peace of mind through the Holy Ghost presentation of the directives and promises of God. Many people will back away from the unknown. COVID-19 was looming in the near future. They would need strength. I needed to have it and give it. It comes from the Word of God and church leaders are responsible in giving out the pure, untainted word of our Father in heaven. When I began to pour out the uplifting words of promise, fear subsided before the pressing forth of the Holy Spirit. Looking back, I see that my

Veil Stop for a moment and attempt to imagine a world where a total face veil is government mandated and a bare face, even in the home, carries the death penalty. Now consider how close we may be to that very condition. A veil serves many purposes. What then is a veil? Muslim tradition requires a piece of fine material be worn by women to protect or conceal the face. Christian tradition suggests a bride wear a white veil during wedding ceremonies. Widows wear a black veil while mourning her deceased husband. Today, many wear veils to protect against floating corona virus. A veil separates one thing from another. Except for the Muslims, the wearing of the veil is voluntary. The theater draws a curtain veil between participants and the audience. There are many more examples and purposes for the use of a veil. But, they are voluntary. But, what if they were mandated or absolutely necessary to life. Consider how history of God’s followers uses the veil. Adam and Eve, transform

THE PRECIPICE A s I stood there on the brink of the precipice that day a few years back, overlooking the Cumberland Area, I was overcome with a feeling of smallness. Below, I could watched a train slowly worming passage through the man h une tunnel leaving Tas s well, V irginia and exiting in Middles Borough, Kentucky. It was no greater in appearance than a tinker toy. A cool steady breeze caressed my brow. I considered the flight available for a moment but turned away without enjoying t he free fall. Battles of the Civil war of the 1860s were fought here and signs of death remained. Cudjo’s Cave, burred deep into the Cumberland M ountain served the soldiers well. It was home for Cudjo, a runaway slave, who took up refuge in the cave. The owners rename the cave, Cudjo's Caverns). I had visited the Cavern with a church group in years long past. Now, considering my free fall, I recognized a truth; the free fall would be unbelievably great but the landing would b

THE PATH Jesus walked this earth in his time much as we walk it in our passing. We must never forget that he walked an example for us to apply in our journey. As I slept, God spoke to me through a dream. It was a bible school setting. A man sang in a beautiful voice. Waking, much of it slipped away. I trembled and shed tears. The Great Holy spirit overwhelmed me and brought me to my knees in prayer. The words of the song most captivating were, “Follow the blood trail to the cross.” Even now, I feel a stirring in my body and flooding my mind. Just think. Jesus left a clearly marked trail. Mark 10:32 “ And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, “ Joh n 14:4 “ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John