Tommy and Joseph were the best of friends. They grew up together in the small town of Burlington, North Carolina, about 50 miles from the coast in the rolling Carolina hills. And just like any small town in the US, it was a great place to grow up. Tommy and Joseph shared the same experiences that most friends do; they played football together, went to summer camp together, hung out down at the Dairy Dream and flirted with the girls. Once they even raised a hog together for an FFA project. Though they were friends there were some differences between them. Take religion for instance, Tommy’s parents were Christians and very faithful in attendance and involvement in the local church, while Joseph’s family did not participate in religion of any kind. As the boys grew into adulthood, they continued to be friends. They were each other’s Best Man when they both married local girls. They continued their friendship as their families grew and developed. There were softball games and backyard cook-outs, camping trips and graduations. As an adult, Tommy continued to serve and worship God regularly, while Joseph didn’t attend church anywhere. Tommy never spoke of God, Jesus or church while he was with Joseph. He didn’t want to make his friend uncomfortable and certainly didn’t want to strain such a wonderful relationship. The two men continued to be friends for the rest of their lives. On the Great Day of Judgment, God had gathered all of the people of all of the nations before Him. It was an awesome sight, billions upon billions of people standing before the Almighty God (Matthew 25: 31, 32). Then, just as Jesus had said, God separated the people into two groups, one on the left and one on the right. Tommy was there on the right side, along with his family. But Tommy couldn’t help but notice the great multitude standing on the left side. He knew the scripture well, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46. As Tommy scanned the crowds of people over on the left side, to his horror he saw his best friend Joseph. Tommy realized that it was too late to talk to Joseph about Jesus, about going to church, about being obedient to the Gospel. Tommy had simply wanted to keep his friendship and thus avoided sharing the greatest gift offered to mankind. Joseph looked over at Tommy and said, “Why didn’t you tell me this was going to happen? I thought we were the best of friends.” Share the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ with your friends and family this week, please do it before it's too late! 

Jay Launius

Maud church of Christ

Maud, Texas

High school comes with a lot—stress from classes, drama with friends, family expectations, and figuring out what’s next. Some days it feels like too much. And here’s something people don’t always tell you: Life will always have challenges. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.  
 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” That means when life feels overwhelming, the first place to turn is God’s Word. The Bible is full of people who faced real struggles—just like you—but God never left them. And He won’t leave you, either.  
 

But don’t stop there—look around. Your church family is full of people who have been where you are. They’ve faced tough choices, made mistakes, and learned important lessons. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and let them pour into your life.  
 

Challenges won’t disappear, but with faith, wisdom, and a strong support system, you’ll grow through them. Keep trusting, keep seeking, and remember—you’re not in this alone.  -Jyusef Larry
 

I have Decided To Follow Jesus 

I am resolved. This day I establish, or reestablish, my commitment to serve 

God. My destination is heaven, and every step I take should be in that di- 

rection. My ultimate goal is to spend eternity in the presence of My Crea- 

tor. And every intermediate goal I set should be a stepping stone to that 

end. Each day I will affirm my identity as being created in the image of God. 

That assures me that I am of value and that my behavior is significant. I re- 

solve today, henceforth, there will be no turning back! 

Luke 9:62 “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is 

fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Sourced from “Right Angels” by Ralph Bryant a longtime Christian minister 

and author; Ralph currently serves as the preaching minister and an elder 

for the Abell Street Church of Christ in Wharton, Texas. He is a good friend 

to the Fulshear Church of Christ. 

We cannot change the past.  Good or bad, what happened in the past is what it is. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 7:10 that it is unwise to long for “the good old days,” and Jesus said in Luke 9:62 that “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.”   Perhaps this is why the Hebrew writer quoted Jeremiah 31:34 saying that God “will forgive their wickedness and will never remember their sins.” 

We can, however, change the future.  Holding a grudge about our sins and the sins of others against us can rob both of peace.  Unforgiveness leaves us full of bitterness and rage.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” 

As we approach this season when much of the world pauses to remember the birth of the One who came to bring forgiveness and peace, remember your ability to change the future by seeking forgiveness, for yourself and others. 

Blessings! 

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

In our busy world, it can be difficult to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives. With the pressures of work, family, and personal responsibilities, we may feel distant from God, unsure of where He is. However, Scripture encourages us to seek Him continually, reminding us that God is always near, waiting to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

Focusing on God requires a deliberate effort to slow down and create space for Him in our lives. It could be a few moments of quiet prayer in the morning, a short walk in nature, or reading Scripture before bed. These moments help us recalibrate our hearts, allowing us to see God’s hand at work.

When we pause to focus, we begin to notice God’s presence in the small things—a kind word, the beauty of creation, or a moment of peace. God is not just present in grand gestures but in everyday blessings.

By seeking Him with intention, we learn to trust that He is guiding and loving us every step of the way, even in the ordinary moments.

-Brent Seifert