A Time to Speak and a Time to Be Quiet!

Life teaches us that there is a time to speak and a time to be quiet. King Solomon also taught that, and Jesus uses the thought as well. In this week’s sermon, we will explore the opportunities to do both.


Scripture: Mark 1:40-45
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, “I am willing,” he said. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Questions Are Natural delivered on Christian Crusaders December 16, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:

In the quietness of our homes or churches, we must ponder the question, How has the Christ Child enriched my life? Why not sit down and make a list of how the Savior has made a big difference in your life this year. He once said, "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly." How has your life been made more abundant because Jesus lives with you? Has He set you free from some of the worries and cares of life? Perhaps you buried a loved one this year. Were His words of comfort that he or she lives with Christ in heaven of help to you? Has Jesus been with you in good days as well as difficult hours? If you are not a Christian, but are seeking answers to your life, this Savior, whose birth we celebrate, would like to talk with you through His Word.


About Christian Crusaders
Four members of Christian Crusaders’ Board of Directors serve on our Broadcast Committee. One of the duties of this committee is to decide if we should renew a contract with a radio station. They review how much listener response for that station has been received in the past year. Although financial gifts are important, the committee also looks at letters, calls from listeners, and the number of listeners in the geographical area of that radio station who are on our mailing list.

Please pray for the very important work of the Christian Crusaders Broadcast Committee as they make strategic decisions on where to broadcast the Good News of Jesus Christ through this ministry.


On the Light Side
A police officer stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street. “But officer,” the man began, “I can explain.”

“Just be quiet,” snapped the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.”

“But, officer, I just wanted to say . . .”

“And I said to keep quiet! You’re going to jail!”

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, “Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood when he gets back.”

“Don’t count on it,” answered the fellow in the cell. “I’m the groom.”