Hate Is an Acid

It has been many years since I sat in a high school chemistry class, but I vividly remember the warnings from the teacher.  He was constantly reminding us that sulfuric acid was highly caustic and that it would burn clothing, furniture, skin, and everything it touched.  We used it with caution.

Hate is something like an acid.  It also burns what it comes in contact with.  Someone has said, "Hate is so powerful an acid that it destroys the vessel in which it is stored even more than those upon whom it is poured."  Hatred destroys the one who harbors it in his heart.  It results in ulcers, ill health, and an absence of peace and contentment in one's life.

Perhaps this problem also existed in the early church.  John wrote, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (I John 4:20).

Christians must learn to love rather than hate.  Someone else wrote, "There is a God of love in this world of hate.  Love is stronger than hate, and this is man's hope.  Hate tears down; love builds up.  Hate is darkness and gloom; love is light and good cheer.  Hate is foreboding and misery; love is peace and contentment.  Hate is of Satan; love is of God.  Hate is for time; love is for eternity."

Acid and hate.  They are alike in many ways, but there is one major difference.  Acid has a few valuable uses.  Hate is absolutely worthless.  How many souls will burn because of it?

     -- Larry Gill

Announcements

Everyone be sure to pick up your corrected pictorial directory change of information sheet from a table in the foyer.  If you have not received your copy of the directory, collar Barbara this morning and she'll have a handful.  Or feel free to stop by the office during the week.  All members are entitled to a directory whether you were here for the photo session or not.

We are extending the Juice Drive benefiting Christian Homes of Abilene through Sunday, June 8.  Please bring fruit juices of any flavor and size to the foyer.

On Sunday, June 1, we will have a Potluck Luncheon followed by a "Family Conversation" to update everyone on current events and plans and to get constructive input and ideas.  This meeting will be followed by a brief devotional.  There will be no 5 p.m. service.

You are invited to a Baby Shower honoring Kern & Mandy Crisman and son on Sunday, June 1 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at Dena Schroeder home, 1002 S. Pioneer Dr.  Mandy's selections are found at Target and Geoffrey's.

Christian Homes Change Drive 2003
Why not make a real CHANGE in the lives of children and families by taking part in the CHANGE DRIVE 2003 for Christian Homes?  Last year was Christian Homes' 40th year of ministry.  Your CHANGE can help insure another 40 years of service.

Cans are available on the table in the foyer for you to take home and use to deposit your change for the next three months.  You'll be surprised how it can add up with just a little each day.  After you take your can, please call Barbara during the week to let her know you have one, 673-6776. We'll remind you when it's time to turn it in.

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps."  It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.  But, do you know the story behind the song?  If not, you might be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.  Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.  The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.  Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.  When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.  The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.  It was his own son.  The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.  Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.  His request was only partially granted.  The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.  The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.  But out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.  The Captain chose a bugler.  He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.  This wish was granted.  The haunting melody, we know as "Taps", used at military funerals was born.

Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country.  And also remember those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

Those to Serve:

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