file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940904.txt ------------------------------------------------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Sunday, September 4,1994 --------------- READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 "THE CHURCH CURE" Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 There don't seem to be many things that people agree on these days, but I have recently noticed a general consensus about at least two items: People are recognizing that violence is a growing problem and that smoking truly is a health hazard. A couple of recent surveys show, however, that the govern- ment may not be the best place to find answers for these two problems. In a 1993 issue of the Family Research Report, one study indicated that those who attend church regularly smoke less than the general population. Likewise, churchgo- ing was seen as a key characteristic of violence-free fami- lies. Merely walking through church doors, of course, does not change us. But the truths taught in the church, as well as the encouragement from other God-fearing people, do affect us (1 Th. 5:14-22). We can worship our God, grow in our walk with Him, and surround ourselves with others who love Him. These are great incentives to do what is right. Attending church does not make us perfect. But following God's teaching and worshiping the Lord will certainly go a long way toward making us better. Author: J. David Brannon Our week is deficient without this one goal: To honor the Lord's Day and nourish our soul; The help that we need for the trials we face Will come as we worship and draw on God's grace. - Dennis J. De Haan THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: To keep growing in Christ, keep going to church. The Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 14-16 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and Friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800- 598-7221. -----------------------------------------------------------------