By: Pastor David Grousnick

A man borrowed a book from an acquaintance. As he read through it, he was intrigued to find parts of the book underlined with the letters YBH written in the margin. When he returned the book to the owner, he asked what the YBH meant.

The owner replied that the underlined paragraphs were sections of the book that he basically agreed with. They gave him hints on how to improve himself and pointed out truths that he wished to incorporate into his life.

However, the letters YBH stood for “Yes, but how?”

Those three letters could be written on the margins of our souls!

“I ought to know how to take better care of myself, but how?”

“I know I ought to spend more time in scripture reading and prayer, but how?”

“I know I ought to be more sensitive to others, more loving of my spouse, more understanding of the weaknesses of others, but how?”

These are all good qualities and we know that, but how can we acquire them? As Christian people we know the kind of life we ought to live, and most of us have the best of intentions to do so, but how?

We are afraid because we know where the road paved with only good intentions leads!

Read Jesus’ parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:1-9, telling us to repent and bear good fruit. We know what the Christian life requires of us and yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we also know how far short we fall.

So, the question that confronts us is: “Yes, but how?”

It’s a dilemma that has confronted God’s people throughout the ages. Even Saint Paul found himself trapped.

In Romans 7 Paul writes: It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love to do God’s will so far as my new (redeemed Christian) nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind, I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself enslaved to sin….

So, what are we to do? I would suggest that you give self-examination some consideration.

It seems that once the University of Tennessee coach bought a bolt of cloth thinking he would have a suit made out of it. He took the material to his tailor in Knoxville where the tailor measured him, examined the bolt of cloth, did some computations on a piece of paper, and said, “I’m sorry, coach, there just isn’t enough material in this bolt to make a suit for you.”

The coach was disappointed, but he threw the bolt of cloth in the trunk of his car, wondering what he was going to do with it.

A couple of weeks later he was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama – the home of the Crimson Tide – arch enemies of the Vols. He was on his way to the coast for a vacation.

Driving down the main street in Tuscaloosa, he noticed a tailor shop, and he remembered that he had that bolt of cloth in the trunk. He stopped, thinking he would give it a try. He told the tailor he had bought this bolt of cloth and wondered if he could do anything with it. The tailor measured him, measured the bolt of cloth, did some computations.

Finally, he said, “Coach, I can make you a suit out of this bolt. What’s more, I can make you an extra pair of pants. And if you really want it, I can give you a vest out of this, too.”

The coach was dumbfounded.

“I don’t understand,” he said. “My tailor in Knoxville told me he couldn’t even make one suit out of this bolt of cloth.”

The tailor said, “Coach, here in Tuscaloosa, you are not nearly as big a man as you are in Knoxville.”

I share this story to make the point that things are not always what they seem. The parable of the fig tree is clearly a parable of judgment. But at the very heart of it is a marvelous word of grace.

Garrison Keillor warns us, “You can become a Christian by going to church just as about easily as you can become an automobile by sleeping in a garage.” What we’re speaking of is the danger of presumed spiritual security.

Our parable says that we’re not called just to be here. It is a clear warning against a fruitless existence in the light of God’s grace given to us.

The season of Lent is about looking in, not out!

Have a great weekend!

David Grousnick, is the Pastor at the First Christian Church in Artesia.

By: Pastor Rick Smith

In a few weeks we will celebrate Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, but before the resurrection Jesus had to die on the cross. This was the plan of God and that plan is from eternity (Revelation 13:8). So, lets take a look at what took place during Jesus ministry when He began telling His disciples about His death on the cross. So we will confine ourselves to one gospel, the gospel of Mark, to follow Jesus on His road to Calvary. Our passage for today is Mark 8:31-38. Just to get the context in the same chapter in verses 22 through 30 we have the story of Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ. In Matthews 16:18, Jesus praises Peter for recognizing that He is the Christ. “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” I am sure that Peter was very proud of himself and the fact that Jesus commended him only made him prouder.

At this time, in the timing of God the Father, Jesus began to teach the disciples that He was going to die and rise again. “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly.” (Mark 8:31-32a). Jesus didn’t use parables, nor stories, nor any other type of illustration. He spoke to them in plain language so that they would have no excuse but understand what he was saying. I do believe that the rising again part of that message was overlooked by Peter and the apostles. “And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.” (Mark 8:32b). I think that the reason so many Christians can identify with Peter is because of his carnal humanity. No one could doubt that Peter loved Jesus and was committed to Him. But Peter had to learn a lesson that most of us also must learn. We follow Jesus. We don’t command Him. It is Jesus Who is Lord. “But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” (Mark 8:33). Peter was not Satan, but he was at that moment a pawn of Satan. We, like Peter, don’t think God’s thoughts, neither do we understand the mind of the Lord. We think carnally, often just like those that are unregenerate.

What Peter did had influence over those that heard him. “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34). Jesus gathered His disciples and the crowd of people nearby to hear His response to Peter’s rebuke. If you desire to be a follower of Jesus, then you must go all the way with Him. You must deny your own personal and fleshly desires, take up your cross, and follow Jesus wherever He is leading. For Peter, the apostles, and those various disciples that had gathered to Jesus, it meant giving up their own ideas and desires to follow Jesus. And it would mean that they might literally have to take up the cross and die for Jesus. It meant for them what it means for us. We have to deny ourselves, take upon ourselves the death penalty, and die with and for Jesus. Someone has said that the martyrs blood is the seeds of the spread of the gospel. What are you willing to give up to follow Jesus?

Salvation is free, but discipleship costs. You have a choice. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8:35). Many who appeared so committed to Christ, have denied Him when the cost was too high for them to pay. Some later returned and gave all up for Jesus, dying for His name. Others, turned their back on Jesus for the love of this world and by so doing that lost it all. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). Will you take up your cross and follow Jesus?

Jesus takes it personal when you don’t love and trust Him enough to deny yourself and follow Him. Are you ashamed of Jesus? “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38). Jesus stood up for the martyr Stephen and He stood by Paul and He sent an angel to set Peter free. These denied themselves, took up the cross, and followed Jesus. Will you take up your cross and follow Him?

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday. Worship at 10:50 A.M. We are located at 711 West Washington Ave. Check our sermon videos on Youtube @ricksmith2541. Send comments and prayer requests to prayerlinecmbc@gmail.com.

Rick Smith is the Pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Artesia.

By: Harry Bailey, Supervisor
Artesia Animal Shelter

With a significant increase in distemper cases, especially concentrated in Roswell, it’s crucial to understand what distemper is, how to identify its symptoms, and the preventive steps you can take. This guide will help you protect your pets.

What is Distemper?

Distemper is a serious and often fatal viral disease affecting dogs, ferrets, raccoons, and other wildlife. The virus primarily attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s highly contagious and can spread rapidly, particularly in environments with high animal populations like shelters, kennels, or parks.

The virus that causes canine distemper (CDV) is an RNA virus. It can cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild respiratory issues to severe neurological damage. While puppies and young dogs are most vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, unvaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

Symptoms of Distemper

Distemper symptoms can vary, depending on the infection’s stage. The disease generally progresses through four stages:

1. Respiratory Symptoms (Initial Stage): Fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and eye discharge.

2. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

3. Neurological Symptoms (Severe Stage): Muscle twitches, seizures, incoordination, and possibly paralysis.

4. Severe Complications or Death: In many cases, the virus can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

How is Distemper Transmitted?

Distemper is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or feces from infected animals. It can also spread through airborne droplets when an infected animal coughs or sneezes.

Although the virus doesn’t survive long in the environment, it can linger on contaminated surfaces or objects, increasing the risk of transmission.

Prevention of Distemper

Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing distemper. Here are key prevention steps:

1. Vaccination:

o Puppies: Puppies should begin their distemper vaccination series at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks old.

o Adult Dogs: Adult dogs need booster shots every 1-3 years, depending on the vet’s recommendation.

o Other Animals: Ensure any other pets, such as ferrets, are also vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.

2. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals:

o Distemper is highly contagious, so avoid exposing your dog to potentially infected animals. Be cautious when taking your dog to public spaces, such as parks or dog beaches.

o If you’re adopting or introducing a new animal, ensure it’s properly vaccinated or quarantined for a period.

3. Quarantine Sick Animals:

o If your dog shows signs of distemper or has been exposed to an infected animal, isolate it immediately to prevent spreading the virus.

4. Practice Good Hygiene:

o Clean your dog’s living areas, food bowls, toys, and bedding regularly. Disinfect areas where your pet spends time, especially if they’ve been in contact with other animals.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian:

o Regular check-ups will ensure your pet stays current on vaccinations. Your vet can also help identify early signs of distemper or other health issues.

Can Distemper Be Treated?

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for distemper. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the immune system. This can include administering fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and anti-seizure medication. Unfortunately, despite supportive care, the prognosis is often poor, especially in severe cases.

Conclusion

Distemper is a serious, contagious disease that can be fatal, but it is preventable through proper vaccination and responsible pet care. The best way to protect your dog is to ensure they are vaccinated according to your vet’s recommended schedule and to avoid contact with potentially infected animals.

By staying informed and proactive about your dog’s health, you can help keep them safe from distemper and other preventable diseases, ensuring they live a long, healthy life.

Harry Bailey is the Supervisor for the Artesia Animal Shelter. He can be reached at: 575-746-5043 or at hbailey@atesianm.gov