We Need More Mnasons

By Mark McWhorter

Almost everyone who has studied the Bible has heard about the woman who gave two mites. This woman's husband was dead and she was very poor. But she was willing to give all that she had for the work of God. We can all learn a good lesson.

There is another person who gave of what he had that many people do not know. His name was Mnason. Mnason was a very wealthy man. He was a citizen of Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. He also had a home in Jerusalem.

Mnason was one of the first people converted to Christ when the church was established. He was a dedicated Christian.

In Acts 21, we read about Paul being told by Agabus, the prophet, that if he went to Jerusalem he would be taken captive and delivered to the Gentiles. Those with Paul in Caesarea tried to talk him out of going to Jerusalem. But Paul could not be convinced not to go.

Mnason was present when the prophecy was made. He knew that there were great dangers ahead for anyone in company with Paul in Jerusalem. But not only did Mnason go with him, Mnason had Paul and all of those with him stay at his house in Jerusalem.

Mnason not only was willing to put his possessions to work for the Lord, but he was also willing to put his life on the line. Mnason had no way of knowing whether he also would be imprisoned with Paul. But he was willing to stand for the truth and was willing to support those who stood for the truth.

Are you willing to stand for the truth? Or are you even scared to talk to a classmate about God?

We need more individuals like Mnason. Individuals who have courage and who act on their convictions.

Friendship

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the sweethearts who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!!

They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Show your friends how much you care.

(author unknown)

A True Friend

By Mark McWhorter

Young people, we all like to have friends. But for you to be a true friend to someone, you should try to teach them the Bible. Here is a poem to make the point.

My Friend,

I stand in Judgment now,
And feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.

You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth,
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you "friend" and trusted you,
But I learn now that it's too late,
You could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the Light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I'd never live on high.

Yes, I called you a "friend" in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now, call you "My Friend."

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