July 2022

I remember when I was a child my mom and dad would take us with them to church. Sometimes it was not a welcome adventure. I am not an early riser, and in those days there were no afternoon, evening, or late morning services. My brother, sister, and I would grumble and sit cross armed in the car as we drove to church. It was interesting, though. When we arrived, people were always happy to see us and would say hello or ask my parents questions about their week. They would say things like how nice we looked or how pretty our dresses were (no pants in those days).

Hebrew 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” When I was in my early 20’s, the church I attended was going through a rough patch. A few years earlier, the church had called a new head pastor.

Scripture is clear that believers are to live in community for a variety of reasons, including mutual encouragement, strengthening, sharing joys and sorrows, and fellowship. Ephesians 4 says, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

Entertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family and professional colleagues.

DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the best medicine for arthritis? My doctor prescribed diclofenac sodium, and another doctor said it will damage my liver and kidney with prolonged usage. As you know, arthritis is a chronic disease. Let me know what medicine I can use for arthritis. -- A.A.