When I was a freshman in high school I lived and worked on a large farm one summer. A big creek ran through this farm on its way to the Tennessee river. The creek had fish in it. Some afternoons I had a little free time between chores. I liked to fish. One afternoon I was doing well. I caught three or four catfish – put them on a stringer and dropped them in the water while I fished some more. When I was ready to go the house I pulled the stringer out of the water. Only the heads of the fish were left. The creek also had huge turtles. Turtles ate my fish.
I was sure I would have fish for supper that night, but the enemy took my fish. There have been other times in life when something seemed to be a sure thing – but it didn’t work out. What do we do when things don’t work out as expected? I ate supper that night. It was corn bread and milk rather than fish. We simply move on with life.
As Christians, we believe that God will guide our footsteps and guard our path. Read what the Psalmist says in Psa. 37:3-5 (NLT) “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him, and He will help you.”
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He guides us day by day.
It is reported that the CEO of one of the large corporations that recently went bankrupt has a large mansion in Florida. USA Today reported the bars and clubs he is seen in regularly. On Sunday he teaches a Sunday School Class!!!! What do all those people, who lost their jobs and retirement because of the greed of a few, see as they look at this man?
Most of us will never be as high on the totem pole as these corporate executives. But you may be sure others are looking at our lives every day. What do they see?
B>B>Mckinney wrote a song that tells what others should see in us.
LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU
While passing thro’ this world of sin, And others your life shall view, Be clean and pure without, within, Let others see Jesus in you.
Your life’s a book before their eyes, They’re reading it thro’ and thro’; Say, does it point them to the skies, Do others see Jesus in you?
What joy ‘twill be at set of sun, In mansions beyond the blue, To find some souls that you have won; Let others see Jesus in you.
Then live for Christ both day and night, Be faithful, be brave and true, And lead the lost to light and life; Let others see Jesus in you.
Chorus: Let others see Jesus in you……Let others see Jesus in you…..Keep telling the story, Be faithful and true, Let others see Jesus in you.
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the privilege and responsibility of “letting others see Jesus in you.” Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!
SOMEBODY
We live and work and socialize and go to church with people. Usually we know very little about them for most people never reveal their inward feelings of loneliness, sorrow, hurt and even joy. As we go through life interacting with people, touching lives with our words and actions, let us always be mindful that somebody needs our love. B.B. McKinney expresses this thought in a song.
SOMEBODY NEEDS YOUR LOVE
Out in the darkness of sorrow and sin, Somebody needs your love; Led by the Master, that soul you may win, Somebody needs your love.
Many are helpless, and wait for your call, Somebody needs your love; Show them that Jesus is All and in all, Somebody needs your love.
Someone is tempted to turn from the right, Somebody needs your love; Longing for courage and strength for the fight, Somebody needs your love.
Some are down-hearted, in sorrow they roam, Somebody needs your love; Many are sighing for heaven and home, Somebody needs your love.
Chorus: Somebody needs your love, Somebody needs your love….. Someone in sadness, yearning for gladness, Somebody needs your love.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that you just might be the “Somebody” that somebody needs.
THE SOLID ROCK
Are there times in your life when you feel as if you are standing on slippery rocks or even in quicksand? The Psalmist , David, found himself in just such a situation. He was floundering in despair. He called for help. The Lord hear him. This is what David said the Lord did for him. Psa.40:2 (NLT) “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”
William B. Bradsbury wrote a song THE SOLID ROCK which captures David’s thought.
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the vale.
His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
Chorus: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.
Today – Outloud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for Jesus, the Solid Rock.
GOOD
The media – TV , radio, newspapers, magazines capitalize on what they determine is the news. At least 99% of their news is bad news. Murders, rapes, wrecks, accidents in transportation, wars and skirmishes all over the world. If this is the only news we get we can soon find ourselves mired in the depths of despondency.
But I want to share that in the midst of this sea of the depravity of man I have found an island of reassurance in the Word of God. I find that God is good! God is good! God is good all the time!!
2 Chronicles 7:3 – at the dedication of the temple the people worshipped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, He is good; his love endures forever.”
Psalm 136 echoes the refrain… "His love endures forever.”
Psalm 119:68 – “You are good, and what you do is good;”
Psalm 14:9 – “The Lord is good to all.”
Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Luke 18:19 – Jesus reminds us… "No one is good – except God alone.”
I don’t know about you but I am entering this week Thanking and Praising the Lord that the God of this universe is GOOD ! Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!!
The Bible is filled with the promises of God for those who seek to live in obedience to His Word. One of those promises is found in Hebrews 13:5-6. “I will never forsake thee or leave thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Charles H Gabriel wrote this song.
I WILL NOT FORGET THEE
Sweet is the promise – “I will not forget thee,” Nothing can molest or turn my soul away; E’en tho’ the night be dark within the valley, Just beyond is shining one eternal day.
Trusting the promise – “ I will not forget thee,” Onward will I go with songs of joy and love; Tho’ earth despise me, tho’ my friends forsake, I shall be remembered in my home above.
When at the golden portals I am standing, All my tribulations, all my sorrows past, How sweet to hear the blessed proclamation, “Enter, faithful servant, welcome home at last!”
Chorus: I will not forget thee or leave thee; In My hands I’ll hold thee, in My arms I’ll fold thee; I will not forget thee or leave thee; I am they Redeemer, I will care for thee.
Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for His wonderful promises to His children.
DO YOU REMEMBER?
This present generation has no recollection of the “depression years” those of us who are older remember. My father died just before my 8th birthday.. Mother was left with five children ages 5 months to 8 years. How she managed to keep us together, feed and clothe us is one of the mysteries of life. I remember that she managed to buy a Graybar washing machine. She took in washings. Five quilts for $1.00 and a box of Oxydol. She did ironing. She sewed, making clothes for people. Another, brighter memory, was when mother went “to town” she always brought home a small bag of fudge from Kresses. We looked forward to this treat. I still love the taste of that fudge.
Mother was a Christian. She took us – or sent us when she couldn’t go – to Sunday School and church. I think she must have lived by faith and trust in the Lord to provide for her family. I don’t remember missing any meals. We did eat a lot beans and taters. Mother was always singing around the house as she worked. One of the songs she sang was written by Civilla D. Martin.
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Thro’ days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you; When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean weary one, upon His breast, God will take of you.
Chorus: God will take care of you, Through every day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you.
Today – Out loud and on purpose – Thank and Praise the Lord. God will take care of you. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!
BLESSING
In Genesis 12:1 ff God said to Abram, “you follow me and I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and you will be a blessing.” I don’t think Abram – later known as Abraham – sat around thinking God is going to bless me and I’m going to be a blessing. I think he must have kept on doing the things he knew to do. We know he obeyed God. He followed God. He loved God so much he was willing to sacrifice his son when God told him to. But we know God was testing Abraham. Gen. 22:1-19 tells the story. V.17-God says, “I will surely bless you.” V.18 God tells him that through your off-spring all the nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.
I believe every Christian has the desire to be blessed and to be a blessing. Ira. B. Wilson expresses this desire in a song.
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad; Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, Tell of His power to forgive; Others will trust Him if only you prove True, ev’ry moment you live.
Give as ‘twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He blesses you so you can be a blessing. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!
FRIDAY GLEANINGS
Bumper Stickers –
“Minds are like parachutes; they work only when they are open.”
“Will your eternity be smoking or non – smoking?
Church signs
“Jesus came to take away our sins, not our minds.
“Try Jesus, Satan will always take you back.”
“You can’t get ahead while looking back.”
“You can’t hide from God by not attending church.”
Think about it: “Did you ever stop to think and the forget to start up again?”
Anonymous : “It is when we do things according to our knowledge and plans that we suffer spiritually.”
Mark Twain: “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, Drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d druther not.”
W.C. Schlondrop: “Did you know – You will never offend another person by returning a smile.”
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.”
“God always give His best to those who leave the choice with Him.”
Lemon, Brooklyn Street Poet: “God may not always come exactly when you call Him…but He’s always on time.”
C. S. Lewis: “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
Merlin Carothers: “THE SPIRIT OF JESUS IS LOOKING FOR ANYONE, ANYWHERE, TO DO WHAT JESUS’ DISCIPLES DID.”
Today – try Psalm 146:1-2 “Praise the Lord! Praise the, I tell myself. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.”
As I reflect on some of the church services seen on television I sense an urgency that the church is to make Jesus known to all people everywhere. This comes through in the services of large churches and small churches. I was reading just this morning of a ministry based in Atlanta that has the goal of reaching 75% of the Muslim world in the next two years with the message of God’s love revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ. In my personal relationships I feel the need to let my life be such that Jesus is seen in me. Gipsy Smith, a preacher in an earlier generation, had this urgency to reveal Jesus in his life and penned the words of this song.
JESUS REVEALED IN ME
Christ, the Transforming Light, Touches this heart of mine, Piercing the darkest night, Making His glory shine.
Here, Lord, I bring my heart, My love, my strength, my will; Cleanse me in every part, With all Thy Spirit fill.
Life is no longer mine, I yield it all to Thee; Fill me that I may shine, Until Thy face I see.
Triumphant peace is mine, Now Jesus reigns within; He giveth joy divine, And victory over sin.
Chorus: Oh, to reflect His grace, …Causing the world to see, …Love that will glow Till others shall know Jesus revealed in me.
Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for the privilege and joy of letting Jesus be revealed in me.
SIMPLY TRUSTING
In these days of uncertainty – sniper shootings – jobs being lost – retirement savings down the drain, people are searching for something to get hold of that will steady in every day life. What to do, where to turn? What has been depended on is gone. No more security. The future looks bleak. Is it naïve or too simplistic to say to these who are searching - “Trust in God?” The Psalmist didn’t think so. He urged people to trust in God (Psalm37:3-5) Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust in the Lord with all your heart. The coins of our money have the words engraved on the them –“In God we trust.” This trusting is not just mental consent. It is an act of faith. It comes from the heart and spirit. I like the song written by Ira D. Sankey.
TRUSTING JESUS
Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way; Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine; While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear; Praying if the path be drear; If in danger, for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past; Till within the jasper wall: Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Chorus: Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by; Trusting Him what-e’er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Today – Out loud and on purpose – Thank and Praise the Lord that as we trust Him He lifts us out of the miry clay, sets our feet on the Solid Rock and establishes our going. How can you help but have a TERRIFIC DAY? !!!!
LIGHT
In these days when there is great emphasis on tolerance we need to remember that he who stands for nothing will fall for anything. As a Christian, I take a stand. I want to follow the example of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Jesus said of Himself in John 8:12 –“I am the light of the world. Whosoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
I remember singing this song in the Methodist Sunday School when I was 9/10 years old.
STEPPING IN THE LIGHT
Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Trying to follow our Saviour and King; Shaping our lives by His blessed example, Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.
Pressing more closely to Him who is leading, When we are tempted to turn from the way; Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us, Happy, how happy, our praises each day.
Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance, Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy and love, Looking to Him for the grace freely promised, Happy, how happy, our journey above.
Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Upward, still upward we’ll follow our Guide; When we shall see Him, “the King in His beauty,” Happy, how happy, our place at His side.
Chorus: How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Stepping in the light, Stepping in the light; How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour, Led in paths of light. - William J. Kirkpatrick
Today - Out loud and on purpose - Praise and Thank the Lord that He is the Light of this world and we don’t have to walk in darkness.
Without the light of the sun life on earth would cease to exist. Have you tried to move around in the dark? I recall coming into our house after church one Sunday night. I was the first one in and was to light the lamp on the table. Dark! One of those nights of deep blackness. I moved by “feel” and instinct. I reached the table, got a match out of my pocket, bent to strike the match on the floor, hit my eye on the top of a chair. Ouch! I did light the lamp. Sported a black eye for a few days. We do better in the light.
I am thankful for the sunlight of God that enables us to keep going in this world. Judson W. Van Deventer wrote:
SUNLIGHT
I wandered in the shades of night, Till Jesus came to me, And with the sunlight of His love Bid all my darkness flee.
Tho’ clouds may gather in the sky, And billows round me roll, However dark the world may be, I’ve sunlight in my soul,
While walking in the light of God, I sweet communion find; I press with holy vigor on, And leave the world behind.
I cross the wide extended fields, I journey o’er the plain, And in the sunlight of His love I reap the golden grain.
Soon I shall see Him as He is, The light that came to me, Behold the brightness of His face, Thro’ – out eternity.
Chorus: Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today, Sunlight, sunlight all along the way; Since the Saviour found me, Took away my sin, I have had the sunlight of His love within.
Today - Out loud and purpose Praise the Lord for His sunlight. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!\
FRIDAY GEMS
Jim Elliot – missionary killed in Ecuador by Auca Indians – “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Prov. 11:24 –25 “It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Need a laugh? Dumb question that was really asked, “Were you present when your picture was taken?”
Don’t miss out on a blessing because it isn’t packaged the way you expect.
“Patience is the ability to count down before blasting off.”
Kenneth Copeland – “If you give the WORD more time, it will give you more strength.”
Prov. 6:3 – “Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed.”
16:20 – “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be happy.”
David Livingstone said, “I am willing to go anywhere provided it is forward.”
Bill Salyers gives us this oldie from the hills of eastern KY. “There are many kind of Baptists, but I am one of those Baptists who expects Baptists to have an open Bible and an open mind , since neither of them works closed.”
Margaret Thatcher – “If you set out to be liked, you will be prone to compromise on anything and at anytime, and you will achieve nothing.”
Extra - “A gossiper is like an old shoe. It’s tongue never stays in place.”
Finally - Grandma Henning says, “We will all be surprised at who will be in heaven. And at who won’t be there. And some folks will be surprised to find you there.”
Today - Out loud and on purpose just Rejoice and Praise the Lord.
Jim and Linda Malone are SBC Missionaries in Brazil. In a few short weeks they will be moving to their permanent assignment after being in school for nine months. I am enclosing a part of their last letter to friends in the States. You will feel their deep desire to be able to grasp this language so they can tell the story of Jesus to the people they will live among and minister to. This will reach approximately 100 people. I ask you to join with me in prayer for Jim and Linda that God will give them peace of mind and enhance their communication abilities. They have about two weeks to go as they finish up where they are now. A few minutes each day for two weeks by 100 people will be a lot of Prayer Power.
We have two weeks left of class and SATAN is determined to make our lives miserable . Yesterday when we finished classes and started home, I said to Jim that I must be dumber than a Rock!!! I asked him if I had the word STUPID written across my forehead. He said that he felt exactly the same way. We have turned all of this over to the Lord and we have been trusting Him to equip us and we believe that is the reason Satan is so angry and is making us suffer and agonize over this language..................NO we do not speak fluent Portuguese.................NO we do not understand everything that is being said to us..........No we do not understand all that we read. We have peace in our hearts that we have been and are being good stewards of our time. We study at least 3 hours every day 7 days a week after we have spent our 5 days in class. We do not go out on the weekends or in the evenings. We go to church, school, and do our necessary shopping and attend our necessary school outings and functions. We do not waste time with meaningless activities. We are spending even more time in private bible study and personal pray. We have peace that we are being good stewards and we have turned it all over to our Lord who is ABLE and FAITHFUL!!!!!!!! But Satan uses every opportunity to "scare"us about not being able to use the language of this country. We are claiming the 500 + promises of God's word and depending on your prayers. We could not have come this far without your prayers and encouragement. Jim and I have never claimed to be especially intelligent or smart but we have NEVER felt totally DUMB before and now we certainly do. The teachers do not make us feel stupid.............they are very supportive and encouraging................but when you are in public and people are in your face and you do not have a clue what they are talking about and you have no idea how to respond you feel DUMB as a rock and this is after being here for 9 months...............when we first arrived we knew that it would be this way, but we thought after 9 months that we would be better at using the language . Yes, we are still scheduled to graduate on November1. I begged the school to let us spend another 9 months in language learning here at the school and they just laughed at me and told me that we are leaving and SOON!!!!!!! Thank God we will have tutors for the next year to help us learn the language. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY that our tutors will be able to explain to us in English this language...............for the last 6 months we have had only Portuguese speaking teachers who are spiritual, kind, and loving but can not explain any thing to us in English. We pass all of our tests and receive good enough grades on our written assignments but when it coming to speaking and listening we have major limitations. This appears to be one big letter of whining, moaning, and groaning...............I ask for your forgiveness................we just need to share from the heart and ask for continued prayer for language acquisition. One thing that I can say for certain..............I know what humility and humbleness feel like...............maybe that is as much of the preparation as language learning. Thank you for listening and praying and encouraging. WE KNOW THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE! |HE IS ABLE!
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for His love and provision.
One of our greatest privileges as children of God is to be able to go to God in prayer. Too often this is a last resort. We try everything else first – doesn’t work – so we call on God. It is like a church I heard about. They were having problems. They had a meeting to discuss solutions for their problems. After a long discussion, with no acceptable solutions, one member said, “We’re just going to have to pray about this.” Another responded, “Has it come to that?”
Some people are more inclined to pray than others. My mother-in-law was a woman of prayer. Everyone in the family came to her with their prayer needs. If they were going on a trip they would ask her to pray for them while they were gone.
Praying is a blessed privilege. Don’t you feel both honored and humbled when people ask you to pray for them or for a loved one? Thank the Lord we love each other to trust them to pray for the special needs in our lives. This song, written by William H. Doane has been a blessing to me through the years.
‘TIS THE BLESSED HOUR OF PRAYER
‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend, And we gather to Jesus, our Saviour and Friend; If we come to Him in faith, His protection to share, What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!
‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the Saviour draws near, With a tender compassion His children to hear; When He tells us we may cast at His feet every care, What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!
‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the tempted an tried To the Saviour who loves them their sorrows confide; With a sympathizing heart He removes every care; What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!
At the blessed hour of prayer, trustin Him we believe That the blessings we’re needing we’ll surely receive; In the fullness of this trust we shall lose every care; What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!
Chorus: Blessed hour of prayer, Blessed hour of prayer; What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!
Today - Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the privilege, joy and blessing of going to Him in prayer! Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
THE LIST
I am indebted to Mutts – the little dog in the comic strip by the same name. In today’s strip Mutts says, “What’s on my list for today?” And he reads the list – “Be trustworthy, obedient, loyal and faithful.” Then – “HEY! This is yesterday’s list!”
Have you looked at your list of what God expects from you today? Did you discover – as Mutts did – that this is yesterday’s list? I am sure you realize it will be tomorrow’s list , as well.
Joseph Yates Peek expresses it in a song he wrote.
I WOULD BE TRUE
I would be true, for there are those that trust me; I would be pure , for there are thos who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave for there is much to dare, I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all – the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift, I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would be prayer-ful thro each busy moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be tuned to hear the slightest whisper; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod, I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.
Today – Out loud and on purpose – Thank and Praise the Lord for His help in living up to the things on our list.
We all have been the recipients of the many good “sayings” that make the e-mail circuit. One I recently received was PUSH. Pray - Until - Something - Happens. I’m sure many of you have had an experience of praying like this. Aren’t you thankful for a loving and gracious God who hears all our prayers. He always answers with an answer that is the best for us. I am reminded of a song Baptist’s used to sing. It is not in our latest Hymnal. Written by B.D. Ackley, the song is…..
HAVE YOU PRAYED IT THROUGH?
Have you prayed all night, “Till the break of day, And the morning light Drove the dark away? Did you linger there, Till the morning dew, In prevailing prayer – Did you pray it through?
Did you pray it through Till the answer came? There’s a promise true For your faith to claim; At the place of prayer Jesus waits for you, Did you meet Him there, Did you pray it through?
As the Master prayed in the garden lone, Let you prayer be made To the Father’s throne; If you seek His will He will answer you; Are trusting still, Have you prayed it through?
Chorus: Did you pray till the answer came, Did you plead in the Saviour’s name? Have you prayed all night till the morning light, Did you pray till the answer came?
Today – Out loud and on purpose give Thanks and Praise for the God who hears and answers prayer.
FRIDAY GEMS
Psalm 112:5 All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Ralph W. Emerson –“No man ever prayed without learning something.”
Unknown – “Trust God, not to give you peace of mind, but to be your piece of mind.”
Definition: “Evangelism is ‘gossiping’ the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 11:25 –“ He who waters will himself be watered.” The Messenger translation of this verse is – “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”
Blaire Paschal (17th Century) – “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of everyman which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ.”
Shelley Long – “If you don’t quit, and don’t cheat, and don’t run home when trouble arrives, you can only win.”
Albert Einstein – “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Persian Proverb – “The best memory is that which forgets nothing but injuries. Write kindness in marble and write injuries in the dust.”
Whitney Young –It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord…and Think on these things.
I woke up this morning with this thought on my mind, “What now? What do you do on the day after celebrating your 83rd birthday?” The first answer that literally jumped into my mind was, “Praise the Lord.” Indeed there is much for which to praise the Lord.
Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” What a wonderful promise from the WORD. Everyone who reads this can relate to that because in every life there have been those times when, looking back, we realize God watched over us.
Another thought is triggered by Psalm 127:3 –“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Four of our five children were able to be with us yesterday for dinner along with four grandchildren. What a delightful time we had. Our out-of-town daughter and granddaughter called last night. I thank and praise the Lord every morning in my prayer time for a wonderful family.
In Psalm 135 we are instructed to “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord for He is good.” I praise the Lord for His love. Psalm 63:3 –“Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise You.”
I read Psalm 136 about giving thanks to the Lord for who He is and all He does. My heart is humbled and made grateful as I realize once again that it is all of God and none of me that I am so blessed.
I want to thank all of the 100+ who receive the PTL’s for your prayers for Hazel and me and for allowing me to express the thoughts of my heart to you.
Today – Out loud and on purpose I will Praise the Lord for He alone is worthy of praise. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!! Know that God loves YOU.
MOVING ON
As we reach certain places or stages in life, we pause and look around. Sometimes we’re tempted to pull up a chair and sit awhile. More often we look ahead and ask God to lead us into yet more unknown territory. The Israelite people leaving Egypt came to what appeared to be a dead end. The Red Sea was before them. Mountains were on either side. The armies of Pharoah were fast approaching from the rear. The people cried out to Moses. Moses cried out to God. God said, “Tell the Israelites to move on.” (Exodus 14:15 (NLT). The Apostle Paul in Phil. 4:14 said, “I press on…”
There is no time or place to stop. Life moves on whether we like it or not. I like what David Livingstone-missionary in Africa said, “I am willing to go anywhere as long as it is forward.”
Charles Gabriel expresses this so beautifully in his song…..
HIGHER GROUND
I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I on-ward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise or fears dismay; Tho’ some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
I want to live above the world, Tho’ Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height, And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
Chorus: Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on heaven’s table land, A higher plain than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord as He leads us forward. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Do you ever find a few minutes to just turn off the things that normally occupy your thoughts and just do a little dreaming about your life? What is my life? What am I getting done with my life? How is my life affecting other people? After you run through all the thoughts that come to you what do you conclude? I’ve just recently given some thought to this. My conclusion?
I have been in ministry since 1945. Many of those years were spent in going to school and pastoring churches while raising a family of five children. It goes without saying that Hazel had the main responsibility of the children and she has done a wonderful job. Since retiring from pasturing in October 1984 I have served three churches as interim pastor. This was followed by teaching a Sunday School class. The one thread I see running through all this is that I’ve asked God to make me a blessing. In his prayer the OT prophet Jabez prayed, “Keep me from evil that I may not cause pain.” My prayer is that God will make me a blessing. As usual, there is a song. George S.Schuler wrote:
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad; Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, Tell of His power to forgive; Others will trust Him if only you prove, True, every moment you live.
Give as ‘twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray…. Make me a blessing to someone today.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank & Praise the Lord for the privilege an joy of being a blessing. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.