CLOUDS

I have always been fascinated by clouds. I like looking at the sky when there is just one lonely cloud in the vast expanse of the sky. At other times the clouds are all jumbled up. If you look closely you can see all kinds of faces, animals and other things. There are times when the clouds are darker – they move hither and yon. When the clouds get really dark and the wind blows swiftly they roll and tumble. There are the rain clouds when the sky is solid gray from horizon to horizon and the rain falls to the earth. I think the most interesting clouds for me are the dark clouds forming for a storm. You can just feel the storm in the air…it seems like you can smell the rain coming. Then the lightning flashes – the thunder booms. It is light and noisy at the same time.

I remember one terrible storm when I was about 15. I was in a little shack way ack in the mountains – by myself. The storm came in the night. I covered my head with a quilt !! The storm passed, as all storms do.

Life has its storms and burdens. Many people seek ways to deal with them. Bertha Mae Lillenas found a way. She expresses it in a song. “ Leave Your Burden at the Place of Prayer.”

Chorus. Leave your burden at the place of prayer….Take to Jesus all your want and care….For He is a Friend indeed, And supplieth every need; Leave your burden at the place of prayer.

Toda – Thank and Praise the Lord for safety from the storms of life and for a place to leave your burdens and cares. Jesus is the all-sufficient Saviour !!!

The dictionary definition of hope is: “a feeling that what is wanted will happen; desire accompanied by expectation.”

We hope for many things and have at least some expectation that what we hope for will happen. Christians put their hope in God. We believe God. We believe the promises of God as seen in His Word. We have the expectation that what God has said He will do. Our hope sustains us in times of difficulty.

Chorus: Whispering hope, … O how welcome the voice, …Making my heart…. In its sorrow rejoice.

Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for the hope we have in God and in His promises.

Jesus told his followers that there would be wars and rumors of wars along with natural disasters before the end comes. America has been awakened to the reality of a turbulent world. We are coming to the anniversary of the 9 – 11 attacks on the WTRC and the Pentagon. The U. S. has armed forces scattered all over the world. It appears that much of the world’s population hates America. Many of the religious leaders of the world are saying that the end is near.

The financial integrity and security of the country has been shaken by the greed of CEO’s and corporations. Retirement pensions have eroded (except for the politicians). Retired people had had to go back to work – if they can find a job.

These are turbulent times. We are sailing on stormy seas. How goes it with you? Do you have security for these times? William J. Kirkpatrick wrote a song about an anchor that holds.

Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for the anchor that holds through all the storms of life…..JESUS CHRIST…SAVIOUR OF ALL WHO BELIEVE.

ENCOURAGEMENTS

Thomas Carlyle, “Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what is clearly at hand.”

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Stop telling God how big your STORM is, and start telling the STORM how bid your God is.

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Pray big. God will grant big things if you ask for them and are big enough to receive them.

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God is for you. Jesus is with you. The Holy Spirit is in you. And all heaven’s angels are on your side. They that be for us are more than they that be against us.

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“Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and my Saviour. He keeps me going day and night. Without Him I am no one. But with Him I can do everything. Christ is my strength.

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Kenneth Copeland, “Every believer should live a lifestyle of faithfulness. We should make it a lifestyle to do what’s right, do it because it is right. Anything less is disobedience to God’s Word.”

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David Jeremiah, “I cannot recall a day when I truly saved time by jumping into the day’s work without prayer. It may seem so at the moment, but as the day wore on, everything seemed out of sync and time was lost.”

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Today - Thank and Praise the Lord for the God who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

ENABLED

How many times have listened to your pastor’s sermon and been moved to want to do more for the Lord? You leave the service walking on cloud nine. Sometime during the afternoon the winds of doubt begin to blow cloud nine from underneath you. You give in to the feeling of not being able to accomplish what you were earlier inspired to do. You are not alone !! This happens to countless people every week. We are afraid we can’t do it.

In Acts 4 there was conspiracy against the people who believed in Jesus. The disciples prayed (vs.4) “Now, Lord, consider their threats and ENABLE your servants to speak your words with great boldness.”

Back in the 50’ and 60’s we sang a song, "ARE YE ABLE,” SAID THE MASTER?

“Are ye able,” said the Master, “To be crucified with Me?”

“Yea,” the conquering Christians answered, “To the death we follow Thee.”

“Are ye able,” to remember, When a thief lifts up his eyes.

That his pardoned soul is worthy of a place in Paradise?

“Are ye able,” when the shadows close around you with the sod,

To believe that spirit triumphs, To commend your soul to God?

“Are ye able,” still the Master whispers down eternity,

And heroic spirits answer, now, as then in Galilee.

Refrain: “Lord, we are able,” Our spirits are Thine. Remold them, make us like Thee, divine: Thy guiding radiance above us shall be A beacon to God. To love and loyalty. ----Harry S Mason

Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He enables us to do what He wants us to do.

DESENSITIZED

I looked in the dictionary for the meaning of this word. “To take away sensitivity.” The Old Testament has a word for this. When Pharoah refused to let the children of Israel leave Egypt God sent the plagues. Pharoah’s heart was desensitized – his heart was hardened. This is a problem today. Americans are desensitized about many things.

A letter to the editor of our local paper reported the following:

35 deaths from the West Nile Virus this year.

885, 225 deaths due to abortion (National Right to Life)

11,632 traffic deaths so far this year from alcohol (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)

I’ve noticed that the West Nile Virus gets the headlines in our paper. We have become desensitized to deaths by abortion and deaths caused by drunk drivers. I remember when Aids first got started in humans. It made the headlines. Today thousands die from Aids. It is reported as statistics. I realize there have been world conferences about this. However, there is not the passion to do what is necessary to eradicate Aids.

Groucho Marx said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then misapplying the wrong remedies.”

Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that when we invite Jesus into a situation, His light changes confusion into clarity and we begin to care more about people.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

Psalm 33:12 – The Message Bible – “Blessed is the country with God for God, blessed are the people he’s put in his will.”

NLT. – “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen for His own.”

NIV – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his own inheritance.”

CEV – “The Lord blesses each nation that worships only him. He blesses his chosen one.”

TODAY - OUT LOUD AND ON PURPOSE LET US PRAISE THE LORD AS WE SHOUT IT OUT

I PLEDGE ALLEGIENCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

AMEN ! GLORY TO GOD ! PRAISE THE LORD! HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY !!!!

THE NEXT DAY

Yesterday, 9-11-02, was , in a sense, a fantastic day! It really began the day before as some of the preliminaries leading up to 9-11 were presented in various places.

It was a great day for many reasons. We were called to remember the tragedy of a year ago. What, at first, seemed unbelievable became a believable reality for us. The planes used by the terrorists as bombs did fly into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and into the Pentagon and into a field in Pennsylvania. Thousands of lives were lost. Families were torn apart. It was a dark time and the enemy laughed in glee.

But God has a way of turning off the darkness by turning on light. God takes what satan means for evil and makes good come from it. As the days went by there was a surge of patriotism and turning to God. For a few weeks churches were filled on Sunday mornings. Time passed. Everything began to swing back to the way it was before 9-11. But it was not the same. The flame of patriotism still burned brightly. The surge toward God slowed down but did not stop. Thousands of people are closer to God today than before 9-11.

Yesterday we reached the heights. Stories of brave men and women were told. Miracles of God’s love and protection were shared. Widows told of God’s comfort and strength that has brought them through this tragedy. We have discovered that people care for people. This is good.

Today is The Next Day. How will we do today? There will likely be a let-down. There usually is after being so “high.” But we will settle down. The stories shared yesterday will begin to sink in. We will be a better people for having heard them. Thousands will be encouraged to take a new hold on life knowing there is help available as they need it. We will go on – remembering the words of Todd Breamer, - “Let’s Roll.” Amen.

Blessed is the nation whose God is God!!!!

Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the God whose steadfast love never fails.

GOD’S WORD

The army uses this slogan in the enlisting of new recruits: “Be All You Can Be.” This is a challenging statement intended to encourage the recruit to put forth his effort and go as high in rank as he can go. A few have made it to the top.

Someone has said, “Let the Word of God be to you all it can be.” It is obvious that the Word of God can’t be very much to us until we read it, get into it, and get the Word into us. The Word of God will help us live the right kind of life. Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Vs. 105 in the same Psalm says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

We used to sing this song in our churches. Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart.

The Word is a lamp to my feet,

A light to my path always;

To guide and to save me from sin,

And show me the heavenly way.

Forever, O Lord, is Thy Word, established and fixed on high;

Thy faithfulness unto all men, Abideth forever nigh.

At morning, at noon, and at night I ever will give Thee praise;

For Thou art my portion, O Lord, And shall be through all my days!

Thro’ Him whom Thy Word hath foretold,

The Saviour and Morning Star,

Salvation and peace have been bro’t to those who have strayed afar.

Chorus: Thy Word have I hid in my heart….that I might not sin against Thee….That I might not sin, That I might not sin, Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

----E. O. Sellers

Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for the Word of God which empowers our lives and guides our footsteps.

A PERSONAL PTL - GOD IS GOOD

Someone has said, “Timing is everything.” In the Bible we are told that to everything there is a season and a time for everything. In 1976 God’s timing brought two things into my life that were life-changing. I read Merlin Carouther’s book. Prison to Praise and thought that’s about the craziest thing I ever read. But the timing was right and Praising God for everything became a part of my life. The second thing that helped bring about change was Amway. Hazel and I were distributors. We went to some to some Amway rallies that were in packed out coliseums. These rallies were more spiritual than many revival meetings. The result was a rededication of our lives to the Lord and Praising the Lord for everything.

I retired from pastoring in 1984. We moved to Knxville. Hazel’s mother lived with us. I served as interim pastor in a few churches. The blizzard of ’93 hit us hard. My mother died on Saturday before the blizzard. Hazel’s mother died on Friday as the blizzard began.

We had joined Central Baptist Church of Fountain City in Jan. 1985. In the late 90’s I was teaching a SS class. Hazel’s health had been going down for sometime. Vison problems, high blood pressure and physical weakness. We were in church on Feb. 7, 1997. Going to the car Hazel’s legs just gave way. That is the last time we were in church.

I’m asked about Hazel’s health. She has some arthritis – hands are closed into fists. Evidently there is no pain. She has a little Parkinson’s- hands tremble but not all the time. She no longer takes medication for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is normal. She takes a small miracle pill twice a day. I call it a miracle pill because it keeps her in this world mentally. Without it she is somewhere else.

Hazel spends her day time hours eating ( 3 meals a day), sitting in the wheel chair, and in a Lift Chair which seems to be very comfortable for her. She is alert and aware of what happens around her. She has a great sense of humor. Laughs at our jokes. She enjoys TV. Her vision is impaired, but she sees some. She goes to bed at 9:00 PM…gets u @ 9:45 – 10:00 AM.

It is my joy and privilege to care for her. We enjoy each other. I get her to the breakfast table and say loudly, “Hey dere, I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” Always gets a smile.

Her nickname is Dee. I sing a little ditty –“I love my Dee, my Dee loves me. We are a happy Dan & Dee.” And in everything we Praise the Lord. We usually listen to a CD of hymns as we have breakfast. She hums along. She also likes the Gaither Homecoming videos.

I wrestled most of the night over sharing this. The Lord seemed to indicate the time is right to do this.

I pray for two things: (1) That the Lord will continue to give me the spiritual, mental and ability to care for Hazel. (2) That when it is time for her to move into “Beulah Land” (a favorite song), that she will go to sleep in her bed and wake up in heaven. I invite you to join me in this prayer.

Today – Out loud and on purpose rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, thank the Lord for everything. Let everything that hath breath – PRAISE THE LORD ! Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!!!!

TRUSTING JESUS

When I was a little boy I heard my mother sing, “You’ll never get to heaven on flowery beds of ease.” I had no idea what that was all about. Later in life I came to believe that this was one of the ways she coped with the death of my father which left her with five children ages 4 mos. to seven years just before the “great depression” hit our country. Mother was falling back on the things that been a part of her life - “the songs of faith.” These songs helped her in those trying times to keep her faith in God and to trust Jesus. Another of her favorites was a 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 whate’er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

TODAY - Out loud and on purpose Praise and Thank the Lord that Jesus can be trusted to see us through whatever life throws at us. Hallelujah !!!

WARNING

We have just had two days of scattered thunder showers and storms. In some areas power has been disrupted due to trees falling across power lines. Low lying areas have flooded. Wet roads contribute – but not as much as speed – to traffic accidents. A sixteen year old had just brought his grades up to the level required by his parents. The reward… a car. The next day while driving in a rain storm and at high speed he wrapped the car around a power pole. He did not survive.

People drove their cars into water that covered the road without knowing how deep the water was. One woman told a TV reporter, “My car almost stalled. They should put up warnings or block the street.”

The truth is that warnings were issued. They were seen and heard on TV and radio every day. Police officials keep on saying don’t drive your car into water flowing across the road when you don’t know how deep the water is.

People become immune to warnings. They pay no attention to them. They think these warnings don’t mean me. Too often the result is tragic.

The bible is filled with warnings of disasters that come to those who do not take God seriously. For a few weeks following 9 – 11 – 01 people woke up. People called on God to forgive sin and to lead them in life. This soon wore off.. So many in America are back to being more or less indifferent to God.

Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for giving us direction for our living. Prov. 3:4-5 (Message Translation) – “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out anything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

LIFE KEEPS CHANGING

When I became a Christian my life was changed and is still changing. I didn’t understand it all and 70 years later I still don’t understand it all. Gal. 2:21 helps me that the life I now live I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.

2 Cor. 5:15 reminds me that Christ died for me and I am to live my life for Him.

2 Cor. 5:17 Shouts that if any man be in Christ he is new creature.

In John 14:23 Jesus tells us that those who love Him will keep His Words – and the Father will love and we will make our abode with him. God, Jesus lives in me! Wow! Vs 27 says Jesus gives the peace that passes understanding.

I Cor. 3:16-17 tells me that I am the temple of God – the Spirit lives in me – and I must not defile the temple of God.

I Cor. 6:19-20 Body is the temple of God. I am no longer my own. I am bought with a price.

I
Cor.9:27 I am instructed to bring my body into subjection.

I Cor. 10:31 Whatever I do is to be done for the glory of God (also Col. 3:17)

As a Christian I find myself between a rock and a hard place. I want to do what God wants me to do - live a clean, wholesome life – but the devil keeps throwing road blocks in front of me. What am I to do?

Rom. 12:1 Is a good place to start.

1)Present my body as a living sacrifice to God.

2) Don’t be conformed to this world…..Be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Get hold of the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

Phil. 4:13 Reminds me that I have an unlimited source in Christ.

These and many other Scriptures help me know what God wants me to do. I realize that when I became a Christian I gave up all my “rights” privileges and selfish desires.. I do not belong to myself. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.. My desire now is, “not my will, Thine be done!”

It is an ongoing adventure. I want to see what’s over the hill, around the next curve. Whatever it is I can thank God for it and know that the victory is won because there is NOTHING in this world that can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37-38)

Today – Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord and “Let’s Roll.”

FRIDAY GLEANINGS

Hero for today. This was in the Salt Lake Sidelight. Feb 11, 2002….Winning isn’t everything, just ask Paul Patrick Schwarzacher-Joyce. The Irishman finished 54^th out of 54 skiers in the downhill but raised his poles and relished the cheers at the finish line. “Someone has to be in last place,” he said. “Today that someone is me, and you know what? I’m happy about it. I got down in one piece, it’s a beautiful day. The crown was cheering for me and I’m in the Olympics.

Robert Schuler: - Always look at what you have left.

The man who lives by the Golden Rule today never has to apologize tomorrow. –Grit.

If a care is too small to be turned into a prayer. It is too small to be made into a burden.

Think about it: If every member was just like me, what kind of a church would my church be?

Charles Stanley: - Every person is going to reap what he sews – later than he sews, - and more that he sews.

God is engineering our lives to success.

Hear ! Hear ! Let all your worries become “I wonder.” Let God do the worrying, wonder how He’ll work it things out and then wonder how He did it?” &nbs