Downhill by Kevin Corbin

On Saturday afternoon, Genni the wonder dog and I took our usual stroll around the lake. The sun was shining, the temperature hovered around the -1 range and the park was packed. People were making the most of a warm winter day. The trails were full of people walking. The section of the lake that is cleared was filled with skaters of all calibers. Even the playground was busy.

Further along we came to the toboggan hill, and it was crawling with people. It isn't a big hill and I counted more than forty kids plus parents. Seeing them enjoying the hill reminded me of a time in my own childhood.
There was a huge toboggan hill (bearing in mind I was in my early teens at the time ... it may have shrunk over time). I do know that it was much longer than the one by the lake. There seemed to always be kids there. We slid down on toboggans, sleds, old cardboard boxes, inner tubes or even just our jackets. The hill was always the site of much screaming and giggling.

Unlike some hills that I've seen photos of there were no clearly defined runs. You simply grabbed an empty spot at the top of the hill, piled on and away you went. There would be dozens of people going up or down the hill at the same time.

We seldom saw anything as fancy as the home made rig the children have in this 1908 photo

The rides were a lot of fun, although there wasn't a lot of control involved. You simply piled on, pushed off and went for broke. If everyone held on and the trip didn't involve too many bumps, we could travel a long ways, jumping off just before we ran into the school wall.

There were bumps and bruises galore, but seldom a serious injury. On occasion someone would break an arm or a leg, but that sort of damage was pretty rare. That kind of thing usually happened when someone ignored the rules and went sledding in dangerous areas that we all knew better than to attempt.

Once you got to the bottom, the work started. It was time to drag our ride back up the hill. You had to be careful not to slip or let go of the rope or the toboggan would head for the bottom of the hill without you along for the ride. When that happened all you could do was chase it to the bottom and start over again.

On the way up, you were always in danger of being run over by some out of control load of kids on their way down the hill. That meant that the trip uphill was seldom a straight line.

Getting ready for the next ride always took far more time than the actual ride itself. There was no way around that though. To get down the hill, you first had to climb it.

It was always easy to get someone to ride along with you. You could pack a lot of kids on the tube or toboggan with no problem. Pulling the tube or toboggan back up was a different story, the owner of the sled usually had to pull it up.

Life's like that times. It's easy to get people to come along for the fun parts but many just vanish when the work starts. I'm sure we've all been guilty of doing that at times.

One partner never leaves us though. If we allow Him to, God is always willing to grab hold of the rope and help us bring the load back up the hill. Often if we have the eyes to see, we'll find that He actually did all the work and pulled us up the hill.

Even if we jump on life's toboggan and ride back down without Him, selfishly enjoying the ride, He's there with us along the hill waiting to pick us up and patch us up when we fall. He's at the bottom of the hill waiting to help us bring the sled back up the hill.

When the load gets too much He'll be there. He's even there when we ignore His warnings and go sledding into places we shouldn't go.

Matthew 11:28-30 NET
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”

Where are you on the ride of life? Are you and God enjoying the ride together? Is he tending to your wounds on the sidelines or helping you up the hill? Or are you racing alone and struggling to get back up all on your own?
Until next time remember that God can accompany you on all the ups and downs of life.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin

What A Friend We Have In JESUS

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
 
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Morning Smile

A first grade teacher was looking at her students as they were trying out their desk computers. One boy was staring at the screen, looking dumbstruck and confused. The teacher came and read what was on the screen and in her most reassuring voice said, “The computer wants to know what your name is."

The boy then leaned over and whispered, “My name is David."

Stress by Kevin Corbin

Stress, tension and pressure are things that all of us have experienced. Sometimes, even those words are enough to make our heart beat faster and our palms sweat. We think of them as very negative things, yet they don't have to be. Stress, tension and pressure actually make the world work.

Atoms hold together because of the stress and pressure of varying magnetic forces within them. Our galaxy and the billions like it would collapse without centrifugal force and gravity.

A nail doesn't hold anything until it is hammered into something. A screw must bite with its threads to hold anything. A staple must have its ends bent to hold paper. A pushpin or tack must be forced into place to hold. A clothespin holds clothing up because of the pressure exerted by the spring.

Stress, pressure and tension are all around us.

Even our relationships with others and our daily lives are typically described with terms that have forces and stresses as an inherent factor. We fall in love. We are repulsed by something. We are attracted to someone. We need a kick start in the morning. We hold on for dear life. We can hardly contain our joy. We're so angry we could burst.

Overriding all these things is the force that holds everything together. Sorry guys but that force is not duct tape. It is of course God. He is not an impersonal force, but a loving God intimately involved with His creation. If we were to withdraw His presence and influence no amount of force could hold the universe together. No amount of nails, screws, glue, duct tape or atomic energy could keep it all from collapsing.
God designed his creation, including you and me to handle a certain amount of stress, tension and pressure. We often take on more of them than He designed us to handle. When that happens, we often turn to tools and coping strategies of our own making in an effort to hold it all together. Those things will eventually let us down.
King David stumbled and fell often, but he knew where to turn for refuge when things got too hard to handle.

Psalm 62:5-8 NIV
Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge

As you face the struggles of life, are you relying on man made tools or do you trust in the power of God to get you through?

Until next time, may you trust in the One who truly holds all things together. May you walk in the presence of God.

Would you help us spread the word about "Gleanings"?

Tell your friends and family about us and encourage them to subscribe for themselves. Help us to take the good news of Jesus Christ to people around the globe. Help us to encourage and challenge believers in their faith walk. I know there are many people out there who could benefit greatly from what we do. Will you help them find us? Thanks.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
www.gleaningsfromtheword.com

Whosoever Will

“Whosoever heareth,” shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessèd tidings all the world around;
Spread the joyful news wherever man is found;
“Whosoever will may come.”

Refrain

“Whosoever will, whosoever will,”
Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
’Tis a loving Father, calls the wanderer home:
“Whosoever will, may come.”

Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way;
“Whosoever will may come.”

Refrain

“Whosoever will,” the promise secure,
“Whosoever will,” forever must endure;
“Whosoever will,” ’tis life forevermore:
“Whosoever will may come.”

Refrain

Morning Smile

Money Goes To Church

well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation.
      
      The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the county. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."
      
      "Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"
      
      "So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"
      
      The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church ...."
      
      The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"

HEARING AND KNOWING HIS VOICE by David Wilkerson

Peter warns last-day believers that Satan will come to them with a loud voice, trying to bring fear. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Here is my point: If Satan is making his voice known in these last days, showing his power to the masses of lost souls, how much more important is it for God’s people to know their Father’s voice? Do you think the Lord would sit by as Satan roars at the world and yet remain silent? Never! Isaiah said: “The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard” (Isaiah 30:30).

Since the time of Adam and Eve, God has been speaking to man. “They heard the sound of the Lord God” (Genesis 3:8). Adam said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10).

From Genesis through to the end of the New Testament, God made his voice known to his people. In the books of the prophets we see this phrase, “And God said . . .” repeated time after time. God’s voice was known and understood.

Jesus confirmed this in the New Testament, using the example of the Good Shepherd. “The sheep hear his voice . . . the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4).

Adam hid from God’s voice, because of the guilt and shame of his sin. And that is exactly where many of God’s people are today—hiding, afraid to hear God speak!

If you want to hear God’s voice, you must be ready to have your soul purged and cleansed. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

To GOD Be The Glory

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the earth hear His voice!
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the people rejoice!
    O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
    And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the earth hear His voice!
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the people rejoice!
    O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
    And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the earth hear His voice!
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the people rejoice!
    O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
    And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Morning Smile

A middle-aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked, "Is my time up?"

God said, "No, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction and tummy tuck. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well look even nicer. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, an ambulance killed her. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn't you pull me out of the path of that ambulance?"

God replied, "Girl, I didn't recognize you”

The Revival People

"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" 
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 




This prayer has been set to music in the song "Revive Us Again," and it's a prayer we need to pray.




Who needs revival? Unsaved people can't be revived because they never had life to begin with. The unsaved person is dead in trespasses and sins. But Christians, through faith in Jesus Christ, have been raised from the dead. We've been given eternal, abundant life. Unfortunately, sometimes we turn away from the Lord and lose that spiritual vibrancy. We may not lose our salvation, but we do lose the joy of our salvation, its power and the overflowing blessings we give each other.


God's people are the revival people. We desperately need to be revived. The psalmist cries out to God for new life. Someone has said that our church services start at eight o'clock sharp and end at nine o'clock dull. How we need the breath of God to blow upon us! How we need His life to touch us!




What is the revival purpose? A. W. Tozer used to say, "It's difficult to get Christians to attend any meeting where God is the only center of attraction." We have to have entertainment, food and all sorts of distractions. But the psalmist wants God's people to rejoice in Him alone.




God's people should live with a vibrancy that comes from the joy of their salvation. Does your life still sparkle as it did when you came to know the Lord? Pray that He will revive the Church. And pray that your testimony will bless others and glorify the Lord.



[ Reference Scriptures ]


Psalm 85:1-13 [NIV]
¹ You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
² You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
Selah
³ You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
⁴ Restore us again, O God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
⁵ Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
⁶ Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
⁷ Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
⁸ I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints -
but let them not return to folly.
⁹ Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
¹⁰ Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
¹² The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
¹³ Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

Let JESUS Come Into Your Heart

If you are tired of the load of your sin,
Let Jesus come into your heart;
If you desire a new life to begin,
Let Jesus come into your heart.
Refrain

Just now, your doubtings give o’er;
Just now, reject Him no more;
Just now, throw open the door;
Let Jesus come into your heart.

If it’s for purity now that you sigh,
Let Jesus come into your heart;
Fountains for cleansing are flowing nearby,
Let Jesus come into your heart.

Refrain

If there’s a tempest your voice cannot still,
Let Jesus come into your heart;
If there’s a void this world never can fill,
Let Jesus come into your heart.

Refrain

If you would join the glad songs of the blest,
Let Jesus come into your heart;
If you would enter the mansions of rest,
Let Jesus come into your heart.

Refrain

Morning Smile

A man was in a hurry to meet his friend down at the nearby lake. On the way down there, he was stopped by a man fully dressed in red. The man pulled over, and the red man asked, "Hi, I'm the red jerk of the highway. Have anything to eat?" The man smiled and handed him a sandwich.

He continued down the highway and was yet again pulled over by a man fully dressed in green. He stopped and the guy in green said, "Hi, I'm the green jerk of the highway. Have anything to drink?" Without smiling, the man handed the green guy his coke. He started off again and started to speed down the highway.

Yet again he was stopped by a guy fully dressed in blue. Sighing, he pulled over and pulled down his window, leaned out and said, "Let me guess. You're the blue jerk of the highway. What do you want?" "Registration and license please" came the reply.

Remember, you were in bondage-a slave to sin! sumner wemp

Remember the bondage
"And thou shalt remember that thou was a bondman (slave) in Egypt" 16:`12. It was an "iron furnace" 4:20. Tell your children about it! "Then thou shalt say unto thy son, we were Pharaoh's bondmen (slaves) in Egypt and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand" 6:21. Remember when you were a slave to sin, in bondage and God delivered you, you got saved? Don't you forget it. It is a powerful thing to tell your children how you were saved. Tell them several times through the years. Make sense? Don't be like the man "who forgetteth what manner of man he was" James 1:24.

Remember the day
"Remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE" 16:3. I was saved Mar 28, 1940 and I have not gotten over it nor have I forgotten it all these years. I have often had a birthday party on that day! It would be so good if every Christian remember that day of salvation and celebrate it. Israel has celebrated the Passover all these centuries. Sadly they have really forgotten what it all means and no longer kill a Passover lamb.

Remember the Lord
"Beware lest thou forget the Lord which brought thee forth from out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" 6:12. How tragic, they forgot the Lord so quickly. Have you forgotten the Lord who brought you out of the bondage of sin? It seems so many have! Take a few minutes and reflect on that moment you got saved. THANK Him for saving you. Thank God you wont end up in hell like the vast majority around you. Rejoice in the Lord."

Father, thank you for bringing us out of the bondage of sin. We remember that day and thank You, in Jesus name.

Go to http://www.sumnerwemp.com read at least one article under "Feature sections" to be blessed. Send referrals. comments, thoughts. Get your family, friends, pastor in on these lessons. You are loved by God and me, ABC sumner

"In the desert, there is a major crime, worse than murder. that is to know where water can be found and to withhold the information. We know where to find the water of life. It is a crime not tell it." from a missionary.

Saved, Saved

1. I've found a Friend who is all to me,
His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.

2. He saves me from every sin and harm,
Secures my soul each day;
I'm leaning strong on His mighty arm;
I know He'll guide me all the way.

3. When poor and needy and all alone,
In love He said to me,
"Come unto Me and I'll lead you home,
To live with Me eternally."

Chorus:
Saved by His pow'r divine,
Saved to new life sublime!
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
For I'm saved, saved, saved!

Morning Smile

A wife went to the police station with her next-door neighbor to report that her husband was missing. The policeman asked for a description. She said, "He's 35 years old, 6 foot 4, has dark eyes, dark wavy hair, an athletic build, weighs 185 pounds, is soft-spoken, and is good to the children."

The next-door neighbor protested, "Your husband is 5 foot 4, chubby, bald, has a big mouth, and is mean to your children." The wife replied, "Yes, but who wants HIM back?"

Because He loved you, He brought you out to bring you in

The love of God
"Because the Lord loved you...hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you out of the house of bondage" Deut 7:8. We must never forget and we must always tell lost people that God loves them. I thought God was a big cop with a big club just waiting to clobber me into hell. When the preacher said, "God loves you" it blew my mind and made a big impact on my life forever. Emphasize that when you witness

The hand of God
The mighty hand of God was demonstrated the night He redeemed Israel from bondage. Pharaoh was determined to not let God's people go. With a mighty hand God convinced him to let them go. Satan, Pharaoh's counterpart, is determined to not let people go to heaven but to hell. With a mighty hand, God laid on Jesus all our iniquities (Isa 53:6) and He suffered and died for all our sins, 1 Pet 3:18, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds of people 1 Cor 15:4-8. . No wonder God calls it "so great salvation" Heb 2:3.

The way of God
There wasn't but one way for Israel to be delivered. A lamb must be substituted and die for everyone Ex 12:3 "for the wages of sin is death" Rom 6:23.. There isn't but one way to heaven. John saw Jesus and said, "Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29. Jesus said, "I am the way, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" Jn 14:6. You must believe and receive the Lord Jesus personally. Rom 1:16 and John 1:12. Tell Him right now, Lord Jesus I believe you suffered and died for my sins, paid my debt in full and rose again. Come into my heart. I gladly receive you as my Savior right now and trust you to save me too. Write and tell me about it if you just did it.

Father, thank you for proving your love for us, even while we were sinners, and for cleansing us from all our sins. In Jesus name
 
You are loved by God and me, 
ABC sumner

"Christianity is not a cafeteria where one may pick and choose what he wishes and reject the rest" Ellis.

JESUS Is Tenderly Calling You Home

Jesus is tenderly calling you home
Calling today, calling today,
Why from the sunshine of love will you roam,
Farther and farther away?

Refrain

     Calling today, calling today,
     Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

Jesus is calling the weary to rest,
Calling today, calling today,
Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest;
He will not turn you away.

Refrain

Jesus is waiting, O come to Him now,
Waiting today, waiting today,
Come with your sins, at His feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.

Refrain

Jesus is pleading, O list to His voice,
Hear Him today, hear Him today,
They who believe on His Name shall rejoice;
Quickly arise and away.

Refrain

Morning Smile

A man goes to an optician asking for help about his shortsightedness.

The optician invites the man to go outside the shop, points to the sun and asks the man what that is. 

 

The man somewhat stunned replies obviously: that’s the sun! 

 

Thereafter the optician asks: but how far do you want to see?

JESUS Is Tenderly Calling You Home

Jesus is tenderly calling you home
Calling today, calling today,
Why from the sunshine of love will you roam,
Farther and farther away?

Refrain

      Calling today, calling today,
      Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

Jesus is calling the weary to rest,
Calling today, calling today,
Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest;
He will not turn you away.

Refrain

Jesus is waiting, O come to Him now,
Waiting today, waiting today,
Come with your sins, at His feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.

Refrain

Jesus is pleading, O list to His voice,
Hear Him today, hear Him today,
They who believe on His Name shall rejoice;
Quickly arise and away.

Refrain

The Wolves Attack

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Acts 20:28-31

In May 1987, National Geographic featured a story by L. David Mech about the arctic wolf, or the white wolf. This mammal inhabits the Canadian Arctic and the northern parts of Greenland and hunts in packs preying on caribou, musk oxen, hares, seals, and lemmings.

In this story, Mech described what they observed when a seven-member pack of arctic wolves once targeted
several musk oxen calves guarded by eleven adults.

As the wolves inched toward their prey, the musk oxen adults bunched in together to form an impenetrable
semicircle with their deadly rear hooves facing out. The calves remained safe during the long standoff.

Suddenly, a single ox broke rank and the rest of the herd nervously scattered into small groups leaving the calves unguarded. A skirmish between the wolves and oxen ensued, but the oxen finally fled in panic leaving the calves to the mercy of their predators. Not a single calf survived.

I'm reminded of Paul's warning to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. He warned of the wolves that would come and prey upon them after his departure-not sparing even one in the flock.

Wolves continue to relentlessly attack the Church today. But when we are unified in Jesus Christ, we are
unshakable, protected, and a mighty force not to be reckoned with. When believers break rank and scatter
from the group, they provide easy prey.

How can we be on guard against Satan and the "wolves" that roam about? We watch over each other-God's flock. We stand firm on the Word of God. And we put on the full armor of God through prayer.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Help me to stand firm and unified with other believers of your Church, Lord. Protect us from the wolves that come to devour Your flock. Thank You for being the ultimate Protector of
Your children!

Morning Smile

A man goes to an optician asking for help about his shortsightedness.

The optician invites the man to go outside the shop, points to the sun and asks the man what that is.

 The man somewhat stunned replies obviously: that’s the sun! Thereafter the optician asks: but how far do you want to see?

Morning Smile

Two bachelors, Larry and Frank were out to dinner. The conversation drifted from office, sports to politics and then to cooking. “I got a cook book once” said Larry. “But I couldn’t do anything with it.”

“Too much fancy stuff in it, huh?” asked Frank.

“You said it, Larry replied, nodding. “Every one of those recipes began the same way: “Take a clean plate…”

Are you majoring in trivial pursuit? by Sumner Wemp

A young man goes off to college. Each semester he changes his major from history, to science to math to biology to business etc. On the day of graduation someone asked him how has this prepared you for life, what are you going to do now. His reply was, I don't know but one thing is for sure. I am getting really good at trivial pursuit."

What on earth are you majoring in that will make a difference in eternity? Have you thought about majoring in the Bible? Just read it for an hour a day. Make the time by turning off the TV for that hour. You wont miss much. Memorize verses in it for just ten minutes a day. Meditate on it for just ten minutes a day and see what a difference it will make here and hereafter. Doesn't that make sense?

Are you majoring in television? You know all the players. You know all the programs and movies. You are very good at trivia pursuit about the movies.

O dear people. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" Matt. 6:33.

Prayer:  Father, help us to major on the major things of life and not the trivial. Bless those who are gong through some deep waters right now and give them Your peace and wisdom. In Jesus name. You are loved by God and me, all because of Calvary. sumner

In The Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

      And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
      And He tells me I am His own;
      And the joy we share as we tarry there,
      None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

Refrain

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Refrain

Why God Can't Use Some People by Sumner Wemp

Why God can't use some
"So the Lord was with Joshua and his fame was noised throughout all the country. But the children of Israel committed a trespass" and they got their socks beat off them. "And Joshua rent his clothes and fell to the earth upon his face...And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, WHY? and the Lord said, get up off your face, Israel has sinned" Josh 6:27- 7:7, 10, 12. Israel had sinned, not Joshua. Sometimes the one we pray for or preach to has sinned and God can't use you until they get right with God. Make sense?

Ask why
It is alright to ask "Why" if we ask inquisitively and not accusatively. If we ask so we can profit from it but not ask why to blame God or someone for what is happening. Make sense?

David sinned
David, "the man after God's own heart" Acts 13:22 sinned and he suffered miserably and he knew why! "My sin is ever before me" Ps 51. He was chastened, his son died, and he responded properly. see Heb 12:3-11.

God used him, WHY?
"Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions...restore unto me the joy of thy salvation...then will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be converted unto thee" Ps 51:2-3; 12, 13. He claimed the blame and confessed his shame and sin.

Cleanse yourself
"Wherefore, come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you...Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God" 2 Cor 6:14, 7:1.

Then will God use you.
"Christians are not perfect, just forgiven." "Then will sinners be converted unto thee." Ps 51:13. O how we Christians need to be open with God and perfect holiness in the sight of God. GOD WANTS TO USE YOU! Do you really believe it? Please let Him.

Father, bless Your dear child today and use them to the fullest for Your glory. In Jesus name

My Faith Looks Up To Thee

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

Morning Smile

A duck walked into a bakery one day and asked for a pork chop.

The baker said, "We aren't a butcher; we don't sell meat here."

So the duck left.

The following day the duck went back and asked again.

This time the Baker said, "No, if you come here again I will nail your feet
to the floor."

The following day the duck returned and asked, "Have you any nails?"

The baker replied, "No." And the duck said, "Well, I'll have two pork chops then."

There Aren't Any Little Sins

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." Song of Solomon 2:15"

In their book, Living a Power-Filled Life, Bill Tucker with Pat Maxwell talk about a four-hundred-year-old tree that crashed to the forest floor Over the centuries it had been struck by lightning fourteen times, braved great windstorms, and even defied an earthquake. In the end, however, it was killed by little beetles. Boring under the bark, they chewed away its mighty fibers until the giant of the forest lay broken on the ground.

How true it is, it's the little things in life, which at the time seem harmless, but when you put them all together, they can cause great devastation. As another has said, "Many a marital grave has been dug by a lot of little digs." But the biggest danger of all is found in our so-called "little sins." Eventually they will catch up with us and inch by silent inch will drive us farther and farther away from God. And as Edmund Burke said, "By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation." Sins-large or small-are a spiritual cancer and unless we get the cancer, the cancer will get us. As God's word says, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23

The good news is that God also says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Jerry / brothermiler1@yahoo.com

Standing On The Promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

     Standing, standing,
     Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
     Standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Morning Smile

A Swiss man, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting. “Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he asks. The two Americans just stare at him. “Excusez-moi, parlez vous Fracais?” he tries. The two continue to stare. “Parlare Italiano?” No response. “Hablan ustedes Espanol?” Still nothing. The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted. The first American turns to the second and says, “Y’know, maybe we should learn a foreign language.” “Why?” says the other. “That guy knew four languages, and it didn’t do him any good.”

Does God ever use these! Want to get in on it? sumner

Humble yourself
"Humble yourselves therefore under the might hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" 1 Pet 5:6. Jesus humbled Himself and God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every name" Phil 2:8, 9.

Think seriously
"For I say to every man that is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly (seriously), according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" Rom 12:3. "If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself" Gal 6:3.

Solomons example
"And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.1 Kings 3:7, 8. Did God ever exalt him! WE MUST let God do the exalting. He will in due time. He said so.

Clay vessels
"We have this treasure ( our ministry) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us" 2 Cor 4:7. The truth is, we are just a hunk of dirt to be molded by God. We have nothing to boast of! "Be humble or be humbled." God does not humiliate us but He will humble us. "You do not act humble, just be humble and you will act humble." Remember, God "looks on the heart" 1 Sam 16:7.

God gets the glory
God uses the humble one so that He gets the glory. "My glory will I not give to another" Isa 42:8.

Father give us a humble heart so You can exalt and use us in Your good time. In Jesus name. And I love you, All Because of Calvary, ABC sumner

Added Thoughts:
A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth. (Eph. 5:33)

Be careful that your marriage doesn't become a duel instead of a duet.
(Rom. 14:19)

Safe In The Arms Of JESUS

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain

      Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast
      There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Refrain

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Refrain

Morning Smile

     Once there was a man named Jim, who let his dog out to relieve himself late one night. He watched some TV, and then remembered to let the dog back in. When he opened the door, he was shocked at what he saw! In his dog's mouth was his neighbor's cat, dead! "Bad dog! BAD DOG!", said the panicked man.
      
      He took the cat away and looked at it. He couldn't bring himself to tell his neighbor what happened, so he decided to clean it up and leave it on the neighbour's porch. He took the cat into the bathroom and washed off all the blood and dirt.
      
      It took him forever. He had to wash it four times to get it all cleaned. He brushed it's beautiful white fur as he blow dried it, and put it's collar back on. Since it was so dark, he snuck into the neighbor's yard, and laid the cat down on the porch, in front of the door.
      
      The next day, he was on his way to the car to go to work and his neighbor was outside.
      
      "Hi," he said. "Hi," replied Jim, nervously. His neighbor said, "something weird happened last night."
      
      "Oh yeah? What's that," asked Jim, sweating now.
      
      "Well, my cat died yesterday, and we buried him, and this morning he was lying on my front porch!"

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning by Sumner Wemp

Jun 17, 2005

"And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold" Ex 25:31. "And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause it to burn always" Ex 27:20. Oh, how unique and essential is the lampstand.

Oil, a type of the Holy Spirit
Without the oil, that lampstand would give no light. Every born again believer has the Holy Spirit. To those carnal Christians at Corinth God says, "What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Cor 6:19. "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" Rom 8:9.

The natural man
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" 1 Cor 2:14. Without the oil you could not see where you were not what you are doing. With the Holy Spirit you could not see to pray at the altar of incense nor eat the shewbread, the food of the priests, the Word of God.

Ministries of the Holy Spirit
There are over 45 ministries of the Holy Spirit to believers. You are being robbed if you do not know what all He came to do to us and through us. I wrote on each of them last year. Go to our archives and read what He came to do for you.

Today, Christians are "kingdom of priests" We priests must "be filled with the Holy Spirit" Ehp 5:18. For a continuous control by the Spirit we priests of God today must "walk in the Spirit" Gal 5:16. The Lord Jesus came, suffered and died for our sins, rose again and went back to heaven and sat down. Why did He sit down? He finished what He came to do. Ten days later the Holy Spriit came to take up where the Lord Jesus left off. "To be rightly related to the Lord Jesus makes you a Christian. To be rightly related to the Holy Spirit makes you a spiritual Christian" Dr. L.S. Chafer. We must not grieve the Holy Spirit by sins of commission, doing what He tells us not to do nor quench the Holy Spirit by sins of omission, not doing what He tells us to do.

Father help us as the priests of God to walk in the Spirit so He can do all He came to do through us to the Glory of God. ABC, sumner

Go to www.sumnerwemp.com Great stuff, pick it up and pass it out

God breaks us to make us whole.
Jesus doesn't need lawyers; He needs witnesses. 

To GOD Be The Glory

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the earth hear His voice!
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
    Let the people rejoice!

    O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
    And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Morning Smile

Country song titles

Readers of New York magazine were asked to invent country-song titles. Here are some entries:

Ain't No Trash In My Trailer Since The Night I Threw You Out

You Wanted To Get Hitched, But My Heart Is Filled With Whoa

I Lost My Honey Bunny On A Bad Hare Day

She Chews Tobacco, But She Didn't Choose Me

The Peach I Picked In Georgia Didn't Cling To Me For Long


I Found The Recipe For Heartbreak In A Cookbook On Your Shelf

Now That We're Miserable, I Hope You're Happy

Great Expectations by Pastor Bill

Scripture: Ephesians 6:17b

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" NKJV

Some years ago we bought an elliptical machine. The ad lured us into buying the biggest and best model with all the bells and whistles. Intentions were high --- the advertisement said just 20 minutes a day and a new me! Surely the investment in me was worth it. Just by owning it I felt better, looked better and knew given a little time great things would happen.

We couldn't get into the house fast enough to start the regimen. Expectations abounded for recapturing my sports body left behind decades ago. Day 1 met all my expectations. By day 3 my muscles were screaming help! In the second week it took everything in me just to look at the machine. By the third week --- out of sight --- out of mind worked for me. We learned that's what a 30 day return policy is all about!

Great expectations without the action to back it up brings failure.

I wonder if there are people who have the same kind of distorted view when it comes to the Word of God? Could someone possibly think that by finding the biggest, fattest, most expensive Bible, they automatically become spiritually connected to Jesus? You know the one with the leather binding and the gold edges on the paper and the name engraved on it.

Benefits derived from the elliptical machine are directly related to the time and effort expended --- unless it is used and used properly there are no benefits. I cannot expect that machine to lose weight for me or sculpt my body --- I must engage the machine on a regular basis.

Likewise my relationship with Jesus through the Bible. Benefits derived from Jesus and the Bible are directly related to the time and effort expended --- unless time is used and used properly there are no benefits.

Great expectations with consistent action brings a closer relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Father help me to diligently seek you by spending proper time and effort in your Bible. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Nothing but the Blood

Text: Robert Lowry
Music: Robert Lowry 

---

1.	What can wash away my sin? 
	Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	What can make me whole again? 
	Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
Refrain:
	O precious is the flow 
	that makes me white as snow; 
	no other fount I know; 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

2.	For my pardon this I see: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	For my cleansing this my plea: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	(Refrain) 

3.	Nothing can for sin atone: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	Naught of good that I have done: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	(Refrain) 

4.	This is all my hope and peace: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	This is all my righteousness: 
	nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
	(Refrain) 

Morning Smile

A young man, who was also an avid golfer, found himself with a few hours to spare one afternoon. He figured that if he hurried and played very fast, he could get in 9 holes before he had to head home. Just as he was about to tee off, an old gentleman shuffled onto the tee and asked if he could accompany the young man as he was golfing alone. Not being able to say no, he allowed the old man to join him.

To his surprise, the old man played fairly quickly. He didn't hit the ball far, but plodded along consistently and didn't waste much time. Finally, they reached the 9th fairway and the young man found himself with a tough shot. There was a large pine tree right in front of his ball and directly between his ball and the green. After several minutes of debating how to hit the shot, the old man finally said, "You know, when I was your age, I'd hit the ball right over that tree."

With that challenge placed before him, the youngster swung hard, hit the ball up, right smack into the top of the tree trunk and it thudded back on the ground not a foot from where it had originally laid.

The old man offered one more comment, "Of course, when I was your age, that pine tree was only 3 feet tall."

Prescribed by the Great Physician

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...

Noah was a drunk Abraham was too old Isaac was a daydreamer Jacob was a liar Leah was ugly Joseph was abused Moses had a stuttering problem Gideon was afraid Samson had long hair and was a womanizer Rahab was a prostitute Jeremiah and Timothy were too young David had an affair and was a murderer Elijah was suicidal Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt Peter denied Christ The Disciples fell asleep while praying Martha worried about everything Mary Magdalene was... The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once Zaccheus was too small Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer..AND Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides, you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
And one more thing...Share this with a friend or two...

In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.
3. Growing old is inevitable ... growing UP is optional.
4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
5. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.
6. Do the math .. count your blessings.
7. Faith is the ability to not panic.
8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
9. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.
11. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
12. The most important things in your house are the people.
13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
    God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and he can certainly use you!

I Stand Amazed in the Presence

Text: Charles H. Gabriel
Music: Charles H. Gabriel 

---

1.	I stand amazed in the presence 
	of Jesus the Nazarene, 
	and wonder how he could love me, 
	a sinner, condemned, unclean. 
Refrain:
	How marvelous! How wonderful! 
	And my song shall ever be:
	How marvelous! How wonderful 
	is my Savior's love for me! 

2.	For me it was in the garden 
	he prayed: "Not my will, but thine." 
	He had no tears for his own griefs, 
	but sweat-drops of blood for mine. 
	(Refrain) 

3.	In pity angels beheld him, 
	and came from the world of light 
	to comfort him in the sorrows 
	he bore for my soul that night. 
	(Refrain) 

4.	He took my sins and my sorrows, 
	he made them his very own; 
	he bore the burden to Calvary, 
	and suffered and died alone. 
	(Refrain) 

5.	When with the ransomed in glory 
	his face I at last shall see, 
	'twill be my joy through the ages 
	to sing of his love for me. 
	(Refrain) 

Morning Smile

A pastor is walking down the street and sees little Johnny trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, little Johnny, being short, was not able to reach to the bell. The pastor came and ringed the bell on Johnny's behalf.

Then pastor asked, "And now what, my little Johnny?"

The little Johnny replied, "Now we run!"

The Wicker Basket

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern  Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.  His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could..

One day  the grandson asked, 'Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close  the book. What good does reading the Bible do?'  The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, 'Take this old wicker  coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.'

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could  get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'You will have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home. 

Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was 'impossible to carry water in a basket,' and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.  You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. 

Out of breath, he said, 'See Papa, it's useless!'
 'So you think it is useless?' the old man said.  'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different.  Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean.

'Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from  the inside out.'

Moral of the wicker basket story: 

Take time to read a portion of God's word each day; it will affect you for good even if you don't retain a word.

A Reminder to Be Mindful of God

By Rev. Kerry S. Doyal, Grace Bible Church. - Kingsport, TN
[Edited] 

 
You never know when or where God will remind you of an important truth. A recent chance encounter at a hotel continental breakfast bar reminded me of God's passion to teach us. It reminded me of the need to be mindful of Him. 
 
Our family was traveling back to Kingsport recently when my son and I met a kind retiree from Oklahoma. Coincidentally, she too who was on her way to Kingsport, to visit a daughter and family. 
 
By the way, it is said that a "coincidence" is when God chooses to work anonymously. Lucky for us - yes, that was a joke - He does this often. 
 
Having noticed that she looked Hispanic or Native American and that she had on a shirt saying "Mexico," I asked if she was Mexican or Cherokee. She was in fact first generation Mexican American and she then relayed an interesting life development. 
 
Our new friend told how she used to think in Spanish as well as she could in English. But, in the past few years, she has noticed that skill slipping. At a recent reception, she was able to speak to someone in Spanish. Yet, much to her chagrin, she got stuck in efforts to communicate. 
 
Having no one to speak Spanish to on a regular basis has made it harder to think in Spanish as easily as she used to. What used to be natural to her now takes effort due to lack of practice, less use. 
 
Hmmm... With a long drive ahead and being a person prone to parabolize, apt to allegorize, this got me to thinking about my thinking. (I will not be offended if you need to re read that sentence.) How fluent do I stay in thinking about God, His word, His truths, His will and ways? 
 
Can I, with Willie Nelson, sing to my sweet Lord, "You were always on my mind?" Being on the road again, I could not outlaw that line of thinking. 
 
How consistently do I meditate on Him, His word, mulling Him over? How well do I think biblically? Have my skills and habits of thinking in God's language - the Bible - stayed strong or have they slipped? 
 
We are to love God with all our minds, as well as our hearts, soul and strength. A lack of use of our language of re-birth can lead to one dimensional living and thinking - a life that is too earthy (see Psalm 1). 
 
To my new friend, I say "mucho gusto, mucho gracias mi amiga y Dios Te bendaga." "Good to meet you, thank you very much my friend and God bless you!" I hope you are duly impressed, that is half of my Spanish. And, yes, I had it double checked! 
 
To my Lord, who has provided cleaner, clearer thoughts for us to think, I say thank you for the reminder. Feel free to keep me mindful to keep you in mind. 
 
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT) 
 
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 (NLT) 
 
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Morning Smile

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses.

She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks you're stupid, stand up!" 

After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. 

The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?" 

"No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

Digging Ditches

"Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink." 2 Kings 3:16-17, NKJ Apologies for the duplicate devotional which was sent out yesterday by mistake. In 2 Kings 3 we read the account of the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom joining forces to attack Moab. They had set off to march through the desert, and after seven days going round in a circle they had no water left for themselves or their animals. Only then did they remember to enquire of the Lord, and they did this through Elisha the prophet. The instructions they received from the Lord through Elisha might have seemed strange to them: they were to fill the valley with ditches. This they obviously did, and the following morning God supernaturally sent water (without rain) and the ditches filled with water. What this story shows us first of all is that it would have been better to have enquired of the Lord before setting off! Then they might have avoided the predicament they were in. Without God we can soon find ourselves going round in circles in a desert with our resources dried up! Secondly, when God supernaturally provides for us, He often requires us to do our part and not just sit passively waiting for His divine intervention. He required them to dig ditches to prepare for the water that was to come. They would have needed faith to do that (particularly as they were in a desert!), and obedience to follow the instructions. Sometimes there are things that God requires us to do in preparation for the blessing that He is going to pour out. In relationships, for instance, we may have to make an effort to ‘dig some ditches’ so that God can come and pour in His renewing love. In our relationship with God we also have to put in time and effort – setting aside time to spend with Him, being disciplined to read the Bible, sacrificing the things that our flesh may be crying out for and doing the difficult things that He may be asking of us. As we ‘dig ditches’ in that way, we prepare ourselves to receive the blessing that God longs to pour out on His children. Are you thirsty for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit today? Are there things that He is requiring of you first? Prayer: Lord, please show me if there are any ‘ditches’ I need to dig today to prepare to receive the blessing you have for me, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Today's Writer : Jilly Lyon Taylor

Take Tme To Be Holy

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Morning Smile

The little church in the suburbs suddenly stopped buying from its regular office supply dealer. So, the dealer telephoned Deacon Brown to ask why.

"I'll tell you why," shouted Deacon Brown. "Our church ordered some pencils from you to be used in the pews for visitors to register."

"Well, interrupted the dealer, "didn't you receive them yet?"

"Oh, we received them all right," replied Deacon Brown.

"However, you sent us some golf pencils...each stamped with the words, `Play Golf Next Sunday.'"

If I Were Lost Would You Bother Looking For Me?

Hello, my friend!
 
Spring is desperately trying to send a preview this week. Winter is fighting to hold on.  The sun is shining and slightly warmer weather is forecasted this week.  But I won't be fooled.  Winter will return until spring has its way.

I'll just close my eyes and think spring!
My best to you always,
Bob and Marianne

Perks Pearl of Wisdom
"Choose to live the life you dream."
Bob Perks
 
"If I were lost would you look for me?"

Bob Perks

If I were lost would you look for me?

If cried would you care enough to ask why?

If I were empty would you fill me up again?

If I were stolen would you report me missing?
 
Foolish questions?  Perhaps.
 
They were brought to my attention this morning when my phone rang and I heard the sweet voice of a young lady.
 
"Are your dogs missing?" she asked.
 
I realized it was my neighbor.  My heart began pounding as I hurried through the house taking inventory.
 
I sighed and replied, "No, they are all accounted for."
 
She is a sweet soul.  A kind, generous girl with an old fashioned heart and spirit.  She bakes cookies and shares them with neighbors.  She waves as she leaves her home and sees you working in the yard. Today she found two small dogs walking down the street. She took them in.

"They are well behaved and get along nicely with our own dog," she said. 
 
I suggested places for her to report finding them.
 
"Most people wouldn't get involved," I said.  "I wonder how many cars passed them by this morning and thought nothing of stopping.  You did the right thing."
 
I went outside to watch for anyone who might be patrolling the area and I listened to hear the distant cry of someone calling their names.
 
Nothing.

Then the thought came to me.  "What does it take for someone to go out of their way like she did?"
 
If I was lost I would hope someone would come looking.
 
If I were crying, alone and longing for a kind, gentle touch, I would hope that someone would stop and speak to me.

If I were empty, running on nothing but the little energy I had left from a battle going on within myself, I would wish that someone would fill the void with the words of kindness, caring and concern.
 
If I were stolen away by fear and confusion...if I were taken off to a place where darkness reigns and self pity
blinded reality...I would pray that I'd be missed and rescued.
 
So, ask yourself that question today.  Would you?

Would you take in the dogs?  Would you look for a lost friend or even a stranger?

Would you offer a kind word?
 
Would you search long enough to find someone you love who was stolen away by fear and doubt?

What good is faith without action?
"I wish you enough!"
J
Bob

Holy Spirit Breathe On Me

1.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
until my heart is clean;
let sunshine fill its inmost part,
with not a cloud between.

   Chorus
      Breathe on me, breathe on me
      Holy Spirit, breathe on me;
      Take Thou my heart, cleanse every part,
      Holy Spirit breathe on me.

2.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
my stubborn will subdue;
teach me in words of living flame
what Christ would have me do.

3.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
fill me with pow'r divine;
kindle a flame of love and zeal
within this heart of mine.

4.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
till I am all Thine own,
until my will is lost in Thine,
to live for Thee alone.

Morning Smile

The judge was instructing the jury that a witness was not necessarily to be regarded as untruthful because he changed his statement from one which he had previously made to the police. “For example,” he said, “when I entered my chambers today, I was sure I had my gold watch in my pocket. But then I remembered that I left in on my nightstand in my bedroom.”

When the judge returned home, his wife asked him, “Why so much urgency for your watch? Isn’t sending three men to get it a bit extreme?” “What?” said the judge, “I didn’t send anyone for my watch, let alone three people; what did you do?”

“I gave it to the first one,” said the wife. “He knew exactly where it was.”

Little by Little by Michael J. Knight.

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" (Prov 14:23). 

Is there something you would like to accomplish in life but simply cannot find the hours in the day to get started? Many of us suffer from procrastination. We justify putting our dreams aside because we don't believe we have the time or resources to accomplish the task. 

Many times people tell me they believe they are called to write a book. I tell them, "Great, if God has called you to write a book, begin to write it." Sometimes the response is: "But I don't have a publisher." "That has nothing to do with it," I say. "That is not your problem. If God calls you to write a book, you are to begin to write. You may not be writing to get published. You may be writing for other purposes." 

"The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little" (Deut 7:22). If God has given you a vision to do something, begin by taking baby steps toward that project. Begin to focus on the vision and take action steps toward it. Many times people ask me, "How in the world do you have time to write? You travel so much and seem to have such a full schedule." My answer to them is that I have a specific time of day in which I commit to writing. It is usually between 5 AM and 8 AM. I have found this to be my most creative and productive time. Very little can get in the way of this time if I believe God has given me a project to do.

You will be amazed at what God can do with a little each day. Do not let procrastination prevent you from accomplishing what God may want to do through your life. Make plans today to take baby steps toward the vision that is in your heart.

Love & Prayers,

Michael J. Knight.