4 Mile prayers
November 22 A young Amish boy called me and asked if I could fix his bow. He had trouble with the arrow rest not working properly and had missed 3 shots in one evening. As I picked up the bow, I learned that it was 3 separate deer on the same evening! I would have been upset but he didn't seem at all upset. After looking at him, who was larger than me, I made a little adjustment of the activation cord and all was well. The kids are all growing so fast that it's hard to keep up with them in draw length and arrow length, and keeping the bows in tune with their size. It made me wonder if i am growing in GOD'S WORD as I should. Am I stuck with equipment that won't work properly because I have grown outside the way of GOD instead of with HIM. The way that I live is affected by the way I have grown in the LORD. We must watch that we don't become 'bigger than are britches' and have left the spiritual part of our lives unchanged. Help us to keep our growth, both in age and spirit accountable to GOD in a fashion that will not fail us when it matters. Keep in tune with GOD and you will be blessed.
November 21 As the cold wind blows, I am almost persuaded to go back to the warm bed. But I know that if I'm not in the woods I can't be blessed with a deer. The same is true with GOD, if we are far from HIM, we will fail to recognize the blessings HE gives. Only by being closer can we begin to see all the things given us by our HEAVENLY FATHER. Those who separate themselves from GOD choose to be away from HIS goodness, yet HE provides another opportunity for them to come to HIM. Never are we so far away that we cannot go to HIM. There is no divide so great that HE will not cross when we call. We just have to seek HIM. Look toward GOD, he is near if you only look. GOD bless you.
November 20 Have you ever watched a centipede walking across the ground and wondered what keeps it from tripping over its own many legs? Or wondered what a serpent looked like and how it walked, before GOD commanded that it slither on its belly? How can there be a full moon when the sun is on the other side of the world and just a sliver of a moon when the sun and moon are both visible? How can GOD change a sinner into righteous, yet we cannot forget the slightest thing HE did against us? While GOD has offered everything to us, we choose sin over the LORD? Why do we trade glory for dirt? So many questions, so many different answers, yet the ONE who created the entire universe is ignored and man's own ideas or satan's tricks are grasped. The same book that is the 'best-selling' is the least read. The articles with all he answers to life's dilemma is so seldom consulted. What an ignorant, hard-hearted people we are! Failing to learn from our past and indeed hiding it so we can fail again. The answers to life's troubles stored away while potions and spells are cast. Thank GOD that there are those who have broken through the darkness. They provide light in the dim, a voice in the wilderness. Those who opened our lives to a new world, that we may open the door for others. The world waits for the answers, nothing beyond temporary comes from man alone. The answer is available only from GOD. HE is waiting for your question. Open your heart today. GOD bless
November 19 While reading through Leviticus and all the sacrifices that were to be offered, I wondered, how would I ever get enough animals to cleanse me of me sins? Certainly, I would be taking an animal or bird or flour to the temple all the time. Thank GOD I live in this time. Where CHRIST has offered himself as the final sacrifice for mankind. HIS BODY and BLOOD offered, so that we can freely RECEIVE what GOD has demanded. Yet we, as those long ago, could also PRAISE without our spirit or honesty of repentance, that GOD has never stopped despising. I wonder if there would be enough oxen, rams, sheep or birds to cover for my sinful life? CHRIST deserves more than just words; HE DESERVES our deepest PRAISE. For those who believe, have been given life, pardoned from the death that would await. For we have all fallen short of what GOD intended for us. Today we need to only ask for GOD'S forgiveness and with a sincere heart we are forgiven. The BLOOD of that final LAMB covers us for eternity, praise GOD that we have a way out of our sin. GOD bless you.
November 18 I love when my grandson comes to hunt. We get dressed in our camo clothes and all the while we discuss which stand we should go to. When we head out, we are fairly confident in our choice and think we will see deer and hopefully Mr. Big. However, our choices may sometimes fail us and that's why they call it hunting . There are times when we second guess ourselves and text each other, "I should have gone to another stand or I bet they are at other woods." Thankfully we are told that our salvation through JESUS CHRIST is not like choosing a hunting stand! So, we are ALWAYS confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these earthly bodies we are NOT at home with the LORD. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the LORD. Earthly hunting is a gamble but in GOD'S SPIRIT there is no loss. GOD bless you.
November 17 "Satan who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the GLORIOUS LIGHT of the GOOD NEWS. They don't understand this message about the GLORY of CHRIST, who is the exact likeness of GOD." There are many who say they know JESUS, or heard about the SON of GOD. But when the trials hit home the faith is lost or turned away. No matter how great a hardship we may face, realizing that JESUS will be our comfort and strength is the true showing of our FAITH! We can no longer pretend that we know the GOD of CREATION, we must uncover the blinded part of our spirit and put our trust in something beyond this world. We are told that the god of this world is NOT the Saviour of men, he is the opposite, the stealer of men's souls! Taking away from as many as he can deceive. Those who take a moment and compare GOD'S WORD with the word of the world can, if they want to, see the LIGHT of SALVATION. So many will perish, taken by the very world they trust. GOD'S mercy allows all who come to HIM to be SAVED. HE will have mercy on those who believe, but wrath on those who fail to follow. The highway has traffic in both directions, it is not a one-way street. What way are you going? I trust GOD to bless you.
November 16 Yesterday morning was foggy and water was falling from the trees like rain as I made my way to my stand. Everything looked different and it was then I realized that I was not where I was trying to go. Not knowing where I was and with daylight beginning, I set up in a nice tree where I was. Shortly after a buck came by and I shot. After recovering the deer, the fog had lifted and I realized I was 3/4 mile off course! Apparently wandering aimlessly in the dark fog. How often I go through life as if in a fog, off course and wandering as lost. Only to awaken from the darkness and be grateful of GOD'S love for guiding me through life's maze. There will be a time when believers will see everything clearly, not in a fog. Now I can appreciate those words a bit more and GLORIFY GOD for helping as we walk as blind through our time on this world. Thank GOD the truth is available for ALL to see when they seek HIM. Help us see clearly the way we are to live and follow that path. May our eyes be open to the works of GOD in our lives and give thanks. GOD bless you.
November 15 I love to hunt in the morning. It is a new day and you never know what can happen. Yesterday has passed and a new beginning takes place every morning. The BIBLE says, "Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to CHRIST will be given a new life." Our old is washed away, a new beginning, just like a new day begins. We can choose to make a continuation of our past 'yesterday' or choose to enter the realm of GOD and begin a new life, different than our old life. Each day we have a choice of what to do with that new day, good or bad, we make the choice. Each day we can make a new beginning along with the new day to follow GOD or reject HIM. Today, choose to follow the LORD, and may GOD bless you. May we each live closer to GOD today than we did yesterday.
November 14 This time of year is so much fun to be hunting. It's not too cold or too hot, it's enjoyable to be outside and in the woods. Most of the leaves have fallen and visibility is improved, if your eyes are of the age to work correctly. When it rains the footsteps are hard to hear and I am generally startled when a deer comes nearby. In life when everything is going well, we tend to forget GOD. When things go astray, we tend to turn to GOD. And when we have become silent toward GOD HE can slip by without notice. Like hunting we need to be ever conscious of GOD around us every hour of each day. If we let down our guard we miss the blessings of that hour. When we are aware of our surroundings, we will notice the small changes that show HIS nearness. Keep alert and watchful for GOD is around us at all times. Be able to watch the SPIRIT moving as HE pauses to give us blessings.
November 13 "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same SPIRIT is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but those who believe serve the same LORD. GOD works in different ways, but it is the same GOD who does the work in all of us." A special gift is given each of us so that we can help each other. The evil one takes away that gift, hides it away, out of sight and replaces it with deception and conflict. We can visually see that in our neighborhoods and country. The gifts given to us by GOD have been traded for greed, immorality and lust. Those who sacrificed their gifts to the god of this world have received confusion in return. But that loss can be reclaimed when we turn again to the GOD of CREATION. It is our choice to be lost or found. The gifts may be sewing, painting, speaking or aiding others, they are given by GOD to help others. How can you help a neighbor? GOD bless you.
November 12 It hardly seems like it, it feels like only yesterday, but it's been over 6 years since the first of these morning messages began. Each day GOD gives something to someone and it's no wonder that it has been so rewarding to be able to do these things with a simple flip phone and GOD'S wonderous help. There were times that the message was about to end but through GOD'S hands passed a way to continue. Others selfless help has been an aid that is beyond words. What started as a note to a few has been posted, shared, forwarded, and put on bulletin boards. Today as many aid in the work, these words reach around the world and to 100,000 phones, emails, and posts PRAISE GOD that we have the freedom and the aid to bring a morsel of FAITH into this world. The point is this, there is nothing fancy or expensive, ANYONE can do it, even you. The more we reach, the less satan can deceive! There are many ways to spread the WORD of GOD and the way you do it is unique to you. GOD made us each to reach someone else. Join in a way that you can. Each doing a little will move a country back to GOD. Thank you to those who have aided through the years, and GOD bless you. To those reading for perhaps the first time, search your soul for what is true, read GOD'S WORD and make a lifesaving alteration to believe that JESUS CHRIST died for you. Attend a Church near you, read GOD'S WORD, and tell others the GOOD NEWS.
November 11 Many people in our area are experiencing great swarms of flies in their houses. Even the Church was filled with vast numbers of flies. Almost everyone complains how they are covering the windows and getting between the window and screens and filling that space. Yet, thank GOD our house is fly free. Maybe one or two but not hordes. It reminds me of the BIBLE account of Moses encounter with Pharoh and the miracles GOD did. While Egypt was covered with flies, the land of Goshen was not! The next action was a plague and I hope that does not happen! The unexplained should help us remember the true stories from GOD'S WORD and encourage us to read and believe those things that took place long ago. The events of today will hopefully bring renewed interest into GOD'S plan for our salvation and not a hardening of hearts. We are given reminders along our way of GOD'S great and valuable lessons in history, that can teach us even today. There are many blessings to be received through the action of GOD'S WORD. What can you learn? May GOD bless you.
November 10 It seems that when people accept CHRIST, they believe that the road ahead will be smooth and painless. But that is far from reality. Joseph was sold into slavery, thrown into prison for years and forgotten about by both his brothers and captors. Life was far from the dream of his youth. The BIBLE says, that he never gave up and continued to have FAITH in the LORD GOD. How often do we give up after a week of painful experiences? Or turn away from GOD when we are given bad news? Do we know GOD'S plans? The story of Joseph should remind us that life is filled with the unexpected, the miserable and the good. We are to accept the plate we are served, while working to reach higher and continually trusting GOD. There is no other way INTO HEAVEN than FAITH. Without that faith there is no hope. May GOD'S blessings be on those who, even in times of difficulty, remain FAITHFUL to GOD.
November 9 Yesterday I was hunting in a place that reminded me of being at home in Pa in the mountains, only without the noise of highways. My cousin replied that with his aging ears he couldn't hear the highways or the deer! We all get old, we walk slower, see and hear less and our memory is spotted. But GOD does not age as we humans! HE is "the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." Just as HE never ages, so we will never age once we are free of the bonds of this world and body. For those who believe and are saved, what a remarkable future awaits. For those who have hardened their hearts a never-ending torture awaits. We can see the revenges of age on our earthly bodies, we can imagine the GLORY of HEAVEN, but we often forget the terrible fate that awaits the nonbeliever. As time takes away our earthly privileges, let us reflect on the eternity that awaits. May those thoughts awaken our desires beyond these days and open our minds to the everlasting. When the deaf will hear, the blind will see and the sick will be made whole. GOD bless you.
November 8 Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the GOOD NEWS about CHRIST. It is the POWER of GOD at work, saving everyone who believes." Throughout our lives we do many things that we are ashamed of. There are too many times that we are approached by the wiley serpent and we follow his suggestions. As humans we know the feeling of being ashamed of our actions. But the power of GOD'S WORD never causes us to be ashamed! Yet most believers fail to speak out the word of GOD for the fear of being ridiculed or mocked. Our failure to speak the WORD fails to open doors that may never be open, giving the one whom deceives yet another foothold. Who are we to be true to? Ourselves and our own aspirations or GOD? Too many are looking for a way out of the worlds grip to be silent. GOD bless you.
November 7 "The serpent was the craftiest of all GOD'S creation." We know the rest of the story involving Eve and then Adam. What we often fail to understand is that we too are attacked by that same evil spirit. The choices we make are our own, however satan is always trying to get us to do what GOD doesn't want. The perpetual circle with each of us in the center. One would hope that the closer we are to GOD that those challenges would be easily conquered, but that is not true. Satan works continually to trick us away from GOD. Make a barrier that is hard for him to scale. Keep the armor of GOD on and ready for battle, the war never ceases.
November 6 When I woke at 3 am, there were messages on my phone, he prevailed. As I turned on the tv to see who had won the election Fox had Trump at 277 electoral votes, but the other networks had him at 266 for at least an hour longer? Some were happy and others, not so much. The thing that I noticed most about the results was the difference in opinions between rural and big city residents. That division completely baffles me. Just as the emperor Nebuchadnezzar was put in charge of GOD'S mission in ancient times, GOD has control today. HE puts people into power to do HIS works here on earth. So, although some celebrate and others mourn, I am content that GOD has control no matter who thinks they do. HIS hand will shape the events of our time here. The WORD of GOD is written and the course of man is set. The time of judgement awaits ALL regardless of our party's ideals. Our opinions matter, we all have something to share, may it be to GOD'S GLORY. GOD bless you and our country.
November 5 We all are tested, in different ways and at different times, but we all have choices to make. Sometimes those choices are easy and sometimes they are hard. Sometimes willful and others by circumstance. The tests between right and wrong escape no one. We all make wrong choices at times, and we all make good choices at times, but we all fail sometimes. For whatever the reasons we do the wrong things, we fail the tests, we choose the wrong. At some point we become upset with our behavior and attempt to change, but the demons within often win. Oh LORD, have patience with us, forgive us as we come to you for forgiveness, help us to choose better ways. Daily we look around us and make a willful choice to do wrong, the sin within wins. But CHRIST has not abandoned us, he chose to die to forgive us, knowing of our sinful nature HE went through the torture. And how do I repay such a gift? By making bad choices. Sinful as we are HE accepts those who believe. It is our choice to try to improve or continue in failure. May GOD bless you.
November 4 Our mens breakfast had only 7 men on Saturday, the least that I've seen. However, there was enough food for 30! And was it ever good. It seems that year by year the groups that meet in GOD'S name become smaller. The things of this world become more alluring and many give up their time for other things. Soon it's hard to go back to doing what you once did. Our time has become too valuable to us and we place priorities on what time we have. The things we leave behind are soon forgotten and replaced with the new comforts as they present themselves. Even though the group was small we had great discussions, and a wonderful breakfast. The remanent received a blessing. GOD'S WORD tells us that where 2 or more are gathered HE will be with them. GOD is still being faithful in HIS WORD. Be sure to be faithful in your choice of where to go and what to do. Choose those things that will not leave you hollow when completed. There is much more to life than this life.
November 3 It took only 8 chapters to go from the Garden of Eden to the point that men were so evil that the entire world was destroyed. Only a few were saved to repopulate the earth. Then shortly later the world was torn apart by language barriers and divided yet again. The towns that Lot lived near were destroyed because they had become so wicked! Still as I watch the news, we can see the wars and rumors of wars across the world. Just as the WORD of GOD has said. I once heard a that, as people, we can get along with any other nations people, it's the governments that get us into war. Individually we can enjoy GOD'S blessings, but collectively we begin to compete and the truth of GOD is lost in the fury of that. Without a central figure we remain in a confused state, when the wrong central figure is followed, we could be totally deceived. Satan competes for our minds and actions, for giving up GOD'S commands leads to destruction, even in a very short time. Set our eyes on a figure that is higher than man, follow the guidelines that are set in stone, TRUST in GOD, or be a nation that is soon only a part of history.
November 2 Today I read these words, "If you openly declare that JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For it is believing in your heart that you are made right with GOD, and it is by openly DECLARING your faith that you are saved." What a wonderful message. Whenever you have ANY doubt that there is a GOD, think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you die of this life, and your real life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. In this world of technology there is no reason to not proclaim the WORD of GOD. The harder part is to live the way GOD tells us to live. Sin abounds, but our future can be in the house that GOD has prepared when we persist on trusting in HIM alone. GOD bless you.
November 1st "Can anything ever separate us from CHRIST'S love? Does it mean HE no longer loves us if we have troubles or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? NO, despite all these things, overwhelming VICTORY is ours through CHRIST who loves us." Sometimes we experience health problems or financial difficulties and we forget that ALL that really matters is that GOD loves us so much HE sent HIS SON JESUS to die for us! We become so caught up in our discomfort that we sulk in its pain, forgetting the sole purpose of our existence is to PRAISE GOD and GLORIFY HIM. We are nothing but dust and to dust we will return. We must never lessen the value of what GOD provided for us to partake of, the life HE gave that we may live. When we are down and confused about what's ahead, we need only be afraid of the future if CHRIST is not in us. Bad times come and go. But HE can be with us for ETERNITY. May GOD bless you.
October 31 It is a bit ironic that I had finished reading the BIBLE once again and started over again this morning with the words, "In the beginning." The ironic part is that as the world series is being played I am once again reminded of my Uncle Doc's joke of GOD'S love for baseball, as he would say the first words were 'in the big inning.' So many years have passed since my uncle passed away, yet his words are still on my mind. Words are so powerful that many remember words they heard their entire life. They may be good or bad, true or false, eternal or doomed. We are to keep GOD'S WORD stored within our hearts, and seek after them. Words are sweet as honey or can sour our spirit, console us or raise us to anger. Our use of words will be remembered by generations that follow. We must know what words to use as we talk to others. The BIBLE retains the rules for both life and speech. Reading the WORD influences the heart toward goodness. Pick up the WORD of GOD and read. The words you pass on will be as from the beginning. May GOD'S blessings fall on you just as the smiling words of my uncle, who would have loved to watch 'the big inning.' GOD bless you.
October 30 After my bow broke I decided to try one of my older bows. I had practiced with all summer in anticipation of the upcoming season. However; when it came down to the actual use, I had difficulty seeing the target clearly enough to shoot. My fear of wounding an animal was greater than the want to go. How had I gotten into such a position? I wept as I told my wife of the problem and had decided that there was the possibility I would have to stop hunting. She unexpectedly told me to go buy a new bow even though they are quite expensive! Thank GOD for such a thoughtful wife. As we become older and our bodies begin to fail us, we should be glad that GOD will never fail those who put their faith in HIM. In CHRIST, "We know that problems and trials help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, which deepens our hope of salvation. And that hope will NOT lead to disappointment." Unlike our human body that becomes weaker with age, our spirit soars as the HOLY SPIRIT fills our heart with HIS peace and comfort. GOD bless you.
October 29 Last evening as the deer filtered into the field I was watching, I heard a loud pop and looked down to see one of the limbs of my bow had broken! So, while I thought that I shouldn't try to shoot it, I thought surely Mr. Big would walk by within perfect range and stand broadside laughing at me. Well at dark a big bodied animal mixed with the other deer and racoons in the field but I couldn't tell if it was Mr. Big or not. After getting home and safely getting the bow stabilized, I thought that evening is like our lives. We go along with everything going fairly well and disaster strikes from nowhere. No one is immune to it. However, everyone handles it differently. It is no great thing for GOD to comfort and make our path straight, but those who don't know GOD will call upon HIS name to lead them through the times of trouble. Open our eyes that we KNOW who to call and praise HIM for HIS aid. My bow may never be fixed and our lives may never be the same, but those who trust the LORD have the assurance that in the end the repairs will have taken place. This world is broken in many ways, but HIS is not. GOD bless you.
October 28 Sometimes it's hard to do what GOD wants. When no one wants to listen or attend, we just want to give up. What difference do we make in the whole scheme of things anyway. The whole challenge is sometimes too great to overcome. We never know the results of our efforts in this generation, the result may not be evident until the next! The work we put forth today may yield fruit in the next generation, the results we may never realize. So don't give up, keep presenting a way for the GOOD NEWS to be accepted. Just as it takes a season for crops to mature, the season of GOD'S word to reach into men's lives will come to harvest. So, when you are ready to throw your hands up and give up, remember, it only takes one to make it ALL worth the effort. But that one will not be reached in our silence. Keep the faith in an ever-darkening world. GOD bless you.
October 27 Last night I had a dream that was scary and when it woke me up, I could hardly get it out of my mind. Then after falling back asleep, I had a comforting dream of working with my favorite people on our favorite job. When I woke it was hard to leave that dream world. I am reminded of the terrible fate that awaits those who fail to act on what they know is right. That fate far outweighs the dream that was scary, yet many continue toward that end. There are those who choose to change their lives in order to follow that which they have learned and believe. They will be in a world that will never end and that will never fail. As people wherever we may live on this earth, we are born with a soul, an emptiness, a sense that life should have meaning and purpose. In spite of that spiritual longing, we have disregarded GOD and HIS WORD, be scared. But if we seek GOD, HE will reveal HIMSELF to us, and that we will never want to leave. May GOD bless you.
October 26 Hunting on a stand requires time, time when you sit and just watch, time to think, perhaps too much. Have you ever thought about how GOD placed you where you are. And the many blessings HE has given you? Not to mention that through CHRIST, GOD has given us the privilege and authority to tell others what GOD has done for us, so that they can believe and bring GLORY to HIM. "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything GOD made, they can clearly see HIS invisible qualities, HIS eternal power and divine nature. So, we have no excuse for not knowing GOD." Do NOT trade the truth about GOD for a lie. Take some time to wonder why HE has placed you where you are at this exact moment in time, and know that HE is GOD. For that, HE will bless.
October 25 Finally, after several dry days, I saw deer again. The event was not without its trials however. Just after sunset 4 does came out into the field of freshly picked corn an were joined by others as the last moments of daylight passed. The sound of a deer behind me made me turn and see a large buck walk by and step into the field. The time was 6:47, the legal half hour after sunset was 6:45! Then to add to the test another sound was an even larger buck that passed by and started feeding near the other, a mere 20 yards away. Who would know if I shot a few minutes late? I would. We are faced with decisions nearly every waking moment. We can make them on our own or with the LORD'S help, but in the end, we have to live with the results of our choices. No one may ever know, but we do. GOD has a wonderful way of turning those times of trial into a reward when we choose the correct way, or guilt if we choose wrong. Let HIM be your guide through life's maze of choices. Open the doors of our hearts to the ONE who truly cares for our well-being. GOD bless you.
October 24 What do we control? When in the end, we like Jonah are asked to do HIS work and our lives suffer when we don't follow the instructions we are given. You can see it, it is not hidden, those who truly believe and trust the LORD are just happier in this life. They go through the same sickness and troubles that others do, it just doesn't destroy them. There is a force field of protection that surrounds their soul. With that source of protection, who can destroy them? No man, no spirit, no elected leader can change the way that they know what is ahead. For it is not the hand of man that unrolls the future, but the Hand of GOD. We can run from the truths in GOD'S word, but just as Jonah, we are returned to the place that we have another decision to make. The answer brings either joy or wrath. The choices continue for a lifetime, opening doors or slamming them in our face. The reward of our choice is contentment or sorrow. There is only one GOD that lives, making the choice belongs to you, there is no hiding. May GOD bless you.
October 23 Yesterday my grandson and I spent both the morning and evening hunting with little results and seeing few. When we gathered for supper, my wife told us of the many she had seen while walking and taking the girls home from school. It was a case of the wrong place at the wrong time. We spend our time looking for GOD'S miracles and can't see them and those who are not looking see HIS miracles everywhere! Maybe were trying to hard or just plain looking in the wrong places, but the works of GOD'S hand are even noticeable in those places. Although I didn't see a deer, she didn't see the three racoons playing as they walked down the rows of corn. Or the squirrel hanging by its hind legs while reaching for a nut high in the tree. She didn't get that eerie feeling when the coyotes began howling and were closer than I thought. GOD'S mysteries and miracles are all around us, we just need to focus on what they are and focus less on what ourselves. HE always provides, we just are looking in the wrong spots. May GOD'S blessings be visible to you, today and always.
October 22 As the world becomes lost and draws deeper and deeper away from GOD, there is encouragement! Those who were lost in sin are spreading the WORD. Fathers and grandfathers are telling their families of the CHRIST who died for their salvation. Sons of mothers who worry and pray for their wellbeing are speaking out for the LORD. Sisters, once lost are holding the truths of GOD'S WORD within their hearts. Men who were once on drugs are now baptizing those in jail that they minister the WORD of GOD to. The HOPE of the WAY has not been lost. It may have laid dormant for a while, but the WORD did not die! Men gather and Praise GOD for what HE has done. Perhaps a remnant, but a group none the less, a group that can grow. It begins with the WORD of GOD, a spring of life that can water a nation when it grows. This is the beginning, if those who know the way would show it. Not all will be saved, but the choice is theirs alone. The SEED is ours to plant. GOD bless you.
October 21 "There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of GOD in your land. You swear and lie and kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere, with one murder after another. That is why your land is not producing; it is filled with sadness and all living things grow sick and die." Does that land sound familiar? Does it sound like the nation we live in today? Turning away from GOD for the gods that we choose. Exchanging the GLORY of GOD for the disgrace of idols! Once the greatest nation on earth who proclaimed 'In GOD we trust' has spread shame to the world and encourages others to join the lusts that our nation has turned to. Our children, no longer taught the ways of GOD, but taught to challenge their own sexual orientation. Until we return to GOD in earnest, we are becoming weaker and soon the words toward the sinful nations of the past will be upon us. The blood will not be upon those who speak out, but on those who are silent or refuse to listen. May GOD have mercy on us.
October 20 Throughout the history of man and to continue until the end time of men's existence, people will respond to GOD'S WORD in one of three ways. 1. Some will mock the WORD and the one presenting it. 2. Some will procrastinate and say they will make a decision after listening to the word later. 3. Some will believe and accept JESUS as their SAVIOUR. People react today to the GOSPEL message just as the people in the time of Paul. If someone really wants to know the powerful GOD who created them and is personally interested in their life, only the later will do. There is only one way to eternal satisfaction, do you have that within you? Procrastination is the largest reason we do not turn to GOD. We have our entire balance of life yet to live. But who knows when that last breath may be? Don't refuse the SPIRIT. May GOD bless you.
October 19 Todays message almost didn't happen! You have heard of a needle in a hay stack, but that's nothing compared to a cell phone in the woods! When I discovered my phone missing from my jacket, the first thought was this message to you. We all become lost in this world. We are separated from GOD and we lay in our misbelief. Turning into trash from not being used and recharged by GOD'S WORD. We could remain there, lost and broken forever, but the SON of GOD is searching for us, looking every day, hoping that we will be found. Many lay there forever, neglecting to be found because they prefer the darkness. Just as GOD had revealed the phone in the darkness in a vast woods, your life can be saved by the ONE who is searching for you. HE loves you, HE will NEVER stop looking. HE will rejoice with the ANGELS when we are found. May GOD'S LIGHT SHINE on you that you may be found. GOD bless you.
October 18. In these days where men follow whatever thoughts and desires, they may have. Seemingly unafraid of the consequences that will follow. We as believers must stand above the actions that we formerly accepted. Standing outside the popular realm of ideas that sweep over the world's thoughts. Those traditions are universal in time, conspiring to draw us away from GOD. Tempting us to let slack our moral and spiritual guidelines. Three men once replied to the mighty king, when confronted with death for disobeying the king and obeying GOD. "If we are thrown into the furnace, our GOD is able to deliver us and HE will deliver us out of your hand, your majesty. But if HE doesn't, please understand that even then we will never serve your god." How willing are we to stand up to the arrows of society today? How much FAITH do we carry within us as we go into the world each day?
October 17 The words that I read this morning showed me the things that only GOD can do. Men that were once rebellious against GOD now serve him. Those who were distant now seek HIS GRACE. Those who are lost are becoming aware that there is more to life than mere existence. "Blessed be the name of GOD forever and ever, for HE alone has all wisdom and all power. World events are under HIS control. HE removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom, and scholars their intelligence. He reveals profound mysteries beyond man's understanding. HE knows all hidden things, for HE is light, and darkness is no obstacle to HIM." It appears that these words of Daniel are for all generations! GOD bless you.
October 16 The weather has gone from the 70s to the 30s in the mornings. The clothing requirements have gone from t-shirts to sweat shirts. Homes from A/C to heat. The change is upon us. Too often the spiritual change that is required is overlooked. The clothing doesn't change to protect us. Some wander about in shorts while the weather is freezing and wonder why they become sick. In both conditions we must chose the proper coverings for the season. We need to look at the conditions of each day and dress accordingly. "Arm ourselves with the WORD of GOD," for the conditions we are facing. Every day is different, presenting challenges that need to be overcome. Meet each challenge with a renewed confidence of the TRUTH that GOD has revealed through HIS WORD. GOD'S blessings will be upon those who are prepared.
October 15 When muzzleloader season started, I was glad to be able to be in the woods with my grandson. He has aged a bit since the day we first went hunting deer when he was 8 years old. During those years he has grown into a man. As we were walking out of the woods together he saw a deer flick its tail while it was feeding within feet of a blind he had put up. It was a marvel to watch as he walked silently toward the animal, but papa stepped on a stick and it took toward safer cover. We chuckled that it was beside the blind at that hour. In our lives we grow older, sometimes wiser, but seldom are we truly as in sync with nature as animals. They seem to know when something is even looking at them. If we truly knew that GOD was watching us at all times, we would truly act differently, wouldn't we? Learning of the dangers around us and acting accordingly doesn't come as natural for man. We are wicked to the core. Thank GOD, HE knows that and provided a way to erase the penalty of our sins. JESUS died to help us come before GOD in acceptable favor. We no longer need to be in fear. Come to the SAVIOUR and learn HIS TRUTH, receive HIS blessings.
October 14 Today as I was reading Ezekiel 38, I was not sure if I was reading history or seeing the future. The events described within that chapter are what is upon Israel today. Although the names of the attackers are different, the soil from which they come remains the same. The distant years have passed by, the forces have been called forward. When the events conclude, it is written that all shall know that GOD is LORD! But why must we wait and why must we be shown that GOD'S WORD is real? Why can't we just believe? Just as Thomas said that he would not believe until he placed his fingers in the nail marks and hand into the pierced side, we also doubt. However, we no longer have the luxury of that indecision, our time of choice is upon us. The events of what is written may prove itself today, tomorrow or years from now, but the yearning of our spirits must be answered. May we make the eternal decision to follow GOD. May GOD bless the choice placed within your heart today.
October 13 It is taught by our science community, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. That explains why a gun 'kicks', more with a heavier load and a heavier bullet. The examples can be endless. That saying seems to have worked its way into people's actions as well. Whatever you may do to me I will return to you, and not very often in a good way. From GOD'S WORD we can see that this saying does not apply to the spiritual world. CHRIST gave us everything when we killed him. HE is building us a mansion as we act against HIS wishes. HE presents GLORY to those who would 'lower' themselves to believe upon HIS NAME. Our earthly sayings have little to do with the eternal lives we will spend, if it be HEAVEN or hell. The torment for eternity or the GLORIES of HEAVEN that last forever... are generated by the FAITH in the few years we spend on this earth. Take the time to put life into the divine order it was intended to be. For that action the result will be far more beneficial. GOD bless you.
October 12 Yesterday, unlike the day before, was a bust. I didn't see any deer while in the woods. However, in the darkness while driving to the woods was teaming with wildlife. The time spent on stand was filled with squirrels gathering nuts, geese flying south ward and the beauty of the changing forest right before my eyes. Sometimes GOD feels close to us and other times we feel far away, but if we look, we can see the trademarks of HIS presence around us. HE has never left us; we have often just wandered away from HIM. However, just as in the woods, there's always a trail that leads home. Keep looking for those signs that GOD leaves around us that proves HE is near. "HE will never leave you or forsake you." HE is always near to those who seek HIM. May GOD bless you.
October 11 Every day of hunting, for me is a great day. The worst day in the woods is still better than the best day fixing the water heater! But sometimes there are those days when GOD smiles and you just want to stay in the woods and gather it all in. Yesterday was one of those days. The woods are becoming decorated in color, the temperature was pleasant and the wildlife was beyond abundant. It was one of those days that you hate to leave. Today as I was thinking about the events of yesterday and reading from GOD'S WORD, I am convinced that we have many spiritual GREAT days where we just want to remain in them. When CHRIST is so close and the SPIRIT combines to make everything good. There are many of those days when the power of GOD overwhelms the soul and I am just amazed! HE is SOO good to us. Yet on those same days many are cursing HIM for the troubles that they have gotten themselves into. The high that we may feel in the same hour of their lows. The POWERS of GOD enrich or tear down by the grace or curse of HIS WORD. I cannot wait to see what today may hold. GOD is GOOD. May you have a spirit of the things to come and be watchful, waiting in anticipation of the GLORY of HIS ARRIVAL. Will today be the day? GOD bless you.
October 10 Yesterday evening I set up on the corner of a freshly harvested bean field and a standing corn field. About an hour before sunset several coyotes came out of the corn field and positioned themselves about 75 yds apart and just sat and watched the field. Then after 20 min they would move about 200 yds farther and wait. Looking for rabbits displaced by the harvest and mice that had to search for a more protected home. They were good at this strategy. Eventually by dark there were 6 or 7 coyotes in the field. It was eerie to walk out through the field after the evening 'howl' had taken place. We are attacked by satan just as those coyotes hunted in that field. As soon as we are without the cover of GOD'S protection, we are vulnerable for attack. The tactic works well and the lost are captured. One by one the displaced are gobbled by the evil forces there is no end, no fulfillment, no filling of satisfaction of the evils deed. Continuing till the lost are picked off, one by one. Our HOPE is in JESUS CHRIST, our protector, our safety. In HIM we hide, protected. Without CHRIST we are doomed. Seek the HAND of GOD before the time of wrath is dealt, refuse to become lost in this world of glitter. When it is gone, the wolves will clean up those without shelter. GOD be with you.
October 9 Over the last few weeks we have witnessed several major travesties in our country. Towns that I have been in have been washed away, along with many souls. Now, while yet another blast of storm's race across the country, there are those who ask why? Why do these bad things happen? The BIBLE tells us that there WILL be wars and rumors of wars, the heavens WILL darken. The nations that worship idols WILL be paying a price. Has our time come? Is this the result of turning away from GOD and turning to sin? Let everyone KNOW for certain that GOD has made JESUS, who was crucified, to be LORD and MESSIAH! That GOD'S WORD is the way things are to be. That we, as humans, will all sin. But through the mercy of GOD'S plan, we have a way to escape the wrath that awaits those who will not BELIEVE. The wrath of GOD may very well have begun falling on both the just and the unjust. Can we be prepared for the devastation ahead? Only through the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST can we be ready for the future ahead of us. May GOD bless you.
October 8 Camouflage is not o