4 Mile prayers
June 12 Every day I get up at 5 am and go for a walk in the cooler morning. There are points in the walk that I just THANK GOD that I reached that point and there are times I tell myself, "GOD WILLING" I will reach this point or that. The thing is that I love to hunt and I do not want to hunt 50 yards from the house, even though there are good spots there. It takes effort to be able to keep fit enough to get to my stand when the season arrives. Just as it takes physical effort to be fit, it takes effort to keep SPIRITUALLY fit. READING GOD'S WORD EVERYDAY takes us into HIS very thoughts. We cannot stay in HIS PRESENCE, if we are not in HIS WORD. Just as our physical abilities deplete without exercise, our SPIRIT will decrease without SPIRITUAL EXERCISE. May GOD open our hearts to gain more wisdom from HIS WORD and less from the world's wisdom. GOD bless you.
June 11 I keep thinking, "don't lay-up treasures on earth where they mold and decay and lose their value." It can all be taken in an instant! And in the twinkling of an eye, everything we have can be taken away. If we lay up fortunes here on earth, what have we gained? Without GOD we are like a blade of grass that is mowed off and then dries in the sun and withers away. Nothing is left, it is all for nothing. CHRIST JESUS is the only way. HE alone gives HOPE and REASON. Too often a choice is made that takes away life. When that happens hearts turn toward GOD, only to be separated again when conditions improve. If we fear death we must be worried about our eternal future! Place in our hearts that wonderful key, that opens our thoughts and drive toward our home of ETERNITY. Drive fear and doubt away with the knowledge of GOD'S WORD.
How tiny we are in comparison. Our intelligence is futile to redeem our soul, only the BLOOD of CHRIST has value. Only HIS WORD carries the power for change and hope. "Repent, for the KINGDOM of HEAVEN is near." Those words, passed through the ages, are on us today. May GOD bless you.
June 10 Solomon, the wisest person on earth, found himself defying GOD. Even after building and dedicating the temple, he turned away from GOD. How could this happen? Even though Soloman had been spoken to by GOD TWICE, he turned away. By simply doing what he wanted and not doing what GOD had said, he drifted away. The BIBLE does not record any remorse by Soloman. When we do what GOD says NOT to, then do not ask repentance, we to will be doomed. Wisdom did not make Soloman any better than a fool. We, with what intelligence we can muster, are no better than a fool if we defy GOD. We may then say, 'ignorance is bliss' but GOD'S WORD has been written within us. We know right from wrong. The downfall of Soloman is within us when we fail to follow GOD. Although we may never be the wisest, don't allow ourselves to be the fool either. May GOD BLESS us with the WISDOM to FOLLOW HIS WORD.
Whoever is going to be taking on this website needs to get my phone number from my sister the piano player at church and call me
June 9 "Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as Lord, but still won't get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my FATHER in HEAVEN." JESUS told the men around him that looks can be deceiving. We are not to rely only on the name of JESUS, but to also allow the SPIRIT of GOD to transform us. Our lives will not be the same, we are transformed into a new being in our old body. But being only temporary, our body becomes old and will decay, then we again will be transformed to a new and permanent body. It is wondering to witness the first change, from darkness to light, how can we even dream of the NEW ETERNAL BODY? GOD has opened the door to all who believe and TRUST in HIS NAME to make eternity a place of rest rather than torment. Make a choice today and obey the FATHER. GOD bless you.
June 8 The BIBLE tells us to present ourselves to the LORD. I must admit that it is easier to submit yourself as a living sacrifice when you are older than when you are young. But giving yourself is not the end, it is only the beginning. Psalms tells us, "Only a fool would say there is no GOD." Our lives can be filled with denial to the point WHEN we call on the name of the LORD. At that point we are at the beginning of life at its fullest. Without a MASTER that cares for us, we are like sheep, led astray and to slaughter until we turn to GOD, we are doomed to eternal death. As the saying goes, "Wake up and smell the roses." May GOD'S WORD plant a never-ending line of HOPE in YOUR LIFE. GOD bless you.
June 7 As I was thinking of my former employers being in the hospital, I realized that the grass doesn't stop growing when we are ill, so I set out to mow the yard. After being out of fuel, the belt came off the mower and after replacing, it the pully bearing went out, hopefully the troubler of 3 are past! But that made me think, there is nothing that can be taken from us that GOD has GIVEN. We may trade or give it away or hide and forget it, but it CANNOT be taken. GOD'S love remains TRUE through all our lives, either we recognize it or not. When we seek HIM, we will FIND. HE is not hidden in dark corners. HE does not run from us. HE is waiting for us to come to HIM. FAITHFUL, TRUE and UNBREAKABLE, GOD is above anything else! Give Him praise in everything. God bless you.
June 6 Those who are 40 and younger may not know the old saying, but when I was young there was a saying on the farm, 'knee high by the 4th of July'. That was the saying that if you were going to have a good corn crop, it would be knee high by July 4th! Today the bean crop will be that high and the corn will be in tassel. Things change, but the WORD of GOD remains the same. Man may make it to mean things that are different, but GOD'S WORD DOES NOT CHANGE. It remains the same to all generations. The message is the same, believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you will be saved. That doesn't mean to just know HIS NAME. It is to turn toward HIM. A life changing experience. The future of farming will change. The cost of life will be different. But what GOD HAS SPOKEN remains TRUE. Everything else is artificial. GOD bless you.
June 5 "Anyone whose name is not found in 'The Book of Life' was thrown into the lake of fire." What a horrible ending to a temporary life. That is so short and still our attention is drawn away from our Creator and placed on the gods of want and desire. Our hearts turning away from the GOD we knew in our youth! Just as the Israelites would turn away, we have failed. At times we have wandered far away, but the chance to return home has never been taken away. "HE who is the FAITHFUL witness to these things says, Yes, I am coming soon!" Let us prepare for what is most certain and RETURN to GOD. It is never too late, but the choice must be made. GOD be with you.
June 4 Why are we here? What is our purpose? Why do we suffer through life working to make ends meet and never having enough? These are the things that the world asks. They do not trust GOD or put FAITH in HIS WORDS. We are told to, "WORSHIP only GOD. For the essence of prophecy is to give WITNESS for JESUS." That means to NOT WORRY about our future or our next meal or our health. It means to TRUST GOD for ALL that we NEED. If we try to take our own care upon ourselves, we will fail. But when we respond to the WORDS of GOD, we are repaid. NOT equally, but shaken down and overflowing! If there is even a DOUDT, we are told to try it and see! We can NEVER OUT GIVE GOD. We are here to PRAISE GOD and do HIS WILL. Our efforts to take charge are fruitless. Put GOD into your life every day, HE will reward with HIS BLESSINGS.
June 3 After my former employer was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery, I found out that his partner, who also was my employer, was admitted to the same hospital 2 days later with 8 broken ribs from a dirt bike wreck! I told the current owner that perhaps he better be on guard! Sometimes we look at life's mysteries and wonder at the results. But it is written that ALL things have been written in advance. Does that mean that we just go through life like a puppet? No, we are responsible for the decisions that we make. We ALONE guide our own future. Even though the outcome is unknown to us, it is and has always been known to GOD. So, the next time you think 'well that's weird' remember, GOD knew it all along. As uncertain as life is on this earth, our ETERNITY is ASSURED. We alone are the chosen factor. GOD bless you.
June 2 "The beast will deceive all the people that belong to this world." You can watch as people follow the craziest things and wonder how they can believe such insane things. They look at us and may wonder the same thing. Just as Ceaser said 'what is truth?' There are many things we can follow and there are many books that present their point of views. But we must look at the origin, what is proven true from the beginning and not what has been man's own ideas. GOD'S WORD is the creation of everything. Man's word is his own following of whatever spirit is within. We cannot speak the world into existence, but GOD DID! As the world competes for our following, be tireless in your search of KNOWLEDGE of what is TRUE and follow what GOD has placed before you. GOD bless you.
June 1 I received word that my former employer had a stroke and was air lifted to Iowa City where he underwent surgery. I have not heard any other information. That upsetting news just further enforces the reality of how our lives can be changed in an instant, "In the twinkling of an eye." There is no time to change our lives after the roll has been called. For those who have a TRUSTING FAITH in JESUS CHRIST there is no worry. For those who live away from HIM take notice, the time will come as 'a thief in the night' the day of preparation is now. Please, do not put off your connection with GOD. Tomorrow may be too late. I am sure that Gus is in need of our prayers, but for prayer to take action there must be FAITH. May your soul be made right with GOD today.
May 31 I used to not be bothered by the summer's heat. Then after being in Vietnam and having malaria, that all changed. The heat drains me of strength and bodily fluids. And the summer heat is going to be on its way! When I think of it, I am reminded of the place named hell, with fire and heat causing an unquenchable thirst. A never-ending fire that torments both day and night, forever! And that is when I thank GOD that the uncomfort of the summer's heat is only temporary. And although it may cause the corn to grow and be of uncomfortable, it will end in due season, unlike the place of torture. Now we can look forward to a place of rest, without pain or sickness. A place that GOD has prepared for those who BELIEVE. May you be certain that of where your eternal resting place is, in comfort or eternal unquenchable heat. Your reservation is being made today. GOD bless you.
May 30 Paradise, we can all imagine it. We may even try to manufacture it on earth. We dream of it; we search for it. But while we are here on earth it eludes us. Just when we think we have found paradise we see that it is flawed by the earthly corrosion that will destroy everything. But! GOD has promised that anyone who BELIEVES in HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, WILL inherit paradise. The description of which we are incapable of describing. It is likened to the 'kings garden, with every kind of flower and fruit.' And with the power of earthly kings to manufacture such majesty, just IMAGINE what GOD will create! Our new home, placed in the garden of OUR KING. What a wonderful new beginning for those who TRUST GOD. For those who fail to believe, the exact opposite awaits. May we focus more on OUR ETERNITY and less on the sorrows of today. GOD bless you.
May 29 In these days of uncertainty, we can see many advertisements to invest our money in a more stable environment. Buy gold, invest in the highest standard they a say. GOD'S WORD tells us where we are to make our investments. "So; I advise you to buy gold from me, gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from ME so you will not be shamed by your nakedness and ointment for your eyes so that you will be able to see." NOT the gold of this earth, with its 'gold standard,' but invest in those things that GOD offers. Pure and not subject to rust and decay. Our lives are the riches of our eternal investment. To squander away our birthright for what is only temporary would be foolish. Invest wisely. GOD bless you.
May 28 Just about the time we think we know what is going on, a new ripple reaches us and changes everything. And the problem with ripples is that it's a very large lake and a lot of rocks! We can never be ready for all that can go wrong, BUT GOD IS. We are devastated with news we consider to be bad, while HIS ARMS are open to RECEIVE US. We are jumping with joy and forget to PRAISE HIM. It is not about us. It is ALL about HIM. Our happiness is directly connected to our PRAISE. What we may see every day becomes mundane, but what if it is the last time you are going to see it? Suddenly the mundane becomes a precious gift. Thank GOD for those gifts that we RECEIVE every day, may we give thanks just as if it were the last gift we were to receive. Perhaps it is. May GOD enrich our thoughts, that we may be thankful for ALL THINGS. GOD bless you.
May 27 School has ended and the girls no longer are getting off the bus at our house, so both the dog and I are missing their visits. The days are no longer separated and cleaning day swept past without notice. However, we must run the vacuum today and straighten the pillows. Sometimes a little upset in life reveals more than we expect. These days, if I get too busy and my evening BIBLE time runs late, I am more than ready to stop and read. Years ago, there would have been no consideration to even open the Book! Each morning there is time set aside for both the Old and New Testaments. Funny how the old things have made way for the new. Our interests take precedence over the lesser important things, but GOD'S WORD has become a rock of daily life. It is exciting to see what will fill the newly opened hours. What a value GOD has placed in our hearts for HIS WORD. "Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened but neglect and you will become lost. May we each fill our time with GOD'S WORD. GOD bless you.
May 26 While on my walk there was plenty of time to think. Since I have never been accused of being brilliant, that gives me the opportunity to sing hymns and think of what GOD says to me. Today while keeping a cadence to an old hymn, I kept thinking about 'the thief in the night' and how important it is to KNOW how you will spend ETERNITY. We can never know the number of our days or the way or manner in which we will go, but it will be 'as unexpected as a thief in the night'. And since that will come suddenly, we must prepare ourselves before that moment arrives. The scouting moto 'be prepared' is not just for them, it is to all who are looking to ease themselves of an unknown future. When we are assured of our eternity, the days on this earth are just not of consequence. ARE YOU PREPARED? May GOD give those who trust in HIM the PEACE of heart, the JOY of the KNOWLEDGE of our ETERNAL home, after all, 'there's no place like home'. GOD bless you.
May 25 Shortly before my morning walk there was a small shower and so while walking there were several earth worms out on the road. They were covered in road dust and crawling in circles near the edge of the gravel road. They were set for certain doom. As I would pick them up and put them into the moist grass along the ditch I would think of the many people in this world. If there is any question, please note that this message, each day, is to restore the lost back toward GOD and to empower those with FAITH to also guide those who are lost, back into the plush comfort of CHRIST. They may turn and go back to certain destruction to which they were heading, but we are called to 'show the way'. There is coming a day when we will all be standing before our MAKER. On that day may we hear those words of our GOD COULD say, 'well done'. We each have the opportunities to help those who are headed for certain death. GOD bless you.
May 24 A person either is or is not a child of GOD. There is no middle ground. 1st John clearly emphasizes that if a person IS a child of GOD, it will become evident in one's habitual behavior. In today's world we see people rioting to push their behavioral patterns. Even to the extent of murdering those that they may oppose. This is NOT what CHRIST has taught! JESUS reached out to the unlovable. HE showed patience toward those who questioned HIM. HE initiated conversations, with those, that others despised. HE wept with those who grieved. When we turn to GOD, our old habits will begin to disappear until the day when we are, "Taken up into HIS GLORY." If you have not changed after accepting CHRIST, then the problem is within you and not the fault of CHRIST. Look into what HE teaches and see if your salvation is real or imaginary. May GOD bless you.
May 23 While my granddaughter was participating in a shuttle relay at the state tournament, one of the girls hit the hurtle and when recovering she went outside their lane. Although they still qualified for the finals, they will be unable to participate. That may seem quite a penalty for a very small infraction, but that is the rule. Many think that because GOD loves us, HE won't judge us. But HIS love for us does not negate the fact that HE is also JUST. Scripture clearly and repeatedly makes a point that only the GODLY will see HIS FACE. GOD will judge fairly through the BLOOD of HIS SON. Our only hope is in HIM. May our soul not be disappointed by what GOD has clearly announced. GOD bless you.
May 22 After the death of Moses and then Joshua the people slowly turned away from GOD and began to worship the gods of the nations they were to conquer. When they did GOD allowed them to be subdued by their enemy's. We can witness that every nation that becomes great, fails when they turn FROM GOD. Today we can simply turn on our tv and watch the battles between good and evil in our own land. PRAISE GOD we can also watch as a new and exciting return to FAITH is being restored. At the last truck race, the sponsor, Window Worlds general manager gave PRAISE to GOD before anything else was said. We can HEAR PRAYER and even a CALL to SALVATION daily! What a difference a year makes! The remnants scurry as cock roaches while the light advances. Could this be the beginning of a thousand-year reign? Each day brings a new step that, as we witness, has been written beforehand. May GOD'S richest BLESSINGS be upon those who have the FAITH in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the WORD of GOD. Watch as again today, we can see the REVELATION becomes reality.
May 21 Each day we are presented with things to choose from that can save or destroy us. What we say, watch, think and do, are choices. "Be alert! Watch out for your great enemy the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your FAITH. Remember that your family of believers all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." And the same temptations. "In HIS loving kindness GOD called YOU to share in HIS eternal glory by means of CHRIST JESUS. HE WILL restore, support and STRENGTHEN you and place you on a firm foundation. All power to HIM forever." May GOD bless you as the choices of life are presented to you. Choose AS IF ETERNITY were in the balance, because it is!
May 20 Congratulations to all those who are graduating from school. We had 2 granddaughters graduate this year who went to different schools but their ceremonies were at the same time. So, while I went to one, my wife attended the other. In life as we divide to conquer, we may feel weaker and less of a force. But our presence, when explained is accepted. We are forced to try to divide and conquer many times during our life. It is only when we are divided from CHRIST that we are opened to failure. We can never separate from CHRIST and win. For away from HIM we are nothing. May those who are taking another step forward in their lives remember to have CHRIST with them always. And may we know that we will NOT be COMPLETE when HE is NOT NEAR us. May GOD be with you.
May 19 When I was working, I had a helper who was named Tim. He developed a nick name of Tim, George, Joe Bob, Billy Jack, I bought a Dodge Hearn. We were quickly named a whole crew and one of the owners wanted cardboard cut outs made so the under staffed job site would look complete. As we look back and laugh at those days, we should also remember that GOD, JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT make up the HOLY TRINITY. They work in unison to convict those chosen to turn toward GOD and be saved through the BLOOD of CHRIST. No fake cut outs or short cuts. Our works here may last awhile, but our salvation is ETERNAL, for, "IT was NOT paid for with mere gold or silver, which will lose their value. It was the PRECIOUS BLOOD of CHRIST, the sinless, spotless Lamb of GOD." That constructed a way for us to be saved. Look beyond this world for what will last. GOD bless you.
May 18 I read these words and after a bit of reasoning, I consider them true. I have often heard that those who BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST will be saved, however, consider these words. "Belief without obedience is worthless." When the demons were confronted in Matthew 8:29 they knew JESUS, they asked if HE was going to torture them before GOD'S appointed time. Just knowing CHRIST will not translate to SALVATION. Those demons were certain of the reality of CHRIST and of the day of torture ahead. Today we live in a fantasy world that tells us that belief will save us. Our belief must go beyond that of a demon; WE MUST OBEY GOD'S WORD as well! The way is not broad unto salvation, but narrow. The WORD that deceives is wide spread, let us be wise in the translation. May our FAITH be accompanied by ACTIONS, WORDS and the KNOWLEDGE of GOD'S WORD through our OBEDIENCE. GOD bless you.
May 17 Can you imagine the Jordan river, while at near flood stage, would suddenly stop flowing? And the army of Israel would cross. That sounds unbelievable, but now imagine that you were one of the priests carrying the Ark and you are about to step into the swollen waters that would set the miracle into action. To be honest, I would have had my doubts! Yet it was by FAITH, that the first priest stepped in the water and it stopped. What if we had that FAITH? What would happen if when GOD spoke to our hearts we acted, unafraid of what would happen to cause failure. Those things we will never know until we take that first step in FAITH! We will never conquer the battles without taking a step. Let us become certain of the surety of GOD'S WORD, believing HIS TRUTH and acting on HIS WORDS to us. May we each witness the miracle of that first step, unafraid to be the FIRST to take ACTION. GOD bless you.
May 16 May we each see the beauty within us. May we see the worth of our lives. Stamp out the evil thoughts that are planted by the evil one. Reopen our minds to the GLORY that YOU created us to be. In YOUR very image you made us. Help us to reflect that image to the world. YOUR value is our value, YOUR life, given that we may live. Help us to not waste what YOU have entrusted us with. Let us be a witness of YOUR TRUTH, HONORING YOUR WORD. Our lives are not our own to be tossed away as trash, they are YOURS to use as YOU WISH. Deliver us from the grip of doubt and fear, for YOU ALONE are GOD. We are made to GLORIFY GOD.