4 Mile prayers
April 24 I met a man in Colorado, while elk hunting, several years ago who was on a quest to harvest every species of game animal in North America and many in other continents. He is an amazing man with many stories to tell. Yesterday I was excited to receive a text that he had been accepted to hunt bison in Montana, that would complete his quest. We joked, in the past, that he started with a full head of hair and a dark beard and is finishing gray, ha. But it was a long road, not a quick and easy path. It takes commitment to stay the course. It takes hardship at times to be able to continue. I immediately thought that it is just like our earthly walk with GOD. At times the end result becomes almost invisible, because the journey seems so long. However, along the way, with progress, the end becomes a reality that overtakes us. The end is in sight, the goal nearly complete. With the end of our earthly goal, there may be a let-down as to what to do next, with HEAVEN new BLESSINGS for eternity. With the end comes a new beginning. I am excited! Because at the end of one life long quest, is the beginning of a new one. May each of us realize and treasure, the journey as we prepare for ETERNITY. GOD bless you.
April 23 Just as GOD gave Moses specific instructions on how to build the tabernacle, HE also gave us specific ways that we are to live and maintain our lives. We can easily see the world does not follow that blueprint. Even in our own country there is conflict. CHRIST did not promote division, but HE did predict it. GOD and satan are adversaries. Satanband his unseen forces are against GOD'S plan in every way. If we are confronted with the opportunity to depart from GOD'S plan, we are given the chance to sin. Sin is always thrilling, we think we are getting away with it. We fail to understand that GOD knows our sin! HE is willing to forgive us if we repent and turn back toward HIM. Sometimes it seems that the whole world has gone crazy, there is a need to return to GOD! Each day brings the moment of decision, the road to good or evil. Choose wisely each day, who you will follow. May GOD bless you.
April 22 The days come and go, but each day we come closer to the final day, when we will meet GOD face to face. If we believe or not, we will be judged by our own actions. There will be no witnesses sworn in to defend us, because the JUDGE will have intimate knowledge of our actions. HE alone will be the witness of the good or bad we have done. HIS judgement alone is final. "No man knows the hour of the LORD'S return." We must be prepared for that moment every day. The opportunities for salvation are given many times, "HE does NOT want any to perish." The offer has been presented; there is no excuse for its rejection. The judgement will be final! "Seek first the KINGDOM of HEAVEN and the rest will be added on too you." May the WORD of GOD be your LIGHT and SALVATION today and each remaining day forward. GOD bless you.
April 21 Easter day has passed but the meaning of that day continues in the hearts of those who believe. "That even though we were dead because of our sins, HE gave us LIFE when HE raised CHRIST from the dead. It is only by GOD'S grace that we have been saved. For HE raised us from the dead along with CHRIST and seated us with HIM in the HEAVENLY realms, because we are united with CHRIST JESUS." We once lived in a world without GOD and without HOPE. Once we were far away from GOD, but now we have been brought near to HIM through the BLOOD of CHRIST. Let us remember the love given to us, the way out of sin and certain death, grip on a GOD that wants us to come to HIM.. GOD bless you.
April 20 "Once we were far away from GOD, but now we are brought near to HIM through the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST." What a difference a year makes! Last Easter a great sin was imposed over the LORD and this day proclaimed as a day of transgender acceptance day, a GREAT SIN against GOD. Today our president has spoken that today will again be HOLY. As the unholy will set in the holiest of places, CHRIST'S HOLY DAY was made a dirty moment by whomever was leading. But just as CHRIST arose from the grave, the chain of sin has again been broken. We are free to choose, we are free to believe. HE LIVES! We who watch can see the HAND of GOD as it moves toward our final outcome. We are made whole, if we have the FAITH to BELIEVE in the RISEN SAVIOUR, JESUS. HE died that we might be saved! HE BLEED to cleanse us of our wickedness. HE rose again to show us that we can no longer be bound by the grave. HE is ALIVE and REAL. HE LIVES, let all who believe proclaim the news once again. And let us draw closer to the SAVIOUR and less concerned for the world that will decay. May GOD'S GRACE and PEACE be with you. HE HAS RISEN!
April 19 My grandson was coming down to turkey hunt Friday morning. I asked if I could go with him, like we did when he was little and he agreed. We decided to go where he got his first turkey, and got settled in minutes before the first gobble in the darkness. After a long series of talking between us and the tom, it made the choice to enter our effective range and the bird was down. Yesterday's message of being thankful was once again transformed in our lives. The special benefit was that I never know how many special opportunities I may have to spend with him in the woods, so yet another reason to express thankfulness. GOD is so good, let those who know HIM PRAISE HIM, for all good things come from above. While those who refuse to believe, inherit the troubles that rattle in their minds, GOD has given PEACE to those who trust HIM. Let your life be an example of GOD'S rewards and rejoice in HIS favors. "Dear brothers and sisters, may the GRACE of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit." GOD bless you.
April 18 So many times we fail to THANK GOD for the many things HE has given. Our first thoughts are 'look what I did.' Or perhaps we think of THANKING HIM after the celebrations are over. Our thanks should be the very first thought and words from our mouths. It is sin that robs HIS appreciation from our lives and unchecked it will consume all that it comes in contact with. We must watch our most inner selves and make GOD the center of our being. Without HIM we are nothing. May GOD place the spirit of thankfulness within us for all things. GOD bless you.
April 17 "JESUS gave HIS LIFE for our sins, just as GOD the FATHER planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." Just as a turkey comes to its demise, by responding to a false call, we must be aware and not be fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning CHRIST. For one will be taken and another left behind. The world is content to deviate from the path of GOD and follow their own way. But CHRIST has opened the door! HE welcomes us all. "Be joyful! GROW to maturity! Encourage each other! Live in HARMONY and PEACE. Then the GOD of LOVE and PEACE will be with you." We can be so much more than even we ourselves believe we are capable of. WITH CHRIST we can move mountains. GOD bless you.
April 16 The highest honor given in the military is given to those who gave their lives to save others. I have known one of those people. They have given a sacrifice beyond words. They died so that others could live. It should not be shocking that they're efforts received a high honor. They died to save a few, CHRIST died to save us ALL. We are constantly in battle; the war does not stop. We must be on alert every minute. Our enemy has persuaded the world to join his forces, only a few have remained loyal to the KING of KINGS. The leader has given us the opportunity to live; we owe HIM a debt that cannot be satisfied. Through FAITH we can repay that accrued interest, reassorting our life for HIS. We owe a dept that we cannot repay! Our lives should show the gratitude of the sacrifice that was paid. May we each consider the price that was laid down for us. GOD bless you.
April 15 After the decoys were set up and I was in position and had made a wakeup call there were a few responses that were encouraging. It soon was light enough to make out the decoys in the increasing daylight. A short time later the wind began to increase up to 35 mph and as the decoys blew across the open field they looked like a real running bird! After chasing them around and gathering my 'flock', I loaded up and returned home. It felt like my attempt was useless. Thank GOD that our work for HIM is never useless and will not return void. "Instead, we hope that your FAITH will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended." Our work for GOD is always worthwhile, you are the proof of GOD'S WORD. GOD bless you.
April 14 As I put out the decoys, hoping to trick a wise old gobbler into range, I thought about these things. Satan sets out decoys that lures us into his area, away from GOD. His decoys include sex, money and power. We grab onto these things and forget about the things we should be following. Suddenly we realize our mistake but it's too late. The old gobbler that isn't fooled by those decoys and sexy calls should be our wish. He sees through the tricks and continues on his FAITHFUL WALK. Let us be watchful of the trickery laid out ahead of us and be faithful to what we know is right. May GOD bless you.
April 13 It only took 3 chapters, for man to be sentenced away from the Garden and to struggle in this world. Six more chapters later, the world has been populated and was in sin, far away from GOD. Noah and his family, along with a pair of each animal were saved from the floods. The 'Rainbow' was Gods promise to mankind. The world became populated again, then the LORD divided them by speech. Then men lived for nearly a thousand years the earth's population expanded quickly! Our time on earth is less than a hundred years. The farther we get away from the time man walked with GOD, the shorter life on earth has become. When those who have FAITH are reunited with the FATHER, time again will return as it was in the garden. That will be a GLORIOUS day, when once again time is expanded. Books have been written, but none that record the WORD of GOD, the creation of the world, the PROMISES of GOD to men and the effects of unbelief, other than THE BIBLE. Centuries of FAITH or unbelief written to show us the way. Will the records show that we followed wisely? May GOD bless you.
April 12 Yesterday I was surprised to receive several phone calls asking if I was alright. After asking why, I found out that they had not received the message and thought that something was wrong. Others, had found it on one of the other sites. I also spoke to a recipient that often didn't read them. It was both an encouraging day and deflating day. These truths from GOD'S WORD reflect my feelings. "Your lives are a letter written in our heart, anyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from CHRIST showing the result of our ministry among you." And, "Though our bodies are dying, our spirit is being refreshed every day." I praise GOD for the concern for each other and pray that no matter how great a hardship you may face, that we all realize that JESUS will comfort and strengthen. Sometimes we will win and others we may lose, but the Kingdom of GOD will be seen by all and enjoyed by few. GOD bless you. A
April 11 As I stood on the deck listening for gobbles, it was silent. After retrieving the turkey call and giving a few clucks, there remained the absence of a responsive gobble. After about 10 minutes I decided it was useless. That maneuver reminded me of a statement from Paul's writings. "Nothing you do for the LORD is ever useless." We may never see the results of our labors, but if it is a work for the LORD, it WILL bloom. The light that we provide is not enough. But GOD will cause a germination that cannot be stopped. Today when the world seems against you and your efforts feel useless, remember, that nothing is useless when you are assisting GOD. GOD bless you.
April 10 When I was working, as a carpenter, our crew of both men and woman built many remarkable buildings, over 350! During those years of 'driving nails' it was not uncommon to strike one wrong and have the nail fly away. Some times that nail would fly at my face, but because GOD gave us such fast reaction, I never was injured by a ricocheting nail. Those natural reactions, however quickly we can blink, are not nearly as fast as a twinkling of an eye. We cannot control it, we do not know when it may happen. GOD'S WORD says that CHRIST will return, unexpectedly. "It will happen in a moment, the twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet shall sound." The only preparation is to be ready constantly, all the time. We are not quick enough to beat that twinkle. Preparation needs to be underway NOW. Are you ready for the LORD'S return?
April 9 A friend of mine was excited to see a pie bald (particularly white) deer on his property. He was wondering what it would turn out to be. He took pictures and was watchful to where it would go. Then one day he found it dead. All the hopes and dreams of watching this incredible animal grow and develop were gone. It was returned back to dust as if it never existed. GOD watches us in the same manner. HE loves to see us and hopes we will follow HIS path. But we fail to watch out for the pitfalls and dangers and we too return to the earth from which we were made. All GOD'S hopes and dreams for us have ended. HE provided us a way to go to HIM by the FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. Our hope of life is futile without that lifeline that HE has provided. We can be all that HE wants for us, when we follow HIM. We are able to make up our own minds and follow or be lost. GOD WILL accept all who come, don't become another tragic loss. GOD bless you.
April 8 This morning as it began getting light and the birds began to wake and start their songs to GOD, I heard a few gobbles coming from the woods by the radio tower. I remembered the times that there were many gobblers around the area and it was not uncommon to hear them in every direction of the house. We even had a double bearded tom stroll through the yard! Those days seem to be behind us, but they may come again. Just as through time, man have turned toward God and then after generations the people turn away. After years away from GOD, the generations realize the way they have gone has been wrong. Our current generation has begun to recognize the need for GOD in their lives. The cycle of returning has begun. Each time I read through the WORD of GOD, I recognize that we are closer to those times told us. Slowly we step closer to what has been foretold. And just as some watch those steps, the forces oppose. Watch as the world changes and how those movements follow the WORD of GOD. The cycle has changed as we see that on our own, we turn toward sin. GOD bless you.
April 7 Like many people I have a fear of snakes. My Uncle was also quite fearful of those reptiles. I witnessed several times that he would see them and was bent on their destruction. As we can read in the Book of Genesis, "the serpent was the craftiest of all the creatures GOD had made." After the serpent tricked Eve into tasting the fruit that was forbidden, GOD punished the serpent to be cursed. God said to the serpent, "from now on you shall grovel in the dust, crawling on your belly. You and man will be enemies, as will all of your offspring and theirs. HE will strike at your head while you strike at his heel." Those words were in force from that moment on! We may wonder what the serpent looked like before it was cursed, but we know that we have seen the results of it. May we also see the promises that GOD made for those who believe in HIS SON and follow without being distracted by the crafty serpent satan. May we see that GOD'S BLESSINGS or curses are forever and true. GOD bless you.
April 6 As I was standing on the deck this morning listening for a turkey to gobble, I realized that I didn't have my hearing aids in. Without them I hear all sorts of noises that sound like crickets and frogs. Just as I need my hearing aids to hear correctly, I need GOD'S WORD to bring clarity within my life. Without that clarity I would not be able to distinguish the MASTERS roar from the one that walks around as a roaring lion. The LORD'S WORD says that HE will never leave us, the fake wants to convince us that we cannot believe in GOD or tell the difference. A study has found that children under 5 see GOD'S ANGELS and talk to both them and GOD! They can describe GOD and know HIM. It is those who are older that talk them out of their FAITH! We must keep GOD REAL in our lives, and hear HIS WORD without the confusion that the world drags with it. May your FAITH be as vivid as those who KNOW GOD.
April 5 Let me quote 2nd Timothy once again, to remind us all of the inevitable future that has arrived in our lifetime. "That in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a CHRISTIAN. For people will love only themselves and their money, they will be proud and boastful, sneering at GOD, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them and thoroughly bad. They will be hard-headed and never give into others; they will be constant liars and trouble makers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and crude and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends, they will be hot headed, puffed up with pride and prefer good times to worshiping GOD." Does that sound like today's civilization? Search us, oh GOD and know our hearts. Point out anything that offends you and help us change. We do not belong to ourselves for we have been bought with a very high price. May we be transformed to YOUR LIKENESS as the world makes its turn to the prophecy of YOUR WORD, RIGHT before our eyes. May GOD bless you.
April 4 For over 35 years I was employed in the construction industry. Our team has built some remarkable buildings that remain marvels of beauty and function to this day and into the future. However, they will not last forever. They will require repairs to remain functional. At some point either today or in a hundred years or more they will succumb to decay, rot, and rust. They will all vanish in time. Just as we, on that judgement day will be tested to see our stature. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. Our reward will reflect what we have or haven't done with the talents GOD had given us. We need to be 'expert builders' taking the gifts and talents we have been given and use them for HIS GLORY. These things last for eternity. GOD bless you.
April 3 It is a serious business to watch a nation that is divided. It has come to a point, that if one guy is for something the other side is against it, simply because they do not like the other guy. It would appear that our country is driven by hate. And that is not good. Those who refuse to listen and interact, are like watching children who refuse to share. Just as Paul wrote, "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction." We cannot survive without understanding each other. There is only one truth that we must believe. And that is, that JESUS CHRIST died for our sins and rose from the dead and ascended to HIS FATHER and that HE WILL return again. That truth is hidden only because we do not read and accept. Lost in darkness we refuse the light that we seek. The battle lines are not political, they are and have always been between good and evil, GOD and satan. Our existence remains in FAITH, our demise is in unbelief. May GOD bless you.
April 2 As I once again finish the reading of GOD'S WORD, I am again reminded of my uncle Docs joke of "in the big inning" as you may remember. As I prepare to start again, I remember the times that I read and was confused and bored by the who 'begots' who and the other things that I didn't understand. Today, although somethings are still confusing, I can see that the heritage line of FAITH has traveled through murderers, prostitutes, swindlers, liars, and cheats. Who were, after their conversion, called people after GOD'S own heart. That linage shows us that we are just as capable at spreading GOD'S WORD forward as they were. Our names and father's names can be written down as great men of GOD, if we turn to HIM. Just as in ancient days there are many against HIS KINGDOM. We must move forward in a deliberate manner. We may watch the time, "When the earth is filled, as the waters fill the sea, with an awareness of the GLORY of the LORD in our LIFETIME!" You are but a speck in the universe. We have HOPE for the future. May GOD'S WORD be passed on by you and the future records the wonders that result from YOUR transformation. GOD bless you.
April 1 If you watch the news and see how the world is acting, that alone would or should, make us think of GOD. The feeling that someone is manipulating the crowds to do things that they know are wrong, overwhelms me. There seems to be one common statement from the rebelling mass, no one has a mind of their own. It is a trying time. "I pray that GOD, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely with JOY and PEACE, because you trust in HIM. Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT. "This world is lost in the confusion of LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST. Let a LIGHT shine through you. GOD bless you.
March 31 Another day passes and with the filling of the pill dispenser, another week is gone. Time flies by, sometimes with regret and others with complete satisfaction. Some days are empty others full, busy or drawn out. When reading this morning I see these words that need sharing. "Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone and the day of salvation will soon be here. So, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the shining armor of right living. Clothe yourself with the presence of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Don't let yourself think about ways of evil desires." This is all the more urgent, for we know how late it is and time is running out. Don't let time pass away without coming to GOD, there is no other place to be, when time comes to an end. May GOD bless you.
March 30 We can do whatever we want. We say those words but often forget that there are consequences to our actions. GOD'S WORD tells us that we can indeed do whatever we want, we can be as evil as we care to be. But the result is GOD'S judgement. "Therefore, I will bring upon you these further evils. Prepare to meet your GOD in judgement. For you are dealing with the ONE who formed the mountains and made the winds and knows your every thought." We will stand before a judge that knows every part of our lives and thoughts! No matter how we may justify our actions, words and behavior, HE will know the truth. "Be good, flee evil, and live. Then the LORD of HOSTS will truly be your helper." Shame will be with the unforgiven and the justice is certain. May the choice we make be worthy of eternal life. GOD bless you.
March 29 These days we witness a lack of love for one another. We can see it in the marriage and divorce rates. We can see it in the words that people say as compared to their actions. Most people fear death because they know the result of the way they have lived and the penalties that will be charged against them, yet they will not change! Most worry about things they have no control over, yet realize that they have no control over what may happen tomorrow. These words from the Book of ROMANS can weaken or strengthen us, "Neither our fear for today nor our worries about tomorrow, nor even the power of hell can SEPARATE us from GOD'S love." Without that knowledge, fear and hell will quickly overtake us. By BELIEVING in the LORD JESUS CHRIST salvation and relief are given. Why would we trade such a relieving power for chaos? GOD'S GRACE will be received by all those who seek. GOD bless you.
March 28 The BIBLE tells us that we are not to be conformed to this world. Yet we are born into it and those born today may never see anything other than this worlds powers and control. Having been at the control of the worldly powers and then finding the way to the Heavenly Father, I can say that it is all but impossible, on our own, to change from one world to another. It takes the words that were spoken and the prayers that were offered by those who belonged to a higher power. That is why it is so important that we learn the WORD of GOD and speak it. That we pass on the WORD, that may not be truly accepted in our lifetime, but it will be accepted. For "The WORD of GOD will not return void." As a new dawn has broken upon our world, we can pray with certainty, BELIEVE with unfailing FAITH that our efforts will not be in vain, but will draw away those who were destined for doom from the clutches of this world. Will you aid in the salvation or contribute to the doom? May GOD'S BLESSINGS be with you.
March 27 Praying that GOD'S love can be seen through the emptiness. That HIS GRACE be felt in the pain. That HIS WORDS be spoken through our lips. We often turn and ask, WHY? when the unexplained happens. What we all too often fail to witness, is the things that we have gained in our sorrow. What we have lost is less than what we have gained. The future may seem uncertain and without GOD IT IS. But with a continued closeness the future will not be disastrous, but only a bump in the road as we travel toward our home. In this life we make wrong choices, do wrong things and fail. In the LIFE to come, with all forgiven we will see the GOODNESS that resulted from our actions. May GOD bless you.
March 26 We were born pure and sinless and from that moment satan has attacked our willingness to follow GOD. For years the battle rages. We see the results in those of the world. Those who act as filled with evil spirits and those who have accepted the HOLY SPIRIT. We give in a little at a time until the hook is set and we are drawn through life by a spirit of wrongfulness. Every day we have the opportunity to break free, the line that holds us to that wrong. We are born into heaven and then it all goes bad within us. But the line of satan is weak! It has been broken forever by the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST! The trail that HE now uses is cobbled and broken, the line has been broken and knotted, we can easily break free, IF WE WANT TO. As we receive GOD'S GIFTS, we can see those glimpses of HEAVEN ahead of us. We CAN be born again into a world without the revenges of sin, forgiven and free. All we have to do is have FAITH! And with FAITH comes FREEDOM. We can leave this world as sinless as we entered. With the ONE who gave HIS LIFE for us. We can accept or reject, it's our choice. May GOD'S love be accepted today.
March 25 Yesterday, the Iowa girls basketball team lost in their game to advance to the sweet sixteen in the national NCAA championship. Then last evening our local NJCAA men's basketball team lost to advance into to the elite 8 in their quest for a 4th national championship. It brought to mind that there were people on both sides praying that their teams would win. Some were glad and others sad at the outcome. But just because one team lost does not make GOD'S WORD to be false. It just means that we need to live with the hand we are dealt. Our FAITH is not in a contest to see which is greater or who has a closer relationship with GOD. It is just a game and the team that played their best on that given day won. Our relationship with GOD is NOT a game, it most certainly is a matter of eternal life or death. We must not confuse games with eternal life. May GOD bless you.
March 24 Stories tell us how GOD delivers from lions' den and how HE rescues from flaming furnaces. The LORD of LORD'S, the KING of KINGS remains in charge yet today. There are so many that fail to give GLORY to HIS NAME even one hour per month or HONOR HIS SON for one hour a week! HIS GLORY is shamed into obscurity daily and too often no HONOR given. The men that stories follow are those that PRAISE GOD DAILY. They do not forget HIM in the morning or the evening of everyday life. HE is the reason for each day. The GOD who did those great miracles for men in the past has never gone away. No, we have left HIM. It takes FAITH to grow closer to GOD. Those who do not share time with HIM will not see the GLORY HE retains forever. Take time to join and relate with GOD and HE will bless you.
March 22 As I was reading in Ezekiel, in those days the priests were to offer animals as a sacrifice for the people's sins. Then after 7 days of sacrifices, "On the 8th day and on each day afterwards the priests will sacrifice on the alter the burnt sacrifices and thank offerings of the people and I will accept you. Says the LORD GOD." Wow, imagine the effort that would have to go into selecting an animal with no defects and doing that every day. While we, full of defects can turn directly to GOD and approach HIM at any moment! The BLOOD of CHRIST has been offered in replacement of those of animals or of our own. JESUS has opened that door that separates us from GOD. The access key is FAITH. And through FAITH is action. No longer do we need to sacrifice animals, we need only to BELIEVE. May we ALL turn toward the TRUE GOD and leave behind the sins of this world. GOD bless you.
March 21 I like to go to the Dutchman's Store. It is owned by a Mennonite family and they sell things in bulk and like a regular grocery store along with material, sporting goods, shoes and almost anything you could want. The trouble, for me is if I buy a bunch of something and don't like it, then it is a waste. However, sometimes when you get something you buy just a bit to try it and when you go back there's none left. That happens when it's really good. Incredibly the cost is a lot less, so when you get what you're after it is a bargain. I know the owners and they have a sign up that reads, 'You are not stealing from us, you are stealing from God." They don't even worry about shoplifting; they know that GOD will handle it. All too often we worry about such needless things, when we just need to LET GOD TAKE CARE OF IT for us. Those who believe in GOD have nothing to fear. May we trust in GOD for everything. GOD bless you.
March 20 I watched in total dismay as tv showed people rioting and covered their faces, as they would as if being ashamed and didn't want to be recognized. They were destroying property and shouting slogans that were as from foreign countries! What they fail to understand is, that the countries they are attempting to imitate hate them! If those people were in that country, they are thinking they stand for, they would be killed. Why? Because they are from the United States. Most of the world hates us because of where we live! We use more water just brushing our teeth that most people in the middle east can get for a day! Yet do we fall on our face and thank GOD? We appear as the 'poor' little rich kid that has everything to the balance of the world. So, if you are sympathetic to those nations that hate the U.S. you are welcome to move there. There are flights that can take you to your new home. If you want to live here, then we had better ALL get along together and thank GOD that we are where we are. Consider how GRACIOUS GOD has been to allow you to be where you are. Be THANKFUL. May GOD bless you
March 19 As yesterday's message came to me, I also remembered a day when I felt both sorrow and joy. It happened when I visited my uncle. When arriving I noticed that they had a lot of broken appliances. The stove was only partly working and others not working at all. With my cousin Denise's help, we bought new for them. It was so disheartening to see my uncle having to do without, knowing that they would never complain. It was also a great joy to be able to help them. CHRIST watches us as we attempt to use the appliances of this life. They are broken, rusty and becoming worthless. HIS JOY and PURPOSE, is to give us ALL that we may need through our FAITH in HIM. It pains Him to watch us wallow in our sin and HE is glad to give us HIS HAND to PULL us FREE of what we are stuck in. HE alone is our SAVIOUR! Without turning from our sin and grasping HIS, hand we are doomed. All it takes is repenting and willfully following HIS WORD. May GOD'S blessings be on those who choose to follow the LORD. HIS greatest joy is helping us, our joy is serving HIM. GOD be with you.
March 18 I remember one time, when my wife and I took my uncle Doc and Marge his wife out to eat. We went over the mountain to the Ivy Stone restaurant and had a great meal. Then back across the mountain to home. When we were going up the lane to the house Marge said "Oh, it's so good to be home." We laughed because we had only been gone less than 2 hours! Yesterday we were out shopping and it was so nice to get home and we had only been away an hour and a half! I guess we become fond of our surroundings and comfortable in them. Just think of the New Home awaiting ahead, for those who believe, the streets of gold and a new home prepared for us by CHRIST himself. There will be no willingness to leave for eternity! The home awaiting is far better than this earthly residence. When we get there, we will all say, "It's so good to be home." Take heart, as this world crumbles, our home in HEAVEN is being prepared. GOD bless all who are preparing for that trip home.
March 17 "But some of the people were jealous, so they gathered some trouble makers from the market place to form a mob and start a riot." These words from the Book of Acts have been reenacted many times. And over the years our nation has suffered the effects of these groups. Today our colleges have become the camping ground of those who disobey the WORD of GOD. "To them, the things of GOD are no more important than any daily task." It isn't right or wrong they are fighting but against GOD. The teachings of schools have left the principles of GOD'S WORD in its past and taught contrary thoughts that have bloomed into chaos! I have seen the cost per student rise to unbelievable levels. And I know how these students would compare to those from an Amish 8th grade level student that attends a one room school that is financed by their own community. No riots there! Yet unbelievable wisdom. What's missing in our schools? It isn't money, its GOD'S WORD. May GOD bless you with HIS WORD, and may we pass it on.
March 16 After a lovely day we went to Applebee's for supper. Then happily returned home to watch a finals basketball game that would forward a team to the final 24 in the NJCCA tournament. Our local team defeated the hosts in Montana that had not been defeated on their home court. Although both teams played a terrible game, someone must be the winner. I reminds me, that we play a terrible 'game' at this life. We try hard to do what we want and don't accomplish what the 'coach' would have us do. We stumble through and have ups and downs but we are into life's 'game' too far to realize we are doing it poorly. GOD has the plan, and if we aren't following that plan, we will become the loser! If we are at the beginning or the final seconds we should turn our lives over to our LORD. Everything else is just a game. May GOD bless you.
March 15 It's time to refill the pill container, another week has flown by. Time has a way of silently passing and we hardly notice. The Ides of March are upon us and with that another anniversary. Today makes 56 years of marriage. I believe that she did the better and I provided the worse. It seems like only a few weeks ago that we graduated high school! Imagine the days ahead, when a thousand years have passed and it is only the beginning. Those in HEAVENLY bliss looking forward to eternity, those who were judged unworthy, another day of eternal torture! Thank GOD that we are just here temporarily. It gives us a glimpse of what our eternal home can be. There are many things that can shape our future, but only one that can change it for eternity. Make sure that what we seek is what will last. GOD bless you.
March 14 We are a mighty nation. We can build anything that we can dream of. We walk on pavement that is smoothed out before us. If obstacles get in our way, we overcome them. We battle things we do not even see and stand before armies with a sword in hand. Yet we are too afraid of any man to tell them the GOOD NEWS that GOD has given each of us. The chance to believe in HIS SON and be rescued from the reign of the unholy one that seeks our attention. We are to weak to save ourselves, so GOD, in HIS WISDOM, provided a way for us to be with HIM. The strong are too weak, the wise are ignorant, the rich are to occupied, to witness in HIS FAVOR! Too consumed with the day-to-day tasks of enjoyment, we can accomplish near infinity. But without CHRIST we have nothing! Let us become strong beings that can do the things that GOD puts on our heart. Break the plans of the world and build plans on HIS WORD. That is what will remain when all has vanished. We are men, let us act like men. GOD bless you.
March 13 I see the SPIRIT of GOD moving across our nation. The demons and spirits running wildly with no place to go. They are lost, striking wildly and unable to gather their wits. The GLORY of GOD is in HIS people, they stand before microphones and say the WORDS GOD and FAITH! The ones that are the last to stand up and be known, are the churches that have drifted away and teach a view of the world, an not a view from GOD. The church seems to be the brakes to the process of the Church! Have we separated so far from GOD'S teaching that we stand dumbfounded as the SPIRIT sweeps over us? "Let anyone listen that wants to and let anyone refuse that wants to." Those WORDS that GOD has given us the example of our free will. Our children, towns and nation are governed by our free will. It is time to stand up for things other than satan's consolidated spirit of confusion and step out in FAITH to stand for RIGHT. The squeaky wheel may need grease but the whole nation needs the WORD of GOD. It is our responsibility to apply both. GOD bless you.
March 12 There are those who are suffering loss and those who have loved ones that have become ill and awaiting their appointed time to leave this earth. It reminds us how temporary our lives are. We ask, "Where has the time gone," as we approach the later years. It has flown by, soundless and without care. The hurt we feel can be lifted by the WORDS of GOD. "It is only the LORD'S mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is HIS faithfulness, HIS loving kindness begins fresh each day." Help us see the beauty that we are given each day, even through the gloom of night. May GOD bless you.