4 Mile prayers

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October 31 Too often we concentrate on the bad and reject the good things happening to us and all around us. We get to hung up in ourselves and forget about GOD. Sure, things are not always perfect, but as a friend of mine would say, "It's better than I deserve."  We are so blessed to be born and live where we have plenty of water and food. The rest of the world may be struggling but we have plenty. And what is our reaction? We want more and better than what we have. Take time to look at what GOD has blessed you with and be THANKFUL. May we each then share our bounty with those with less. GOD bless you.

October 30 Just like the Israelites we know what to do, we just disobey and do what we want! Then when things crash down around us, we 'weep before the LORD, but HE wouldn't listen'. Our denial and disbelief causes us more pain and suffering that we know. Each time we are walking a different path than GOD'S, we are in peril! And why should HE care, WE have done it to ourselves. Thank GOD that HE does not act like mere men. Holding grudges and trying to get even. GOD is love but hates the sin! Satan knows GOD and has spoken to HIM. He knows GOD'S WORD yet rejects it for self. He thinks he is better. Just like we do when we fail to follow our GOD. Sometimes it is scary to witness how much we are alike. Separate from the worlds way of thinking and follow what GOD is saying And HE will bless. GOD be with you.

October 29 As we watch world events, we see that what was so popular 3 months ago is losing its momentum.  The great hope that is driven by what was once our enemy is losing its lead. Perhaps people can still remember that and how our enemy has treated their citizens and the future looks dim! The BIBLE tells us, "The people of GOD who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away, those destined for death will be killed. But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity for endurance and confidence." While the world wonders around and has no direction, following their own desires, watch as GOD'S WORD becomes reality. GOD bless you.

October 28 As I saw the calendar, it read Oct.28! Where has the time gone? Archery season is half over and I feel like it had just begun. Time flies when your having fun! But, consider those days when you were sick or in the hospital and each day seems like it would never end. The LORD has HIS set time. It is neither fast nor slow. But in perfect alignment. Our minds may think that HIS timing is off, but it is we who are confused and out of step. Our time on earth is numbered, each day and event recorded long ago. Yet we weep and worry when sickness strikes. Our soul is the only thing that will last! Our body's gone through the period of time. Our spirit guided by our faithful actions during our time here. Short or long, we will all return to the earth of which we were made. Not in our time but in HIS. What will tomorrow bring in your life? Will it be in confidence or meandering? Saved or lost? The answer can be found today, at this very moment, if we turn to GOD. May our soul be saved when HE makes the final judgement, by our actions today.  GOD bless you.

October 27 This world is filled with games. From football, baseball, soccer, volleyball to different series of car racing. There are winners and those who lose in each. But salvation is not a game. It is greater than a battle of life and death, because it is eternal! Yet so many go about their lives and do not seem to care. What a shock wave will be felt when the doors of HEAVEN are opened and judgement begins! Those bound for HEAVEN will enter, those found guilty cast into the lake of eternal fire. A day of rejoicing and a day of bitter crying mixed. Thank GOD there is a way to prepare, to be ready for the time that will come, indeed it is fast approaching CHRIST has given a pathway to all who choose to follow. Open our hearts to your WORD oh LORD, show us that life is not a game, but a serious endeavor toward eternity. GOD bless you.

October 26 The cover is worn and the binding is torn and broken. The pages are marked, underlined, or circled. The pages have been folded and are loose, yet it remains in use everyday. It has not always been read, in those days of rebellion it was nearly lost. But today it is a treasure. The inside cover reads, "Happy birthday 1972, May God bless and keep you!" The gift was barely acknowledged at the time was to become the reading material daily. The Living Bible, given in faith that lives may change in time, providing what they couldn't in their own time. Today my heart says thank you to my parents long passed who brought life to the dead many years later. I hope the same story may live within you. GOD bless you.

October 25 Last evening as we returned from an Amish fund raiser, we saw several deer cross the road and go on a route through our yard. When we pulled into the drive way we saw my grandson's car and he soon texted and said he was behind the house. I text back to be ready; they were on the way. Ha!  When he came in at dark, he reported that he had seen no deer. Those things are wiley animals! Just as satan can trick and deceive without us realizing what is happening. We must be on the alert all the time. We cannot let down our guard for a second. When we do that's when the deceiver steps up his front. Whether we are hunting or working or spending time relaxing, there is no where we are free from attack. Keep up your guard with the TRUTH of GOD'S WORD.

October 24 While having lunch yesterday I turned on the news, there was a press conference on an many of the questions asked were about the remodeling at the capital area. One question was,  "Is President Trump thinking of rebuilding the Holy Temple in Jerusalem?"  My thought was that now the seed has been planted and a planted seed will quickly grow. As we live our daily lives, the acts of GOD are unfolding around us. HE guides events to unfold just as HE has foretold. Watch as these world leaders move into the perfect posture to unveil what was foretold long ago. What exciting days we are living in. GOD bless you and unveil HIS truths upon your heart.

October 23 Once again, after reading through the Bible, I come to Revelation. And once again I am excited to read that particular Book and see again just how much closer we have come to CHRIST'S second coming. I recall the words that GOD spoke to Moses, "When did I become weak? Now you shall see whether my word is true or not!"  With each reading the world has changed and we can witness the closeness of reality and the WORD of GOD colliding with today's society. Each year we can see the control that satan has over this earth and the truth in the WORD of GOD. From the creation story and into these last days, men have walked without the knowledge of the POWER GOD has over these days. Walk through these wonderful times with me in the WORD of GOD each day. GOD bless you.

October 22 Yesterday the Amish boy told me that he had seen 5 deer and that he had made a clean miss on his shot. It was farther away than I thought, he told me. Sometime later I was thinking of those words and they reminded me that GOD is NEVER too far away, HE is always with us. We can never over or under shoot in our search. HE is near when we sin or when we praise. However, HE will turn us over to our sin when we make our choice to leave. Never binding, always loving, never too far away, that's GOD'S way. Life reminds us of the better days ahead unless we miss the target completely. May GOD bless you.

October 21 We are often deceived by what we see and led to do what we really don't want to do. Yesterday morning just after it was getting light, 2 deer came toward me. One was larger than the other and I assumed it was a doe and fawn. When the 'doe' stepped into an opening I let the arrow fly and saw a good hit. After getting down and tracking a short distance, I was shocked to see 2 small spike antlers on the animal! In Iowa a non-forked antler buck is considered a doe, so there was no penalty, except my pride. However, I thought that we often are deceived into sin because we are not paying enough attention to the sign around us and other times, we just want it to be a certain way and just overlook the signs. Either way we do what we don't want to do. Help us to be more aware of the trickery used against us and to be certain that what we see is what is real. May GOD help us be clear in our attempts to follow in FAITH. May we be able to discern right and wrong and follow in GOD'S light. GOD bless you.

October 20 Friday evening a 3-year-old Amish girl was backed over by a truck. She was taken by helicopter to an emergency hospital and I have not heard what has happened to her. It is always sad when things happen to the innocent young. However, we all make mistakes that can cost us our lives both earthly and eternal. Choices that we make each day are eternal in nature. Each day we are dealing with life and death matters both here and in the spiritual world. They both matter! Just as we value the lives of our family, the consequences of sin can destroy, leaving our soul venerable to eternal death. Be aware of what is going on around you, stay clear of the dangers that lurk nearby. Pray for those who may be taken. Protect those who are venerable. May GOD bless you.

October 19 When the Iowa vs Penn St game started, I got a text from my cousin saying 'go Penn St.' And since I reside in Iowa that was supposed to get me going! However; since I was transplanted from PA it didn't. At half time I went to bed and told him to text me the final score. Since there was no text, I assume it was not in his favor. I often think that we get excited about what GOD knew the answer, since the world began. We amuse ourselves with things that don't matter and discard what is truly important. Playing games is fun, but not when it comes to eternity! With our eternal future we cannot play. I know our banter is all in fun and that he knows the difference between life and eternal death. However far too many do not! Thank you, GOD, for allowing us to find your saving grace and GOD bless you.

October 18 "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." That was a saying by Benjamin Franklin, but the early rising just makes me want to go to bed early and has little effect on my health or financial situation. We hear these sayings and fairy tales all throughout our lives. But "we are not telling you fairy tales when we explain to you the power of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and his coming again." From the eye witnesses of CHRIST'S disciples to the wonders we witness each day, GOD is ALIVE!  By FAITH we enter into the realm of HOLINESS provided by CHRIST BLOOD. Without FAITH then life is but a fairy tale with a very bad ending. FAITH changes our hopes into eternal reality. May GOD be with you.

October 17 I was asked how my hunting was going and as I thought about all the great times that I was experiencing, my reply was that I moved slower and fell more often. Old age creeps up on us a little at a time, then all of a sudden it has overcome us! I still feel young, but can't seem to do those things that I used to do. Our lives on this earth will end in death, everyone will experience it. Everyone witnesses it throughout their lives. We have a choice to have eternal life or eternal death after we pass from this earth. The choice is how we live while we are here. This life could be called a test, but the future is known! Many are going to be lost because of the choice that was made. Make a wise choice and pass along the offer that CHRIST has paid. The field is ready for harvest. GOD bless you.

October 16 Yesterday we had an appointment at our insurance office to get a different policy as the current company is no longer renewing in our county. We don't have a hard time deciding on a new company because we trust our insurance man, he is a friend. After we had completed our new policy and signed the new contracts our conversation turned to spiritual matters and not those of this world, but the world to come. Our faithful GOD will not drop us because HE did not make a profit! Once we knew very little of GOD'S kindness, now our very existence is changed by it.  Always there, HE gave us the precious gift, our insurance of eternal life, non-cancellable in our FAITH to HIM! Every day GOD presents HIS choices to us, we must be worthy of that love. May GOD bless you.

October 15 As I read through Leviticus and all the things that the Priests and people had to do as offerings for the cure of leprosy, it makes me glad that we have Doctors, hospitals and clinics. We have not heard much about leprosy lately, but there is still sickness and injury. Thank GOD we don't have to offer those sacrifices that were required then. As James said, "The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results." When there is sickness or disaster, who do people turn to? When all is lost, GOD is sought after! Shouldn't we be reaching for HIS hand each day? An open heart receives much. GOD bless you.

October 14 This evening I have plans to take an Amish boy hunting. We have planned our trip several times but things come up that detoured our plans. Although today will be warm and the chances of seeing anything are greatly reduced, we will go because 'you never know' that's why we call it hunting.  With GOD there is no wondering or worthless trips. We always have a mission and the opportunity to be a witness for CHRIST. There is never a wasted trip or outing. May GOD show us the fullness of HIS WORD during our time spent on earth and Our lives not be a waste time. We are made to do GOD'S mission, let us not fail. GOD bless you.

October 13 GOD has quite a sense of humor. Yesterday at Church we had the bread and cup ceremony and many of us could not hold back a laugh. You see, as many of us had visited a Church while our Pastor was at conference, they had the bread and cup and when we drank the cup, it was a surprise to have syrup instead of grape juice!  As everyone was trying to clear their thoughts the pastor exclaimed 'that's not grape juice', so when ours was grape juice, it was hard not to yell 'that's not syrup!' We all have things happen that make us laugh, even in Church. Since we are created in GOD'S image, I am sure that HE enjoys laughter just as we do. However, it is no laughing matter that many are not prepared for their next life and pay no attention to the roads they travel while here on earth. GOD will be in sorrow with each soul that HE casts into hell and rejoice with each that receives a crown! It is our own actions and FAITH that we are judged upon. It is never too late to accept the gift. Hell is no laughing matter. May GOD bless you.

October 12 By 8 o'clock my grandson had seen multiple bucks and does. One of the nice ones passed near the blind he was in and as he contemplated whether or not to shoot, it disappeared into the woods. Soon afterward he snuck out of the blind to see if it had laid down over a small rise and while sneaking, he noticed a large buck sleeping. I didn't hear the shot from where I was, but the text read, 'I got him.' As I was going on the 4- wheeler to assist, my thoughts turned to how GOD blesses us in so many ways. HIS many gifts, blessings and love give us joy. HIS gift of eternal life is priceless. Given by HIS SON, on the cross, to pay the price for our sin. What a gift, what a SAVIOUR! Thank you for each moment You have given me breath, to enjoy the bounty of this life, but how I wait for the next, yes thank GOD for that next life with HIM, eternally. May GOD enrich you time here and may you accept the gift HE offers.

October 11 There is always an excitement when my grandson comes to go hunting. Today is the 1st day of muzzleloader season and the visions of monster bucks have again filled the night. The hope that Mr. Magnificent will walk past our stands, fills me with the challenge and uncertainty of the day. I know that CHRIST'S return is imminent and that fills my soul with a burning desire. There is no hoping or wondering. There is only the knowledge that in HIS time it shall be! While today we try to decide which stand and how things may go as dreamed, we are assured that in GOD'S time CHRIST will return. For that we must be prepared. May GOD bless and keep you ready for that appointed time. Let our hearts burn with desire and confidence of that new day dawning.

October 10 It started to thunder and lightning after I had been up and reading for a while. And it made me wonder what today would hold. If I can't get to the woods I could use the morning to complete the butchering process of the deer I got yesterday and get our muzzleloaders ready for Saturday. There is also the yard to mow, yes mid- October and still mowing! Regardless of what the day may bring, how grateful I am that GOD has seen fit to bless me with it! Each day brings new blessings that I am thankful for, new challenges that HE helps conquer and a growing insight of the new home HE is making for us. May you enjoy what GOD has blessed you with and defeat evil around you through HIS LOVE. For those whose FAITH has made them good in GOD'S sight must live by FAITH, trusting in HIM in everything. GOD bless you.

October 9 It doesn't matter what we buy, it comes with an instruction book. Whether it's a tree stand or a stove, there is a book that tells us how to use it and what not to do with it. It even gives warnings, lots of warnings! We usually pay no attention to that book unless it doesn't work properly.  There is also a BOOK that tells us how we are to live our lives. What to do and not do, along with the warning signs of danger. And just like those other manuals we often don't pay any attention until we are broken. It is no wonder that GOD called us 'stiff necked and unruly people.' It is never too late to read the Manual for our lives and change the way we operate. There is no need to be completely broken before we change. Show us, oh GOD the way to YOUR PLEASURE and bless our paths as we travel toward YOU. GOD be with you.

October 8 This week the alignment of things seemed awful. Instead of being in the woods, I have appointments at the dentist, the eye Doctor and blood donations. Mix in volleyball games and shopping and all the other grandparent things and that doesn't leave much time to be in the woods. So, when I am hunting, it is very enjoyable. Throw in the excitement of having deer feed within 10 yds of you and you can't help but PRAISE GOD! In all our hustle, it is great to see the things GOD puts into our lives. We often do not deserve such rewards, but HE is a loving GOD. Looking forward we see the ultimate reward, not for our works but for our FAITH! May we each see those hints of HEAVEN that are shown us on earth and PRAISE GOD.  GOD bless you.

October 7 Hunting can be challenging, you never know if you will see your quarry or if it will see you and escape, it is not a sure thing, you are always in search. Unlike hunting we know what

GOD expects of us. We may try to hide from HIM by consuming ourselves in pleasures of this world, but in the end, we will be standing before the throne of GOD. When we answer the question that HE asks there will be no lie, no shirking away, we must answer. The sentence will be true, there is no lawyer other than the BLOOD that CHRIST has laid down for us, as our witness. Today we make a choice, to receive that BLOOD or to reject. GOD will know our choice. There is no place to hide. There is no reason to hunt for salvation, it is given at the base of the cross. May you find and select the sure spot that has been given to you. GOD bless you.

October 6 Early in the hunting season it is easy to forget to do things. Like forgetting to spray yourself with mosquito spray, then setting in a blind that has become a mosquito harbor! Slowly we learn by our mistakes. Our lives are no different, we sometimes fail to arm ourselves with GOD'S WORD and are attacked relentlessly without the armor to protect us. Each day we need to apply the WORD to our lives, adding a layer of protection. Without HIS protection we are a target for the swarming pests. May GOD'S GRACE and PROTECTION through our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Be armed with the repellent that keeps the attack of satans arrows, the PROTECTION we need throughout our life. GOD bless you.

October 5 After reading both the Old and New Testament this morning, I picked up a note pad and opened it to a page written on 3-16-2021 I would like to share it with you. "Stand on the WORD of GOD! As our society becomes more and more crazy in bringing the end into existence, we can PRAISE GOD for having everything in control. HIS WORD tells us that good will become bad and bad good. We can see that each day! We must prepare a way for others to HEAR the word of GOD or they will be lost.  Paul said, a farmer who plants only a few seeds will harvest a small crop. Plant large wide fields that will be ripe unto harvest." May GOD'S blessing be with those who have FAITH. 

October 4 In 62 pages the world was created, destroyed and re-populated. The Israel nation became slaves and then GOD revised them. Saving them at the Red Sea and destroying the army that pursued them. They are led into the desert where bitter water was changed into sweet and refreshing. Can you see the priority given to HIS people? Now understand this, In the twinkling of an eye, with a change of heart and FAITH in GOD, YOU become a part of the FAMILY of GOD. Protected, loved and cared for! At times there may be disobedience, but we can ALWAYS return to the family. Trials are not made to separate us, but to gather us closer together as CHILDREN of GOD. Come together in CHRIST and receive HIS BLESSINGS.