4 Mile prayers
July 1 This morning's walk was productive as I saw 3 bucks crossing the road into my hunting area. As I got to where they had crossed the tracks revealed that there had been 4 crossings at that spot. It is not uncommon that multiple bucks hang around one another until time to multiply the species, when they become combatants for the privilege of reproducing. Animals know what to do. They learn from their mothers how to remain safe. They teach their young what to do to live a long and good life. Humans however can demonstrate the most opposite behavior. Too often we show our young the ways away from what we know to be the WAY and point the way toward eternal darkness. While the light is shining all around us, we too often choose darkness. Who should call animals dumb? Let us be GOOD STEWARDS of what GOD has PROVIDED and teach our young to follow the LORD AND CREATOR. GOD bless you.
June 30 On the way to Church yesterday we were witnesses to the wonders of GOD'S earthly season. The corn was beginning to tassel and the soybeans were knee high. There was a lot more tassels on our way home, and by July 4th the corn will be developing ears. From my early years the saying of 'knee high by the 4th of July' has completely changed! How different the farming has become since those 'days of yore.' Our lives may be the same as those golden days or they may have experienced a life changing growth. Our SPIRITS may have laid unchanging or they may have experienced a GLORIOUS growth. As we look back over our years hopefully, we can see those times of extraordinary growth. Those days when we shot toward the heavens with great development. Our days of being knee high in FAITH are ended. It is time to make that expansion to full tassel and begin our journey of production. MULTIPLYING SOULS TO GOD. That is our reason for life. Have you grown daily? Can others bear witness to your extraordinary growth? May GOD bless you.
June 29 Time and time again nations were built on the principles of GOD and then they would turn away. When they turn away from GOD their collapse would be inevitable. Each time that a nation would fail, the call would return. "Come back to the LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that HE will return to us. Do not be like the fathers who sinned against GOD and were destroyed! Do not be stubborn but yield yourself to the LORD, so that HIS fierce anger will turn away." We can turn the wrath of GOD away from the destruction of our country, not by being patriotic, but by returning to GOD! Just as in the other times, our witness may be received with laughter and scorn, but the only hope of this nation is to return to its foundation and again confess, in GOD we TRUST. GOD bless you.
June 29 Time and time again nations were built on the principles of GOD and then they would turn away. When they turn away from GOD their collapse would be inevitable. Each time that a nation would fail, the call would return. "Come back to the LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that HE will return to us. Do not be like the fathers who sinned against GOD and were destroyed! Do not be stubborn but yield yourself to the LORD, so that HIS fierce anger will turn away." We can turn the wrath of GOD away from the destruction of our country, not by being patriotic, but by returning to GOD! Just as in the other times, our witness may be received with laughter and scorn, but the only hope of this nation is to return to its foundation and again confess, in GOD we TRUST. GOD bless you.
June 28 Often we put off what we could have done. When we do, it often either never gets done or is done haphazardly and without much care, so it turns out poorly. As I was reading this morning I read, "Don't neglect your duties any longer, for the LORD has chosen you to minister to HIM." Our work is scheduled before us each day. If we do not work, we do not have much to eat. So, we need to do the part that GOD has asked of us. It is not hard or costly. It only requires a word, a hand of help or comfort. We can all accomplish it. Why put it off? We can feel the SPIRIT asking. Be the WARRIOR that GOD intends us to be. I'm HIS image we were made in HIS likeness; we remain the gardener of HIS land. May GOD revive the power within us to be a blessing to the nation. GOD bless you.
June 27 Today as I was reading the account of James and John when they asked to have seats on each side of CHRIST in GLORY. JESUS asked if they could indeed share in the same type of suffering and their reply, 'Yes, we are able'. We as humans want to have it all. I can remember countless times that while hunting in Colorado and returning to camp there was that last uphill climb that was remarkably hard for me. I would say I was able, but after starting up, I was not sure. Each of us asks for the best, we say yes, we are able, yet when the rubber hits the road, we become unsure. However, the alternative destination is not what we would wish for. So, when we say, 'yes we are able' we should know that the road is NOT easy. There are exhausting climbs ahead but the end result is worth the effort. With GOD'S help we are able, on our own we will fail. GOD bless you.
June 26 "Your souls are not harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say." When WE think it is often are not thinking of GOD. What we think, is transferred to our speech. A cycle that can only be broken by transferring our thoughts from ourselves to GOD. Easy to say, but not so easy to put into practice! However, 'practice makes perfect' and the more we turn our thoughts toward GOD the more those other thoughts flee. Sometimes we have those persistent evil thoughts and that's when we need to tell satan to flee by asking GOD'S SPECIAL HELP. We are never alone. Our thoughts cannot control us unless we allow them to. Ask help from the HIGHEST SOURCE. GOD bless you.
June 25 In their time of rebellion against GOD there was no peace. Problems troubled the nation on every hand. Crime was on the increase everywhere. There were external wars and internal fighting. Sound familiar? These words were written about a nation that had turned away from GOD only a few generations after King David! Have we learned nothing? The history again repeats itself, as the nations have turned away from GOD. The people remained silent, the majority just go with the flow. The faithless raise in small numbers, but portray themselves as 'the majority'. Nation after nation has fallen. The reason has always been the same. They turned away from GOD! "But, when they humbled themselves and called upon HIS NAME, HE was faithful and forgave them of their sin." Too simple to be considered? The nation needs to assert the WORD of GOD into their own lives, repent and return to THE TRUTH and THE WAY or be consumed as nations have since the beginning of time. It is time to speak out, remain silent no longer, allow GOD to bless.
June 24 Well it's here, those hot days that makes your hair hang straight and fill our eyes with sweat. When I was young it didn't bother me, but ever since having malaria in Vietnam, I just wish it would be 40 degrees year around and occasional get colder. We all have our own ideas of the perfect temperature or the best weather and often they are much different. Too often we tend to focus on those differences and we should be focusing on the things we all enjoy. Friends, family and good times together are soon ruined by airing our differences. CHRIST fit in with both sinners and believers. HE loved us all and CONTINUES to LOVE each of us. Do we show that same concern? There is a saying, 'what would JESUS do'? If we were to consider that statement, would we be better able to love our neighbor as ourselves? Look toward the likeness and overlook the differences, love as CHRIST LOVES US. May GOD bless you.
June 23 We have all heard these words, "Christians say that or it has been said." All the words that satan uses to cast doubt. If these words appear then we can be assured that the content has been changed or that it is so important to our lives that the dark world wants to cast doubt on the FAITHFUL WORD of GOD, making it less likely for people to believe. Making the final WORDS of GOD scrutinized for fault or lies instead of the TRUTH. After time the false filters into the places that TRUTH should prevail. Satan believes that he has eternity to deceive man, GOD says he will be cast into a lake of fire, defeated by the WORD of GOD. Who will you put your TRUST in? It is easy to do what we want, but we must do what GOD HAS TOLD US. Time for the "I think" is over, it is the time for "GOD SAYS." KNOW the TRUTH from artificial! GOD bless you.
June 22 I have often said these words, "If you seek HIM, you will find HIM." But let me tell the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would say. The remainder of that verse says, "But if you forsake HIM, HE will PERMANENTLY throw you aside." So be careful. Be strong and do as the LORD commands. We are not called to be weak. We are not told to be a 'silent majority'. We are not told to shy away from conflict. We are told to be strong in our FAITH and to stand up for the oppressed and down trodden. We are the oppressed! We are the ones this world is against, simply because of our FAITH. It does not mean that we turn the other cheek and then slink into obscurity! Those who remain silent will be oppressed. Who can watch as forces attempt to destroy our very land and remain silent? SEEK and you WILL FIND. But forsake HIM and HE will cast you aside. May GOD bless you.
June 21 Today I send the last message to my cousin, Denise, who passed away. I can remember the day that she was added to the list in 2019. It has been a remarkable few years and oh how time flies. There is NO COMFORT without CHRIST! There is no lasting comfort in this world. She learned that and other things that GOD had allowed her to understand. In this life there is pain and discomfort, but today there is only COMFORT in her ETERNAL LIFE. There will never be comfort in hell. There will be no parties or celebrations, no greetings at the gates to welcome. Only eternal weeping and nashing of teeth! On this earth and for eternity, there is no COMFORT without CHRIST! Each of us needs to take a lesson of how to be prepared for the next and ETERNAL LIFE. May God have mercy on our soul, just as HE has forgiven and accepted those who seek HIM. Praise GOD she is home, in COMFORT at last and with CHRIST our REDEEMER and COMFORTER for ETERNITY. May GOD bless and give you that same ETERNAL COMFORT.
June 20 This morning while on my mission to save the snails, I received word that my cousin had passed. It was both her earthly birthday and her HEAVENLY BIRTH. It is exciting to know with absolute certainty that she now resides where the streets are paved with gold. There is no question, if, or doubt that she was good enough. Her certainty that she had fallen short and yet had repented, brought the knowledge of GOD'S GRACE and COMFORT for ETERNITY. How can we remain in sorrow for such a wonderful gift that was given? My hope and wish are, that all should come to the same conclusion and trust, that GOD LIVES. There is a place of sweet comfort near to the heart of GOD, a place that we can make our safe retreat, when we turn to HIM, confess our sins and join HIS household. Thank GOD for her FAITH, may we also be thankful for yours. May GOD bless you.
June 19 As I have said before, I have always thought that CHRIST would return in my lifetime. Perhaps HE has, many times and has taken the crop that is either ripe or rotten. Our parents, aunts and uncles, cousins and loved ones that have pasted, have made choices in their lives that made an eternal difference. Perhaps at their ordained time, CHRIST has paid us a visit to collect those whose name is written in the BOOK of LIFE. We can certainly see the results of HIS WORD; we also EXPERIENCE the JOY of HIS WORD in our lives. HE is definitely alive and visible. To those that would go through life failing to accept HIM perhaps that vision remains obscured by doubt. But as sure as there is life, there will be death on this earth. Those who believe, can see the LIVING GOD, alive and near us each day. May HIS GLORY shine in our lives as a witness of HIS FAITHFUL EXISTENCE. GOD bless you.
June 18 Todays count was 1 snail, 2 rabbits and 4 deer. As I walked past the rabbits they would just get to the other side of the road and let me pass, the dew on the grass must have made it unappealing to get off the road. The deer would cross the road and watch me with caution, but not as much as during hunting season. The black birds must have young in the nest as they will set on the wires and yell at me. There is always something going on. Today it was extra special to be able to THANK GOD for the many gifts that we are given. And even though our walk may be hard, the reward is worth the effort. We are given so much and often fail to be thankful for those blessings all around us. Take time today to make SPECIAL and THANKFUL PRAYER for all you have been given. Take note that it can be taken away in a moment. GOD bless you.
June 17 Yesterday I had the honor of visiting one of my former bosses in the hospital. He had a stroke several weeks ago and remains in the hospital. Although it was difficult to communicate with him, we are certain that he knew what is going on. That visitation reminded me of the verse that says, there will come a day when others will dress you and lead you where you don't want to go. While we are in control of our lives, we must do what is right. The day will come, soon enough, when we will be led. At that point we no longer will make decisions that will change people's lives. Be it in a board room or bathroom, at some point our position of power to make change, will end. While the time may be on our side today, tomorrow the time may have expired. Make the effort to charge yourself with the FAITH that has no end. Our time on this earth will end. The future is ETERNAL. May GOD bless you
June 16 For some reason the river has risen 10 feet and can be easily negotiated by a boat. People were fishing and enjoying a leisurely ride on the water. It has been our experience that in the month of June there are plenty of jumping carp that love to startle and try to fly into the boat! And they can get up to 3 feet or longer and weigh over 40 lbs. Not the most loved thing to come toward you while traveling the river. We have found that the sound of the motor at certain speeds must agitate them into the jumping mode and groups can often be encountered. They have slowly taken over many water ways over the nation and can be dangerous if you get hit. Some places have tournaments and line up boats with all sorts of nets to catch the fish as it jumps into the air. Wouldn't it be great if people were as easy to catch and introduce GOD'S WORD? Some may say that the WORD is not understandable, but to others, it jumps from the pages. When we seek, we will find. Seek what is true. May GOD bless you.
June 15 There are days, that while walking, I see snails trying to cross the gravel road. Today there were quite a few that were approximately half way across. The problem is that the gravel particles and sandy gravel stick to the snail's underside and there comes a point that the buildup becomes too great for the snails to continue movement. Then a car or animal comes along and gets them. So today I cleaned off their undersides and placed them in the grass along the road. That may sound a bit crazy, but the lost are no different. They become so collected with the worlds trash that they can no longer escape. We are called to pick them up, clean them off and place them where they have a chance to survive. However, just like the snail, they may once again try to cross the road and enter their certain death. It is their choice. We just offer a way out. Take the time to offer a way out of the certain death that many are on the course of. Provide a way to be saved through CHRIST the LORD. After all, how great a gift we have been given while in that same condition? GOD bless you.
June 14 As I watched the news, I saw a third world country riot. They were throwing things at the police and burning cars! NO! It was in the U.S.A! Then I watch as 'the stars fell to the earth' as drones and missiles were launched against Israel. Just as John had described would happen, as the Lamb broke the sixth seal. Are you ready for REVELATION? I hope so, because we are living it today! With one more seal to be broken before what is described as a nuclear disaster destroys a third 1 of the earth, we had better start believing! We are no longer just reading of the end; we are living it! Why would we doubt that GOD'S WORD would be real? I have thought that GOD would come in my lifetime, now I can anticipate what will be next. Why? Because I know that the WORD of GOD is TRUE and REAL. The reality of it is manifesting daily. Those who are taken today are the ones who will not face the greater challenges ahead. Perhaps they are the 'lucky' ones. Look toward the future, that shows the REALITY of GOD. No man can predict the hour, but we can see the signs that point toward its reality. May GOD bless us all.
June 13 Having several people that I know in the hospital and a loving cousin that is ill, I am overwhelmed with people wanting prayer and comfort. In those times I see many that are ill and near death. The one thing that is of comfort is GOD. It doesn't seem to matter if a person has never been in Church or has never shown signs of being a follower, the family is comforted with the idea their loved one went to HEAVEN. I am not the judge, GOD is, but there are those who you KNOW are going to be with CHRIST and those you wonder how? The BIBLE is very clear; it lays out the vision of the heavenly bodies attributes and what is of this world. And even if comfort is given, the Judgement is final. Our minds and hearts want to rejoice, even when we fear the results of a failed life. Thats just the way we are. Let us look deeply into our own lives and make a change,so that we can KNOW will be accepted as HOLY and TRUE to the ONE that will make the final judgement of our soul. May GOD accept you as a HOLY and VALUABLE GIFT and may your name be WRITTEN in THE BOOK of LIFE. There is nothing that will be fake in HIS KINGDOM, only what is TRUE and FAITHFUL. GOD bless you.
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.