4 Mile prayers

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• October 13th This morning as I was reading through Acts 7, which is Steven's report to accusations before his death. I was struck by the similarity between Moses and JESUS and the way that they were treated. Both had times of followers with them and times of those against them. Just as JESUS, Moses was the go between, the mediator between the people and GOD, THE LIVING WORD. Both were despised by many and CHRIST was laid to death. Yet HE laid down HIS life for our sin. We no longer have to offer the blood of animals to save us from the wrath of GOD. But I also realize that we remain 'stiff necked people', forever resisting the HOLY SPIRIT and deliberately disobey GOD'S law received from the HAND of GOD. Much has changed over time, but much has not as well. Today electronics, greed and self rivel against the WORD. And many reply with discontent with what they have been given. Murmuring against GOD in the same fashion that those early travelers did. Have we learned nothing? Must we continue to be stiff necked and rudely?  With all history pointing toward GOD, must we still favor unbelief? Open our eyes to what is true and see the blessings we are given, then PRAISE the ONE GOD that furnishes them. May GOD bless you. 
• October 12th I joke with my wife that we have it too good. We can go into Walmart and now even Menards and buy nearly anything from fishing equipment to a sofa and bread and butter. An oil filter, tooth brush or banana! We do not have to go from one store to another and wait in line to get one thing like much of the world does! We have opportunities beyond comprehension of other countries. I saw a woman that was amazed that you could get a hotdog on any corner of some cities. We indeed have it well. GOD exalted JESUS to be our PRINCE and SAVIOUR so that we 'would have the opportunity for repentance and for our sins to be forgiven'.  Yet that opportunity is not taken advantage of. We are witness to the bounty that GOD has provided and fail to be thankful, in fact most want more! Most have more than they will ever use and envy others. "We are witness to all these things and so is the HOLY SPIRIT, who is given by GOD to all who obey HIM."  Our envy of stuff over GOD makes us a failing people, even with the opportunities we have. We each are responsible for ourselves and our children. To provide TRUE LIFE in this land of 'milk and honey'. GOD bless you. 
• October 11th As I scan the woods looking for the slightest movement of a deer, my eyes are drawn to that single leaf that is fluttering in the light breeze. I know that it is there and what it is, yet each time I look that direction my eyes are drawn to its movement, thinking it is a deer. Just as when we look for GOD there are things placed in our path that draws our vision away. We need to know what we are looking for and not be distracted by what is false or fake! We must be sure that what we are seeing is true, that is assured us by HIS SPIRIT ALONE and not what is flashy or a distraction. Seek HIM in HIS fullness and not just portions. The full body of CHRIST can move mountains. Be a part of the BODY. GOD bless you.
• October 10th As a former carpenter, I read of how the temple was to be built and have little idea from that description of what it should look like. It would be better if I had a blueprint before me and perhaps then it would make sense! Not everyone however can read a blueprint, so even that would confuse many. The Old Testament could be considered a blueprint for the future. Some may not understand it in its entirety. But we can get the drift so to speak. While some of it may be over our head or repetition, other parts are stirring, mind appealing and drawing in adventure. GOD'S work is marvelous to behold! As in life we must take the good with the bad and combine it all into the focus of each day. Much is foretold of the coming of our LORD and SAVIOUR and much of the lives of the ancestors of that time. Perhaps our own lives and behavior will be just as confusing to the people in the future. May GOD give us the understanding of HIS WORD as we open it and prepare our lives to be understood by future generations as men and woman of GOD and not of this world. May GOD bless each as members of one body and spirit in JESUS CHRIST our LORD. 
• October 9th One of the woods where we hunt has CRP fields around it and the grasses are taller than I am. It is nearly impossible to walk through them, so I take the 4wheeler and blaze a trail through the tall grasses so that we can get to areas we want to hunt. It however does not affect the deer as the slip into the thick cover and disappear! Sometimes we are overwhelmed by what the BIBLE is telling us and when that happens, we need to make trails through it, so we can find our way in and out. Once we become comfortable with our surrounding's we to can enter the WORD with complete security. Once we have made our trails, it becomes easy to enter. If you are overwhelmed by the vastness of GOD'S WORD, make a path to enter, it will open to the paths that we all need to follow. GOD bless you. 
• October 8th As winter approaches the sun drops more southward and at a certain point the angle of the sun to the earth triggers a sense in deer that it is time to multiply. In our latitude and longitude, that day was yesterday. For some reason to me the light just has a grey tinge but is quite noticeable to me. When I tell others they just look at me as if I am special 'ed'. It reminds me that the day is coming that CHRIST will return to this earth. And when HE returns, "every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD!" Those who believe know that the time will come. We do not know the day or the hour but suddenly, 'in the blink of an eye' the LORD will return. All will 
  witness but few will receive the reward of 'well done'. Just as the animals know when it is time to reproduce, told by GOD the exact season, we to are told to prepare. That time is now, for our future is as uncertain and as fragile as a flower that is here today and gone tomorrow. May our eyes be open to see the signs. And TRUST GOD. God bless you. 
• October 7th I recently received a photo of a high desert land that had rocky soil and was barren. I believe that my friend was hunting Ibex and had success. As I looked at the photograph and the barren, yet beautiful landscape, I could not help but to remember the words that David wrote in the book of Psalms. "As a deer pants for water in a dry and barren land." The deer relies totally on what GOD provides, yet in the land seemingly void of nourishment it thrives. We live in a land of plenty but imagine how we also must depend of GOD. It has become easy to depend on ourselves and think that we alone have made it as we go. Perhaps it would open our eyes to the things that GOD has given us if we too had to pant for water, not knowing where the next blade of grass grows. To depend on GOD for everything is not a worthless adventure, but an eye-opening experience beyond words. We do not like to admit it, but how great is GOD in our weakness? In a dry and barren land where GOD can show us what we have overlooked in the land of plenty that is flowing with milk and honey. How well we are today! GOD bless you.
• October 6th "The worlds sin is unbelief in me," JESUS said. "There is righteousness available because I go to the FATHER and the availability of GOD'S GOODNESS." Here on earth we have many trials but we are to be of cheer through it all for CHRIST has overcome the world. HE has not just parted the waves for an instant; HE has overcome the world for eternity! The things that we suffer may last our entire life or only for a short while but we have the availability to GOD'S GOODNESS CONSTANTLY. From this moment and into infinity GOD'S goodness is available. The world may pound against us on the outside but the MASTER of our SPIRIT reigns supreme if we allow HIM into our hearts. We cannot be taken from HIS hand by any force other than our own will. We choose our eternal placement ourselves by our placement of our FAITH. We either TRUST HIS WORD and BELIEVE it by doing what HE asks or defy and deny HIS GOODNESS. Eternal torment or HIS GOODNESS await our own choice. The choice is ours. May GOD bless you. 
• October 5th Yesterday evening I was in a blind and after a while I thought I saw a rabbit in the grassy ditch ahead of me. After a few moments it moved enough that I realized it was a deer! Even though it was 20 yards away, it took a while to see it clearly. The BIBLE tells us that we see as if looking through a fog. We are unable to witness what will become perfectly clear when life ends. What we do not understand will be perfectly clear. That is wonderful news to a guy that cannot see as well as he used to and is confused at the actions of the world. One day ALL will become clear as the LORD'S voice shakes the earth to its very core and ALL mankind shall bow. Today we are all made of flesh and blood but there will be a time that we all become spirit that exists forever. Some will see GLORY and some the error of their way. That day ALL will be clear. Thank GOD the fog will be lifted and we can worship in spirit and truth together. GOD bless you.
• October 4th Have you ever wondered what am I here for? Or, what am I doing? What is my purpose in life? GOD created man in HIS image, giving us a body, soul, and spirit. Then GOD gave us a blessing! HE made us masters over all things!  HE did not bless any other living thing, only mankind. JESUS said, 'follow me and i will make you fishers of men'. When we believe, we have no choice, we will fish for men!  Fishing can be done in many ways, with nets, poles and different baits and lures, it takes many different men to 'catch' Each kind of fish'. But we must be attempting to catch them, we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing! There are many fishing for men's souls, even satan casts a net to harvest those that say no to CHRIST. We must place a line into the pool of mankind and catch one before time is out. It is our purpose for being created. Give GLORY to GOD and with FAITH we receive a line to cast. May GOD be with us with each cast. GOD bless you. 
• October 3rd "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. MY purpose is to give life in all its fullness." As I lay awake this morning, I was thinking of all the blessings that we receive. Too many to count and so many that have been forgotten or taken for granted. But with all the trials, hardship and confusion, we can say, it is a good life. Many today live under a banner of unbelief and confusion. They are always looking for that which can fulfill their hearts, but it eludes them. The ONE thing that can bring fullness, is left untouched and their lives remain empty. Ever seeking that fulness from a world that is void of GOD. "Their itching ears hear only what they want to hear" and they do not want to listen to the things of GOD. Open my ears and heart to the ways that produce a crop that is from a good vine. Help me to deny the things that can spoil those that I touch. May we grow in the fullness of GOD'S LOVE. GOD bless you. 
• October 2nd "For unless you believe that I am the MESSIAH, the SON of GOD, you will die in your sins." JESUS told the people. Yet they, just as we do, failed to see the truth and obey those words. We all fall short of fulfilling our true potential. We are made in the IMAGE of GOD and are slaves to satan. We do not seem to be able to break free from the bondage that is within us. And often wallow in the darkness and run from the light. As our Churches become less filled and we crave the entertainment of this world, it becomes clear that our god is not the CREATOR. Can we not even spend an hour in HIS house? Is the time allotted us spent in PRAISE or spent poorly? Yet we claim that we know GOD? Perhaps our hearts are not in the right place! Join as we search our lives and find what is truly our GOD. 
• October 1st Those that believe in JESUS CHRIST as the SON of GOD are representatives of the ONE that the world does not know. Some may claim to know the LORD, but HE is far from them! As a representative, we must be showing only the things within GOD'S WILL and not the ways of the world. It is not a simple matter and it is not to be taken lightly. The things of GOD are in direct conflict with what the world does, so the path ahead may be rough. Those who are distracted may fall victim to satans temptations and suffer setbacks. But do not give up! Ask for GOD'S help and reenter the battle. To  whom shall we go? For GOD and CHRIST alone gives eternal life. Without that faith we are nothing but fuel for the fire. May GOD show you what there is to be done to prepare the way, for the days ahead will be trying and there is only one TRUTH. Are you a representitive of Christ?  May GOD bless you. 
• September 30 I don't know about where you live but here, we have experienced a lot of rain. And judging by the news, the world is having its share of moisture as well. But after all, the WORD tells us that there will be perplexing signs in the heavens and the seas. Both of which we see around us today. But do not become comfortable as there will be earthquakes in many nations to follow! I thought, just because GOD has promised us that HE would never destroy all mankind again by flood and showed us the rainbow as that sign of HIS promise, doesn't mean that HE will not 'remind' us that HE controls ALL things. Our future remains a mystery to us, as anything can happen! Even our next breath is given by GOD. As we look at world events we can and should, thank GOD. For each breath, each meal, each moment is a gift. We cannot manufacture a single second beyond the time given us. Make the most of that time and PRAISE GOD. Thank you, HEAVENLY FATHER for being so very patient with me. GOD bless you. 
• September 29 With our freezer now empty, I am looking forward to the start of deer season. It is only a few days away and the equipment is ready and so am I. Even my wife is in anticipation, as we keep the scraps to fed the dogs and she has been unable to give them 'treats' for some time. It is strange that for some things we get all prepared and for others we just go with the flow. As I encounter many people, I find that most just go with the flow and do not make plans for the inevitable. We will ALL meet our MAKER, yet most seem to be blind to that fact! A boy scouts' moto is 'be prepared', yet many are unprepared. Those that are ready and prepared will reap the benefits of their labors. Those who venture blindly will stumble and fall. As the hunter that goes afield with new batteries to light the way we must also refresh our soul with GOD'S WORD. Success awaits those that are prepared and almost certain doom for those that are not. Are you ready?  May your efforts be a reward for eternity. GOD bless you. 
• September 28 I have noticed that our calendar is becoming filled with doctor appointments. It wasn't long after I had turned 72 that this phenomenon has begun. It began by them saying that since I was older that I needed to be preventative! And has progressed to being checked or treated for any and every disease known to mankind. I am thinking that we have become prey to the medical field and easy picking for money! It makes no sense to me to visit the doctor so much,  when we know that we can't live forever on this earth and not preparing for the next. Not one medical appointment has mentioned a single word about the salvation of my soul! They only want this life to drag on for their gain, or so I am beginning to think! We know that the end is coming, too many fear it and few prepare, yet the same thing faces us all. We have all begun in the same manner and the end awaits us all. It is the destination that makes the difference. May we each be assured of that final voyage and not fear it. It is the confidence in the WORD of GOD that ensures our true 'health' and not the words of our doctor, on heavenly matters. Ensure your spiritual health over this physical body. May GOD bless you. 
• September 27 When I woke this morning, the story of Lazarus and the rich man was on my mind. As the rich man was in torment of hell and Lazarus with Abraham. The man in hell wanted but a touch of water to cool his tongue but that was impossible. He cried from the anguish of the flames that Lazarus be sent to his brothers to warn them of the impending doom if they did not believe. Abraham answered, "The SCRIPTURES have warned them again and again. Your brothers could read them any time they want." The rich man replied, "No they won't bother to read them but if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will believe." The reply was. "If they won't listen to the prophets, they won't listen even though someone rises from the dead." Our world is filled with the opportunities to read the WORD. The CHRIST has risen and yet the world and far too many fail to believe. The torment awaits! There is no other choice."  All they needed to do was to TRUST HIM to save them," yet they choose eternal death! Do we think that we can out master GOD? Perhaps artificial intelligence tells us what we want to hear, but only GOD'S WORD remains TRUE. You can believe what you want, but we cannot argue with the results! May GOD'S MERCY be with us. GOD'S blessing on us, as we engage this world of unbelief, and follow what is true.
• September 26 Luke reported that while JESUS hung on the cross one of the men that was crucified at the same time scoffed at JESUS. "So you are the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself and us too, while you're at it!" But the other man that was also hanging on a cross said, "Don't you even fear GOD when you are dying?" We must be quite the people in GOD'S eyes. We claim to be in charge of everything yet in control of nothing. We race through life and forget the true meaning of it. We claim to live without fear, yet are afraid of the dark. We have overlooked the fact that we will ALL die. And when that day comes, we will stand before GOD in judgement! We cannot afford to not fear HIS judgement. Even the GLORY of HIS presence will shake the foundation of the world! To mock GOD and insult the MAKER of LIFE should strike a note of fear in each living soul. To those that BELIEVE, their words sound the assurance, "Today you will be with ME in paradise." May those words give us comfort over the fear of this world. GOD bless you. 
• September 25 Moses pleaded, "O Lord, I'm just not a good speaker," get someone else to do it! And then gave an excuse, "I have a speech impediment." We may say that GOD has not ask us to do anything, but it is highly likelier that we have all been asked and produced only excuses similar to what Moses did. However, unlike Moses, we have failed to even try. Hardship struck when he finally did do as instructed, as the people were ordered to meet their quota of brick without a supply of straw. That is when GOD began to show who was really the boss. After we say no to GOD, we may be induced to go forward only to have things mount against us. But we must forge ahead. SALVATION rarely comes that temptation does not follow. I wonder what this world would be like if each time we were guided to do something good we just did it and not turned our backs. It may take persistence but remember, it is not our doing, but GOD'S. It is easy to give up, even to give into temptation, but remember, GOD is with us. The battle is not ours; it is HIS! The next time that we are nudged to do 'GOD'S will,' step forward and say, 'Not my will, but yours alone'. GOD will bless.
• September 24 I have, among my hunting equipment, a device that helps eliminate or mask my scent. It is very quiet even on high when I use it in Iowa. However, when I used it in Colorado while elk hunting it sounded like a helicopter even on low speed! The reason that it sounded so loud there was that there were no other sounds to mask its running. While here in Iowa there are always noises, like cars, factories and anything else that is happening. In the mountains it is quiet except for an occasional plane flying overhead. So, the sound of my device was drowned out by the ambient noises around me! Our lives can often not detect the WORD of GOD because of all the clatter around us. We over look what is important because we fail to see and hear what GOD says amongst all the ambient noise. "Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you will arrive in GOD'S presence without having to experience the horror of life like the balance of this world." Learn to be aware of the voice of GOD in a world full of noise. GOD bless you. 
• September 23 While reading the story of Joseph and his brothers when they went to buy grain from Egypt. It became clear that when the brothers left one in prison, as they were accused of being spies, that they did not return immediately to redeem their imprisoned brother. No, they waited until the grain was nearly gone and they had to purchase more! We have no idea how long that was, but, wouldn't you think that it was longer than a week, or month? There would be no use traveling to buy grain enough for just a few days! Meanwhile the one was in prison!  I can imagine him wondering if the brothers would return at all. After all they had sold Joseph to get rid of him. We think that they returned right away to retrieve their brother, yet it was later when they needed more food! Our thoughts sometimes cover up the truth. We often tend to believe what we want. But GOD has told us how we will be judged and it will be fair, yet harsh! We are told to fear the ONE that can send us to hell. To tremble at the thought of HIM! Today we do not understand the harshness that we will witness. The time of waiting will end. Our judgement will take place. The waiting will be over and our preconceived thoughts will vanish.  Only the truth will prevail. At times I feel like that brother, waiting and wondering when the return will come. Perhaps today, or the next, but be certain, it WILL come. Be ready. GOD bless you. 
• September 22 I look back just a few years ago and remember the campus rebellions, the 'rainbow' groups and the rebellion fracture of our nation that rose to popularity. Sex changes and same sex marriage were raising and our moral decay rotted a whole nation. Since the last election those things have run like roaches from the light! However, we are about to encounter a new election, that will again make a track that could be followed! All it takes is 'good men to do nothing'. Today my thoughts turn toward Luke17 where Jesus said, "When I return the world will be as indifferent to the things of GOD as the people were in Noah's day." Things were 'as normal' until Noah went into the ark and the floods came, killing the entire population except those in the ark! We may be at the edge of the rising waters and if we are not safe in the ark of the LORD, we will be swept away in the looming flood. Prepare for a flood! Build an ark and fill any cracks that could leak inside. The waves are about to beat against our ship once again. We cannot just wait and see what happens. We must be able to survive the storm. Our anchor must be GOD or our ship will just ride with the influxing tides. Today the preparation begins, the waters are poised to flood, and take mankind with it. May GOD be with you as we build on a solid foundation. GOD bless you. 
• September 21 The elk hunters are returning from the mountains, they each have their stories to tell some of success, others of failure. Some of the great times that they had and some the troubles that  were encountered. But no one expressed that they would not do it again. As I consider the life that I have lived, I see troubles, hardship, failures and successes. However, there are things that I wish I had done differently. I wish I had treated my parents better, had been more honest in business, had been a real friend to my friends and let them know how much I truly love them. I wish that I had allowed GOD into my life when HE first knocked. I have had, like hunting, successes and failure, but I am glad for the journey. When the role is called, I will TRUST that the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST and the FAITH in GOD, will deliver me from the torments of hell. But when face to face with GOD and HE does not say 'well done' I can only blame myself. HE has made us to be messengers of HIS WORD and if we fail, it is our own fault. Like hunting we look for sign. As humans the signs of the PRESENCE of GOD surrounds us. 'Be still' and KNOW' that HE IS GOD. In that there is no regret. God bless you. September 22 The elk hunters are returning from the mountains, they each have their stories to tell some of success, others of failure. Some of the great times that they had and some the troubles that  were encountered. But no one expressed that they would not do it again. As I consider the life that I have lived, I see troubles, hardship, failures and successes. However, there are things that I wish I had done differently. I wish I had treated my parents better, had been more honest in business, had been a real friend to my friends and let them know how much I truly love them. I wish that I had allowed GOD into my life when HE first knocked. I have had, like hunting, successes and failure, but I am glad for the journey. When the role is called, I will TRUST that the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST and the FAITH in GOD, will deliver me from the torments of hell. But when face to face with GOD and HE does not say 'well done' I can only blame myself. HE has made us to be messengers of HIS WORD and if we fail, it is our own fault. Like hunting we look for sign. As humans the signs of the PRESENCE of GOD surrounds us. 'Be still' and KNOW' that HE IS GOD. In that there is no regret. God bless you. 
• September 20 The man planted a fig tree and it failed to bear fruit. So, he told the gardener to cut it down. "Give it one more chance. Leave it another year and I will give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get no figs the next year, I will cut it down." We are the tree that was planted!  If we continue to bear no fruit, we are going to be destroyed. By GOD'S mercy we have been given more time, another chance. But our time will run out and should we produce no fruit, we will be burned! One more chance will be over, our time to produce is now. You may say, well that is just a story. Yes, it is! A story that JESUS told as an illustration of the KINGDOM of HEAVEN. It tells us that we cannot be fruitless and 'of this world', but to bear fruit that will be of value in the coming, eternal world. We either produce or are destroyed. Have you begun to bud, the leaves of the coming fruit or do you remain a plant waiting for the fire? May we send out that shoot of precious fulfillment, our last chance may be upon us. GOD bless you. 
• September 19 Our society today seems to glorify those that are rich. In return we place our importance on the things that this world has to offer. The words, "Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are." Those who trust in this world and rely on their riches are easily disappointed. Instead of enjoying what they have been given, they often seek more? In doing so the goodness of life is lost and a slave has been created! Our wants can easily out pace our ability to pay for them. And the 'card' provides just another way to make us into this worlds slave. Happiness will not come from things but from within. Our TREASURE is in HEAVEN, our debt is on earth. Let your only debt be to JESUS CHRIST, who has PAID our ultimate price for us. HE alone is worthy of our praise. May GOD bless you.
• September 18 Today as I was reading, these timeless words jumped into my heart. "These are evil times, with evil people. They keep asking for some strange happenings in the sky's, but the only proof that will be given is a miracle like that of Jonah." Still today people say, 'if there was a sign', but the sign has been given! The resurrection has occurred! The proof has already been given! Yet so many fail to believe. These are evil times with evil people.  If you are asking for 'a sign' what else could be done to make us believe? The sign has been given. If we are stuck in the mud, down trodden by a financial burden or requiring hospital care. We can be assured that we are there as a test of our FAITH and the assurance that we will be gaining from that time. Together we make up the body of CHRIST, together we survive the evil, the hearts that are joined in CHRIST know the outcome ahead. There is no need of another sign that will distract from the TRUTH that has been given. Think on the signs in your life that have been opportunities to awaken your SPIRIT. All these signs point in the same direction, the return of CHRIST in fulfillment of GOD'S WORD. The KINGDOM of GOD is upon us. GOD bless you. 
• September 17 This year's hunting season is finally upon us. I have received photos of successful elk hunters and a great mule deer. The Iowa youth season will begin in a few days and I am so excited for those going for their first time. I see a great difference between the Amish boys and others. The ones that watch hunting on tv think that it should be easy and if they do not see something they become bored. The Amish boys are glad to be out in the woods and rejoice in many things. Perhaps tv isn't such a good teaching aid as it shows success in 10 minutes! We gain a lifetime of experiences, but none greater than the SALVATION of a SOUL! Our drive each day needs to be the way to save even one from the torment of eternal death. We may have the honor of saving one or many, but the work is not easy, it is a challenge! We must be suited in GOD'S WORD, with our eyes toward CHRIST. With out HIM we will stumble at all we do. Walk in the LIGHT of GOD'S GRACE and hunt for the opportunities to open the doors to them. The season has arrived. GOD bless you. 
• September 16 It is no surprise that when the people, built a proud, eternal monument to themselfs' that GOD separated them. That same 'tower of Babel' remains a constant barrier to our relationship with GOD. We are proud, often arrogant people, that want to flaunt what we have done to others. Thus, building that tower, so that all can see our 'glory'. When a fall occurs it is often dramatic!  The WORD tells us to be servants, but we press to build towers. When that happens, it will be followed by a state of confusion.  The world is competing, each proud nation, with its wisest people to erect a tower of A.I. Claiming how its intelligence can cure diseases and save time, money and resources. Are we witnessing another 'tower' in today's world? Time will tell as the results of the tower is under construction. The one thing that is certain, GOD has NOT lost any control! Our towers can be taken away at any moment, when we use them to proclaim our own pride. Anything that we place in front of or before GOD has become our idol and tower. We are in charge of our own lives, to tear down the towers that separate us from GOD that proclaim our own pride. Which is first in our lives? May GOD be with us.
• September 15 By my calculations, it took Noah and his family 120 years to build the ark! But the BIBLE is very specific that 'when Noah was 600 years, two months and seventeen days old, the rain cane down in torrents.' It rained until the waters were twenty-two feet and more above the tallest peak! Imagine doing GOD'S work for 120 years with constant mocking and ridicule. Then imagine the fear that those people felt as the water rose! For those 120 years they had the opportunity to change, yet they all perished. Can you see them pleading with GOD as the water was about to take them? But it was too late! Even today we are informed of GOD, yet we tend to lend a deaf ear. Those who BELIEVE will be SAVED, those who do not will be pleading and turned away. The world is full of those who say they believe, yet how many will be willing to give their lives in HIS SERVICE? The day will come when all mankind will be judged and many will be turned away. Search your life and KNOW the result. May GOD bless you. 
• September 14 On 911 we were in remembrance of the attack on American soil 25 years ago. We said that we would 'never' forget the loss! However, 25 years later, we have men and woman that were not born yet. They didn't witness that day or the results that followed. Today we are divided in thought of what direction the nation should go. Some of those running for political office believe what the attackers did and they are gaining followers!  Some even celebrate the day that we said would not be forgotten. Through time that day will lose its importance, will be forgotten in history. But GOD does not forget. He remains the same! What HE has said HE still delivers. HIS GREATNESS will never pass away. We will stand in judgement and HE will know ALL the EVIDENCE! Our minds may put GOD to the sidelines but we are very important to HIM, HE will not forget. May GOD bless you, as we remember.
• September 13 Yesterday I took a group of Amish boys to qualify to hunt in the park. Before we went I thought it would be good to practice a few shots before we went. So, we went to a round bale of hay and put a paper plate on it and backed up 20 yards and let fly. To my surprise I was the worst shot! I had been shooting and they outshot me. So off we went to the park. The 'test' is 3 out of 5 in an 8-inch circle at 20 yards.  So, we each fired 3 arrows and were done. It is rewarding to see that the instructions and teaching was followed so well. CHRIST has given us an instruction manual and sadly it is not used. We may pick out bits and pieces but seem to disregard most. It makes me wonder, how many will pass the test? It is not hard, but the guidelines are firm. It sounds, to easy to be true, yet it is going to be failed by many. Open the WORD and PRACTICE. The test is a matter of eternal life or death. Unlike qualifying at the park. GOD bless you. 
• September 12 The hunters in Colorado reported that a land lease has changed and that some areas that were previously open are being closed. That areas will be unobtainable next year. That is disheartening to me as I know that some who have accessed that area will not be able to hunt those spots that have become so precious over time. It just shows that both, GOD has been so generous to us and that things change. We feel that things always change for the worst. And often they do, but a whole new generation of hunters will not know what once was and will find their own spots. The world changes and mostly in a wrong direction. We can either ride with its flow or strike out on a new adventure. "GOD remains the same Yesterday, today, and tomorrow" and that is comforting in these days of change. We can count on HIS WORD to be true, remaining our guiding light in a world of darkness. To obtain that LIGHT we only need to open our hearts, no GPS coordinates are needed. We can find our way In CHRIST by way of the CROSS and that will not change, our spot is reserved.  GOD bless you. 
• September 11 If you were to read from Luke 3 the generations that had passed from Adam to JESUS, you may notice that from the creation of mankind, Adam, to the point that the world was so evil that GOD had decided to destroy it by flood and begin over was 9 generations!  Not a long period of time from Adam to Noah! And not a long period from when GOD walked with us in the Garden until we were so awful we had to be destroyed. Now, many generations have passed since JESUS has walked among us and what can GOD witness of our actions? As the 'stars fall from the sky' over many parts of the world, it takes only one device to trigger our destruction. We have lost so much since that original walk, but each of us can gather toward HIS Hand and return to that Garden. HE has never left or abandoned us; it is we who have left HIM. We have the great fortune to witness HIS greatness and return any moment of each day. Will we be a generation that returns to GOD or just another that sinks to destruction? It is our choice. May GOD bless you. 
• September 10 "For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe." And it has begun. The thoughts in the minds of those that will destroy our nation. Things that we thought were unimaginable right up to this moment. Yet we will witness, in our time, the persecution of those that believe on the LORD. Already right has become wrong and wrong right! We murder those helpless unborn to the moment of birth, lie in our courts, follow every whim of evil as a slave. The time has also begun when all the earth is filled with an awareness of the GLORY of the LORD, but many, far too many will disregard that GLORY and turn away! Instead of paying WITNESS to GOD, we turn to our own thoughts, ignoring the signs. The fields that are ripe will rot due to the lack of workers willing to take up the sickle. We will be held accountable for our actions. Satan's thoughts spreading as a wild fire out of control, floods, earthquakes, famine and war, they all point in one direction. Pray that eyes are open to the scenes around us, and that souls return to the ONE that created. May GOD have mercy our souls. In our lifetime we will see, will we believe? GOD bless you. 
• September 9 "For every promise from GOD shall surely come true." I have a friend that has been in the hospital and undergone multiple surgeries since having a liver transplant. Many would call it a curse and a lesser man would have given up but he calls it a blessing! Every time that trouble comes his way, he sees the opportunity to witness and pray for others. And the opportunities just keep coming. But each time there is a whole new field of people to receive the message of how good GOD is. The body is weak and the arm of flesh will fail us, but the WORD of GOD remains true and faithful. Undying in faithfulness to us, HIS precious children. To be able to serve even when ill remains a privilege and not a curse. To snatch even one from the eternal flames of hell, worth any temporary discomfort on this earth. GOD has given us many promises, each will become reality in HIS TIME. We are considered faithful to work toward HIS KINGDOM and not worry of our own. For ALL GOD'S promises will surely come true. They are in our lifetime! GOD bless and thank you for your service to GOD, the fields are ripening, the harvest is about to take place. GOD bless you. 
• September 8 Yesterday while visiting my former boss, who remains in bed from a stroke over a year ago, I was attempting to get his tv set so that he could watch the Cubs ball game. However, the network wanted to be signed into! Helpless to know the password and after several guesses, I asked Gus if he knew the password and he wrote on a white board a capital letter and several other letters and numbers and a couple dots with a line through it. So, I tried what it looked like he had written. It didn't work. So finally, I reached the person that set up the account and got the password. Guess what, it was exactly what Gus had written down! It was I who had failed to enter it correctly. I had not made the capital and misinterpreted a number and did not understand the dots and line. But even though he did not make the password and surely had only heard it, he remembered it. GOD works in mysterious ways and when we have given up, God remains at work. How much of a miracle is that? We see signs every day telling us what to do. From where to walk and how to drive and we obey. Yet the WORD of GOD is neglected. How hard our hearts must be. Open our eyes and hearts, take away our interpretations and let us understand YOUR WORD. See the MIRICLES each day and BELIEVE. GOD bless you. 
• September 7 Jesus said that "The most important thing is that our names are registered as citizens of HEAVEN!" "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the KINGDOM of GOD." And, "Your care for others is a measure of your greatness." I do not know about you, but by those measurements I have been a failure! But how privileged I am to see what I have seen, heard what I have heard, been told what I was told! It is nobody's fault for my failure but my own. There may be 2 voices, one on each shoulder, encouraging my actions, but it is I who makes the choice. There is always a way out, a path to take, a voice of truth. Thank GOD that HE never gave up on me. HE will never give up on you. Together we are HIS crop, the choicest of fruit, from the best vine. It is OUR choices that make us rotten and destroy the vine of heritage. It is not too late to restore the root that nourishes our soul. That fertilizer is the WORD of GOD. If you are lost, as I can be, open the BOOK that will restore that growth within. The WORD of GOD. With it everything changes, the voice becomes stronger and the actions turn. Do not be distracted by this life, focus on the eternal life ahead. God bless you. 
• September 6 The other day I had someone call me by name and after a little while they asked, "You don't know who I am do you?" I replied that indeed I did not and they told me that I have not changed at all and they would know me anywhere. Well, I have changed! Perhaps not physically, but there has certainly been a change! There is only ONE SPIRIT that would recognize me and has from the moment of my conception. In fact, HE wrote my name in the ledger and in HIS BOOKS of LIFE. HE knows me by name from my birth and will welcome me at my death. HE will greet me at HIS KINGDOM, by name and present me with a new robe. However, there is also one that is constantly trying to separate me from the flock and lead to doom, away from GOD for eternity. That path is easy to follow and tempts daily. Give me the POWER to DEFEAT EVIL and enter the GOLDEN GATES, being called by name to come home. Thank GOD that HE has provided a way for each of us to be able to enter. May HIS GRACE overcome our desires. HIS FORGIVENESS clean our hearts, and lead us homeward. HE knows our name and watches our actions. GOD bless you. 

September 5 I have received reports of hunters in the elk woods having success and that is great news. It must be allot cooler in the mountains than we are experiencing here in Iowa! It has been near 100 for quite a while here. The GOD given part is that the corn has begun to dry and the humidity is nowhere near what it could be, thank GOD. Even in the trials of everyday life, we are blessed. Just imagine the torments of an eternity without GOD! Void of every sort of good blessing. That would be hell indeed! We too often are looking at the bad and overlooking the gracious gifts all around us. My best friend has both joy and sadness in the family's health. And just as they were about to be overcome by the grief, the joy of a new addition greets their ears. GOD is ALWAYS nearby. The only time that HE will be distant is when we have made the decision to make HIM distant. And that eternal void will be torment. See GOD'S presence in all things. God bless you. 

• September 4 For the last few days I have been getting my longbow tuned and ready to hunt this season. You would think that a guy that made bows would know how to tune them to top performance, but I have been overlooking some of the most unbelievable results by just hurrying through the process. It was quite by accident that I found the hidden true performance gain with that bow. It went from a good, almost great bow to exceptional. By changing one adjustment just the smallest amount. I had missed that point by over or under adjusting right up to the time that the nock point broke and I tied in an adjustable one. It was then that I found out that the smallest adjustment made a world of difference. I may have hit closely by chance in the past, but now it is perfect! Just like our walk with GOD, we can avoid HIM completely, seek HIM by chance or fine tune our relationship.  Once we find that perfect point, we wonder how we ever got along with it the other way. Take the time to tune your relationship with GOD. Whether you hit the mark by chance or work hard to obtain it, it is worth the work. The power within us is remarkable once we are in TUNE with GOD. GOD bless you. 
• September 3 Sometimes at night when we are asleep, we dream. They may be of loved ones that have gone before us. They may be of magical places or events. They may be of monster deer or elk that we are pursuing. We never know what we may dream. They are however flash views of our inner thoughts. Dreams may give us a warning to change our direction or show the folly of our past. It is at our discretion to react to dreams or not. Daniel was given the answer to the King's dreams and received great things. But it was by GOD that those visions were shown. We are often puzzled b