4 Mile prayers

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    May 13 During our lifetime we have many choices to make. What to wear, where to go, our jobs, houses, cars and what to eat. Many of those choices are small and some are, well, life changing! I have a friend that worked at his own business and along with his partner accumulated what would be a fortune to many. Now he lays in bed, a victim of a stroke, while his children manipulate for his wealth. In the 11 months since the stroke, they have visited him 4 times! Each time that I read the words from Peter as JESUS talked, "Are you going too?" Peter said, "Master, to whom shall we go? You alone have the word of eternal life and we believe them and KNOW you are the HOLY SON of GOD!" After talking to my friend several times and receiving answers of unbelief, I was in near tears when he told me that he now believes! All the pleasures of this world have been behind him for nearly a year; he knows now that our life here is but a test. As I left him Monday I said, if I don't see you again I will see you and before I could say next Monday, he said very plainly, in HEAVEN! All the riches of this world mean nothing now, only eternity matters. Do not wait until that last moment to realize that your choice is eternal. GOD bless you.

   May 12 Saturday my grandson and a friend of his went to the river fishing. We only caught a few small fish! It used to be that we could catch quite a few large fish, but an invasive fish that we call 'jumping carp' have over taken over and the other fish have left. At times, and especially in June to go on a boat is down rite dangerous as so many of the jumping carp, jump out of the water that they land in the boat and hit you. They are hard and slimy and no fun to deal with. Our society has become saturated with a 'species' that is taking over. Most will not recognize it until a 'good fish' is hard to find! We just allow them to grow and take over until it is too late. We lose our place in the pond, our species becomes more extinct each year and we do nothing. GOD has prepared a way, through JESUS CHRIST , that we may grow and flourish, yet we all too often get mixed into the growing stream of roughage and loose our way. It is important to remain faithful and true to GOD and not mix with all that take up residence around us and becoming polluted ourselves. We have become small fish in a large pond, but GOD is larger and will save those who come to HIM. May we each turn to the LORD and be saved before the waters are cleared of all species, both good and bad. GOD bless you.

12 Saturday my grandson and a friend of his went to the rivMay er fishing. We only caught a few small fish! It used to be that we could catch quite a few large fish, but an invasive fish that we call 'jumping carp' have over taken over and the other fish have left. At times, and especially in June to go on a boat is down rite dangerous as so many of the jumping carp, jump out of the water that they land in the boat and hit you. They are hard and slimy and no fun to deal with. Our society has become saturated with a 'species' that is taking over. Most will not recognize it until a 'good fish' is hard to find! We just allow them to grow and take over until it is too late. We lose our place in the pond, our species becomes more extinct each year and we do nothing. GOD has prepared a way, through JESUS CHRIST , that we may grow and flourish, yet we all too often get mixed into the growing stream of roughage and loose our way. It is important to remain faithful and true to GOD and not mix with all that take up residence around us and becoming polluted ourselves. We have become small fish in a large pond, but GOD is larger and will save those who come to HIM. May we each turn to the LORD and be saved before the waters are cleared of all species, both good and bk floors and painted the lower half of the garage and the trim around the doors. When we were done we both collapsed for a moment and before we knew it, it was time to heat our supper and head to the car races at our local track. We got home around 11 and went through the chaos of getting the dogs to bed without the cat running out and finally got to bed. Whenever the 'normal' is changed, it always seems to be an eruption of order. Our lives outside of CHRIST are in chaos, we need the order of GOD. During an extended pause in the races, due to a crash, certain individuals in the crowd becamd loud and the words and actions showed little respect for GOD or man. It was plain to see that their lives were controlled by everything except GOD. Thank GOD we have an alternative pathway on which to travel! We need not be riding the train with no engineer, running wildly off course on a path to destruction. There is a GOD who cares for us and will guide us to that land of 'milk and honey'. May GOD be real to you, may your heart be filled with HIS WORD, may you live with the assurance that HE alone is GOD!

  May 10 Just as the Israelites turned away from GOD by not instructing the next generation the ways to love and follow GOD, we as a nation have followed that poor example. From a time of 'in GOD we trust' to rebellion against both God and country. We no longer pledge allegiance to the flag of our country, but wave our enemy's flag in defiant rebellion! The LORD'S prayer has given way to both riot and open defiance against authority. We are so lost we have no idea what is true or artificial. Our intelligence has been replaced by foreign ideas that assist in leading astray those who have a toe hold. All because we do not teach our new generation the WORD of GOD and faithfully teach what satan has promoted. Our leaders fall to the loudest callings of man and ignore GOD. So few take the stand of Joshua and proclaim to follow GOD'S commands, we would sooner follow as lost sheep, those who are lead astray. The remedy to our woes is to repent and seek again the LORD, or continue in self-destruction while separated from HIM. We must inform the next generations to know GOD. There are no blessings where GOD is vacant. May GOD bless you. 

  May 9 Somehow it has turned to summer with all its busy ball games and other sports. Even though we take our winter coats and wear sweatshirts! One of these days soon the weather will catch up, with all its heat and humidity and the air conditioners will begin their time of activity. Time rips by at a pace beyond comprehension and who can stop it? Baby showers now are soon replaced with graduation ceremonies and the cycle continues. When we rest and think that we have so little to do in the whole development of a lifetime. The tough choices and decisions along the way are but faint memories. There is only one choice that has everlasting consequences, that eternal decision of our soul to be placed within our 'forever' home. Our choice is made a little at a time or at one moment but it is made. And our ever-approaching time for placement rolls toward us without pause. Today the choice is yours to make, soon that time will have passed. May you make the choice to believe in JESUS and may GOD bless you as time is surely passing. The saying that 'time stands still for no man' surely stands. Be ready for the final placement. GOD bless you

   May 8 As JESUS was arrested, HE said, "But this is your moment, a time when satans power reigns supreme."  But satan failed, CHRIST was killed yet HE arose, showing the POWER, that GOD had over satan and that moment has been repeated each time a person turns from sin to GOD! JESUS command to the disciples, and to us, is "Pray to GOD that you will not be overcome by temptation."  The weapon that is used to pluck us away from GOD, temptation. It has no power when we ignore it, yet it controls our every action if we give in. We each have given into it. We all can be free from its power, when we establish a barrier of GOD around and in us. Without that fortress we fall like the walls of Jerico. GOD answers our earnest prayer, when we take action ourselves. Defeat temptation with the POWER that GOD gives and HE will bless. 

   May 7 Somehow it has turned to summer with all its busy ball games and other sports. Even though we take our winter coats and wear sweatshirts! One of these days soon the weather will catch up, with all its heat and humidity and the air conditioners will begin their time of activity. Time rips by at a pace beyond comprehension and who can stop it? Baby showers now are soon replaced with graduation ceremonies and the cycle continues. When we rest and think that we have so little to do in the whole development of a lifetime. The tough choices and decisions along the way are but faint memories. There is only one choice that has everlasting consequences, that eternal decision of our soul to be placed within our 'forever' home. Our choice is made a little at a time or at one moment, but it is made. And our ever-approaching time for placement rolls toward us without pause. Today the choice is yours to make, soon that time will have passed. May you make the choice to believe in JESUS and may GOD bless you as time is surely passing. The saying that 'time stands still for no man' surely stands. Be ready for the final placement. GOD bless you.

  May 6 "For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there wilk be great earthquakes and famines in many lands and epidemics and terrible things happening in the heavens."  Part of our warning that was offered by JESUS when HIS disciples asked if there would be a warning before the end times. I wonder, who has heeded those signs? CHRIST added, "Watch out! Don't let my sudden coming catch you unaware, don't let me find you living in careless ease and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of this world. Keep a constant watch."  The news never says 'keep a watch' for GOD'S WORD is advancing in our day. We only have GOD'S WORD that these things Will occur. Is GOD a liar? Is HE just telling us to make us fearful? No! So, pay attention to what GOD has said and NOT the words of man. In our lifetime or seconds after we die, there will be judgement. Will you be prepared? HIS WORD commands that we make ready. Do you go on vacation without any preparation or packing? 

   May 5 Like a puppy we are like angels, when we are good and like a demon when we are bad. It takes us awhile to learn to behave correctly. But there are those who never learn. They misbehave so much that the 'right' becomes confused with the not as bad as usual. We miss out on the treasures that GOD bestows onto those who are trying to follow his plan.  You can plainly see the difference when watching the Godly and ungodly family's! There is a clear difference, it is visible to everyone. But if we act as a defiant puppy, we only receive punishment. Even nature shows the GLORY and forgiveness that is GOD'S. How defiant we are, that we can see the difference and still not come before the LORD in repentance. We stand between blessings and curses. Which do you choose? Both are available and within our grasp. Why would we choose the curse of death, while the blessings are within our reach? Begin today to reach for GOD'S blessing, HE will not fail.

May 4 "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life."  Not a promise by any man, this is a promise from GOD! Why would we doudt it? Have we placed GOD as normal or nothing, that we should not fear or respect HIS WORD? GOD sits on a throne with great bursts of light flashing from HIM, as from a glittering diamond or a ruby. A rainbow surrounds HIM glowing as an emerald!  Is that normal? He cannot be created on the silver screen of this earth. HIS WORD is eternal! Yet we take HIS WORD for granted, HIS promise as fiction. Right up to the moment of our destruction, when we cry for HIS aid. The time to seek HIM is NOW! The future is too uncertain to wait. May GOD become a part of our daily life. HE loves us so much. GOD bless you.

  May 3 In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, who was in torment after his death, asked Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his 5 brothers. But Abraham said, " The scriptures have warned them again and again. Your brothers can read them any time they want to."  The rich man replied, "No, father Abraham, they won't bother to read them. But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins." Abraham replied, "If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen, even though someone rises from the dead!"  We have the WORD of GOD and fail to read. We have the CHRIST who has risen from the dead. An yet our nation makes the choice to go into torment. Please, take the WORD and read it. Know that GOD'S SON has risen from the dead to forgive all who BELIEVE! Or spend eternity in torment. That is the choice we have before us. Everything else has no meaning. We too may read the WORD of GOD any time we want. May GOD be with you.

 May 2 Today is men's meeting and I have looked forward to that meeting that is once a month for several years. We have seen men come and go but there are many 'regulars' that come most of the time. Last meeting we sat at a long table and they said that there were 12 of us. It would have been like the last supper except CHRIST was in SPIRIT and not in body. The world has lost the fact that GOD is still in charge! HE remains attentive to what is going on in each of our lives. We have not given HIM the attention and respect HE deserves. We place HIM alone off to the side until we are in trouble, then expect HIS immediate reaction. Who could find someone that they rejected so often to aid them when in trouble? And then immediately reject them again! Of all the men in a city only 12 can meet to give praise? Is it any wonder that our nation has become separated from the 'milk and honey' that once graced our land? Do you seek GOD or what the world offers?

 May 1st The biggest story in the news recently is what it costs for any item that we buy. I have to laugh when they say the price of an item is high. When I was in high school I bought a new motorcycle for $850 dollars, today the equivalant is $7900!  When my son was qualified to run in the championship races in Hooters Pro Cup gas was so expensive that we didn't race! But some things have not gone up in price! "What is the price of a sparrow? A couple pennies? Yet GOD does not forget a single one of them. And you are far more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows."  The cost of things is not what we should be worried about. "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."   Besides; the cost of SALVATION has NOT inflated at all; it remains FREE for all who come to CHRIST JESUS. Why worry about the future when you are in the hands of God?

  April 30 This morning as I read this passage, "How privileged you are to see what you have seen." I recalled memories from my youth. Walking a mile to swim in a tiny creek that had a 3-foot-deep hole of water. Or on a hot day jumping into the cold water of the watering trough! Going to camp or just staying outside in a tent. Seeing all the relatives as we sat to eat on long benches at a family reunion. Or seeing the hams that hung in the cellar that were coated with salt and smelled of hickory smoke. Going to hobby hole with the fishing pole, some worms in a can. Or meeting people that become friends in a wilderness. And so much more... But this is the wonderful thought of the day, " Jehovah is GOD both in HEAVEN and down here on earth and there is no GOD other than HIM!' Our time as kids turned toward rebellion and sin against GOD, but we can always return and be reunited with HIM, we can never return to the fountain of youth. Praise GOD that HE has not abanded us, as time has from our youth. Together we grow older, but HE waits for us, longing to have us return, waiting patiently for the reunion we had when we were young. May GOD bless you. For we are so privileged to see what we have seen.

 April 29 The weather has turned from hot to once again cool enough for coats. And as we sat watching our granddaughters ball game, with mist in the air, it was quite chilly. The saying in Iowa is if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes. Well 5 minutes may be an exaggeration. But it does change quickly!  Just as when Jesus is allowed into our lives, things start to change. We are given the opportunities to pass on GOD'S WORD. But, just as the grain sown on the pathway or the stoney ground, it will be taken away or dried up, if we do not let it grow within us. We have the choice to do GOD'S work or our own thing. Our own thing is sin, because away from GOD, that is all we know! Just as the Iowa weather can change quickly, so can our lives, either for the better or not so good. Make the choice to turn to the ways that are acceptable to GOD and flourish. Do not fail and become as fruitless vines, we are made to be of great value, not just sticks for the fire. May GOD bless you.

    April 28 One of my most treasured friends, texted me with a wish today. As I answered, my heart was filled with the hope that we would be able to meet once again someday. It is great to hear from our friends and loved ones that we care so much about. It makes me think of the love that GOD holds for us and how HE must care for us and want to visit with each of us. We become separated through time or circumstances but HE is patiently waiting for our return. That separation is uncomfortable for us as we know that GOD remains, waiting for our return. HE is waiting with open arms, those who are separated and return. Our hearts have so many pains that we cannot mend, but separation from GOD for eternity is a death that we should fear. May GOD be your desire and comforter; may you seek what is true through HIS WORD and prepare for the reunion that will come. God bless you.

  April 27 Each time that I read through Numbers and see all the sacrifices that were to made to GOD, I am marveled. The bulls, rams, sheep and goats were to be given at regular times, plus many more on the special days of celebration.  Today we find it trying to put money into the offering plate at Church, if we are even at Church! GOD demanded animals with no defect, the best of their herds. We pass off the things that we no longer want or need as a 'gift'. And wonder why we are not blessed or receive HIS guidance. After having ignored HIM, we serve ourselves, pick out the best for our own use. And have forgotten to even thank GOD for our bounty. We survive in a sad state of affairs without giving an offering or a thought to GOD. Then wonder why our nation is torn by the spirit of division so easily. Our fate is approaching and it most certainly will be painful, if we do not return to GOD. May we each make the 'sacrifice' of THANKING GOD FIRST. GOD'S blessings are awaiting our response.

   April 26 Eve was deceived by satan, not because she had nothing, but because she knew GOD and would walk with HIM in the garden. Adam who also knew GOD and walked with HIM also broke the rules! We all can step away from GOD for something that we talk ourselves into wanting when we already have it all! Even while we are tied to GOD with a strong cord, satan cuts away at it with a knife. Trying to separate us from the ONE that is patiently waiting for us to come to HIM. We have everything and want more, but that more is outside the boundaries, the forbidden fruit. One seeks to save, the other is bent to destroy and we all too often seek self destruction! Bind the cord that supports our future, repair the broken walls between ourselves and the CREATOR! Return to the ONE who loves and allow HIM to bless us. 

  April 25 From the time GOD created Adam until the flood that destroyed those things living on the earth was 8 generations. Such a short time to have gone from GOD'S creation to "I am sorry that I have made man!" Just imagine how far we have separated ourselves in the generations that have passed since Noah! There have been times that mankind and its leaders have returned to GOD in the times that followed, one was David. A young boy that followed GOD. Apparently, his brothers did not, because they were not chosen nor did they react to the giant that defiled the name of GOD! You see, it is our own individual choice. We can follow the crowds and one can only be 'amazed' at the way they are behaving. Or turn to GOD, who has loved those who love HIM throughout history. But has given wars, famine and death to those who do not. Our ETERNAL life is determined by our actions today. Our outcome is not governed by ancestry, but by our own FAITH. GOD bless you.

  April 24 When John was preaching to the people along the Jordan river, he spoke the words that need to be spoken today. "You brood of snakes!  You are trying to escape hell without truly turning to GOD!"  Those words can describe the majority of the 'faithful' even today. John followed with these words, "First go and prove, by the way you live, that you really have repented!" Our words are weak, when we 'profess' our FAITH and then have no actions or proof that there is any FAITH behind our word. Has the god of our lives become something other than the eternal GOD that has formed the universe an everything within it? We drain our lives to make more and forget when we have 'enough'. Our lives revolve around service, we have just forgotten that we are to serve and not be served. Once again, the words, "FAITH without works is dead."  ETERNAL LIFE without FAITH is only experienced in hell. May we each do as GOD has patterned for us, in the life of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. GOD bless you.

   April 23 Have you ever tried to move an object without touching it?  Or wished that you could travel to visit a friend without driving there, just showed up? We wonder about all the mysteries and think of other things that we wish we could do, but cannot. Our bodies are weak and we contract both sickness and brokenness. Even our most treasured things become old, frail and weak, broken and worthless. When GOD told Moses that HE was going to send the people meat, Moses questioned HIM. GOD'S reply was, "When did I become weak? Now you shall see whether MY WORD comes true or not!"  Of course, GOD'S WORD gave meat to the multitudes for not a day or two but an entire month! We have come accustomed to the thought, that if we cannot do something it can't be done! We fail to be a witness to the daily news that proclaims GOD'S exact fulfillment. Look at the division between man's thinking today. Is it not foretold in GOD'S WORD? Just because we fail to watch does not keep HIS WORDS from becoming a reality. Each day HIS WORD becomes closer to the final judgement. We need to recognize the WORD and know that GOD has not become weak! 

   April 22 I don't know about you, but I have made promises that I have not kept. Perhaps there has been times that I didn't even intend to keep the promises that were made. Have you ever made statements that were never kept? Gabriel, the angel that stands in the very presence of GOD has stated, "For every promise from GOD shall surely come true." There is NO talk that is not backed by HIS action! The proof of that statement has been reality to men from their very creation! Some of those promises are good and others are as punishment for our disobedience. We still, to this very day, say things that we are not going to do. But GOD does NOT! There are some who seem to have a wonderful life, and the ones who do receive those blessings as a result of their FAITH in GOD.  May we, as Mary said, "I am the LORD'S SERVANT and willing to do whatever HE asks." Our blessings come from GOD and are eternal, never wasting away like the valuables of this world. Put your TRUST in the ETERNAL value and TRUTH of GOD'S ACTIONS. May GOD bless you.

  April 21 Druvel our new puppy, spent the entire day outside as we were gone most of the day and into the evening. It was also the first time that he was not put into the outdoor kennel, so he had to stay in the yard on his own, a big chore to a small animal. We found him comfortably asleep under the grill by the back door when we got home. He was glad to see us and to get fresh food and of course demand attention. I know that when GOD allowed me to roam alone that I did not secure my safety next to HIS house, instead I ran toward the world! The things that call us toward sin are so inviting and relentless in number, yet just like that pup we can do the right thing. If we choose to or are afraid enough of the results of wandering off, then we will find it more comfortable to stay at home. There will be a time when the pup may be overcome with curiosity and do what is wrong but unlike men, most will return to the safe place of love and care. Thank GOD that I finally saw the LIGHT! May we each know that the punishment is far greater than the sin that is committed, that the result of our wandering is SEPARATION from GOD. Return home if you become lost, the MASTER is waiting. GOD bless you.

   April 20 I kept receiving photos from my sister on my phone. And each one had it's questions. Where was that taken, when was that?  It showed me how little I remember from the past. Those things that were so important then, are lost to memory, because they were not that important at all. When young we are thinking of life ahead of us and the things that we want at that time. When we become older and have taken what GOD has offered, we forget those things of life and attach ourselves to what is really important for eternity. The BIBLE says, we will put our childish things behind us, we are to gather around those things of GOD! There is more to life than the here and now, we are all awaiting the eternal destination that we are choosing today. It is good to remember those 'days of yore' but the time ahead is what will really matter. May GOD bless as we prepare for our eternal life, the memories of today long forgotten in the GLORY of HEAVEN or the torment of hell. Today we have decisions to make that last forever.  

  April 19 Yesterday after my grandson was blessed with a nice turkey, I sent pictures to those that I thought would be interested. I was proud of him and of the fine bird that we were blessed with. We keep many keepsakes and photographs to remind us of the joyous times we have experienced and those memories are with us for a long time. We show them off, bring them up in our conversations and brag at times. It is to our shame that we do not do the same with our faith! To share GOD in words and feelings to others, along with the many blessings that we receive. We cannot overlook or take for granted what GOD has done. Yet too often we do. Our lives become to consumed with ourselves and our own treasures and GOD is put aside. Take time to reflect on the treasures and memories that HE has been a part of and soon we will see that HE is a part of it ALL! May GOD bless you.

   April 18 Yesterday I saw turkeys and deer and this morning my grandson is coming to hunt and with GOD'S help we can get that ol tom. It is exciting to have my grandson come hunt and I cherish each trip. But how I wait for CHRIST'S return. I have been preparing for that day and wait excitedly for the moment the LORD comes with a shout! Time will run out for those unprepared and that will be a bad day for them, but those who are accepted will be swept away to GLORY. I hope that you are ready, you are the salt of this earth, but you will also flavor HEAVEN. Until that day comes, let us be ready, help others and GLORIFY GOD. God bless you.

  April 17 Arrived at the blind and was set up by 5:30 am. The last 4 days have not even presented a gobble but perhaps today is different. In our daily living we may look forward to some things and others, not so much, but we expect life to continue. There was a promise made that CHRIST will return. Some are looking forward to that moment, others may not. But the day of reckoning will come and perhaps this will be that day. Only GOD'S WORD can prepare us for that moment. I pray that we are ready. GOD bless you.

    April 16 Yesterday I thought that I would do a little mushroom hunting. So, after applying a spray to reject ticks, I took the 4-wheeler and headed to a likely spot. In about a half hour, I had been blessed with 9 nice sized grey mushrooms and headed home. Soon I felt a spot that itched and found the first of 11 ticks!  It made me wonder if it was worth the search and how the wildlife was able to endure. In our lives, we are suspect to the many barrages of attacks by satan. We often endure those attacks without even knowing of their existence as they burrow into our lives. They contaminate and sicken, yet we are unaware other than perhaps an annoying itch. GOD help us to be cleansed from the infections of satans tricks. Let us put on the shield of protection that actually works. GOD'S WORD is the barrier that delivers results. May GOD protect and bless you, as we travel and exist in a world filled with pests and attacks. GOD bless you.

   April 15 Around 3 o'clock this morning I was awakened by what sounded like a roaring turbulent train. As I lay there with the window open, I could hear the storm approaching and as I shut the window the winds hit. I just prayed that the mighty blast would divert around us and it did! This morning we have no damage, except a washed-out driveway from the rains. I know that there was damage in the area but thank GOD for HIS protection during the storm. We often say that we will pray about something and do not witness an immediate answer, but sometimes we do and this was one of those.  Sometimes our worship is hollow, we don't put our TRUST in what we know GOD is capable of doing. We ask others to ask GOD'S blessing upon us, when we can ask for ourselves, if we truly believe in HIS POWER. But too often we fail to TRUST. My FAITH is less than a mustard seed or the sick would be whole, the poor would be fed and the faithless would move mountains! But early this morning prayer was answered a prayer. May HIS POWER be within our FAITH. GOD bless you.

  April 14 As I read Leviticus and all the ways that the different offerings were to be handled, I realize that I would have been destroyed just as Arron's sons, for doing the wrong thing. It remains very confusing to me. I am certainly glad that today ALL GOD REQUIRES IS FAITH! It sounds too easy to be true. But with that FAITH there comes action. Not because we have to, but because we want to! Inside there is a change that rearranges our thoughts and actions. A much better plan, at least for me, as the blood of animals would soon become quite a mess to cover my sins. Thank GOD for HIS SON'S saving BLOOD that changed the pathway for us once and for all. May we all look toward the cross in the way it was offered and ACCEPT the forgiveness that HE gave. May GOD bless you.

  April 13 Can you imagine no salt on your food?  Some have a no salt diet to help keep them from heart disease, but I am allowed salt and I do enjoy it. In the BIBLE,  we are told that WE are the 'salt of the earth' to give it seasoning. Also, in Leviticus it reads, 'Every offering must be seasoned with salt, because the salt is a reminder of GOD'S covenant'. Each time we pick up a salt shaker should help us remember the CROSS and the COVENANT that GOD has made between HIMSELF and each of US. That without that shedding of CHRIST'S BLOOD there is no forgiveness of sin. We should automatically be reminded of that precious agreement at each meal. GOD is so good to us, should we forget? Even salt is a reminder! GOD bless you.

   April 12 Our nation has become so divided that it is hard to even think that there will be a time of unity. Jesus used the illustration, "A kingdom divided against itself will collapse. A home filled with strife and division destroys itself." GOD'S WORD has certainly been used by those who do not even believe it, to tear apart the nation that was once built on its FAITH. Today many fight to destroy that FAITH and separate it from our society altogether!  The house has become divided, and certain collapse is awaiting if we allow that division to run rampant or be 'elected' into our governing body. We remain responsible for our FAITH, yet submission only allows the failure of those that remain silent. Our input is required. Our voice needed! Silence is not an option. May GOD have mercy on us. GOD bless you.

  April 11 Yesterday when I went out to put up some turkey hunting blinds, I returned with ticks on my legs and midsection. I don't know where they were or came from but the pests were all over me. Just like satan and his demons attack us, we are subject to their attacks when we do not have the proper protection on us. Just as we can apply tick spray to ward off those tiny pests, we can refresh ourselves with GOD'S WORD to help protect from daily attacks. Just as it is foolish to go to the woods unprotected it remains deadly to subject ourselves daily to this world without the protection of CHRIST'S blood. The dangers lurk at every turn, be ready with the protection required. GOD bless you.

   April 10 As JESUS was standing before Pilate, Pilate asked, 'What is truth?'  Today we can ask that same question, what is truth? With more and more AI being used and new accounts started each day, the truth is harder to find. The false narratives can show what is a lie and present it as true. Who can tell what is real? We have become lazy and have taken the easy way that is presented to us.  We believe even the unbelievable and disregard the true! And yet the question still remains, what is truth? To even begin to understand, we must go to the beginning. "For GOD created the heavens and the earth," that is the truth. If you wish to be from a monkey, well, that's up to you, but we are created in the 'image of GOD', and my GOD is no ape! Our only resemblance to the primate may be our actions. AI can present many alternative ways and thoughts, but there is only ONE TRUTH. May GOD be with you as the truth is presented, may your choices be based on what is TRUTH. GOD bless you.

April 9 Our new pup has become almost house broken but occasionally he has an 'accident' in the house. When that happens and we tell him that he was bad, it looks like we broke his heart. I think that he warned us but we were too slow to react or didn't get the warning sign. Sometimes he is just too busy playing to realize that it's time to go out. We must appear to GOD in much the same way. Going about our ways and forgetting to do the right thing. Too busy playing to follow the rules. Our actions are much like the animals that we love and care for, when we follow our Master. When we rebel, we receive punishment, when we do what is expected we receive a reward. HIS blessings are far greater than we can imagine. Our punishment is eternal. GOD'S GRACE is on those who follow the wishes of the master. GOD be with you.

 April 8 Early last fall, as I was getting the wood stove ready for winter, I found that a bird had made a nest in the chimney. It was a wonder of work that is not seen in our society today. The bird had started dropping pine needles down the chimney until one finally got caught enough to hold and after thousands more trips another until finally the pine needles didn't fall to the bottom. Then after tens of thousands of trips the chimney was filled to the top from the wedging point 30 inches below the top of the chimney, where it became home for the summer. Can you imagine the dauntless task and the thousands of trips that bird made, until the miracle of completion? We have been so 'McDonald' oriented that we would have quit after a day of fruitless labor! Yet the bird continued until completion! GOD give us, the will to seek HIM, with the power HE has given the birds. To seek HIS face even when times look the Bleakest. Gave us the power and mindset to continue on, even when the world laughs. May we have the strength to finish what GOD has made us to do. GOD bless you.

  April 7 Many times Pharaoh would harden his heart against the commands of GOD and each time he was stricken with a punishment. Those punishments became more severe each time the Pharaoh disobeyed GOD. We all too often harden our heart against what GOD commands and cannot understand why we suffer in punishment. Just as Pharaoh we give in to God and then harden our heart again. We are slow to learn that, away from GOD there lies only destruction and torment, just as Pharaoh. Stay close to God!

  April 6 How can we stay attached to the tether that holds fast to the Anchor? For we must realize that 'our fight is not against flesh and blood' but against the evils within the world. A world ruled by one bent on our destruction. But GOD has given us the opportunity, the privilege, to visit with the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE! The ONE that hung the stars in the sky above and keeps them in perfect timing as the world passes through the limitless space.  Satan is yanking at us to desert GOD and GOD is patiently waiting for us to come to HIM. Our anchor is within our soul, who can sever from it? For our soul remains forever either anchored within GOD'S WORD or in the Lake of fire torment. Guard the tie that holds fast to the ANCHOR of GOD. GOD bless you.

 April 5 As a continuation from yesterday's message, I took a look at all the 'stuff' that has accumulated around me. All those 'things' that I had to have or wanted so much. Most are gathering dust in a corner. The things that were so important have been forgotten. We all gather things that we think we can't live without, when the truth is there is only ONE thing that gives TRUE LIFE! Today we can CELEBRATE the RESURRECTION of the living LORD. HE rose from the DEAD to GIVE US LIFE eternal when we have FAITH. Such a precious gift, given for free. That we may never again take for granted the love that HE showed us from that cross. May we learn from the 'stuff' that there is only ONE that is eternal. May GOD bless.

April 3 Without FAITH in GOD we struggle our entire lives for nothing. When we are gone there is nothing that goes with us, it all returns to dust, just like us. Our FAITH alone is the only thing that can save and that salvation cannot be bought or earned. It is a GIFT from GOD that saves from the Lake of Fire. We work our lives to have more and more just so we feel valuable, yet to GOD we are priceless already. We hold that great value through FAITH. We receive no reward for disobeying! HE assures our inheritance by the BLOOD of HIS SON, given to purchase our SOUL. While all the things of this earth will vanish, HIS love remains forever to those who love HIM. May we see that the things of this world are of no value and that HIS OFFERING to us is the only thing that matters. May GOD bless you.

 April 2 Nearly everyone that has read the BIBLE or has been to BIBLE School has heard the story that Jesus talked about the man who had a demon removed and the demon went in to the wilderness and then took 7 other demons back to the man because after his heart was cleansed, it was not refilled but was left vacant. Truly the man was worse off than before! It is interesting to see that this story was to illustrate that 'this evil nation is like a man possessed by a demon.' In these times, those who watch the antics of our nation may notice the direct correlation to those words! The actions of those reacting to the thoughts within themselves is NOT their own, but the one that controls them. They are just filled with a different spirit; one bent on destruction. Fill your heart with GOD, do not allow any void that can be taken by the deceiver. Let his friends remain wandering in a baren desert. May GOD fill your heart, leaving NO room for the false narrative that destroys the heart. GOD bless you.

 April 1st Last night I put our pup in the outdoor pen. For the first time it spent the night alone, away from the other dogs. It also rained during the night, but he didn't whimper or cry, he is a big boy now! I wonder, how many of us have reached the 'big boy' status? When we are left alone it becomes a time of wandering away from GOD. We hardly look back and yearn for HIS goodness, the way that the pup will greet me when I go to get him. Our thoughts turn away from the SAVIOUR and to our own desires. Instead of kissing HIS feet, we run to our own pleasures. Perhaps we need to learn from the pup what LOYALTY and TRUST is? And put that into place in our own lives. May GOD bless.

 March 31 As I laid in bed in the early hours of the new day, I could hear thunder rolling across the state. It took me back to my childhood when the windows would rattle as the thunder boomed and the lightning would light up the mountain above the farm house. Sometimes it was scary as I watched the power of GOD'S nature. Those claps of thunder remind me that often the voice of GOD was likened to that sound. These days I love to lay and listen to the melody that rumbles, knowing that even the thunder has a voice that may soon be words that I will understand. GOD, for now, may be talking to someone else, but one day perhaps I will hear HIM say, 'come home, ye who are weary, come home'.  We can fear HIS voice or be waiting to hear HIM. May GOD bless you.

March 30 Abraham was doing what GOD had instructed, when he heard, "Lay down your knife, do not hurt the lad in any way," the Angel said, "For now I know that GOD is first in your life, you have not withheld even your beloved son from me." Later GOD gave up HIS SON to die for OUR sin! HE has held back nothing to show us how much we mean to HIM! Yet we hold back nearly all for ourselves, we place ourselves over even the most important things and allow eternity to slip away with our greed and self-interest. That is why we are told that that, "The Gateway to LIFE is small and the road is narrow. Only a few ever find it." There is more to life than ourselves. May we search to find the narrow road. GOD bless you.

 March 29 As believers of GOD'S salvation,  we have been told, "You are the worlds seasoning to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." Since as long as I can remember, the thoughts of this world have been slowly taking over and the way of GOD left vacant. We all notice it, yet few do anything about it. We have lost our saltiness and the flavor of GOD'S WORD has become less sought after, because of it. We may not have started the trend but we are just as responsible in our silence! For that, we are just as suspect to being thrown out with the trash! There is ALWAYS something that can be done, written, sung or said! We are to be a LIGHT that shows the way, not a flicker that follows! We all have work that needs to be done that will point the way. Be a LIGHT! GOD bless you.

 March 28 As the clock was dinging 7 o'clock, I woke up. I very seldom sleep past 430! Something must have tired the ol body out yesterday, even the dogs were all sleeping so much during the day. Most of us will never realize how GOD has so completely made us. It automatically makes the various chemicals we need to remain alive. It has organs that cannot be duplicated but can be transplanted to aid one another. How mysterious the workings of this ol body! So apparently even unknown to me, I must have needed rest. How grateful we should be that not only does our body work in such a mysterious way, but that we are living right where we are, where we are supposed to be to keep the flow of life around us. We can fight the cancer that is growing around us, but not by doing nothing! We must be an active part of GOD'S living body. We are made to give God praise and walk in HIS garden with HIM. We live in a garden; do we walk with Him? What can we do to uplift our neighbor? To help heal the body. GOD bless you.

 March 27 Each time I read Genesis 3, I wonder what the serpent was like before GOD punished it for his trickery and deceit. Did it walk on legs, how did it move or talk? We may never know, but the serpent's punishment, "You are singled out from all the domestic and wild animals of all the earth, to be cursed. You shall grovel in the dust as long as you live, crawling along on your belly. From now on, you and the woman shall be enemies, as will all your offspring and hers. And I will put the fear of you into the woman and between your offspring and hers. He shall strike at your head, while you will strike at his heel."  GOD'S WORD has been certain from that moment on, just as ALL the other words that HE has given us. Should we not heed HIS warnings? Choose wisely, there remains a curse for those who do not believe. May GOD be with you.