Trail Mix - 4.30.18

4.30.18 – “Wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters, the decay of culture, apostasy in the professing church and apathy among true believers are signs that all point to one thing, the second coming of Christ! "Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me..." said the Lord and it won't be long. Jesus the crucified one will descend as the crowned one! King of Kings and Lord of Lords, even so, come Lord Jesus!” -  Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to be “rapture ready!”

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. KJV

“Three contractors were touring the White House on the same day. One was from New York, another from Alabama, and the third from Florida. At the end of the tour, the guard asked them what they did for a living. When they each replied that they were contractors, the guard said, "Hey we need one of the rear fences redone. Why don't you guys take a look at it and give me your bids." First, the Florida contractor took out his tape measure and pencil, did some measuring and said, "I figure the job will run about $900 -- $400 for materials, $400 for my crew, and $100 profit for me." Next was the Alabama contractor. He also took out his tape measure and pencil, did some quick calculations and said, "Looks like I can do this job for $700 -- $300 for materials, $300 for my crew, and $100 profit for me." Finally, the guard asks the New York contractor for his bid. Without batting an eye, the contractor says, "$2,700." The guard, incredulous, looks at him and says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?" "Easy," says the contractor from New York, "$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Alabama." ChristiansUnite.Com

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Kings 5-7

Trail Mix - 4.29.18

4.29.18 – Jesus said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest." Rest in peace is not just a tombstone statement but a real peace that you can have anytime. The Lord offers us something real, not artificial. Vance Havner said, "We can enter into His rest anytime we are willing to cease from our feverish work and rest in His finished work." Rest is promised to those who will "...come unto Him." When you have peace with God, you have the peace of God. Do you have that peace today dear friend?”

My prayer for you today if for you retire from the frenzied pace of life and rest in the peace of the Lifegiver!

Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth KJV

“Two guys are bungee-jumping one day. The first guy says to the second, "You know, we could make a lot of money running our own bungee-jumping service in Mexico." The second guy thinks this is a great idea, so the two pool their money and buy everything they'll need - a tower, an elastic cord, insurance, etc. They travel to Mexico and begin to set up on the square. As they are constructing the tower, a crowd begins to assemble. Slowly, more and more people gather to watch them at work. The first guy jumps. He bounces at the end of the cord, but when he comes back up, the second guy notices that he has a few cuts and scratches. Unfortunately, the second guy isn't able to catch him. He falls again, bounces, and comes back up again. This time he is bruised and bleeding. Again, the second guy misses him. The first guy falls again and bounces back up. This time, he comes back pretty messed up - he's got a couple of broken bones and is almost unconscious. Luckily, the second guy finally catches him this time and says, "What happened? Was the cord too long?" The first guy says, "No, the cord was fine, but what is a piñata?"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Kings 3-4

Trail Mix - 4.28.18

4.28.18 – John Wesley said, “I do not have time to be in a hurry.” Most of us make the mistake of thinking that we are doing the most business when we are busy but God has much to say about “standing still.” Most of us need to hit the pause button in our lives and eliminate enough nonessentials to make time to “…see the salvation of the Lord!” When we wait upon the Lord we “…will renew our strength.” S. E. ‘Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to eliminate the non-essentials so you can focus on the non-negotiables!

1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. KJV

“A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat: “I’m the greatest hitter in the world,” he announced. Then, he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. “Strike One!” he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. “Strike Two!” he cried. The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. “Strike Three!” “Wow!” he exclaimed. “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Kings 1-2

Trail Mix - 4.27.18

4.27.18 – “The early church seems to have spontaneously expressed their love for Christ in fellowship, faithfulness and fruitfulness. What came naturally to those who were saved seems so difficult for believers today. Nowadays we feel we must have plans, programs and promotions to get folks to do what came naturally to those “…the Lord added to the church…” Bottom line is, if we have what Christ has to offer these things will be come naturally!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would be more than a “Sunday servant!” Being a Christian is a seven day a week proposition.

2 Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

“A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. "In English," he said, "A double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative." A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 20-22

Trail Mix - 4.26.18

4.26.18 – “The average church has a “corp” of professors and a “core” of possessors! If the church is to expand the kingdom we must enlist more recruits for the “core!” A. J. Gordon said, “The average church is often like a congested lung with only a few cells doing the breathing.” Before a church can go further it must go deeper. God give the church an infusion of committed “core” members and they will enlarge the “borders” of your kingdom. Are you a member of the “corp” or the “core”? S. E. Trail and gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to join the “core” in the Lord’s Army. “Semper Fidelis!”

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

“By the time Bobby arrived, the football game had already started. "Why are you so late?" asked his friend. "I couldn't decide between going to church and going to the football game. So I tossed a coin," said Bobby. "But that shouldn't have taken too long." said the friend. "Well, I had to toss it 35 times." ChristiansUnite.Com

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 18-19

Trail Mix - 4.25.18

4.25.18 – “Paul spoke of three different men in his letter to the church at Corinth; the natural man, the carnal man and the spiritual man. The first is dead, the second is defiled and the third is discerning. The first has no capacity for understanding spiritual truth; the second has a propensity for misunderstanding spiritual truth and the third has both apprehension and application of spiritual truth.” Copied

My prayer for you today is that you might be found in the latter group!

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. KJV

THE BIBLE

“Someone said: “Did you know that...? When you carry the Bible, Satan has a headache.  When you open it, he collapses. When he sees you reading it, he faints. Let's read the Bible every day so he keeps on fainting. Maybe one day he'll have a stroke and never wake up.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 15-17

Trail Mix - 4.24.18

4.24.18 – “We cannot have a real relationship without a response to God! Isaiah 6:1-6 makes this plain. How did the prophet respond to his relationship with God? First, confession of his sin and the sins of his people and then there is a call, and then he commits himself to take a message of repentance to the people. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of me…,” first the relationship and then the response.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to “…see the King upon His throne…” Revelation must lead to an appropriate relationship which leads to a response of faith.

2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. KJV

"Honey," said this husband to his wife, "I invited a friend home for supper." "What? Are you crazy? The house is a mess, I didn't go shopping, all the dishes are dirty, and I don't feel like cooking a fancy meal!" "I know all that." "Then why did you invite a friend for supper?" "Because the poor fellow's thinking about getting married."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 13-14

Trail Mix - 4.23.18

4.23.18 – “We are told to “provoke” one another to love and good works. Trouble is we do provoke one another but not to love and good works! We are to “know Him” ourselves and help others to know Him too. Vance Havner said, “As we help in the perfecting of others we are perfecting ourselves. Too much focus on self always produces a warped, twisted, saint. Let’s comfort, love, prefer, pray, and forgive others. We always are better off when we do!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to promote and not provoke others! Esteem others more highly than you do yourself and you will encourage them and edify yourself!

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. KJV

“The National Transportation Safety Board recently divulged a highly secret plan they had funded with the US auto makers for the past five years. The NTSB covertly funded a project whereby the auto makers were installing black boxes in four wheel drive pick-up trucks in an effort to determine, in accidents, the circumstances in the last 15 seconds before the crash.
They were surprised to find in 49 of the 50 states the last words of drivers in 61.2% of crashes were, "Oh, my God!" Only the deep South was different, where 89.3% of the final words were, "Hey Y'all, watch this!" ChristiansUnite.Com
 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 11-12

Trail Mix - 4.22.18

4.22.18 – “The Apostle Paul’s supreme ambition is summed up in 5 words, “…that I may know Him…” The Christian life is about Christ Himself, Christ alone, Christ only! For all of our religious activity today we do not “know” Christ better mainly because we are so distracted. That is our weak spot. We have little time to “know” Him in a deeper, fuller, richer way. Seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. This takes time and there must be a conscious decision to pursue a deeper, richer, fuller walk with God or it will not happen.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would make Christ the main thing in your life, above all other things!

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; KJV

“Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were going camping. They pitched their tent under the stars and went to sleep. In the middle of the night, Holmes woke Watson and said, "Watson, look up and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars." Holmes continued, "And what do you deduce from that?" Watson replied, "Well, if there are millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth out there. And if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life. Is that what you deduced?" Holmes replied, "No, Watson. Somebody stole our tent." ChrisitiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 9-10

Trail Mix - 4.21.18

4.21.18 – “A decision for Christ is often made when there is no notion of the true cost of discipleship. Christ calls for all that we have and are. He made it clear that if we would follow Him there would be self-denial and cross bearing involved. There can be no distinction between trusting Christ as Savior and obeying Him as Lord. The Scriptures do not recognize any compartmentalization where discipleship is concerned.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to find the Savior and follow Him to the finish!

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. KJV

“There were two guys working for the city. One would dig a hole, he would dig, dig, dig, the other would come behind him and fill the hole, fill, fill, fill. These two men worked furiously. One digging a hole, the other filling it up again. A man was watching from the sidewalk and couldn't believe how hard these men were working, but couldn't understand what they were doing. Finally he had to ask them. He said to the hole digger, "I appreciate how hard you work, but what are you doing? You dig a hole and your partner comes behind you and fills it up again!" The hole digger replied, "Oh yeah, must look funny, but the guy who plants the trees is sick today."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 8

Trail Mix - 4.20.18

4.20.18 – “Jesus made it plain that He would be “Lord of all or not Lord at all!” We cannot serve God and mammon and our Savior said that we should “…seek first the kingdom of God…” Divided loyalties are dangerous just like straddling the center line when you are driving your automobile; you will end up in a ditch or worse you could end up dead! This is especially true spiritually for we cannot “…love this present world…” and give the Lord Jesus what He alone deserves, at the same time. John admonishes us in this regard for we are not to “…love the world nor the things in the world.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to put Jesus at the top of your list of priorities!

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. KJV

While cruising at 40,000 feet, the airplane shuddered and Mr. Benson looked out the window. "Good lord!" he screamed, "one of the engines just blew up!" Other passengers left their seats and came running over; suddenly the aircraft was rocked by a second blast as yet another engine exploded on the other side. The passengers were in a panic now, and even the stewardesses couldn't maintain order. Just then, standing tall and smiling confidently, the pilot strode from the cockpit and assured everyone that there was nothing to worry about. His words and his demeanor seemed made most of the passengers feel better, and they sat down as the pilot calmly walked to the door of the aircraft. There, he grabbed several packages from under the seats and began handing them to the flight attendants. Each crew member attached the package to their backs. "Say," spoke up an alert passenger, "aren't those parachutes?" The pilot said they were. The passenger went on, "But I thought you said there was nothing to worry about?" "There isn't," replied the pilot as a third engine exploded. "We're going to get help."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 7

Trail Mix - 4.19.18

4.19.18 – “We must not merely take the position that we assume that Jesus is the son of God and Savior of the world; we must assert that He is both of these things and much more. "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead bodily." We cannot assume that everyone knows this truth we must shout it from the rooftops and make Him known in the entire world. Assent to the facts and assumptions of the facts are not enough, there must be a confident assertion of the facts.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is that your assurance of possession of the Son of God in your life will result in your practice of purity and proclamation that He is the one and only hope of this world for salvation.

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. KJV

Dear Dad,

$chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you.
Love, Your $on.
      

The Reply:
      
Dear Son,

I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.

Love, Dad

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 4-6

Trail Mix - 4.18.18

4.18.18 – “Little is much if the Lord is in it! Jesus received a few loaves and fishes and fed five thousand. First, you have a “lad;”you almost hear the negative tone as this boy is introduced to Jesus; then you have his “lunch,” “…but what is this among so many;” next comes the Lord and when He is present anything is possible; finally you have the “leftovers!” There were 12 baskets full (one for each doubting disciple).” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs!”

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. KJV

 “Bubba was bragging to his boss one day, "You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I know them." Tired of his boasting, his boss called his bluff, "OK, Bubba how about Tom Cruise?" "Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends, and I can prove it." So Bubba and his boss fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise's door, and sure enough, Tom Cruise, shouts, "Bubba! Great to see you! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!" Although impressed, Bubba's boss is still skeptical. After they leave Cruise's house, he tells Bubba that he thinks Bubba's knowing Cruise was just lucky. "No, no, just name anyone else," Bubba says. "President Clinton," his boss quickly retorts. "Yes," Bubba says, "I know him, let's fly out to Washington." And off they go. At the White House, Clinton spots Bubba on the tour and motions him and his boss over, saying, "Bubba, what a surprise, I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in and let's have a cup of coffee first and catch up." Well, the boss is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced. After they leave the White house grounds, he expresses his doubts to Bubba, who again implores him to name anyone else. "The Pope," his boss replies. "Sure!" says Bubba. "My folks are from Poland, and I've known the Pope a long time." So off they fly to Rome. Bubba and his boss are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Bubba says, "This will never work. I can't catch the Pope's eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs and I'll come out on the balcony with the Pope." And he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican. Sure enough, half an hour later Bubba emerges with the Pope on the balcony. But by the time Bubba returns, he finds that his boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics. Working his way to his boss' side, Bubba asks him, "What happened?" His boss looks up and says, "I was doing fine until you and the Pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said, "Who's that on the balcony with Bubba?"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 2-3

Trail Mix - 4.17.18

4.17.18 – “What happens to a believer when your “salt” has lost its savor and you’ve left your first love and you’ve hid your light under a “bushel”? John, who knew a little something about love admonishes us to “…love not the world, nor the things in the world…”Loving the world will robe you of your “flavor”, your “favor” and your “savor”! The answer to this problem is in Revelation 2 where John writes, “remember, repent and repeat”! Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to shine your light for the entire world to see “Jesus in you,” the hope of glory!

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. KJV

“A young man called his mother and announced excitedly that he had just met the woman of his dreams. Now what should he do? His mother had an idea: "Why don't you send her flowers, and on the card invite her to your place for a home-cooked meal?" He thought this was a great strategy and arranged a date for a week later. His mother called the day after the big date to see how things had gone. "The evening was a disaster," he moaned. "Why, didn't she come over?" asked his mother. "Oh, she came over, but she refused to cook."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Kings 1

Trail Mix - 4.16.18

4.16.18 – “How can we know that we know that we know? “We know that we have past from death unto life because we love the brethren.” Loving you brother in Christ is an evidence of a true salvation experience. Is there some brother or sister with whom you hold a grudge, or refuse to speak to, or even shake hands when you come to worship? How can we say that we love God when we do not love our brother?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have “clean hands and a pure heart” where your brother is concerned. One key is, “Can you sincerely pray for the Lord to bless them?”

1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. KJV

“The story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!" One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation, the friend remarked as usual. "This is good!" To which the king replied, "No, this is not good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail. About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So untying the king, they sent him on his way. As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right," he said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so, I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this." "No," his friend replied, "This is good!" "What do you mean, ’This is good’? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?" "If I had not been in jail, I would have been with you."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 23-24

Trail Mix - 4.15.18

4.15.18 – “The Scripture says that “God loves a cheerful giver.” The word cheerful can be translated “hilarious,” and it is this manner of giving that God approves of. It’s amazing the attitudes folks have. Some have “control” issues, that is, they want to govern their gift even after they give it. Others stop or re-direct their giving if they are displeased with what the church does. Remember, God loves “hilarious” giving! You and I cannot out give God! The more that we give, the more He give back to us. Someone said, “Give till it hurts,” but we need to give until we can give joyfully!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to give, not till it hurts but “till it stops hurting,” and then you will know the joy of giving!

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV

“A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside. The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?" He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."  

Bible Reading Schedule for today – 2 Samuel 20-22

Trail Mix - 4.14.18

4.14.18 – “A prayer meeting alone is not enough for revival to come to the church although that’s a good place to start. It also takes self humbling (you don’t want God to have to humble you), seeking His face, His favor, His forgiveness and turning from our faulty ways (we would all hesitate to use the word wicked in relation to our “ways”). Revival will come from heaven when we do all four things!” S. E. Trail and gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to see your ways” from God’s point of view! Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “My heart is a cesspool,” and that should be enough to cause us to scrutinize our “ways” very carefully, clearly and circumspectly.  

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. KJV

“A stockbroker received notice from the IRS that he was being audited. He showed up at the appointed time and place with all his financial records, then sat for what seemed like hours as the accountant pored over them. Finally the IRS agent looked up and commented, "You must have been a tremendous fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." "Why would you say that?" replied the broker. "Because you've made more brilliant deductions on your last three returns than Sherlock Holmes made in his entire career." ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 18-19

Trail Mix - 4.13.18

4.13.18 – “How dangerous is presumption? Sampson wanted to slay the enemy but the “Spirit” had departed and he “knew it not.” Mary and Joseph went a day’s journey from Jerusalem and “supposed” that Jesus was with them but He wasn’t. Sometimes in the church we do the same thing. Religious activity without the Lord is folly. Men can make a profession and assume possession but Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Guard against presumption dear friend; make sure that you know that you know that you know!” S. E. Trail, gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to have the “real McCoy, “of salvation and that your faith in the Savior will stand the test of possession!

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: KJV

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy.
      
      TEACHER: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
      TOMMY: Yes.
      TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
      TOMMY: Yes.
      TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
      TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
      TEACHER: Did you see God?
      TOMMY: No.
      TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there! He doesn't exist.
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked:
      LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
      TOMMY: Yes.
      LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
      TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).
      LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
      TOMMY: Yessssss
      LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
      TOMMY: Yes
      LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
      TOMMY: No
      LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 16-17

Trail Mix - 4.12.18

4.12.18 – Vance Havner said that “Paul was faithful to the faith, the fight and the finish.” The problem for most of us is that we are not faithful to all three aspects of the Christian walk. We may be doctrinally sound but not “contending” for the faith. We may be contending but not committed to finishing. Remember, we shall reap if we faint not! Let’s make sure that we are faithful from start to finish!”

My prayer for you today is that you would “keep the faith,” cross the finish line, and receive the crown!

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. KJV

“A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was there, waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike. The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey, Doc, can I ask you a question?" The surgeon a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, fix 'em, put 'em back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?" The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic... "Try doing it with the engine running." ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 14-15

Trail Mix - 4.11.18

4.11.18 – “What would you think about a man that would “fight” against what God is doing? Doesn’t make much sense and sounds very dangerous to me yet when Jesus came doing good, performing miracles in confirmation of His word and blessings people’s lives there were those who fought against what He was doing. Friend, if God is blessing a ministry it is dangerous to resist what He is doing. God has a long memory! It is dangerous to curse what God is blessing, or for that matter, to bless what God is cursing. Either way you are going to have trouble.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to have enough “spiritual discernment” to bless what God is blessing!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. KJV

“No Sunday Newspaper "WHERE is my SUNDAY paper?!" Ethel said calling the newspaper office, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was. "Madam", said the newspaper employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on SUNDAY". There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition as Ethel was heard to mutter, "Well, that's why no one was at church today." ChristiansUnite.Com
                                

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 12-13

Trail Mix - 4.10.18

4.10.18 – “Many know the Christ of history; others know the Christ of doctrine, and still others more know the Christ that they see in the lives of others. All of that is well and good but we must know the Christ of personal experience to be truly and genuinely saved. The demons believe and tremble but they are not saved; men will say, “I’ve been baptized or I’m a church member or my parents were Christians but it is not about religion, it is only about a personal relationship with Him by grace through faith which alone will suffice.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to experience Jesus and all that He is. He is the “…fullness of the Godhead bodily…” Do you know Him today?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

“A 4-year-old boy was asked to turn thanks before Christmas dinner so the family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip. Then he paused, and everyone waited--and waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?" ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 8-11

Trail Mix - 4.9.18

4.9.18 – “The phrase, “The battle is the Lord’s…” if filled with blessings. Since our warfare is not against flesh and blood (natural) but against the (supernatural) powers of darkness it is futile for us to seek to wage warfare in the flesh. We have a great adversary but we also have a greater ally! “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” Trust in the Lord, and not to your own strength or ingenuity; the battle is His! Victory is assured!” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you is for you to live on “the victory side” because we are “…more than conquerors…” in Jesus!

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: KJV

“For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep or too much pressure from my job, but now I've found out the real reason that I am always tired. I'm overworked. The population of this country is 237 million. 104 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work. There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work. Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government, leaving 19 million to do the work. 2.8 million are in the Armed Forces, which leaves 16.2 million to do the work. 14,800,000 people work for State and City Governments. That leaves 1.4 million to do the work. At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work. Given that there are 1,211,998 people in prisons, that leaves just two people to do the work, you and me. And you're sitting at your computer reading jokes!” ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 4-7

Trail Mix - 4.8.18

4.8.18 – “The gift of God was purchased at a great price, more valuable than silver, gold or precious stones. We are blood bought and not by anything that we are or have or do. There is a real effort today to depict Jesus as a teacher and an example but more than anything else He is the Savior, who came to take away the sins of the world! This gift is free but not cheap. He was born to die so that we who are dead might have life and have it more abundantly! We have nothing we can bring to the cross but us, all our sin, all our guilt, all our shame, and all our pride. We give to Him and He gives us forgiveness and salvation.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to appreciate the price that was paid to purchase your pardon!

1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: KJV

“Ethel’s daughter just had a baby and Ethel was babysitting the newborn while the mother got some needed rest.  Many of Ethel’s friends come to visit and wanted to meet the newest member of their family. When they asked to see the baby, Ethel says, "Not yet, wait till the baby cries.” A little later they ask to see the baby again. Again Ethel says, "Not yet, wait till the baby cries.” Finally they say, "When can we see that baby?" And Ethel says, "I told you, when the baby cries." And they ask, "Why do we have to wait until the baby cries?" Ethel replies, "Because I forgot where I put it." ChristiansUnite.Com

                           

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Samuel 1-3

Trail Mix - 4.7.18

4.7.18 – “You can know, that you know, that you know you are truly saved, if you are trusting Jesus alone and Him only for all time and eternity. There is no one else, no other name, no other foundation, no other door, no other way, no other Gospel, no other truth and no other life but HIM! If we do not have HIM we do not have anything! “In Christ alone, my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song…” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to rest you soul, your life, your all in the Redeemer, the one who has bought you with His own blood!

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. KJV

“A Muslim in Africa became a Christian and some of his friends asked him, “Why have you done such a thing?” He answered, “Well, it’s like this: Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions. You didn’t know which way to go; and there at the fork were two men—one dead, and one alive—which one would you ask to show you the way?” ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 28-31

Trail Mix - 4.6.18

4.6.18 – “One of the strange things about a big day is that it seems to always be followed by a bad day. We can go from mountain top to valley and the trip doesn’t take long. This is certainly true in God’s work for we often find ourselves moving from a high to a low in ministry very quickly. Paul went from the third heaven to a thorn in the flesh in just a little while. We must remember that God is the same in either case. Jesus went from the triumphal entry to the tragedy of the cross, to the transcendence of the resurrection in just a matter of 3 days. God is still the same. He is still on His throne and He still reigns therefore we should not “sweat the small stuff” nor should we “panic over problems.” God has “it” either way!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to remember that our God is the same size no matter how big our problems seem to be.

Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. KJV

“Joseph of Arimathaea was a very wealthy Pharisee, a member of the council, and a secret follower of Jesus. It was Joseph who went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. And it was Joseph who supplied the tomb for Jesus’ burial. Well, it seems that someone pulled him aside and said, "Joseph that was such beautiful, costly, hand-hewn tomb. Why on earth did you give it to someone else to be buried in?" Joseph just smiled. "Why not? He only needed it for the weekend." ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 25-27

Trail Mix - 4.5.18

4.5.18 – “Faith in the resurrection to come should result in godly living now. The empty tomb means that because He lives we can live also but friend this means more than just a hope for the hereafter, it should move us to a practical everyday righteousness that brings us into conformity with His Word and will for our lives. Belief in the Word about the resurrection should motivate us to walk in the power of the resurrected Lord! Paul prayed, “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” S. E. Trail /gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to walk, work, worship and witness in the power of a risen Savior!

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. KJV

“A young woman teacher with obvious liberal tendencies explains to her class of small children that she is an atheist. She asks her class if they are atheists too. Not really knowing what atheism is but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like fleshy fireworks. There is, however, one exception. A girl named Lucy has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different. "Because I'm not an atheist." Then, asks the teacher, "What are you?" "I'm a Christian." The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Lucy why she is a Christian. "Well, I was brought up knowing and loving Jesus. My mom is a Christian, and my dad is a Christian, so I am a Christian." The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly. "What if your mom was a moron and your dad was a moron. What would you be then?" She paused, and smiled. "Then, says Lucy, "I'd be an atheist." ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 21-24

Trail Mix - 4.4.18

4.4.18 – “Fire is used throughout the Bible as a metaphor for God’s judgment, His purifying power and as in Elijah’s case, as a sign of God’s presence. We need that same “fire” today in our churches! We are “…at ease in Zion…” and we need more than just religious activity, we need an “answer by fire” from the Lord. Not finances or fame or feelings but fire! Elijah prayed and we can too! Pray for the fire and God will send both a fire and a flood of blessings!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to be blasted and blessed with the fire of the Holy Spirit!

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. KJV

“There's a dropout named Bobby and a super genius named Greg sitting on a bench waiting on a bus. The genius gets bored, leans over to the dropout and says, "Hey, I'll tell you what, I'll ask you a question and if you don't know the answer you have to give me five bucks. If you ask me a question and I don't know the answer I have to give you 50 bucks." The dropout says, "Alright, man." The genius asks the dropout, "What is the Pythagorean Theory?" The dropout replies, "I don't know." and hands the genius five bucks. "Okay," the dropout says, "What has three legs going up a hill and four legs going down?" The genius thinks real hard and finally gives up. He hands the dropout 50 bucks then asks, "So, what is the answer?" The dropout says, "I don't know." and hands the genius five bucks.” ChristiansUnite.Com

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 18-20

Trail Mix - 4.3.18

4.3.18 – “When God guides us to a particular spot He provides for us well. He makes Himself responsible for our needs, whatever they may be. He has led His children to some strange places but wherever He has led He has supplied the enablement and the equipment for whatever He has planned. Moses and Elijah went to the desert to get ready for even greater work ahead. Follow his guidance and He’ll take care of your upkeep!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to trust God for “…your daily bread.”

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. KJV

“Before going to Europe on business, a man drove his Rolls-Royce to a downtown NY City bank and went in to ask for an immediate loan of $5,000. The loan officer was quite taken aback, and requested collateral. "Well, then, here are the keys to my Rolls-Royce", the man said. The loan officer promptly had the car driven into the bank's underground parking for safe keeping, and gave him $5,000. Two weeks later, the man walked through the bank's doors, and asked to settle up his loan and get his car back. The loan officer checked the records and told him, "That will be $5,000 in principal, and $15.40 in interest." The man wrote out a check, thanked the loan officer, and started to walk away. "Wait sir," the loan officer said, "while you were gone, I found out you are a millionaire. Why in the world would you need to borrow? The man smiled. "Where else could I securely park my Rolls-Royce in Manhattan for two weeks and pay only $15.40?" ChristinsUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 16-17

Trail Mix - 4.2.18

4.2.18 – “One of these days those who know Jesus will wear robes of white and that day is coming sooner than we expect. The trouble here is that many who name the name of Christ are wearing something between black and white. They live in a twilight zone of ambiguous gray, an indefinable mixture that typifies the “lukewarmness” found today. If we are going to wear white in the hereafter we better get used to wearing it in the here and now!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to stay “close to the fire” so you’ll stay warm when it’s cold!

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. KJV

“A rabbi and a priest get into a car accident and it's a bad one. Both cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of the clerics is hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the rabbi sees the priest's collar and says, "So you're a priest. I'm a rabbi. Just look at our cars. There's nothing left, but we are unhurt. God must have meant that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace the rest of our days." The priest replies, "I agree with you completely. This must be a sign from God." The rabbi continues, “And looks at this. Here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of Kedem wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune." Then he hands the bottle to the priest. The priest agrees, takes a few big swigs, and hands the bottle back to the rabbi. The rabbi takes the bottle, immediately puts the cap on, and hands it back to the priest. The priest asks, "Aren't you having any?" The rabbi replies, "No...I think I'll wait for the police."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 14-15

Trail Mix - 4.1.18

4.1.18 – Someone said that April 1^st should be the atheist national holiday. The Bible says that, “the fool has said in his heart, there is no god.” In Romans chapter one Paul describes those who, in spite overwhelming evidence in creation and the placement of god awareness in all men by the Creator, men still choose to reject the one true and living God! It is a folly indeed to reject God in the face of the facts.  S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today for you is for you to know that there is a God in heaven who reigns and rules over the whole universe.

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. KJV

A contractor hired two brothers to install home siding. He demonstrated the process and sent them off to their first job. Things were going smoothly until the older brother saw that his younger brother was throwing nails away. He asked, "Why are you throwing those nails away?" The younger brother replied, "The heads are on the wrong end." "Don't be silly," the older brother said. "Those are for the other side of the house." ChristiansUnite.Com

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Samuel 11-13