Trail Mix - 7.31.18

7.31.18 – “Who do we trust? Some folks trust their doctor. Others trust their attorney or someone else in their life. Some trust their spouse or their parents. Some trust in material things like stocks, bonds, CDs, etc. Who and what we trust makes a huge difference in our life. God invites us to trust HIM. Proverbs 3:4-5 says “Trust the Lord, and lean not thine own understanding…” Trusting God is a sure thing. It is never a gamble to trust Him!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “…lean on the everlasting arms.”

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…KJV

“Someone once asked Jay Kesler, former president of Youth for Christ International, if he believed that God could make a fish big enough to swallow a man. As a college president and above average in intelligence, in a world in which we have learned to split the atom and go to the moon and send spaceships to Neptune, did Kesler really think that God can make a fish big enough to swallow a man? I mean really? Dr. Kesler’s reply is one of simple trust in a great God. He answered, "Let me tell you, I not only believe that he can make such a fish, but the God who made the sun and the moon and the stars, if he wanted to, could air-condition and carpet the fish!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today -Isaiah 39-42

Trail Mix - 7.30.18

7.30.18 – “One of our favorite hymns speaks of our constant need for Jesus, “I need thee, oh I need thee, every hour I need the…” Friend, do not be like those who only seek Him when they are in a crisis, but make it your goal to walk with Him daily whether through the valley or on the mountaintop. You will need Him in the furnace like the Hebrew children and you will need Him in times of fruitfulness to remind you not to be presumptuous. Seek Him early and often! S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a heart filled with a desire to be in His presence, to sit at His feet like Mary of Bethany who chose the “better part!”

Psalms 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. KJV

“Tim Hansel in his book "When I Relax I feel Guilty," writes some insights of what most people want from God. "I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please." If we would be totally honest, the idea of transformation really scares us. That is because we know that such a radical change would be quite uncomfortable. We realize that with transformation comes a major overhaul of our lives and priorities.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 36-38

Trail Mix - 7.29.18

7.29.18 – “Many times we realize the preciousness of a loved one when we think of what it would be like without them. This is certainly true of the Lord Jesus for what and where would we be without Him who has promised, “…Never to leave nor forsake us…” Thoughts and meditations about Jesus and our great need of Him will only enhance His preciousness to us. “Jesus is the sweetest name I know, and He’s just the same as His lovely name…” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for a renewed sense of longing in your heart to see the Lord.

Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. KJV

“Three mischievous boys went to the zoo one day on a school outing. They decided to visit the elephant enclosure but within an hour, they were picked up by a police officer for causing a commotion. The officer hauled them off to security for questioning and the teacher in charge told them to give the police their names and say what they were doing at the elephant house. The first boy said: "My name is Gary, and I was just throwing peanuts into the elephant enclosure." The second said: "My name is Kevin, and all I was doing was throwing peanuts into the elephant enclosure." The third boy was a bit shaken up by the ordeal and said: "My name is Peter but my friends call me Peanuts."

Bible Reading Schedule for today -Isaiah 32-35

Trail Mix - 7.28.18

7.28.18 – “Because of the grace of God, each day’s troubles will also bring a corresponding measure of grace to sustain us. God’s promise to his servant Elijah meant that the barrel of meal and the cruse of oil would not fail and there would always be enough to meet his need. Even when the prophet fled from Jezebel’s threats, God sent the ravens to feed his servant. The songwriter asks the question, “How much more does He care for you?” He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities so He knows how you feel. Trust His heart even when you can’t feel His presence.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for confidence in your Creator’s ability to provide your “daily bread.”

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? KJV

“Vacationing in Arizona, a group of British tourists spots a cowboy by the side of the road, with his ear to the ground. "What’s going on?" they asked. "Two horses, one gray-one chestnut, are pulling a wagon carrying 2 men,” the cowboy says. "One man is wearing a red shirt and the other a black shirt." "They’re heading east." "Wow, You can tell all that just by listening to the ground?" says one of the tourists. "No" replies the cowboy. "They just ran over me."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 29-31

Trail Mix - 7.27.18

7.27.18 – “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matt. 22:29. The cause of error is plain; ignorance of the Scriptures and the power of God. The cure is equally plain: knowledge of the Scriptures and of the power of God. The first leads to the second: as we know the Scriptures we may know the power of God. God help us to “study to show ourselves approved…” so we can realize the power of God in our lives.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is that you would saturate yourself in the Word of God, memorize it and meditate on it, and God’s power is promised.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; KJV

 “A collector of rare books ran into an acquaintance who told him he had just thrown away an old Bible that he found in a dusty, old box. He happened to mention that Guten-somebody-or-other had printed it. "Not Gutenberg?" gasped the collector. "Yes, that was it!" "You idiot! You've thrown away one of the first books ever printed. A copy recently sold at auction for half a million dollars!" "Oh, I don't think this book would have been worth anything close to that much," replied the man. "It was scribbled all over in the margins by some guy named Martin Luther."

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 26-28

Trail Mix - 7.26.18

7.26.18 – “Over the years we have seen folks get upset and leave the church and then later live to regret their decision. Often they become church “hoppers” moving their membership every time something is not to their liking. There are times when doctrinal or moral issues enter into the decision to leave but more often than not it is personality or something trivial. Friend, think twice before you uproot your family. You may live to regret your “hop.” Often we learn that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence only because it is covering a septic tank!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a Christian testimony that avoids “trivial pursuits.” 

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: KJV

“The local high school has a policy that the parent's must call the school if the student is to be absent for the day. Kelly, deciding to skip and go to the mall with her friends waited till her parent's had left for work and called the school herself. This is the actual conversation of the telephone call. Kelly: "Hi, I'm calling to report that Kelly so-and-so is unable to make it to school today because she is ill. Secretary at high school: "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll note her absence. Who is this calling?" Kelly: "This is my mother."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 22-25

Trail Mix - 7.25.18

7.25.18 – “What happens to a church that has forgotten or left its “first love” and as a result its first works?” Ephesus had done that very thing, but they could not “remember,” so JESUS had to remind them. It is tough trying to show churches that they have fallen. Repentance and a return to first works are impossible if we do not remember! LORD, help us to be reminded of our “first love.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a warm heart and a willing head and a working hand, all because you love Jesus more than anything else in your life.

2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. KJV

“A fellow was very much in love with a beautiful girl. One day she told him that the next day was her birthday. He told her he would send her a bouquet of roses... one for each year of her life. That evening he called the local florist and ordered twenty-one roses with instructions that they be delivered first thing the next morning. As the florist was preparing the order, he decided that since the young man was such a good customer, he would put an extra dozen roses in the bouquet. The fellow never did find out what made the young girl so angry with him.”

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 17-21

Trail Mix - 7.24.18

7.24.18 – “Got problems you can’t figure out? GOD wants us to reason with HIM, not based on our poor logic but on the basis of revelation. HE says, “…come now and let us reason together.” Our “reasoning” is foolishness but if we will let GOD reason with us HE will reveal HIS wisdom that comes from above by HIS Spirit. “While they…reasoned, JESUS himself drew near” Luke 24:15 Let HIM clear up your problems.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to have a hope for your reason and a reason for your hope!

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. KJV

“Henry Lauder was a comedian, & during World War II his 2 sons were drafted into the army. Both of them died in combat. After the war was over Henry Lauder was near a nervous breakdown. He went to his doctor, who recommended complete rest & relaxation. So he went to the seashore & walked along the beach. He spent his time reading & meditating & relaxing. He made a few new friends, & one of them was a small boy. One night Henry Lauder & this small boy were walking along the beach as the sun was going down. They listened to the waves, & looked at the scenery around them. The boy noticed that there were little flags with stars on them hanging in the windows of some of the houses along the beach. He asked Mr. Lauder what that meant. Henry Lauder said, "It means that in every home where there is a flag that that family sent a son to war." "But," said the boy, "some of the stars are silver & some are gold. What does that mean?" Lauder said, "Where there is a silver star it means that the boy came home safely. Where there is a gold star it means that the boy died in combat." They walked a little further & night came upon them. The boy looked up at the first evening star, & he said, "There is a star in God’s sky - & it is a gold star! Does it mean that God sent His son to war?" Lauder stood for a moment, & with a catch in his voice said, "Yes, son. It means that God sent His son into war - the greatest war that has ever been fought. And yes, the star is gold because God’s son died in that combat."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 13-16

Trail Mix - 7.23.18

7.23.18 – “We had better not make people our main stay! Some that we love will die and be taken from us and still others will be separated from us for one reason or another. But when those we love cannot walk with us there is ONE who has said, “I will not leave thee nor forsake thee.” At the point of our greatest loneliness, when there is no one humanly speaking, then there is the LORD.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a special sense of His presence as you walk through this life.

Ephesians 6:6  Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; KJV

“We recently spent some time with my wife’s parents who are both in the 80”s and it reminded me of this story. Two young boys were staying the night at their grandparents' house. At bedtime they knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The younger brother said in a really loud voice: "I pray for a new bike, a portable TV and a Nintendo!" The other brother said: "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf. "No, but grandma is!"

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 9-12

 

Trail Mix - 7.22.18

7.22.18 – “Because HE is the same yesterday, today and forever we can rejoice as we reflect on our past, rejoice as we live in the present and rejoice as we anticipate the prospects in eternity. “This is the day the LORD hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it….better still, I will rejoice in HIM!” Our God is faithful!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a realization of the constancy and consistency of our Lord’s care for His children.

Psalms 36:5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

“A Christian middle school for girls was faced with a unique problem. A number of girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirrors leaving dozens of little lip prints. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called several of the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the custodian. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every day. To demonstrate how much work they were making for the custodian, she asked him to clean one of the mirrors while the girls watched. The custodian took a long-handled brush, dipped it into the nearest toilet, and proceeded to scrub the mirror. From that day on, the problem of lip prints on the mirrors was completely eliminated.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 5-8

Trail Mix - 7.21.18

7.21.18 – “We have an honored guest in every church meeting and HE can be grieved very easily by a frivolous spirit, a critical or rebellious frame of mind or a self-satisfied complacency. Oh, Christian friend, be so very careful when you come into HIS house. HE is very particular about HIS house and will judge those who grieve HIM!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you will come into His house “worshipping!” 

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“Two guys and a union worker were fishing on a lake one day, when Jesus walked across the water and joined them in the boat. When the three astonished men had settled down enough to speak, the first guy asked humbly, “Jesus, I’ve suffered from back pain ever since I took shrapnel in the Vietnam War...could you help me?” “Of course, my son”, Jesus said, and when he touched the man’s back, he felt relief for the first time in years. The second man, who wore very thick glasses and had a hard time reading and driving, asked if Jesus could do anything about his eyesight, Jesus smiled, removed the man’s glasses and tossed them in the lake. When they hit the water, the man’s eyes cleared and he could see everything distinctly. When Jesus turned to heal the union worker, the guy put his hands up and cried defensively, “Don’t touch me! I’m on long term disability.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 1-4

Trail Mix - 7.20.18

7.20.18 – “Vance Havner called them “the Saints of the Second Mile!” Who was he talking about? Those believers who go above and beyond the call of duty; who do far more for JESUS than they have to just because they love HIM so! We are glad to do more than our duty for those we love here below, how much more for the ONE who died that we might live?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to become a “Second Mile Saint!”

Matthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

“A big, burly man visited the pastor's home and asked to see the minister's wife, a woman well known for her charitable impulses. "Madam," he said in a broken voice, "I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work, and the nine children are starving. They are about to be turned into the cold, empty streets unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400." "How terrible!" exclaimed the preacher's wife. "May I ask who you are?" The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes. "I'm the landlord," he sobbed.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Song of Sol 1-8

Trail Mix - 7.19.18

7.19.18 – Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we will trust in the LORD our GOD the scribe Ezra said. We boast that GOD is able to deliver us but at the first sign of trouble we run to “Egypt” for help or make a league with Syria. We need to remember that “nothing is impossible with GOD!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would look to HIM today for your every need.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

“An American magazine held a competition, inviting its readers to submit new scientific theories on ANY subject. Below are the winners: 5th place (Subject: Probability Theory) If an infinite number of rednecks riding in an infinite number of pickup trucks fire an infinite number of shotgun rounds at an infinite number of highway signs, they will eventually write the complete works of Shakespeare in Braille. 4th place (Subject: Bio-Mechanics) Why Yawning Is Contagious: You yawn to equalize the pressure on your eardrums. This pressure change outside your head unbalances other people's ear pressures, so they then yawn to even it out. 3rd place (Subject: Symbolic Logic) The Chinese are technologically underdeveloped because each of their alphabetical characters represents a whole word or phrase, rather than a single letter. Thus they cannot use acronyms to communicate technical ideas at a faster rate. 2nd place (Subject: Newtonian Mechanics) Deforestation may cause earthquakes, tidal waves, or even the total destruction of our planet. Just as a figure-skater's rate of spin increases when the arms are brought in close to the body, the cutting down of tall trees may cause the Earth to spin dangerously fast on its axis with disastrous results. Winner (Subject: Perpetual Motion) When a cat is dropped, it always lands on its feet, and when toast is dropped, it always lands buttered side down. Therefore, if a slice of toast is strapped to a cat's back, buttered side up, and the animal is then dropped, the two opposing forces will cause it to hover, spinning inches above the ground. If enough toast-laden felines were used, they could form the basis of a high-speed monorail system.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Eccles. 7-12

Trail Mix - 7.18.18

7.18.18 – “JESUS promised HIS presence where two or three were gathered in HIS name. Therefore it pays to be at church. Thomas had other business and missed seeing JESUS and spent a whole week in unbelief. There is something that we get when we are with other believers that we can get no other way. If your business makes you miss JESUS you have too much business! Remember, you can tell what is important to a man by how he spends his time, talent and treasure!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for us today is that we would put Jesus first, and everything else in its proper place.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

“Three men went out to play a round of golf, Moses, Jesus and an old man. Moses tee'd off first, and the ball landed in the water. He parted the water, and hit the ball in for a birdie. Jesus tee'd off next, and the ball landed in the water. He then walked on the water, and hit the ball in for a birdie. Lastly the old man tee'd off, but before the ball could hit the water, a fish jumped out and caught the ball in its mouth. Then an eagle swooped down and caught the fish. Lightening then struck near the eagle, frightening it, and it dropped the fish. When the fish hit the ground, it dropped the ball in for a perfect hole in one. Jesus and Moses turn to the old man, and Jesus said, "Dad, if you don't quit playing like that, we're not going to bring you anymore."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Eccles. 1-6

Trail Mix - 7.17.18

7.17.18 – “God’s providence is inscrutable. HE led Joseph and his family into Egypt, left them there for 400 years, led them into the Red Sea and out on the other side, led them into the wilderness for 40 more years and then into Canaan. What GOD leads you into; HE can lead you out of. Trust in HIS providence, you may not be able to see what is up ahead but HE can! Whatever He leads you to, He can lead you through! “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!”  S. E. Trail

My prayer for us today is for a faith that follows!

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything 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

“A little girl went up to her mother one day while holding her stomach saying, "Mommy, my stomach hurts." Her mother replied, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!" Later that day when the Evangelist and her husband were over for dinner the Evangelist began to feel bad. Holding her head she said, "I have such a terrible headache!" The little girl looked up at her giving her the sweetest smile that any little child could give. Then she said, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 29-31

Trail Mix - 7.16.18

7.16.18 – “Often we are tempted to retaliate when we are wronged or hurt, to give and “eye for an eye,” but there is a better way though often more difficult response. If Jesus could forgive His tormentors from the cross, forgive Peter’s denial and forgive our repeated rejections of His mercy then surely we can forgive those who have wounded us. Life is too short to waste time angry and bitter. Move on and get over it! Don’t stay bitter, get better! Let God be your defender and you will never lose!” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for us today is for a life filled blessing not blasting!

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. KJV

“Back in those days when corporal punishment was permitted to teachers, a minor teacher named Miss Bings complained to one of her superiors, Miss Manners, that she had spanked one particular boy, Thomas, until she could spank him no more for physical fatigue. "When you want him spanked again, send him to me," Miss Manners said. Next morning, Thomas came into the presence of Miss Manners, displaying an air that was downcast. The teacher regarded him with suspicion. "Did you come from Miss Bings?" she asked sharply. "Yes, ma'am," Thomas admitted. "I thought as much!" On the instant, she skillfully inverted the youngster over her lap, and whacked him in a most spirited manner. This duty done, as the wailings of the boy died away, she demanded sternly: "And now what have you to say?" "Please, ma'am," Thomas answered brokenly, "Miss Bings wants the scissors!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 25-28

Trail Mix - 7.15.18

7.15.18 – “Most of us are so fretful about what could or might happen that we are like Job who “feared a fear and it came upon me.” Job 3:25 Why not choose a different course and say “Let come what may, so what? I still have God!” Faith is worthless until it disregards the fear and failure around us and rejoices in the Faithfulness above us. Faith gives us access to peace with God and the peace of God. I'm reminded of the little boy who was supposed to memorize the 23rd Psalm but when it came time for his recitation he got a little "stage fright" and blurted out, "The Lord is my shepherd....and that's all that I need!" S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to claim today as a day without worry or fretfulness.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

"A friend asked a woman: "What's in that locket, a memento of some sort?" "Yes," replied the woman. "It's a lock of my husband's hair." "But your husband is still alive!" "I know, but his hair's all gone."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 22-24

Trail MIx - 7.14.18

7.14.18 - “Avoid the very appearance of evil,” Paul writes. We live in a world that is watching for every misstep that we make. The fact that we have liberty in Christ does not give us a license to do as we please. All the NT writers exhort us to walk in the light, to walk carefully, to walk honestly, “that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Don’t give the enemies of the Lord an occasion to blaspheme because of our conduct.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for us today is for a fresh realization that we are children of the King and should conduct ourselves like “Kings Kids!”

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. KJV

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

“A terrific explosion occurs in a gunpowder factory, and once all the mess has been cleared up, and inquiry begins. One of the few survivors is pulled up to make a statement. "Okay Simpson," says the investigator, "you were near the scene, what happened?" "Well, it's like this. Old Charley Higgins was in the mixing room, and I saw him take a cigarette out of his pocket and light up." "He was smoking in the mixing room?" the investigator said in stunned horror, "How long had he been with the company?" "About 20 years, sir" "20 years in the company, then he goes and strikes a match in the mixing room, I'd have thought it would have been the last thing he'd have done." "It was, sir."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 18-21

Trail Mix - 7.13.18

7.13.18 - “…when I am weak…” How many of us like the feeling and insecurity of “weakness?” I suspect that none of us feels comfortable in that state but for the believer in Christ weakness is an asset, not a liability! We can turn our stumbling blocks into stepping stones. We can turn our losses into gains. The rest of Paul’s statement, “…then I am strong,” indicates that he does not resign himself to defeat, but rose to be “more than a conqueror.” Turn your minus to a plus today with God’s book-keeping that turns liabilities into assets!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for all who read this to have “…Victory in Jesus!”

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. KJV

“A friend of mine mentioned that as a child she was in a large family and when chicken was on the menu for Sunday dinner, as one of the younger children she was given the chicken feet to eat. Another friend heard it said that in Africa they actually sold a package with two chicken feet and a head. He said they called it a “Walky Talky!!!”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 14-17

Trail Mix - 7.12.18

7.12.18 – “What gift is most valuable in God’s kingdom? I’m sure that we would all have some gift that we feel transcends all others. I want to suggest that of all the gifts given to the church, the gift of encouragement is arguably the most helpful and bears the most fruit. Give us members who are encouragers and God’s work will prosper. The church seems to have plenty of critics, faultfinders and Monday morning quarterbacks. One old-time preacher said, “Critics are like termites!” Give us more of that group who know how to build others through the gift that keeps on giving!” Vance Havner

My prayer today for you is for a spirit of affirmation; that you would habitually build up and not blow up the work of the Kingdom!

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: KJV

“John Wesley was a great English preacher of the 1700’s. He was considered a rather spiffy dresser. One Sunday morning he wore a bow tie that had long ribbons that hung downward. After the sermon was over a lady walked up to him and said, "Brother Wesley, are you open to some criticism?" He said, "I guess so. What would you like to criticize?" She said, "The ribbons on your tie are entirely too long and inappropriate for a man of God." And she took out her scissors and cut them off. A hush fell over the people standing there as Wesley calmly asked, "Now may I borrow the scissors for a moment?" As she handed them to him, he said, "Ma’am, are you open to some criticism?" She answered, "Well, I suppose I am." He said, "All right then, please stick out your tongue."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 9-13

Trail Mix - 7.11.18

7.11.18 – “What’s in the Biblical phrase “If we confess our sins…?” We know about sins of omission, and we are clear about sins of commission, but what about sins of disposition? Sins of the spirit are so often overlooked in our emphasis on sins of the flesh and doubtful things. Let this be our prayer today; “Lord, help me to repent and renounce all sin, no matter what “kind” it is.” We cannot expect God to take away our sins by forgiving them if we will not put them away by forsaking them.” Vance Havner

My prayer today would be for you to have a “clearing of yourselves” as Paul praised the Corinthians when they confessed and repented of their sins. 

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. KJV

“There were two evil brothers. They were rich and used their money to hide their lifestyle from the public eye. They even attended the same church and looked to be perfect Christians. Then, their pastor retired and a new one was hired. Not only could he see right through the brothers' deception, but he also spoke well and true, and the church started to swell in numbers. A fund-raising campaign was started to build a new sanctuary. All of a sudden, one of the brothers died. The remaining brother sought out the new pastor the day before the funeral and handed him a check for the $150,000 needed to finish paying for the new building. “I have only one condition,” he said. “At his funeral, you must say my brother was a saint.” The pastor gave his word and deposited the check. The next day at the funeral, the pastor did not hold back. “He was an evil man,” he said. “He cheated on his wife and abused his family.” After going on in this vein for a small time, he concluded with: “But, compared to his brother, he was a saint.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 5-8

Trail Mix - 7.10.18

7.10.18 – “Those who serve God will find as they go along that God never fails but people sometimes do. The key is to keep trusting God and not become cynical and suspicious and hard-boiled. We must trust God to make up the difference even when some folks let us down. We are winners after all if we stay sweet, even though we may be losers at the hands of men. Remember, Jesus will never let you down!” Stephen E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a special sense of His watch care over you even when things are bad.

Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. KJV

“Two little snakes were wiggling along the side of the road when the first little snake turned to the second little snake and asked, “Are we poisonous?” “Why?” asked the second little snake, to which the first little snake replied, “Because I just bit my lip!”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Proverbs 1-4