Trail Mix - 9.30.18

9.30.18 – “In due season…” is the promise from God’s Word. Those who labor for the Master will reap afterwards. “It has not entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love and serve Him…” but in due season we shall know. The farmer knows that there must be breaking, planting, plowing and cultivation before the harvest comes. But it will come, in due season! Any investment in the Lord’s work always pays big dividends! S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would look beyond this “veil of tears” to a day when we will shout for joy around His throne!

Exodus 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. KJV

“Three Pastors in the south were having lunch in a diner. One said "Ya know, since summer started I've been having trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything--noise, spray, cats--nothing seems to scare them away. Another said "Yea, me too. I've got hundreds living in my belfry and in the narthex attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I baptized all mine, and made them members of the church... Haven't seen one back since!!!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Zechariah 7-10

Trail Mix - 9.29.18

9.29.18 – "Christ has for sin atonement made, what a wonderful Savior..." This great hymn and many others point to the blood sacrifice made on Calvary by the Sovereign through our Savior. One writer called Christianity a "bloody religion." Thank God it is. He was offered once for all our sins. "What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus!" S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are “blood bought.”

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. KJV

“There were once two brothers called William and Wayne. Will was 12 years old and his little brother was 3. The neighbors noticed they always went around together. If William went down to the ballpark, his little brother would toddle along behind him. And when Wayne went to playgroup, his older brother would come and sit there with all the toddlers. One neighbor thought this was really strange, so one day he leaned over the fence and asked the boys' mother why they were so inseparable, even though they had nothing in common. “Well,” the mother replied, “Didn’t you know? Where there’s a Will there’s a Wayne.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Zechariah 1-6

Trail Mix - 9.28.18

9.28.18 – “Christian's have both an accuser and we have an Advocate; we have a liar who prosecutes and a lawyer who pleads; Satan and the Savior. I'm thankful for the blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin when we genuinely repent and thoroughly confess. In Christ alone I place my trust. Nothing the accuser can say can hurt us because our Advocate is at the Father's right hand. Praise the Lord! Our heavenly attorney has never lost a case! S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is that you would take advantage of our Advocate and go to him for grace to help in time of need.

Philippians 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; KJV

“A young boy, about eight years old, was at the corner "Mom and Pop" grocery picking out a pretty good size box of laundry detergent. The grocer walked over, and, trying to be friendly, asked the boy if he had a lot of laundry to do. "Oh, no laundry," the boy said, "I'm going to wash my dog."  "But you shouldn't use this to wash your dog. It's very powerful and if you wash your dog in this, he'll get sick. In fact, it might even kill him." But the boy was not to be stopped and carried the detergent to the counter and paid for it, even as the grocer still tried to talk him out of washing his dog. About a week later the boy was back in the store to buy some candy. The grocer asked the boy how his dog was doing. "Oh, he died," the boy said. The grocer, trying not to be an "I-told-you-so", said he was sorry the dog died but added, "I tried to tell you not to use that detergent on your dog."  "Well, the boy replied, "I don't think it was the detergent that killed him." "Oh? What was it then?" "I think it was the spin cycle!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Zeph. /Haggai

Trail Mix - 9.27.18

9.27.18 – “A lot of churches think they need a new pastor when what they really need is a renewed pastor. If your pastor seems strained, stressed or stale, get down on your knees and pray that God would send him a time of refreshing and renewal in his life and experience. Also, help your pastor and wife to get away for a few days alone for a time of R&R. It will do wonders for him and for the church! Even the Lord and his disciples needed a break from the work of ministry, and it is real work!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for every pastor is for a church family that cares enough to make a way for their pastor to have seasons of rest, relaxation and refreshment! The best way to keep a good pastor and to keep a pastor good is to show him that you appreciate what he does for the Lord and his church.

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. KJV

“A male frog goes to a psychic. The psychic tells him, "You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you." The frog becomes excited, "This is great! Will I meet her at a party?" "No," says the psychic, "in her biology class."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Nahum/Habakkuk

Trail Mix - 9.26.18

9.26.18 – “Someone said that "It's not how you start, it's how you finish that counts." Finishing well is important but it is also equally important to start well. Many folks make decisions like joining a church or being baptized and depend on that to get to heaven. Knowing Jesus is the only way to heaven. We must start and finish with HIM! Someone asked the definition of “eternal security” and a senior saint replied, “Start right, stay right, and die right!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you have started with Jesus and will stay with Jesus to the end of life!

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: KJV

“There was a case of attempted murder, in which the prisoner was accused of having fired twice at his intended victim. One of the witnesses for the prosecution was being severely cross-examined by the defense counsel. "You say that you heard both shots fired?" he asked sternly. "Yes, sir." "How near were you to the scene of the affair?" "At the time the first shot was fired I was about twenty feet from the prisoner." "Twenty feet? Yes sir, twenty feet. Humph! Now tell the court how far you were off when you heard the second shot." "Well, sir," replied the witness slowly, "I didn't exactly measure the distance; but, speaking approximately, I should say about half a mile."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Micah 3-7

Trail Mix - 9.25.18

9.25.18 – “When King David followed the Amalekites some men fainted and stayed behind with the stuff while some men fought and returned with the spoils. David decreed that the spoils would be shared by all. Some wonderful saints of God have feeble bodies while others seem to enjoy splendid health. God can use both to do His work. Some wrestle in prayer so others can fight. Thank God for both. For very Christian worker who is on the “front line” there must be a support group “behind the lines” lifting them up in prayer.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you not to be “AWOL” where prayer is concerned. 

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

“Flip Wilson was a popular comedian several years ago, and one of his characters was a Preacher at the “What’s Happening Now Church.” Flip did a Skit where he told about this preacher. He’d shout out: "IF THIS CHURCH IS GOING TO SERVE GOD IT’S GOT TO GET DOWN ON ITS KNEES AND CRAWL!!!" And the audience yelled back "Make it crawl preacher, make it crawl! "AND ONCE THIS CHURCH HAS LEARNED TO CRAWL, IT’S GOT TO GET UP ON ITS FEET AND WALK!!!" "Make it walk preacher, make it walk" the audience moaned. AND ONCE THIS CHURCH HAS LEARNED TO WALK ITS GOT BEGIN TO LEARN TO RUN!!!" "Make it run, preacher, make it run!" "AND IN ORDER TO RUN, ITS GOT REACH DEEP DOWN INTO POCKETS AND LEARN TO GIVE!!!" (pause) "Make it crawl preacher, make it crawl." A Church can’t grow if it doesn’t give. And if it doesn’t give… it’ll crawl.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jon.1-4/Mic.1-2

Trail Mix - 9.24.18

9.24.18– “I am constantly amazed at human beings capacity for evil and yet we are told that the human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked so we should not be surprised at what we see and hear. What is the answer to this? A radical heart and life changing experience with Jesus Christ is the only answer. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, behold old things have passed away and all things have become new.” If you have never experienced the “new birth” then by all means receive Jesus Christ by faith as you Lord and Savior today.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to get a large dose of what Jesus is offering!

Ezekiel 11:19  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: KJV

I heard a story of a missionary in Africa who received a knock on the door of his hut one afternoon. Answering, the missionary found a native boy holding a large fish in his hands. The boy said, "Reverend, you taught us what tithing is, so here. I've brought you my tithe." As the missionary gratefully took the fish, he questioned the boy. "If this is your tithe, where are the other nine fish?" At this, the boy beamed and said, "Oh, they're still back in the river. I'm going back to catch them now."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Amos 6-9/Obad.

Trail Mix - 9.23.18

9.23.18 – “When you revive something you make it live again for that is the meaning of this compound word. Revival makes the church live again! What is the key to real revival in the church? R. A. Torrey's first rule was."Let a few members of any church get thoroughly right with God themselves." Then they can go after others, but not until then. God wants us to humble ourselves, deny ourselves, and give ourselves completely to HIM. Until we are willing to do this there can be no revival. "Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people might rejoice in thee." S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you could experience a time of personal revival in your life.

Acts 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; KJV

A minister was asked to dinner by one of his parishioners. The churchgoer was known for being a terrible housekeeper. When the minister sat down at the table, he noticed the dishes were the dirtiest he had ever seen in his life. "Have these dishes ever been washed?" he asked the hostess, running his fingers over the filthy dishes. She replied, "They're as clean as soap and water could get them." He felt a bit apprehensive but said grace and started eating. It was quite delicious, despite the dirty dishes. When dinner was over, the hostess took the dishes outside, whistled and yelled, "Here, Soap! Here, Water!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Amos 1-5

Trail Mix - 9.22.18

9.22.18 – “God let us be like Barnabas who was a good man and filled with the Holy Spirit and spent his entire ministry encouraging others. He also was not envious or jealous when the leadership of the Antioch missions’ team fell to his co-worker Paul. Very few in the church today would have been so charitable. He also is probably the main reason we have the Gospel of Mark. May his tribe increase! God bless the encouragers!” S. E. Trail

My prayer today for us would be for a life spent in building others up and not blowing them up!

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. KJV

 “Pete and Larry had not seen each other in many years. Now they had a long talk trying to fill in the gap of those years by telling about their lives. Finally Pete invited Larry to visit him in his new apartment. "I have a wife and three kids and I'd love to have you visit us." "Great. Where do you live?" "Here's the address. And there's plenty of parking behind the apartment. Park and come around to the front door, kick it open with your foot, go to the elevator and press the button with your left elbow, then enter! When you reach the sixth floor, go down the hall until you see my name on the door. Then press the doorbell with your right elbow and I'll let you in." "Good. But tell me...what is all this business of kicking the front door open, then pressing elevator buttons with my right, then my left elbow?" Pete Answered, "Surely, you're not coming empty-handed."

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Joel 1-3

Trail Mix - 9.21.18

9.21.18 – “For the believer in Christ growing older should mean a sweeter, gentler, kinder disposition as we walk daily with our Master and are made like Him. Sadly, this is not the case in many lives. Instead, for some advancing age brings bitterness, hardheartedness and a critical spirit. We have been given the Spirit of God to mold and make us into the image of our Lord who was the "meek and lowly" one. If you have what Jesus had to offer you know what the outcome will be and if not, “…you will know a tree by the fruit it bears…” Don’t get bitter, get better!”  S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a “…sweet, sweet, spirit…at your “house!”

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. KJV

“It was a case of attempted murder, in which the prisoner was accused of having fired twice at his intended victim. One of the witnesses for the prosecution was being severely cross-examined by the defending counsel. "You say that you heard both shots fired?" he asked sternly. "Yes, sir." "How near were you to the scene of the affair?" "At the time the first shot was fired I was about twenty feet from the prisoner." "Twenty feet? Yes sir, twenty feet. Humph! Now tell the court how far you were off when you heard the second shot." "Well, sir," replied the witness slowly, "I didn't exactly measure the distance; but, speaking approximately, I should say about half a mile."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hosea 8-14

Trail Mix - 9.20.18

9.20.18 – “The rich young ruler had morals, manners, and money and would be welcomed into most churches today with open arms; Sadly, he would be just another unsaved church member trying to live a changed life without being changed by the Master. Jesus said he lacked one thing but oh what a thing it was for it was everything! If you miss heaven, you’ve missed it all!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a “meeting with the Master” that results in your submission to his Lordship!

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. KJV

“Many years ago, a wealthy man went duck hunting with a hired hand named Sam.They took a horse and carriage, and along the way a rim came off one of the wheels. As Sam hammered it back on, he accidentally hit his finger. Instantly he let go with some bad words. He quickly fell to his knees, asking God's forgiveness. "Lord, it's difficult at times to live the Christian life", he prayed. "Sam" said the man, "I know you're a Christian, but tell me why you struggle so, I'm an atheist, and I don't have problems like that." Sam didn't know what to say. Just then two ducks flew overhead. The man raised his gun and two shots rang out. "Leave the dead one and go after that wounded bird!" he shouted. Sam pointed at the duck that was fluttering desperately to escape and said, "I've got an answer for you now, Boss. You said my Christianity isn't any good because I have to struggle so. Well, I'm the wounded duck, and struggle to get away from the devil. But you Boss, you're the dead duck!" That insight fits Paul's description of his Christian experience in Romans 7: 14-25. Struggle is one evidence of God's work in our lives Forgiveness of sin is available, so don't despair. Remember, dead ducks don't flutter.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hosea 1-7

Trail Mix - 9.19.18

9.19.18 – “Several years ago I was at a cemetery and happened to look over at a young woman who was lying on top of a grave and weeping inconsolably. I went over to see if I could help and she told of the passing of her young husband. It reminded me of what Paul wrote that we should, "...sorrow not as those which have no hope." He did not say that we should not sorrow but for the redeemed he is saying death is not hopeless. The grave is not the end. Death does not have the last word! The one who conquered death tells us that "He is alive forevermore!" Pause by the grave and weep my friend but one day your tears of sorrow will be turned into tears of joy. That will be a glad reunion day.   God never intended for the grave to be our last stop. Because of Jesus, death does not have the last word!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know the “…peace that passeth understanding…” even when you are in the “…valley of the shadow.” 

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: KJV

Little Johnny's class were on an outing to their local police station where they saw pictures, of the ten most wanted men, tacked to a bulletin board. On the way out of the police station Little Johnny said to the officer, "it was so nice of you to put my daddy's picture up there."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 11-12

 

Trail Mix - 9.18.18

9.18.18 – “When you can't pray as you want to, pray as you can. We have wonderful help when we pray although we may not realize it. We have an Advocate with the Father, God's own Son and we have the Paraclete, Who is God's Spirit. They will take our feeblest efforts at prayer, perfect them and express them to the Father no matter how poorly we may express them ourselves. Take it to the Lord in prayer.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is you will not “forfeit” the peace that is available to you because you do not take it to the Lord in prayer.

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

“A scientist found evidence of a hitherto unknown breed of giant elephant living in the rainforests of South America. Eventually he raised sufficient funds to launch an expedition to bring back this direct descendant of the mammoth. After weeks battling their way through the jungle, the party stumbled upon the body of a huge elephant and a three-foot tall pygmy and exclaimed: "Wow! Did you kill this elephant?" "Yep," replied the pygmy. "But it's so big and you're so small!" "Yep," said the pygmy. "How on earth did you kill it?" asked the scientist. "With my club," said the pygmy. "How big is your club?" inquired the scientist. "Well, there are about a hundred of us."

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 9-10

Trail Mix - 9.17.18

9.17.18 – “We all have two choices when problems come; to be fretful, or depend on His faithfulness. Psalms 37:5 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." After Hannah brought her request to the Lord the Bible says, "So the woman went her way and did eat and her countenance was no more sad." That was it for her and it can be for us too. Take it to the Lord and leave it there, “…take your burden to the Lord and leave it there, you can trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out, take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today would be for you to have a faith that is “settled,” secure in the knowledge that God has “got your back.”

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. KJV

“A young boy walks into a barber shop. The barber whispers to his customer, "This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you!" The barber then takes out a dollar bill and two quarters. He asks the young boy, "Which do you want, son?" The boy takes the two quarters and leaves. "What did I tell you?" the barber says. "Poor kid never learns!" The customer leaves after his haircut and sees the same young boy walking out of an ice cream shop. "Can I ask you a question?" he says to the boy. "Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?" The boy licks his ice cream cone and replies, "The day I take the dollar, the game is over!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 7-8

Trail Mix - 9.16.18

9.16.18 – “When Paul came to the end of his journey he was almost entirely alone. The missions’ team had split up, Timothy, Titus, Mark and Demas were gone. Only Luke remained. The day came at last when a Roman executioner and the blade did its work. When that day came and "all men forsook him," he could still stay, "notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me," and we can too! Recently I stood by the bedside of a dying man and watched as his heart monitor slowly faded to zero. I am so thankful that the Lord was in that ICU room.” I have seen this repeated many times and I can tell you that only the Lord can bring peace to the sorrowful and the grieving at a time like this.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a real sense of His sweet presence in your life not matter what the circumstance.

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. KJV

“The boss caught Calvin sitting at his desk staring out the window. “Why aren’t you working Calvin?” Without much thought Calvin confessed to his boss, “Because I didn’t see you coming.” There are millions of Christians just like Calvin who are living their lives oblivious to the fact that they will stand at the judgment seat before Christ to answer for things that they have done.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 5-6

Trail Mix - 9.15.18

9.15.18 – “What will it take to get us to live in the daily sufficiency of Christ? For Paul it took a "thorn in the flesh." Whatever it takes is well worth the pain to be able to find everything in Him and draw power from His resurrection life. God help us not to live in a sort of spasmodic dependency but in a steadfast daily devotion to Christ. Sometimes we must have the thorns to experience the triumph. Sometimes we must the valley to experience the mountain top. Sometimes the dark before the light! We need believers who will be mature enough to keep an “even keel” through the storms of life and not “tossed about with every wind of doctrine.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace which He has promised to supply for every need!

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. KJV

“God does prefer one way of living over another. And that which He prefers is based on a bedrock commitment to His word and His ways. And the results are always supernatural. A TV camera crew was on assignment in Southern Florida filming the widespread destruction of Hurricane Andrew. In one scene, amid the devastation and debris, stood one house on its foundation. The owner was cleaning up the yard when the reporter approached. “Sir, why is your house the only one standing?” asked the reporter. “How did you manage to escape the severe damage of the hurricane?” “I built the house myself,” the man replied. “I also built it according to Florida State building code. When the code called for 2x6 trusses, I used 2x6 trusses. I was told that a house built according to code could withstand a hurricane. I did, and it did.” Obedience to His Word is critical when it comes to whether or not we are pleasing Him.”

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 3-4

Trail Mix - 9.14.18

9.14.18 – “Whatever we give up for God He is able to make up. It is never a losing proposition to trust in God. The Lord is able to give us much more than we lose when we part with all else to trust Him. God is able to do much more than we ask or think. Trust God and you will never come out on the losing end. We are “more than conquerors” when we trust in Him who never fails!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for a trust that is tested, tempered by the testing and triumphant in the end!

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

“An umpire named Babe Pinelli once called Babe Ruth out on strikes. When the crowd booed with sharp disapproval at the call, the legendary Ruth turned to the umpire with disdain and said, "There are 40,000 people here who know that the last pitch was ball, tomato head." Suspecting that the umpire would erupt with anger, the coaches and players braced themselves for Ruth’s ejection. However, the cool headed Pinelli replied, "Maybe so, Babe, but mine is the only opinion that counts." We need to realize that God’s judgment is the only one that counts!”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Daniel 1-2

Trail Mix - 9.13.18

9.13.18 – “The suffering servant of Zechariah 13:6 is asked about the wounds in his hands and this is his reply...."I was wounded in the house of my friends." Judas betrayed Him and Peter denied Him but they have many accomplices. When we sing of the Cross on Sunday and crucify Him afresh on Monday we wound Him again. What will you do to Him today?” C. H. Spurgeon

My prayer for us today is that we may “…know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings…” for if we do we will be reluctant to wound Him again.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. KJV

“An old Scotsman operated a little rowboat for transporting passengers. One day one of the passengers noticed that the good old man had carved on one oar the word "Faith," and on the other oar "Works." Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this. The old man being a well-balanced Christian and glad of the opportunity for testimony, said, "I will show you." So saying, he dropped one oar and plied the other called Works, and they just went around in circles. Then he dropped that oar and plied with the one called Faith, and the little boat went around in circles again---this time the other way around, but still in a circle. After this demonstration the old man picked up Faith and Works, and plying both oars together, sped swiftly over the water, explaining to his inquiring passenger, "You see that is the way it is in the Christian life. Dead works without faith are useless, and ’faith without works is dead’ also, getting you nowhere. But faith and works pulling together make for safety, progress, and blessing.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 46-48

Trail Mix - 9.12.18

9.12.18 – “When the politicians mention the “third world,” they are thinking of all the underprivileged people on our planet but when Christians use the same phrase we are talking about the “new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells!” The first world was destroyed by water, the second will be destroyed by fire but the third will last for all eternity. This world is our passage, not our portion. The third world is about to begin; the signs are in the heavens; the trump will sound shortly; are you ready for the reckoning from the righteous judge? Are you prepared for this prepared place?” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is that you might “look up, for your redemption draweth nigh!”

Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee… KJV

“A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn't understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew left was the one on the front row. So as not to make a fool of himself, he decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the man clapped his hands, so the missionary recruit clapped too. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man held the cup and bread for the Lord's Supper, he held the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn't understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look just like that man in the front pew. Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn't understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing. So he sat down. After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: "I take it you don't speak Spanish." The missionary recruit replied: "No I don't. It's that obvious?" "Well yes," said the preacher, "I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 44-45

Trail Mix - 9.11.18

9.11.18 – “Life is filled with “disturbances!” They come in the form of trials, tribulations and temptations. I’m reminded of what an old song says, "Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my life in vain, I'm tempted then to wander and of my lot complain, But when I think of Jesus and all He's done for me, then I cry oh Rock of ages, hide thou me." Don't let the World; the flesh and the Devil get you down. Think about our sweet Lord Jesus and all He's done for us and then shout "Oh, thou blessed Rock of Ages.....Hide Thou Me!" S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is that you would have a “shout” and not a “doubt.”

Psalms 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. KJV

“The football coach stormed into the university president's office and demanded a raise right then and there. “Please," protested the college President, "you already make more than the entire History department." "Yeah, maybe so, but you don't know what I have to put up with," the coach blustered. "Look." He went out into the hall and grabbed a football player who was jogging down the hallway. "Run over to my office and see if I'm there," he ordered. Twenty minutes later the jock returned, sweaty and out of breath. "You're not there, sir," he reported. "Oh, I see what you mean," conceded the President, scratching his head. "I would have phoned."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 41-43

Trail MIx - 9.10.18

9.10.18 – “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. We will ultimately go to the place we are prepared for. That’s what the scripture said about Judas who, “…by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” Jesus has prepared two places, dwelling places for His own and a lake of fire for Satan, his angels and all those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of Life. What place are you “prepared” for? All of us understand that it takes preparation to get ready to go on a trip. Are you ready for your final trip? Have you made your reservations for the place Jesus has prepared for those that love and serve Him?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to plan for your last trip by taking “flying lessons!”

Psalms 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. KJV

“Leaving Miami for Ft Lauderdale, I decide to stop at one of those rest areas on the side of the road. I go into the bathroom. The first stall is taken, so I go into the second stall. I had just sat down when I hear a voice from the other stall............"Hi there, how is it going?" Okay, I am not the type to strike up conversations with strangers in washrooms on the side of the road. I didn't know what to say, so finally I say: "Not bad............" Then the voice says: "So, what are you doing?" I am starting to find this a bit weird, but I say: "Well, I'm going to Ft Lauderdale.........." Then I hear the person, all flustered, say: "Look, I'll call you back. Every time I ask you a question, this idiot in the next stall keeps answering me!!!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 39-40

Trail Mix - 9.9.18

9.9.18 – “Vance Havner asked the following question, “How many of us live looking back or ahead, between a holy past and a holier future, but in a hollow present?” So many believers long for the “good old days,” or a better day ahead but friends Jesus is here with us now. The Living Christ offers living water now! He will meet us today, where we are and as we are. May God help us to walk today with the One who promised, “Never to leave or forsake us!” S. E. Trail 

My prayer for you today is for a greater realization of His presence today and to walk with Jesus between the beginning and the end!

Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. KJV

“A father was approached by his small son, who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father. "So, Son, what does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy. It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 37-38

Trail Mix - 9.8.18

9.8.18 – “In the last 20 years or so we have seen the rise of celebrity preachers and Bible teachers and some of them are shameless self-promoters! They are personality plus and have the advantage of mega ministry resources to “toot” their horns! They live in multi-million dollar homes and fly in their own personal jets. We know that promotion in this world is not always based on merit. God’s system does not follow the pattern of this age. Some great men and women have labored in obscurity while horn blowers rise to the top. Doesn’t seem fair but never fear. Trust God to put you where He wants you to be and you will never have the self-promotion “fever.” Don’t be guilty of “tooting” your own horn and you’ll be able to listen for the only “toot” that really matters, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you would be to take the “prescription” of humility to cure the self-promotion “fever.”

Romans 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? KJV

“A priest and a rabbi from local parishes were standing by the side of the road holding up signs. The rabbi’s read, "The End is Near!" The priest, on the other side of the road, held up a sign which read, "Turn before it’s too late!" They planned to hold up their signs to each passing car. "Get a job." The first driver yelled. The second, immediately behind the first, yelled, "Leave us alone you religious freaks"! Shortly, from around the curve, they heard screeching tires and a splash followed by more screeching tires and another splash. The rabbi looked over at his companion and said, "Do you think we should try a different sign"? The other man responded, "Perhaps, ’Bridge Out’ might be better"?

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 34-36

Trail Mix - 9.7.18

9.7.18 – “Paul knew something of God’s provision when he declared that, “My God shall supply all your need…” for he had seen God’s hand move in many ways to meet his needs. God had used churches and individuals to supply His servant throughout his entire adult life. Paul had also used his own hands to work as a tentmaker to supply his needs. What we are able to do, we should do and trust God for everything. God is able to do more for all of us than we ask or think! Claim the promise of His abundance today! Trust Him to meet your needs “…by Christ Jesus.” S. E. Trail

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

Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. KJV

 “A burglar got into a house one night. Shining his flashlight on the floor in the dark, he heard a voice saying, "Jesus is watching you." He looked around nervously, shook his head, and kept looking for valuables. He again heard, "Jesus is watching you." This time, he shone his light all over, and it rested on a parrot. He asked, "Did you say that?" The parrot admitted that it had. "I'm just trying to warn you, that's all." The burglar said, "Warn me, huh? Who are you? What's your name?" "Moses." "Well, what kind of stupid people would name a parrot 'Moses'?" The bird answered, "I don't know; I guess the same folks who would name a Pit Bulldog 'Jesus'."

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 32-33

Trail Mix - 9.6.18

9.6.18 – “Is our “belief” based on profession or possession? There is a great deal of difference in knowing about the Lord and knowing Him personally. Job understood that there is a difference between “hearing” and “seeing.” Vance Havner said, “There is a second hand, by-proxy knowledge of the Lord…” that has no real personal encounter with the Lord. Is our “belief” based on profession or possession? Is Jesus present with us or president in us! There is a life and death difference between the two relationships. Our knowledge of Jesus must be experiential; there must be a place in time when we “meet” Jesus personally.” S. E. Trail   

My prayer for you is a “know so” salvation that will “walk the talk.”

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

“There were 11 people hanging on to a rope that came down from a helicopter. Ten were men and one woman. They all decided that one person should get off because if they didn't, the rope would break and everyone would die. No one could decide who should go. Finally the woman gave a really touching speech on how she would give up her life to save the others, because women were used to giving up things for their husbands and children and giving in to men. All of the men started clapping.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 29-31

Trail Mix - 9.5.18

9.5.18 – “The church today is living somewhere between a golden past and the glorious prospects in the future. Having left the latter behind and not yet having attained the former it is in a sort of “no man’s land” of this present world and the picture is of a of a church that is powerless to effect the culture because there is so little difference between the two! Almost every survey suggests this truth. The church that is “neither hot nor cold” is no good to this sin soaked, sin cursed world and a blight to the One who birthed it!” Vance Havner

My prayer today is for believers who are godly “…in this present world!”

3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. KJV

“Thoughts that will bring a smile: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets. Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hairstylist you like. You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. Time may be a great healer, but it's also a lousy beautician. Age doesn't always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone. I don't mind the rat race, but I could do with a little more cheese. The only time a woman wishes she were a year older is when she is expecting a baby. Freedom of the press means no-iron clothes.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 27-28

Trail Mix - 9.4.18

9.4.18 – Vance Havner said, “God’s system of promotion does not follow the pattern of this age.” Often, His choicest servants remain unknown without any public recognition, but it really comes down to this. What type of promotion do we seek? We’ve all seen the self-promoters in and out of the church and it always creates a negative impression. If we allow God to lift us up it will spare us so much unnecessary stress and fretfulness. Remember, in God’s economy of things, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first!” The way up is down and the way to truly live is to die to self. S. E. Trail

My prayer is for a heart that is humble, that helps (spiritual gift) and does not hinder or harm the cause of Christ!

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. KJV

“There were 3 men who died and before God would let them into heaven, he gave them a chance to come back as anything they wanted. The first guy said " I want to come back as myself, but 100 times smarter. So God made him 100 times smarter. The second guy said "I want to be better than that guy, make me 1000 times smarter. So God made him 1000 times smarter. The last guy decided he would be the best. So he said "God, make me better than both of them, make me 1,000,000 times smarter. So God made him a woman!”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 24-26

Trail Mix - 9.3.18

9.3.18 – Vance Havner writes: “Do you know the Savior as a matter of report or reality? Job had heard about God with the “hearing of the ear,” but now “mine eye seeth thee,” is his statement of faith. It is one thing to hear about Jesus and quite another to know Him personally. Andrew was not content to tell his brother about the Lord, he must bring his brother to the Lord. We disseminate information about Jesus but often fall short of bringing men and women to Him.” When was the last time that you “brought” someone to Jesus? When was the last time you introduced someone to the Savior? Those who follow the Fisher of Men’s souls will be interested in doing likewise!” S. E. Trail   

My prayer for today is for a faith that brings men to the Master!

John 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. KJV

“A man dies and goes to Heaven. He gets to meet GOD and asks GOD if he can ask him a few questions. "Sure," GOD says, "Go right ahead". "OK," the man says. "Why did you make women so pretty?" GOD says, "So you would like them." "OK," the guy says. "But how come you made them so beautiful?" "So you would LOVE them", GOD replies. The man ponders a moment and then asks, "But why did you make them such airheads?" GOD says, "So they would love you!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 22-23