Trail Mix - 1.31.19

January 31, 2019 – “Have you ever made a trip without making hotel plans thinking that there would be plenty of rooms available only to find out that there was a convention or other activity and there was no room to be had at any price. We cannot walk up to the gate of heaven after we die and receive a dwelling place just by asking for it. Our place in heaven must be secured in advance. Many will come to the Lord and make claims only to hear, “…I never knew you.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you have made your “reservations” for that mansion in the sky!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

“A busload of politicians were driving down a country road when, all of a sudden, the bus ran off the road and crashed into a tree in an old farmer's field. The old farmer, after seeing what had happened, went over to investigate. He then proceeded to dig a hole to bury the politicians. A few days later the local sheriff came out, saw the crashed bus, and asked the old farmer where all the politicians had gone. The old farmer said he had buried them. The sheriff asked the old farmer, "Were they all dead?" The old farmer replied, "Well, some of them said they weren't, but you know how them politicians lie."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 39-40

Trail Mix - 1.30.19

January 30, 2019 – Vance Havner writes: “The rich fool was no fool as a farmer, he was successful and he may have been religious because he spoke to his soul but he said the wrong thing. No man should say “…take thine ease…” to his soul. This is what many do today but God says “…today is the day…” and “…watch therefore for ye know not what the day may bring.” This man told his soul to take a vacation but God changed his plans. Man proposes but God disposes! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have “all the time in the world,” God is the “timekeeper.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have a renewed hunger and thirst for the things of God.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

“The day before Thanksgiving an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York and said to him, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; 45 years of misery is enough. We’re sick of each other, and so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Frantic, the son called his sister, who exploded on the phone. "Like heck they’re getting divorced," she shouted, "I’ll take care of this." She called Phoenix immediately, and said to her father. "You are NOT getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" The man hung up his phone and turned to his wife. "Okay, honey. The kids are coming for Thanksgiving and paying for their flights." ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 36-38

Trail Mix - 1.29.19

January 29, 2019 – “What makes real born again Christians different from everyone else? Why do some seem to have an inner peace and joy? Is there some mysterious secret ingredient? The answer is yes, there is something that makes the twice born different from all others but you do not need a degree in theology to name it. Paul wrote, “…by the grace of God I am what I am.” It is God’s amazing grace that makes all the difference. Grace is defined as unmerited favor and we need His favor because we are all in a hopeless, helpless situation without His grace.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know the “...joy of salvation, joy unspeakable, abounding joy, exceeding joy!”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

“Peter walked up to his teacher's desk, holding a report card with a big red F. "If I were you," said Peter, "I would change this while you still can." "Why is that?" asked the teacher. "Because my daddy told me that if I brought home one more failing report card, someone was going to get a beating." ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 33-35

Trail Mix - 1.28.19

January 28, 2019 – “…God is my salvation, I will trust, and not be afraid.” Isa. 12:2. God has not given us the spirit of fear so where does fear come from? Fear is a response of the flesh when we take our eyes off of God and focus on our circumstances. Peter stepped out on the water and was doing fine until he took his eyes off the Lord! Fear and faith are incompatible for they are enemies. “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart …” is the answer for our fears. God IS our salvation, I will TRUST and not be afraid!’ S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a heart that will rest “…safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

THE WISDOM OF BABES

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Out of the mouth of babes?” Certainly you have. It comes from the simple truth that sometimes it takes a child to reveal lasting wisdom. It seems foolish but it isn’t!

For example:
· Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.”
· Michael, 14, said, “When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don’t answer him.”
· Michael, wise man that he was also said, “Never tell your mom her diet’s not working.”
· Randy, 9 years of age said, “Stay away from prunes.” One wonders how he discovered that bit of wisdom.
· Kyoyo, age 9, said, “Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.”
· Naomi, 15 said, “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.”
· Lauren, age 9 said, “Felt markers are not good to use as lipstick.”
· Joel, 10 years old, said, “Don’t pick on your sister when she’s holding a baseball bat.” and
· Eileen, age 8 said, “Never try to baptize a cat.” ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 30-32

Trail Mix - 1.27.19

January 27, 2019 – “I knew a man that built a house with no widows. Windows let in the light and let out the sight and without light men cannot live. John Bunyan knew the value of windows for he spent most of his adult life in Bedford jail without a window, so he built his own in “Palace Beautiful,” and wrote of an “upper chamber whose window opened toward sunrising.” Vance Havner No windows lead to stagnation. No windows lead to dryness of the soul. No windows prevent the light of truth from penetrating into the heart and mind. Now windows create spiritual atrophy. No windows produce doubt, discouragement and depression. This is true of the soul and the church.”   S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to allow the “light” to shine into the window of your soul.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

“The Indians asked their Chief in fall, is the winter going to be cold or not. Not really knowing an answer, the chief replies that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared. Being a good leader, he then went to the next phone booth and called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is this winter going to be cold?" The man on the phone responded, "This winter was going to be quite cold indeed." So the Chief went back to speed up his people to collect even more wood to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again, "Is it going to be a very cold winter?" "Yes", the man replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter." So the Chief goes back to his people and orders them to go and find every scrap of wood they can find. Two weeks later he calls the National Weather Service again: "Are you absolutely sure, that the winter is going to be very cold?" "Absolutely" the man replies, "the Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"  

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 28-29

Trail Mix - 1.26.19

January 26, 2019 – “Faith is not a sure road to health, wealth and prosperity as some latter day prophets teach. In Hebrews 11 we have a roll call of faith and the faithful and two things jump out of the text. First, “…and others were tortured…” and second, “…and these all, having obtained a good report through faith…” They all received a good “report” but God’s plan for them didn’t include an “easy road” to travel. The old hymn declares, “It’s not an easy road, we are traveling to heaven, for many are the thorns on the way…” Many a saint has had to walk through the fire. Some were delivered down here and some were delivered up there but all were ultimately brought through.’ S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to receive a “good report card” from our Lord.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands. When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset. "You're running around with other women," she charged. "You're being unreasonable," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. "What do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. "Counting your ribs," said Eve.” 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 25-27  

Trail Mix - 1.25.19

January 25, 2019 – “What if, is one of the most powerful phrases in the English language? What if you pray and your loved one is not healed? What if the dearest one in your life is taken away? What if a friend fails you? Are you prepared for the “What if’s,” in life? God is able but sometimes He is not willing. Are you ready for that? If things do not turn out the way that you prayed or hoped they would, what is your response? Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Are you spiritually prepared for, “What if…my friend?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you trust Him even when He says “no!”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“Smith goes to see his supervisor in the front office. “Boss,” he says, “we’re doing some heavy house-cleaning at home tomorrow, and my wife needs me to help with the attic and the garage, moving and hauling stuff.” “We’re short-handed, Smith,” the boss replies. “I can’t give you the day off.” “Thanks, boss,” says Smith, “I knew I could count on you!” Anonymous

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 22-24

Trail Mix - 1.24.19

January 24, 2019 – “The Scriptures have much to say about doubt. We can have wisdom from God if we ask in faith without “wavering.” Jesus said that we could move mountains in prayer if we “did not doubt.” One man prayed “Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief.” Doubt is debilitating and a dangerous! God deliver us from a wavering, wobbling, wishy washy kind of faith. Doubts usually occur when we rely too much on feelings and not on the facts the faith tells us are true. Someone said, “Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.” This is good advice for every believer.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know and faith that does not faint!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Brown are patiently waiting outside the delivery room in the hospital for the good news of the birth of their first child. A chaplain is also waiting nearby, when a nurse comes out and calls for Mr. Smith. "Mr. Smith... congratulations, you have twins!" The delighted Mr. Smith replies, "That's great! Hey, what a coincidence: I work for the Minnesota Twins." Soon another nurse comes out with an announcement for Mr. Jones. "Mr. Jones... congratulations on the birth of your first three children: you have triplets!" The delighted Mr. Jones replies, "Wow, that's kind of amazing! The last guy worked for the Twins and had twins. I had triplets, and I work for Triple A." Just then Mr. Brown turns ghostly white and makes a running leap for the door. Worried, the chaplain stops him first. "Son... why are you leaving like this while your wife is in having your child?" "Because; The first man works for the Twins and had twins, and the second man works for Triple A and had triplets," Mr. Brown replies. "I work for 7-Eleven." 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 19-21

Trail Mix - 1.23.19

January 23, 2019 – “How do you want to be remembered Christian friend? What kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind? What we do now determines what we leave when we are gone. Some folks have an attractive brand of Christianity that brings people into the church and when they are gone there is a fond remembrance of them. Others have a testimony that repels instead. All they leave behind is wreck and ruin. How will you be remembered?” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is that when the Lord calls you home, folks will rise up on call you blessed!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

Kids have a hard time waiting for Christmas. Here are some actual letters that were written to Santa:
Dear Santa Claus,
When you come to my house there will be cookies for you. But if you are real hungry you can use our phone and order a pizza to go.
Dear Santa,
I want a Puppy. I want a playhouse. Thank you. I’ve been good most of the time. Sometimes I’m wild.
Dear Santa, (From a 4-year-old)
I’ll take anything because I haven’t been that good.
Dear Santa,
I’m not going to ask for a lot. Here’s my list: The Etch-A-Sketch animator, 2 packs of #2 pencils, Crayola fat markers and the big gift...my own color TV! Well, maybe you could drop the pencils; I don’t want to be really selfish. Anonymous

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 16-18

Trail Mix - 1.22.19

January 22, 2019– “What is the difference between lemon juice and lemonade? You have to squeeze the lemon to get both but when we add sweetener to the juice we get lemonade! Two people can experience the same stress and yet respond very differently. When we allow God to sweeten us by His grace we are like the lemonade that is so refreshing but without God’s grace we respond to stress with resentment and bitterness. Instead of getting better we get bitter! Also, bitterness is like a slow acting poison; slowly killing our joy in life and impacting our family and friends negatively.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you is that when life sends you lemons that you will make lemonade!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“Thanks for the electric guitar you gave me for Christmas," little Chris Cody said to his uncle the first time he saw him after the holidays. "It's the best present I ever got." "That's great," said his uncle. "Do you know how to play it?" "Oh, I don't play it," the little fellow said. "My mom gives me a dollar a day not to play it during the day and my dad gives me five dollars a week not to play it at night.” ChristiansUnite.com

            2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Exodus 13-15

Trail Mix - 1.21.19

January 21, 2019– “If we realize that our citizenship is in heaven it ought to make a great deal of difference in how we live in the here and now. We know that we still bare the marks of Adam’s fall. Things like bifocals, bridges and baldness are constant reminders of this truth but we are the children of God “now” and “…it doth not appear what we shall be but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him!” Be a child of God “now!” We are to live “soberly, righteously and godly” in the now! Do you friends know that you are a Christian? How do they know?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would believe and behave like a “King’s kid!”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“A policeman told me this story. He said that he once had a call for a hit and run. When he arrived on the scene, the man who had been hit by a car and was lying on the side of the road said, "Officer, my mother-in-law knocked me down with her car!" "Are you sure it was your mother-in-law?" asked the policeman. "Yeah, I know it was," the man said, "I'd recognize that laugh anywhere." Anonymous

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 10-12

Trail Mix - 1.20.19

January 20, 2019 – One of the things that the world finds hard to comprehend about Christianity is that, “Victory begins with surrender, the way up is down, the way to be first is to be last, etc.” Jesus said, “If any would be great among you, let him be a servant to all.” Humanly speaking this sounds unreasonable but “With God all things are possible.” If you want your life to count my friend then humble yourself and let God exalt you! S. E. Trail

My prayer is that you would apply this “up is down” dynamic to your life in all that you do for Christ.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. KJV

“It was a few days before Christmas and a man was returning from a business trip which had gone reasonably well, and he was ready to go back home. His return flight brought him to an airport on the other end that was decorated a tacky red and green, and loudspeakers blared annoying renditions of traditional Christmas carols. Being someone who took Christmas very seriously, and being slightly tired, he was not in a particularly good mood. Going to check in his luggage he saw hanging mistletoe. Not real mistletoe, but very cheap plastic with red paint on some of the rounder parts and green paint on some of the flatter and pointier parts, that could be taken for mistletoe only in a very weird sort of way. With a considerable degree of irritation and nowhere else to vent it, he said to the female attendant, "Even if we were married, I would not want to kiss you under such an awful looking piece of mistletoe." "Sir, look more closely at where the mistletoe is." "Ok, I see that it's above the luggage scale which is the place you'd have to step forward for a kiss." "That's not why it's there." "Ok, I give up. Why is it there?" "It's there so you can kiss your luggage good-bye." Anonymous

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 7-9

Trail Mix - 1.19.19

January 19, 2019 – “One of the appeals of an ocean cruise is that the fare is “all inclusive.” I’m reminded of a story about a man that took an ocean voyage and lived on cheese and crackers the whole way only to discover at the end that his meals were covered with his ticket. Jesus is “the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” In Him, “all things are ours!” That’s the message from the cross. Why settle for crackers when we can have manna! We live beneath our privilege and wonder why our souls are malnourished.” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is for you to fully partake of the “bread that cometh down from heaven.”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV    

“Little Rodney, 4 years old, walked down the beach, and as he did, he spied a matronly woman sitting under a beach umbrella on the sand. He walked up to her and asked, "Are you a Christian?" "Yes." she replied. "Do you read your Bible every day?" She nodded her head, "Yes." "Do you pray often?" the boy asked next, and again she answered, "Yes." With that he asked his final question? "Will you hold my quarter while I go swimming?" ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 4-6

Trail Mix - 1.18.19

January 18, 2019 – “We do not inherit salvation! Just because our grandparents or parents are believers doesn’t mean that we are. You can grow up in a Christian home and the church, know all of its practices and yet not be a citizen of the kingdom.  Often someone like this becomes hardened to the Gospel and is harder to awaken than a heathen! Remember that Jesus said that the publicans and harlots went into the kingdom before the Pharisees! Being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have a relationship with Christ and not just with a creed.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“A pastor is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach. After watching the boy’s efforts for some time, the pastor moves closer to the boy's position. He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child's shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring. Crouching down to the child's level, the pastor smiles benevolently and asks, "And now what, my little man?" To which the boy replies, "Now we run!" Christianjokes.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule – Exodus 1-3

Trail Mix - 1.17.19

January 17, 2019 – In John 13:14 Jesus steps from the magnificent to the menial, from the transcendent to the task of a slave, from sublimity to service. (Vance Havner) “If I your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye ought to wash one another’s feet.” We are most like our Lord when we are “…meek and lowly of heart…” Many of the Lord’s followers agree in theory but fail to learn the technique of the towel. We want a position but not the practice, the glory but not the grit and grime of ministry. God help us to be Christians with “our sleeves rolled up!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have a heart filled with “grace” that expresses itself in the daily “grind” of ministry!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“On the outskirts of town, there was a big old pecan tree by the cemetery fence. One day two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy. Several were dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was. "Oh my," he shuddered, "it's Satan and St. Peter dividing the souls at the cemetery. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along. "Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard. Satan and St. Peter are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls." The man said, "Beat it, kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk." When the boy insisted, though, the man hobbled to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me..." The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' the truth. Let's see if we can see the devil himself." Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of Satan. At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. And one last one for you. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence, and we'll be done."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 48-50

Trail Mix - 1.16.19

January 16, 2019 – “An old time preacher said, “We traffic in unfelt truth.” Our salt has lost its savor. We rail against loose living and even liberalism but fail to notice the lukewarmness in our own experience. We go to church and sing the hymns without any passion and then wonder where the “fire” has gone. Many are only there because that is what they have always done. There’s motion but no motive. The church desperately needs a few to “fall in love” with Christ afresh and anew.” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to have a fresh glimpse of Calvary!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“One bright, beautiful Sunday morning, everyone in tiny Jonestown wakes up early and goes to their local church. Before the service starts, the townspeople sit in their pews and talk about their lives and their families. Suddenly, at the altar, Satan appears!! Everyone starts screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in their determined efforts to get away from Evil Incarnate. Soon, everyone is evacuated from the church except for one man, who sit calmly in his pew, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy is in his presence. This confuses Satan a bit. Satan walks up to the man and says, "Hey, don't you know who I am?" The man says, "Yep, sure do." Satan says, "Well, aren't you afraid of me?" The man says, "Nope, sure ain't." Satan, perturbed, says, "And why aren't you afraid of me?" The man says, "Well, I've been married to your sister for 48 years." SermonCentral.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 45-47

Trail Mix - 1.15.19

January 15, 2019 – “For the church it is revival or else.” What can we do when we have lost our first love, when our love for Christ has diminished and dissipated? Thankfully there is a formula for revival in God’s Word to the Ephesians. It’s simple yet profound and it’s three words; Remember, repent and repeat. There needs to be a sense of urgency on our part where revival is concerned. It’s that, “or else!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to “…humble yourself, and pray, and seek His face…” then heavens blessings are assured!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“A little boy always went next door to play even though his mom had warned him against doing so. This worried his mom so badly that she asked him why he was so disobedient. He replied that Satan tempted him so bad and he did not know what to do. His mom then advised him to say 'get behind me Satan' whenever he was tempted. She then built a fence around the house. This worked for a week, then one sunny afternoon his mom looked out the window and there was her son playing on the neighbor’s lawn having cut a hole in the fence. "Jeremiah", she yelled, "come here!" She then said "did I not tell you to say 'get behind me Satan' whenever he tempted you?" "Yes", the boy replied, "I said, 'get behind me Satan', then he went behind me and pushed me through the hole in the fence." ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 42-44

Trail Mix - 1.14.19

January 14, 2019 – “Canaan lay before Israel and God had told them to go over and possess it but they hesitated even though they knew it was a land flowing with “milk and honey.” Why were they reluctant? There was fruit over there but they also knew that to possess it they had a foe to fight! There is a connection between the fight, the foe, and the fruit! You can’t have the one without the other. Have you crossed over or are you still in the wilderness? Most of us have the same problems as they did. They looked outward (giants in the land.) They looked inward (we are as grasshoppers.) Instead they should have looked upward, (the God!)” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that the prospect of a “fight” won’t keep you from reaching for the “fruit!”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“There was a scientist who was studying frogs. The scientist told the frog to jump, so the frog jumped, and he jumped 4 feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook: a frog with 4 feet jumps 4 feet. The scientist then cut of one leg. He told the frog to jump, so the frog jumped. He jumped 3 feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook: a frog with 3 feet jumps 3 feet. The scientist then cut off one more leg. He told the frog to jump, so the frog jumped. He jumped 2 feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook: a frog with 2 feet jumps 2 feet. The scientist cut off one more leg. He told the frog to jump, so the frog jumped. He jumped 1 foot. So the scientist wrote in his notebook: a frog with 1 foot jumps 1 foot. The scientist cut off the last leg. He told the frog jump, Jump, JUMP! But the frog did not move. So the scientist wrote in his notebook: a frog with no legs goes deaf.” Christiansunite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 39-41

Trail Mix - 1.13.19

January 13, 2019 – “Religious exercise such as reading scripture, prayer, meditation and church attendance are good and all may provide some satisfaction but these things are not the end, they are the means to the end. We must not let the good rob us of the best. Religious exercise has no value unless it links us with God. David cried, “…my soul thirsteth…”Only God can meet the need of our souls, hearts, minds and emotions! Styles of worship cannot replace the substance in worship. The Lord is looking for those who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is for you to drink from the “Rock” that never runs dry and always satisfies.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - 12:1 Ecclesiastes Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; KJV

“A man asked his wife what she'd like for her birthday. "I'd love to be six again," she replied.
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear--everything there was! Wow! Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down. Right to McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Big Mac along with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie - the latest Star Wars epic, and hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi Cola, and M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?" One eye opened. The wife said, "You idiot, I meant my dress size!" The moral of this story is: If a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will still get it wrong.” Christiansunite.com

 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 36-38

Trail Mix - 1.12.19

January 12, 2019– “Some folks are always hearkening back to the “good ole days,” and there are some things from by gone times that bring back fond memories but “this is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Every day is a gift from God. Things change and people pass off the scene of life but the “Ancient of Days” remains the same. He is the same, “yesterday, today and forever.” We need to seek Him now and serve Him now for tomorrow will take care of itself.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would serve God now, “…for the night cometh when no man can work (serve)…”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“An eighty-year-old man's golf game was hampered by poor eyesight. He could hit the ball well but he couldn't see where it went. So his doctor teamed him up with a ninety-year-old man who had perfect eyesight and was willing to go along to serve as a spotter. The eighty-year-old man hit the first ball and asked his companion if he saw where it landed. "Yep," said the ninety-year-old. "Where did it go?" the eighty-year-old demanded. The ninety-year old replied, "I don't remember." ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 33-35  

Trail Mix - 1.11.19

January 11, 2019– Hudson Taylor said, “Quit working at your faith and rest in the Faithful One!” That’s certainly true but we are also to “make our calling and election sure.” Real faith is not preoccupied with self but is focused on Him who is the “author and finisher of our faith.” You can become so concerned about the quality and quantity of your faith that you lose sight of the “object” of our faith; King Jesus!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to see Jesus and that others would see Jesus in you!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“A party of Methodist preachers was attending an Annual Conference at a private countryside resort. Several of them set off to explore the area, and presently they came upon an old bridge that crossed a quiet pond. Unfortunately, they didn't notice a sign declaring the bridge to be unsafe. As they crossed it, the caretaker came running after them. "Hey! You there! Get off that bridge!" he protested. "It's all right," declared one of the preachers, "we are in this resort with permission. We're Methodists from the Conference." "I'm not worried about THAT," replied the caretaker. "But if you don't get off that bridge, you'll all be BAPTISTS!" ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 31-32

Trail Mix - 1.10.19

January 10, 2019 – “Real faith is a “know-so” faith. The epistles of John are filled with this truth. “These things have I written to you that believe that ye may know…” but there is another side to this; “The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 2 Tim. 2:19. We need to know Him and He needs to know us. Men need to know that we are His also through the badge of love. Real faith is filled with “know-so” evidence!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to really “know” that you are a child of the King!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“One night at the dinner table, the wife commented, "When we were first married, you took the small piece of steak and gave me the larger. Now you take the large one and leave me the smaller; you don't love me any more..." "Nonsense, honey," replied the husband, "you just cook better now." Christiansunite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 29-30

Trail Mix - 1.9.19

January 9, 2019 – “Recent news about a dear friend who is battling heart trouble reminds me afresh and anew of the brevity of life. James tells us that our life “…is a vapor…” and other writers talk of “flowers” and “grass of the field” that appear and disappear after a brief period of life. Friend, make you plans now for heaven, you may receive your summons from the Sovereign without any warning. “Seek the Lord while He may be found…” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to be “packed up, prayed up and ready to go!”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“Mrs. Jones had been a staple of her local congregation for many years and that is why her absence was noticed lately. The pastor decided to drop by her house to check up on her after the Sunday service. He knocked on her door and being that she's nearly 85 it took her a bit to get to the door. "Hello, who is it?" she asked. "It's Pastor Smith", he answered. "OH Hi-Come in, Come in, how's the ministry doing?" She said. "Very well, I just wanted to make sure your prayer needs are being met." "Oh honey, I haven't felt well lately but I'm getting better" Just then the phone rang and she excused herself to get it. The pastor sat near a table with an old reader's digest and a bowl of peanuts. After 15 minutes, then 20, he heard his stomach growl and began to get restless. He started in on the bowl of peanuts and began reading. After 45 minutes, he suddenly realized that he had eaten all of the peanuts. Right then Mrs. Jones returned and said, "Oh I sure am sorry, that was my sister from Pittsburgh. She only calls once per month so when she does we have to catch up on everything." The pastor feeling a little embarrassed said "I must also apologize, for while you were gone I got hungry and ate all the peanuts in your little bowl there. Please, forgive me" he said. Mrs. Jones replied, "Oh that's ok, without my teeth, all I can do is just suck the chocolate off of them!" Christiansunite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 26-28

Trail Mix - 1.8.19

January 8, 2019 “Is the resurrection of Jesus a “report” or a “reality” in your life? The Emmaus road disciples had not seen Jesus so they didn’t know Him when they walked with Him. It was not until He blessed their seaside meal that the “report” became a “reality.” For many, the grave is empty, but there is a lack of vibrant witness. We have the facts but there is no “fire” within us! When we truly meet the resurrected Christ He lights a fire in our hearts! Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to be endued with “…power from on high…”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“One day my Gramma was out, and my Grampa was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift, and it was one of my favorites. Grampa was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Gramma came home. My Grampa made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' Gramma waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Grampa, and she watched him drink it up. Then she said, (as only a Gramma would know), "'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?" Dailyjokes.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 24-25

Trail Mix - 1.7.19

January 7, 2019– “In the “come as you are” church age that we live in; I wonder if we haven’t lost something very important. Is “casual” really the word we want associated with Biblical Christianity that speaks of sacrifice, selflessness, self-discipline, self-emptying, dedication, devotion, total surrender and even “dying” to self? Dr. Leroy Forlines warned us decades ago about the dangers “easy believism.” Have we arrived at that place and is it really where we want to be? S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to possess “…the faith once delivered to the Saints…”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“A handsome young man years ago who wanted to go to the County Fair. He put a chicken under his left arm and a little pig under his right arm and a basket on his head. He took off toward town but seemed to get lost. Then he noticed a cross road and saw a beautiful young lady walking toward him. He asked the beautiful young lady, "Can you tell me how to get to the County Fair?" The beautiful young lady could tell he was a handsome young man even with the basket on his head and a chicken under one arm and a pig under the other. The beautiful young lady replied " I can not only tell you I can show you. I'm on my way to the fair. We go down this road to the next cross road and turn right and at the next cross road we turn right again." The fairground is way over there on the other side of the woods. The handsome young man said "If the Fair Grounds are on the other side of the woods why don't we cut through the woods?" The beautiful young lady replied “because in the woods you might try to kiss me." The handsome young man said "how could I kiss you I have a chicken under my left arm and a little pig under my right arm and a basket on my head. The young lady indignantly said "You could put the chicken down and place the basket over it." And then with a twinkle in her eye she said "I could hold the little pig." PreachHim.org

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 21-23

Trail Mix - 1.6.19

January 6, 2019– “As Christians we have been given a “work” to do, that’s right it is work! The Bible has a lot to say about work. Jesus said: “My Father works and I work!” and it also say that “the night cometh when no man can work.” Friends, the night is coming and very fast I might add. Have you ever been out at dusk to watch the sun go down? One minute it’s a big orange ball and the next it’s a receding glow that slowly fades into darkness. Our world is fast approaching spiritual dusk that will soon turn to darkness, just before the “light of the world” returns in bright glory. Let’s work while we can, the light is fading fast, souls hang in the balance. Let’s work till Jesus comes!” Steve Trail

My prayer for you today is that you “choose to serve the Lord” like Joshua and his house.

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

“One day, a man walks into a dentist's office and asks how much it will cost to extract wisdom teeth.”Eighty dollars," the dentist says. "That's a ridiculous amount," the man says. "Isn't there a cheaper way?" "Well," the dentist says, "if you don't use an anesthetic, I can knock it down to $60." "That's still too expensive," the man says. "Okay," says the dentist. "If I save on anesthesia and simply rip the teeth out with a pair of pliers, I could get away with charging $20." "Nope," moans the man, "it's still too much." "Hmm," says the dentist, scratching his head. "If I let one of my students do it for the experience, I suppose I could charge you just $10." "Marvelous," says the man, "book my wife for next Tuesday!" ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 19-20

Trail MIx - 1.5.19

January 5, 2019– “Many do not serve the Lord because they look at someone else who “does it better” in their eyes. But do not let the fact that someone else does something better keep you from doing what you can! Most of us are familiar with the hymn, “Little is much if God is in it.” Our God can take a little and multiply it into a lot. Witness the feeding of the 5,ooo where our Lord took some fish and bread and fed a multitude with 12 baskets of leftovers! We need to be like the little boy who gave up his lunch. He gave what he had and put it in the Lord’s hands.” – S. E. Trail 

My prayer for you is that you might not concern yourself with what’s on you (clothing, hairstyles, etc.) but what’s in you; Jesus!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6  

“An Amish boy and his father were visiting a mall. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and back together again. The boy asked his father, "What is this, Father?" The father responded, "Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life, I don't know what it is." While the boy and his father were watching wide-eyed an old lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched small circles of lights w/numbers above the walls light up. They continued to watch the circles light up in the reverse direction. The walls opened up again and a beautiful 24 year old woman stepped out. The father said to his son, "Go get your Mother." ChristiansUnite.com

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 16-18

Trail Mix - 1.4.19

January 4, 2019– “One of the most disturbing things in Christian work is folks who walk down aisles and make a display of consecration or indicate during an invitation that they made a decision but they never follow through. They are like those Jesus described who, “…hear the Word and anon with joy receive it but have no root in themselves and are soon offended.” What is the answer? It is not enough to say, “Lord, Lord,” we must do the Father’s Will! James makes it clear that a faith “without works” is a dead faith! We do not work for our salvation but if we have what Jesus is offering we will demonstrate it by doing good works for the Father’s glory!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today that you would have a “long obedience” leading to a home in heaven!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6  

“A young girl who was writing a paper for school came to her father and asked, "Dad, what is the difference between anger and exasperation?" The father replied, "It is mostly a matter of degree. Let me show you what I mean." With that, the father went to the telephone and dialed a number at random. To the man who answered the phone, he said, "Hello, is Melvin there?" The man answered, "There is no one living here named Melvin. Why don't you learn to look up numbers before you dial them?" "See," said the father to his daughter. "That man was not a bit happy with our call. He was probably very busy with something, and we annoyed him. Now watch . . ." The father dialed the same number again. "Hello, is Melvin there?" asked the father. "Now look here!" came the heated reply. "You just called this number, and I told you that there is no Melvin here! You've got a lot of nerve calling again!" The receiver was slammed down hard. The father turned to his daughter and said, "You see, that was anger. Now I'll show you what exasperation means." He dialed the same number, and a violent voice roared, "HELLO!" The father calmly said, "Hello, this is Melvin. Have there been any calls for me?"

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 12-15

Trail Mix - 1.3.19

January 3, 2019 – Vance Havner said, “Preacher, Stand at the Hub and all the spokes are yours.” Preachers make Jesus the center of all you’re preaching and teaching; He is the “perennial” One and when He is the “Hub” you will always be fresh and “pertinent!” Study His life and ministry and you will never run out of preaching material. He is “…the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Those who know Jesus in your congregation will never tire of hearing about Him for He is the “preeminent” One! S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have an unquenchable thirst for “…living water…”

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6  

“Grandma and Grandpa were sitting in their porch rockers watching the beautiful sunset and reminiscing about "the good old days". Grandma turned to Grandpa and said, "Honey, do you remember when we first started dating and you used to just casually reach over and take my hand?" Grandpa looked over at her, smiled and obligingly took her aged hand in his. With a wry little smile, Grandma pressed a little farther, "Honey, do you remember how after we were engaged, you'd sometimes lean over and suddenly kiss me on the cheek?" Grandpa leaned slowly toward Grandma and gave her a lingering kiss on her wrinkled cheek. Growing bolder still, Grandma said, "Honey, do you remember how, after we were first married, you'd kind of nibble on my ear?" Grandpa slowly got up from his rocker and headed into the house. Alarmed, Grandma said, "Honey, where are you going?" Grandpa replied, "To get my teeth!"

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 8-11

Trail Mix - 1.2.19

January 2, 2019 – “We are all headed for a timeless eternity and would do well to prepare for “…that day…” 2 Timothy 1:12. Thing is, if we are ready for that day we will be ready for any day and every day! Set your house in order and you’ll be okay whenever He gives you your summons. Don’t waste time on trivial pursuits or things that don’t last. Don’t waste the time of your life having the time of your life. Think about where we are all going to be one day.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today for you to avoid a “wasted” life!

Weekly Memory Verse Challenge - “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6  

 “A couple from north Oklahoma decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particularly icy winter. Because they both had jobs, they had difficulty coordinating their travel schedules. It was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on Thursday, and his wife would follow the next day. Upon arriving as planned, the husband checked into the motel. He decided to open his laptop and send his wife an e-mail back home. However, he accidentally left off one letter in her address, and sent the e-mail without realizing the error. In Houston, a widow had just returned from her husband’s funeral. He was a pastor of many years who had been called home to glory. The widow checked her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. Upon reading the first message, she fainted and fell to the floor. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: TO: My loving wife FROM: Your departed husband SUBJECT: I’ve arrived! MESSAGE: I’ve just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was. P.S. Sure is hot down here.”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule - Genesis 4-7