Trail Mix - 12.31.19

December 31, 2019 – “The early church began with a company of lay witnesses and has become filled with lay spectators. All of us are called to be witnesses not onlookers. There is power when this happens. Three words come to mind when I think of the power that they had; some were expelled (Ananias & Sapphira), some were repelled (they would not join themselves to the disciples), and real believers were compelled (we cannot be speak the things we have seen and heard!)” Vance Havner

My prayer for you to day is that you would feel a divine compulsion to communicate the wonderful grace of Christ to those who need to hear.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. KJV

 

“A young woman went to her doctor complaining of pain. "Where are you hurting?" asked the doctor. "You have to help me, I hurt all over", said the woman. "What do you mean, all over?" asked the doctor, "be a little more specific. "The woman touched her right knee with her index finger and yelled, "Ouch, that hurts." Then she touched her left cheek and again yelled, "Ouch! That hurts, too." Then she touched her right earlobe, "Ouch, even THAT hurts", she cried. The doctor checked her thoughtfully for a moment and told her his diagnosis, "You have a broken finger."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 20-22

Trail Mix - 12.30.19

December 30, 2019 – “What makes the Christian life different from all other world religions? For me the difference is joy! All the others focus on happiness but Christianity produces joy, deep down, abiding, lasting joy. “The Joy of the Lord is our strength.” There is the joy of salvation when we meet Jesus. There is the joy we find when we grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. Finally, there is the joy we have when we “…finish our course,” as Paul did. Joy in Jesus is the difference.“ S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would have fullness of joy, joy unspeakable, and exceeding joy in the Holy Spirit!

Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. KJV

“An Alabama fan driving a car became lost in a snowstorm but she didn’t panic because she remembered what her dad had once told her. “If you ever get stuck in a snowstorm, just wait for a snow plow to come by and follow it.” Pretty soon a snow plow came by, and she started to follow it. She followed the plow for about 45 minutes. Finally the driver of the plow got out and asked her what she was doing. She explained that her dad had told her if she ever got stuck in a snow storm, to follow a plow. The driver nodded and said, “Well, I’m done with the Wal-Mart parking lot, do you want to follow me over to K-Mart now?”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 17-19

Trail Mix - 12.29.19

December 29, 2019 – “Have you ever noticed that the happiest person is usually a young Christian? Paul wrote of the “…simplicity that is in Christ…” We need more than anything else to have some plain and simple Christians who will “…let God be true and every man a liar.” Blessed are those who rediscover the simplicity that is in Christ!” - Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to possess the wisdom that comes from above!

Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. KJV

“A pilot landed a plane with a rather bumpy landing. As part of his job he was required to stand by the terminal door and say goodbye to the passengers as they exited the airplane. He was afraid that someone might say something about his rather less than perfect landing, but everyone left without saying a word, except for one passenger, an elderly lady. She slowly approached the pilot after most passengers had exited the plane and asked, “Did we land? Or were we shot down?”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 13-16

Trail Mix - 12.28.19

December 28, 2019 – “Did you know that it is possible to live a blameless Christian life? It is not possible to live a faultless Christian life for we are “…prone to wander from the God I love.” Blamelessness is doing the very best you can by God’s Grace and trusting Him for the rest. God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust; He remembers what we forget and forgets what we remember! Don’t place demands on yourself that God hasn’t made.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would not live an "aimless" life but a "blameless" life!

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. KJV

“After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!"

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 9-12

Trail Mix - 12.27.19

December 27, 2019 – “God does business with those who mean business! Make no mistake, it takes faith to please Him, but it also takes sincerity and surrender.  God measures our faith and our fortitude when He looks at our lives. Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks upon the heart and our heart reveals if we really mean what we say. Do you mean business with God?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to do “business with God!”

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. KJV

“A deacon is in the hospital and his good friend, a preacher, goes to visit him. The preacher notices all the medical equipment attached to the deacon. He kneels by the bed. The deacon motions to a pad and pen on the nightstand. The preacher hands his friend the pad and pen, and the deacon begins to write. Suddenly, the deacon dies. At his funeral, the preacher delivers the service. He says, "I was with him when he died, and as a matter of fact, I have his last thought in my coat pocket here." The preacher pulls out the paper and reads, "Please, get up. You're kneeling on my oxygen hose."

            2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 4-8

Trail Mix - 12.26.19

December 26, 2019 – Vance Havner said, “You can make your way through the “hubbub” of life and still keep in touch with heaven if your ear is “tuned” to the voice of God. If we are listening for God to speak we will hear Him. Samuel was listening and God spoke. The Psalmist wrote, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak.” Psalm 85:8 He was listening for the Shepherd’s voice. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” Are we listening for His voice? If we are, He will speak! S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have a “listening ear” to hear the voice of the Master!

Joshua 24:24 And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. KJV

“Christmas was over, so Rudolph had a chance to do something he had wanted to do for a long time. He made an appointment with a plastic surgeon because he was so sensitive about his looks. However, it wasn't his glowing proboscis that he wanted changed. He was proud of his nose and the help he had given Santa because of it. No, he was sensitive about his long ears which were much more prominent than the ears of the average reindeer. So one week after Christmas, he underwent reconstructive surgery, and since that time, January 1st has been celebrated as ... New Ears Day.”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Revelation 1-3

Trail Mix - 12.25.19

December 25, 2019 – “We must never forget that God sent not merely a prophet, a philosopher, a poet or a preacher. He sent His “one and only begotten Son!” He “spared not His own Son.” The cradle means nothing without the cross. The crown means nothing without His crucifixion. Don’t lose sight of the fact that the Gospel is not just about a manger scene, it also includes the message from an, “…old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for to share the message of the Cross that leads to the Crown of life!

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. KJV

“A man went to the doctor complaining of insomnia. The doctor gave him an exam and found nothing physically wrong with him. “Listen, “the doctor said, “If you ever expect to cure your insomnia, you need to stop taking your troubles to bed with you.” “It’s true, “said the patient, “But my wife refuses to sleep alone.”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2, 3 John, Jude

Trail Mix - 12.24.19

December 24, 2019 – “Baal had his prophets in Elijah’s day and they did not hesitate to stand up and be counted but the “7,000” were very non-committal. Only God’s man could be heard on that fateful day but God plus one is a majority. The Lord does know those who belong to Him but He wants us to stand up and be counted. We are not spectators or onlookers but participants. Remember our Lord said, “He that is not with me is against me…” Are you really “for” Him? S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know the One who is a majority of one!

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

“While working as a mall Santa, I had many children ask for electric trains. "If you get a train," I would tell each one, "you know your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that okay?" The usual answer was a quick yes, but after I asked one boy this question, he became very quiet. Trying to move the conversation along, I asked what else he would like Santa to bring him. He promptly replied, "Another train."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 John 1-5

Trail Mix - 12.23.19

December 23, 2019 – “God does not always speak to us like He did in Isaiah’s vision or Paul’s Damascus Road experience. More often than not He speaks personally and plainly like He did in the garden when He asked Mary, “Woman, why weepest thou…?” He is concerned with our problems and our cares and so He comes to us, not with thunder but in a still small voice. We have a “friend” who is touched with the “…feelings of our infirmities…” our grief’s and our sorrows. “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief’s to bear…what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you hear and heed the voice of God, whether thunderous or timorous!

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. KJV

“It was just before Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was in the dock, "What are you charged with?" The prisoner replied, "Doing my Christmas shopping too early." "That's no crime," said the magistrate. "Just how early were you doing this shopping?" "Before the shop opened!"

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Peter 1-3

Trail Mix - 12.22.19

December 22, 2019 – “Have you thought about what "...God with us…" means? The angel said that Mary's child would be called the "Son of God," so Jesus is God! The child would also be "...with us..." He came down to be "with" us from heaven, He is "with" us in humility and in our humanity. This child is with us, the last of us, the least of us and the lost of us. He is God the son and Son of God! He is the most unique being in the entire universe. He is the matchless One! He is more than “Wonderful!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to enjoy a time of worship with Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Malachi 4:2  But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.  KJV

It was the day after Christmas at St Peter and St Paul's church in Borden, Kent, England. Father John, the vicar, was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures. Immediately, Father John's thoughts turned to calling in the local policeman but as he was about to do so, he saw little Nathan with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. Father John approached Nathan and asked him, 'Well, Nathan, where did you get the little infant?' Nathan looked up, smiled and replied, 'I took him from the church.' 'And why did you take him?' With a sheepish grin, Nathan said, 'Well, Father John, about a week before Christmas I prayed to Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.'

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Peter 1-5

Trail Mix - 12.21.19

December 21, 2019 – Wisdom from Dr. L. C. Johnson; "It isn't wise to flirt with sin. Every person that I have known who got involved in sin started off by flirting with it. Sin is a process. You do not ordinarily, if ever, commit a gross sin without a process that leads up to it. You have to condition your heart. You have to prepare yourself for it. So, it is wise to hate sin. Remember what happened to “…righteous Lot…” when he “…pitched his tent toward Sodom!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to choose the “Sovereign instead of Sodom!”

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 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. "What does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - James 1-5

Trail Mix - 12.20.19

December 20, 2019 – "Faith is...the evidence of things not seen..." How often have we had to step out on nothing to find out that there was something, a "solid rock" beneath our feet? The "Rock" is Christ "whom having not seen" we love, and in whom, though now we see Him not, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Vance Havner  

My prayer for you today is for you to step out in faith dear friend and stand on the verse while you step on the void! 

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. KJV

“An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anesthesia, he asked to speak to his son. "Yes, Dad, what is it?" "Don't be nervous, son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife...."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hebrews 12-13

Trail Mix - 12.19.19

December 19, 2019 – “You cannot see a man’s motives because, “Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart.” He sees the motives of the heart as clearly as we see actions. One of these days we will all stand before God and give an account of what we have done and why we have done it. Examine your heart my friend and evaluate why you do what you do, especially what you do for God. Remember, He looks on the heart!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “know” your heart and that you might have unselfish motives.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. KJV

                                              

“On Christmas morning a woman told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?” “You’ll know tonight,” he said. That evening just before opening presents, the husband came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it only to find a book entitled “The Meaning of Dreams.”

 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hebrews 10-11

Trail Mix - 12.18.19

December 18, 2019 – “An empty soul can never be satisfied with the things of this world. You can't stuff it with enough. You can give it all the material things in the world, and it will still be hungry. Your soul will always hunger until you get acquainted with the "Bread of Heaven!" Thankfully there is a wonderful promise given to those who are spiritually hungry “...you shall be filled." Let the "Bread of Heaven" fill you today.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “feast” on and fill your soul with “the manna that cometh from above.”

John 6:31  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. KJV

“When we were building this sanctuary we were discussing whether to put paper towel dispensers in the new rest rooms or those hot-air hand dryers. I strongly recommended the paper towel dispensers because of a story I heard about at another church. They installed the hot-air hand dryers. The week after they were installed, some smart aleck put a note on the dryer that read, "Punch this button for a brief recorded message from our pastor."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hebrews 6-9

Trail Mix - 12.17.19

December 17, 2019 – Vance Havner "...all his saints are in thy hand..." Deuteronomy 33:3 this means that all those who trust the Savior are in His hand. They are safe and secure as long as they are in His hand. All the saints, means the church militant and the church triumphant! They are His, they are bought with a price "...precious blood...!" What a handful and what a hand HE must have! Rejoice my friend, if you know Him you are in His hand!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to realize the security that we have as long as we are in His hand.

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. KJV

“A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Hebrews 1-5

Trail Mix - 12.16.19

December 16, 2019 – “God sent a message to Jonah that all believers ought to hear. How can we compare the importance of a gourd to the worth of a city full of lost souls or even one soul for that matter? Nineveh was wicked and a great enemy to Israel but God even loves the souls of Ninevites! What is our comfort under the shade of our "gourds" compared to the lost souls in our communities? Gourds or the Gospel; you can’t have it both ways! Lost souls must be the “main thing” for all believers and we must keep it the “main thing!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to share your faith with those who are lost so that they can know our sweet Savior!

Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. KJV

“The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances." During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Titus/Philemon

Trail Mix - 12.15.19

December 15, 2019 – “If we are in the will of God as best as we know it is required only that we be faithful. Some very "unsuccessful" folks have been greatly used by God. Matthew Henry considered himself to be a failure as a pastor but his commentary has been used by thousands of ministers and laymen. The mega church movement has convinced many that big means successful yet God has promised to bless those who have been, "faithful over a few things...and those that….have been faithful over that which is least." S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to keep “plodding,” to keep on keeping on!

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. KJV

“Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Timothy 1-4

Trail Mix - 12.14.19

December 14, 2019 – “I read a quote from a friend recently who said, "People are normally going to take the softest easiest road available to them until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing." Change is always difficult, and spiritual change is especially so because of the dynamics involved. That's why we refer to this type of change as "spiritual warfare!" The broad road is "easy" and the narrow road is "hard," but the narrow road is worth all the pain. Remember the sports metaphor; “No pain, no gain.” There is no progress without pain!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to experience “growing pains!”

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. KJV

 

“A Sunday school teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really, How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven..."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Timothy 5-6

Trail Mix - 12.13.19

December 13, 2019– “It's possible to be present when great things happen without great things happening to you. Paul had several companions on the Damascus road but he is the only one brought to faith in Christ. How can we know if our experience is genuine? Two things are important. Paul asked, "Who art thou Lord...and what wilt thou have me to do?" A real authentic experience with Jesus will answer both of these questions in your life. Our salvation must be a “done and do” salvation. Realize that Christ has already “done” everything for us and that He wants us to “do” something through Him and for Him.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know the “woe” and “go” of Isaiah chapter six. The prophet got right with God and gave himself in service for God.

2 Samuel 22:3  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour…KJV

“A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Timothy 1-4

Trail Mix - 12.12.19

December 12, 2019 – “We can believe God too little but not too much! If faith pleases Him, then much faith must really give God much pleasure and don't forget that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. This does not mean that God will give us some unwise extravagant thing outside of His will but neither does it mean that we are restricted to the "bare necessities" inside of that will. It is His pleasure to give gifts to His children. Be thankful that we have a heavenly Father who gives “good and perfect gifts.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to know an ever increasing faith in the God who never fails.

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. KJV

“In a  foreign country a priest, a lawyer and an engineer are about to be guillotined. The priest puts his head on the block, they pull the rope and nothing happens -- he declares that he's been saved by divine intervention-- so he's let go. The lawyer is put on the block, and again the rope doesn't release the blade, he claims he can't be executed twice for the same crime and he is set free too. They grab the engineer and shove his head into the guillotine, he looks up at the release mechanism and says, "Wait a minute, I see your problem...."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Thess. 1-3

Trail Mix - 12.11.19

December 11, 2019 – “Vance Havner asked the question. Is your church more like Cana or is it more like Nazareth? Jesus performed his first public miracle at the one and could not do, "...many mighty works..." at the other because of unbelief. Christ works His miracles when humble servants do His bidding without question. Faith and obedience change the mediocre into the miraculous! Does your church live in Cana or Nazareth?” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is that you would be “…living by faith, in Jesus above, trusting; confiding in His great love…”

Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. KJV

“A little silver-haired lady calls her neighbor and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started." Her neighbor asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?" The little silver haired lady says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster." Her neighbor decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster." He takes her hand and says, "Secondly, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then," he said with a deep sigh ......"Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Thess. 1-5

Trail Mix - 12.10.19

December 10, 2019 – “How good to know that when men fail and churches fail, we can still get through to Jesus! He is the All in All, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. All that is true in any book or movement or group or doctrine or experience is already in Christ! Get through to the Source. The song says, "He's all I need, He's all I need, Jesus is all I need..." and He's all you need too!” S. E. Trail

 

My prayer for you today is for you to fall on Jesus, lean on Him for all that you need in this life and in the next!

 

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

‘There was a large group of people, on one side of the group stood a man, Jesus, on the other side of the group stood Satan. Separating them, running through the group, was a fence. The scene set, both Jesus and Satan began calling to the people in the group and, one by one - each having made up his or her own mind - each went to either Jesus or Satan. This kept going. Soon enough, Jesus had gathered around him a group of people from the larger crowd, as did Satan. But one man joined neither group. He climbed the fence that was there and sat on it. Then Jesus and his people left and disappeared. So too did Satan and his people. And the man on the fence sat alone. As this man sat, Satan came back, looking for something which he appeared to have lost. The man said, "Have you lost something?" Satan looked straight at him and replied, "No, there you are. Come with me." "But", said the man, "I sat on the fence. I chose neither you nor him." "That's okay," said Satan. "I own the fence."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Colossians 1-4

Trail Mix - 12.9.19

December 9, 2019 – “There are a lot of lonely people during the holiday season but God can do great things in our isolation. Jacob at Jabok, Moses on the backside of the desert, John on Patmos, Paul in the Maritime jail in Rome, John Bunyan in Bedford jail, Beethoven in his silent prison, and Fanny Crosby in her dark world all point to the fact that God is not limited in blessing, by our limitations. He is the God of the possible! Trust Him in your trial. He is our strength and our refuge, an ever-present help in time of need! Walk in faith and don’t fret, God is where He has always been; ready willing and able to meet your needs!” S. E. Trail

 

My prayer for you today is for you to know the “…peace that passeth understanding.”

 

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. KJV

“A man is walking down the beach and comes across an old bottle. He picks it up, pulls out the cork and out pops a genie! The genie says, "Thank you for freeing me from the bottle. In return I will grant you three wishes." The man says "Great! I always dreamed of this and I know exactly what I want. First, I want one billion dollars in a Swiss bank account." Poof! There is a flash of light and a piece of paper with account numbers appears in his hand! He continues, "Next, I want a brand new red Ferrari right here." Poof! There is a flash of light and a bright red, brand-new Ferrari appears right next to him! He continues, "Finally, I want to be irresistible to women." Poof! There is a flash of light and he turns into a box of chocolates.”

 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Philippians 1-4

Trail Mix - 12.8.19

December 8, 2019 – “Christian practice without principle leads to license while Christian principle without practice is lifeless. We need both principle and practice to get a proper balance. Strive for both and you will be the kind of disciple that God can use to accomplish His will. Even in worship this is true for God is looking for those who will worship Him in "spirit and truth." The church is starving for “balanced believers!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you will the “balance that leads to blessing” in your spiritual life!

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he beingnot a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. KJV

"Why is it," said the rich man to his minister, "that people call me stingy when everyone knows that when I die I'm leaving everything to the church?" "Let me tell you a fable about the pig and the cow," said the minister. "The pig was unpopular while the cow was beloved. This puzzled the pig. 'People speak warmly of your gentle nature and your sorrowful eyes,' the pig said to the cow. 'They think you're generous because each day you give them milk and cream. But what about me? I give them everything I have. I give bacon and ham. I provide bristles for brushes. They even pickle my feet! Yet not one likes me. Why is that?' Do you know what the cow answered?" said the minister. "The cow said, 'Perhaps it is because I give while I'm still living.”

                                                                                                                         

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ephesians 4-6

Trail Mix - 12.7.19

December 7, 2019 – “There are days that we remember all of our lives. For an older generation it was the day the stock market crashed in 1929, for others it was December 7, 1941 or the day President Kennedy was gunned down or the day the planes crashed into the World Trade Center. These are important but they all pale in comparison to 2 events that are coming. "It is appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgment..." Friend, don't forget what lies ahead for us all.” S. E. Trail

                                                                 

My prayer for you today is for you to have an increased “awareness” of the times! It is later than you think!

 

Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. KJV

“A little girl was attending a church service with her mother when she started to complain that she was feeling unwell. "I think I need to throw up," said the girl. "Well, go outside," said the mother, "and use the bushes by the front door of the church." The little girl went off but was back less than a minute later. "That was quick," said the mother. "Did you throw up?" "Yes, but I didn't need to go outside. I used a box near the door that says 'For the sick'."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ephesians 1-3

Trail Mix - 12.6.19

December 6, 2019 – "He that winneth souls is wise." When we stand before God at the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives how much "fruit" will we be able to report? How many will be in the kingdom because we spoke to them of Christ's love for them and led them to the Master? Soul winners shall, "...shine as the stars!" How many spiritual children do you have? Someone has said that the fruit of a Christian is another Christian! Do you like old Noah at least have your family in the “ark of safety?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is that you will have fruit because you are in the “Branch,” more fruit because you have been pruned and much fruit because you have matured for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 9:22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. KJV

“An amateur sportsman spent the day with dog and gun, but brought home no game. A friend twitted him with his failure: "Didn't you shoot anything at all?" The honest fellow nodded miserably. "I shot my dog." "Why?" his questioner demanded. "Was he mad?" The sportsman shook his head doubtfully. "Not exactly mad," he asserted; "but not so happy neither!"

                                                                                                                      

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Galatians 1-6

Trail Mix - 12.5.19

December 5, 2019 – “Every experience of life, even a storm, is sent to us by God to teach us that, "Of a truth, Thou art the Son of God!" Matthew 14:33 Whether it is fair weather or fowl our Father wants us all to know that Jesus is His Son and that we should love Him. There is nothing of greater import than for a human being to know Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus is the pinnacle of true knowledge. The Truth really does set us free!” S. E. Trail

                                         

My prayer for you today is for you to know “The Truth!”

 

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. KJV

“A man who had just undergone a very complicated operation kept complaining about a bump on his head and a terrible headache. Since his operation had been an intestinal one, there was no earthly reason why he should be complaining of a headache. Finally his nurse, fearing that the man might be suffering from some post-operative shock, spoke to the doctor about it. The doctor assured the nurse, "Don't worry about a thing. He really does have a bump on his head. About halfway through the operation we ran out of anesthetic."

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Corinth. 9-13

Trail Mix - 12.4.19

December 4, 2019 – “Better late than never is a popular expression and there is much truth in it. Where salvation is concerned it is absolutely true. It is better to come on your death bed than to not come at all. Jesus told a story about a man who hired some workers all day and some when there was only one hour left in the work day and he paid them all the same. The early guys grumbled but the payday is up to the master! Come to Jesus, no matter what the hour may be, just come! Come while you can and come when He calls!” S. E. Trail

 

My prayer for you today is that if you are “out” that you might get “in” before it is eternally too late.

 

Proverbs 8:17  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. KJV

“Eleven people were hanging on a rope, under a helicopter, 10 men and 1 woman. The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one had to leave, because otherwise they were all going to fall. They weren't able to choose that person, until the woman gave a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because, as a woman, she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids or for men in general, and was used to always making sacrifices with little in return. As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping . . .”

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Corinth. 5-8

Trail Mix - 12.3.19

December 3, 2019 – “The Word of God teaches us to guard our heart because you and I are going to be whatever our heart is, sooner or later. Whatever we put into our hearts is what will come out. If you put in garbage then you will get garbage out! The eye gate and the ear gate is where trash comes into our hearts. The children's song says, "Be careful little eyes what you see and be careful little ears what you hear..." Friend, set a watch over what you see and hear and be on guard.” S. E. Trail

 

My prayer for you today is for you to be alert, attentive and actively on guard for we face an enemy that hurls “fiery darts.”

 

Psalms 62:7  In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. KJV

“A little girl was once standing on the edge of a crowd while her daddy was giving a testimony about what Jesus Christ has done in his life. He was testifying how the Lord had saved him and delivered him from his old lifestyle as a drunkard. There was a cynic standing on the edge of the crowd that day who could not bear to hear any more of this religious nonsense. So he yelled, "Why don't you shut up and sit down, old man. You're just dreaming." Soon, this skeptic felt a tug on his coat sleeve. He looked down and it was this little girl. She looked him square in the eyes and said, "Sir, that's my daddy you're talking about. You say that my daddy is a dreamer? Let me tell you about my daddy". "My daddy used to be a drunkard and would come home at night and beat my mother. She would cry all through the night. And mister, we didn't have good clothes to wear because my daddy spent all his money on whiskey. Sometimes I didn't even have shoes to wear to school. But look at these shoes and look at this dress! My daddy has a good job now!" Then pointing across the way, she said, "Do you see that woman smiling over there? That's my mother. She doesn't cry through the night anymore. Now she sings." Then came the knockout punch, she said, "Jesus has changed my daddy. Jesus has changed our home. Mister, if my daddy is dreaming, please don't wake him up!"

 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 2 Corinth. 1-4

Trail Mix - 12.2.19

December 2, 2019 – Adrian Rogers said, "If you are living for God your name will be on the Devils most wanted list in the post office of Hell!" When the demons thrashed the seven sons of Sceva, the demons said, "Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you?" If your name is in the Lamb's Book you will be on the Devil's hit list! One of the assurances of salvation is that when we come in to Christ we come under attack from Satan. Remember, he is a deceiver and a devourer and an accuser of the brethren! S. E.Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to be a warrior for the Wounded One! Put on the armor of God and follow the Captain of our salvation in battle “beneath the banner of the Cross!

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

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

 

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Corinth.15-16

Trail Mix - 12.1.19

December 1, 2019 – “Have you ever "chosen the lesser of two evils?" All of us have heard that expression or said it ourselves but is there something wrong with this approach. Often when a person does this he holds a finger up to "see which way the wind is blowing," before deciding but that shouldn't be the basis for our decision making. He decides pragmatically instead of by principle. Pragmatic thinking has been and continues to be the scourge of our culture. The only right way is to stand on the Word of God and choose no evil at all!” S. E. Trail

 

My prayer for you today is for you to decide to do what Jesus would do if He were here. He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.”

 

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  KJV

“A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer when all of a sudden he said aloud, "Lord grant me one wish". The sky clouded and a booming voice said, "Because you have tried to be faithful I will grant you one wish." The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want to. The Lord answered, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the logistics of that kind of undertaking; the supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific; the concrete and steel it would take. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time to think of another wish, a wish you think would honor and glorify me". The man thought for a long time and finally said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know what they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say 'nothing', and how I can make a woman truly happy?" After a few minutes God said, "How many lanes do you want on that bridge?"

2019 Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Corinth.12-14