Trail Mix - 2.28.18

2.28.18 – “One of the most overpowering thoughts in life is that Jesus loved us when there was nothing good in us to love, whatsoever. His love is “unilateral,” for He loved us first and His love is “unconditional,” for there is nothing that can “separate” us from His love, not even death! His love is also “unchangeable,” for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Spurgeon said, “His love is strong as death and mightier than the grace.” “Who can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus?” The answer is, “No one,” in heaven or earth! You are loved by the God Who is Creator, Controller and Consummator of the universe!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would apprehend and appreciate the love that we have in the Lord!

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV

“An English professor wrote the words, "A woman without her man is nothing" on the blackboard and directed the students to punctuate it correctly. The men wrote: "A woman, without her man, is nothing." The women wrote: "A woman: without her, man is nothing."

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Deut. 3

Trail Mix - 2.27.18

2.27.18 – “God’s word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword…” but how many really believe this to be true. His Word is spiritual dynamite, can change liars into truth tellers, soften hard hearts, give sight to the spiritually blind, set the captive free, hypocrites are made sincere and aints’ become saints! God’s Word is the “power of God unto salvation!” Praise God from whom all blessings flow. S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to really “believe” your beliefs!

Psalms 119:130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. KJV

“Due to a mix-up on election night, three politicians are forced to share a private jet in order to arrive in time for a rally. Once up in the air, one pulls out a $1000 bill and says, "I'm going to throw this $1000 bill out the window and make someone down below very happy." Not to be outdone, one rips a $1000 bill in half and throws it out the window, saying, "Look, I just made two people really happy." Not even noticing his stupid move, the third one brags, "Look, I'm going to throw 1000 $1 bills and make a lot more people a little happier." At this point the pilot, who has overheard all this bragging and can't stand it anymore, comes out and says, "I think I'll throw all three of you out of this plane and make millions of people happy."

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Deut. 1-2

Trail Mix - 2.26.18

2.26.18 – “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” Move the comma and you have the real truth. When the fool looks in his heart he doesn’t see God so he declares that God does not exist. On the other hand, the Christian looks in his heart and gladly proclaims, there is a God and He lives in His temple. God is a present, living reality. “The fool hath said, in his heart there is no god.” See how much difference a comma makes!  Only a fool could look at the witness for God’s existence in creation and in the creature (man) and come to the conclusion that there is no God. S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is for you to have a “blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, oh what a foretaste of glory divine.”

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. KJV

“A man and his ten-year-old son were on a fishing trip miles from home. At the boy's insistence, they decided to attend the Sunday worship service at a small rural church. The father forgot to bring any cash, so he reached in his pocket and gave his son a quarter to drop in the offering plate as it was passed. As they walked back to their car after the service, the father complained. "The service was too long, the sermon was boring, and the singing was off key." Finally the boy said, "Daddy, what did you expect for a quarter?

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 34-36

Trail Mix - 2.25.18

2.25.18 – “It’s sad that some folks are like doubting Thomas and must have a sensational experience in order to believe. We’re thankful that they do believe but Jesus had something important to say about those who have the “seeing is believing” kind of faith, “…blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Simply having faith in your faith is little more than positive thinking. The object of our faith must be Christ and Christ alone. Faith and feelings are not synonymous! If you have faith in your faith the Devil will give you fits. A simple child-like faith is all that is necessary to come to Christ. True faith must be in and on Christ. When it is we do not meet doubt alone but with the person of Jesus Christ. Blessed are the believers!”

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

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. KJV

BEING THANKFUL

“A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 32-33

Trail Mix - 2.24.18

2.24.18 – “Many folks try to “get away from it all,” by running to the mountains or going down to the lake but the problem is no matter where you go you have to take yourself! If you have no peace it matters not what point on the map you run to but if you do have the “peace that passeth understanding,” then you can be happy anywhere. Jesus said, “birds have nests and foxes have holes but the son of man has no where to lay his head,” but He had peace!” A. W. Tozer

My prayer for you today is for you to have a peace that can’t be perturbed!

Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

“A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalms 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Ricky was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalms. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalms 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know." ChristiansUnite.Com

 Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 30-31

Trail Mix - 2.23.18

2.23.18 – “Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts,” a wise man once said. There are many who go through life and are never sure of anything. We should give ourselves credit for what faith we have, not what we don’t have! Your faith may be a mixture of belief and doubt but at least you have some faith. Whatever you have came from God and He expects you to use it and affirm it. God would not ask us to believe if we could not!”   

My prayer for you today is for you to know that you know that you know that you know that you belong to Jesus!

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

“The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't answer it?" she asked.” Anonymous

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 27-29

Trail Mix - 2.22.18

2.22.18 – Vance Havner said, “The Gospel is not a secret to be hoarded but a story to be heralded!” We are to be dispensers of God’s grace not depositories. Too many believers are stuffing themselves with Gospel blessings while millions go without even a morsel. We are debtors to all men to give freely what we have freely received. Jesus told Peter to, “Feed my sheep and feed my lambs.” The Living Water should overflow so that others may drink. David wrote the “…my cup runneth over…” and he gave us over 70 of the Psalms. We are blessed to be a blessing.”

My prayer for you today is for your “out go to exceed you inflow.”

Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; KJV

“Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. "Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer." said his mother. "I don't need to," the boy replied. "Of course, you do "his mother insisted. ”We always say a prayer before eating at our house." "That's at our house." Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook." Anonymous

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 25-26

Trail Mix - 2.21.18

2.21.18 – “Worry is a waste. It’s like sitting in a rocking chair, there’s a lot of motion but no movement! Many worry and doubt and fear about their salvation. The Israelite who worried although the blood was on his doorpost was just as safe as the one who rested in peace; he had security but didn’t enjoy it! Jesus is not just our refuge, He’s our dwelling place. He’s not just “a shelter in the time of storm,” He’s also “the haven of rest.” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to “learn to lean” on the Rock!

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. KJV

“Vicky was at a business conference. During a break, she decided to call home collect. Her six-year-old son picked up the phone and heard a stranger’s voice say, “We have Vicky on the line. Will you accept the charges?” Frantic, the six-year-old dropped the receiver and came charging outside screaming, “Dad! They have Mom! And they want money!” ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 22-24

Trail Mix - 2.20.18

2.20.18 – “Every church has three kinds of “bones” in it. A wishbone who sits around and wishes someone would do something, a jawbone  who sits around and always has something to say, usually negative or critical; they are not born again they are born “against,” and a backbone who through their attitudes and actions make the church a stronger and better place. What kind of “bone” are you?” Anonymous

My prayer for you today is for you to have an “oak two by four for a backbone” and that you will be a contributor and not a complainer.

Romans 3:17  And the way of peace have they not known:

“Jim Dunn was serving as the pastor of the First Baptist Church, and his wife, Gladys, was very friendly and welcoming to people. One particular Sunday when the sermon seemed to go on forever, many in the congregation fell asleep. After the service, to be sociable, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman. In an attempt to revive him from his stupor, she extended her hand in greeting, and said, "Hello, I’m Gladys Dunn." To which the gentleman replied, "You’re not the only one!" ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today –Numbers 19-21  

Trail Mix - 2.19.18

2.19.18 – “The Dead Sea has an inlet but no outlet and therefore is a “dead sea.” It’s so salty that when you swim in it you bob like a cork. Many people are just like the Dead Sea, they are always getting but they do not give. A life spent for self is a life wasted. A life that never gives is small and with little redeeming value. The Scripture says, “...freely ye have received, freely give,” and “Give and it shall be given unto to you…” We are blessed to be a blessing.” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to be a “contributor” and not just a “consumer!”

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. KJV

“I knew that Alabama fans were a little over the top but this fellow takes the cake. A BAMA fan named Fred had tickets to the BCS Championship game featuring Alabama and LSU at the 50 yard line. As Fred sat down, a man came and asked him if anyone was going to occupy the seat next to him. “No,” said Fred, “sit right down. The seat will be empty.” “That’s incredible!” said the man. “Who in their right mind would reserve a seat like this for the BCS championship and then not use it?” Fred said, “Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. “Oh... I’m sorry to hear that. That’s terrible. But couldn’t you find someone else – a friend or relative, or even a neighbor – to take her seat?” Fred shook his head sadly. “No. They’re all at the funeral.” Edited from ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 16-18

Trail Mix - 2.18.18

2.18.18 – “Years ago “sugar coated Christianity” was soundly condemned but today many churches seek to make the world “comfortable” with Christianity. They say they have changed their methodology but not the Message but is this true? If that was true then the “reproach” of the Savior, the Sect and the Saints would still be present but this “reproach” is no where to be found. The world hated Him and if we embrace His “reproach” they will hate us! This is not something we seek; it is a fact of the Christian life.” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to “rejoice in the reproach” of our blessed Savior!

Hebrews 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. KJV

“Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother gently rubbed cold cream on her face. "Why are you rubbing cold cream on your face, Mommy?" he asked. "To make myself beautiful," said his mother. A few minutes later, she began removing the cream with a tissue. "What's the matter?" asked Little Johnny. "Giving up?" ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 14-15

Trail Mix - 2.17.18

2.17.18 – “The key to our understanding of the book of Job is not Job, verse 12 of chapter 42 where God blessed the latter end of His life. That is not the climax of the book of Job, for recovering his prosperity was incidental to the really important thing that happened to this man of God. As believers we should learn that He does not always restore what we have lost. The supreme element to this story is found in Job's statement of faith, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” God does not have to explain everything to us, He wants us to "see" with eyes of faith, to walk by faith and not by sight.” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to trust the heart of God for He loves us more than we can ever comprehend.

Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

“A little boy wanted $100 very badly. He prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. So, he decided to write a letter to God requesting $100. When the postal authorities received the letter to "God, USA", they decided to send it to the President. The President was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5 bill. The President thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy. The little boy was delighted with the $5 bill, and sat down to write a thank-you note to God. The postal authorities forwarded this letter on to the President, too. It read: "Dear God, Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington, D.C., and those guys deducted $95 in taxes!" ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 11-13

Trail Mix - 2.16.18

2.16.18 – “A lot of folks are nervous about what is happening in the Middle East at this hour while others are concerned about the nuclear arms race and the prospect of global destruction but the biggest issue is not atomic but Adamic. It’s the first Adam in us that’s causing all the trouble around the world today. Only the second Adam can help us with this problem. “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee…” S. E. ‘trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have the peace and serenity that comes by resting on the Rock of our salvation. 

Exodus 33:21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

 “Two friends met in the street. One looked sad and almost on the verge of tears. The other man said, "Hey my friend, how come you look like the whole world has caved in?" The sad fellow said, "Let me tell you. Three weeks ago, an uncle died and left me 50-thousand dollars." "That's not bad at all...!" "Hold on, I'm just getting started. Two weeks ago, a cousin I never knew kicked-the-bucket and left me 95-thousand, tax-free to boot." "Well, that's great! I'd like that."
"Last week, my grandfather passed away. I inherited almost a million." "So why are so glum?"
"This week - nothing!" ChristiansUnite.com

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 8-10

Trail Mix - 2.15.18

2.15.18 – “Seek ye first…” What part of that phrase don’t we understand? God’s Word makes it clear that our love and loyalty for God must come first before anything and everything else. Once you get things in life in their proper order it’s amazing how wonderful life can be. That’s not to say it will be easy because there is always the pressure to change the order of priority but if we will keep God first the rest will take care of itself. Seek the “kingdom” first and see what God will do in your life!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to order your priorities so that your priorities will be in order!

Philippians 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…

“Mother asks little Johnny, as they wait for the bus, to tell the driver he is 4 years old when asked because he will ride for free. As they get into the bus the driver asks Johnny how old he was. "I am 4 years old". "And when will you be five years old?" asks the driver. “When I get off the bus" answers Johnny.” ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 7

Trail Mix - 2.14.18

2.14.18 – “There are two kinds of wealth in the world; the riches of Christ with its reproach or the treasures of Egypt. Moses chose the former rather than the latter and laid up treasures in heaven. He paid a high price for his choice in the here and now but received a great reward in the hereafter. You can be rich in Christ or you can get rich in Egypt but you can’t do both. The choice is “God or mammon!” gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for you to make the right choice, that you will “seek Him first” and last and always!

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.

“Two cannibals meet one day. The first cannibal says, "You know, I just can't seem to get a tender Missionary. I've baked them, I've roasted them, I've stewed them, I've barbecued them, I've tried every sort of marinade. I just cannot seem to get them tender." The second cannibal asks, "What kind of Missionary do you use?" The other replied, "You know, the ones that hang out at that place at the bend of the river. They have those brown cloaks with a rope around the waist and they're sort of bald on top with a funny ring of hair on their heads." "Ah, ha!" the second cannibal replies. "No wonder ... those are friars!" ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 5-6

Trail Mix - 2.13.18

2.13.18 – “The Word or the world, what will it be, for you my friend? You can have either but you cannot have both. An old cliché is “The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Isn’t it strange that among those who profess to be Christians there are many who never read the Bible? They keep it on the dash of the car or on the coffee table at home or on the nightstand by the bed but they are never opened. Is there any “dust on your Bible” my friend?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to saturate your heart and mind with the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

“The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock. The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said. "It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling." ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 3-4

Trail Mix - 2.12.18

2.12.18 – “Gump philosophy! Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. That's not quite accurate though because you can know what you’re getting with some things. For instance, we reap what we sow and if we sow sparingly we will reap sparingly and vice versa. And "be sure your sins will find you out." Conduct has consequences for both good and bad. Forrest Gump was almost right but to be almost right is to be altogether wrong where spiritual things are concerned!”  S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to realize that all our conduct for good or for bad has consequences.

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. KJV

 “A famous art collector is walking through the city when he notices a mangy cat lapping milk from a saucer in the doorway of a store and he does a double take. He knows that the saucer is extremely old and very valuable, so he walks casually into the store and offers to buy the cat for two dollars. The store owner replies, "I'm sorry, but the cat isn't for sale. The collector says, "Please, I need a hungry cat around the house to catch mice. I'll pay you twenty dollars for that cat." And the owner says "Sold," and hands over the cat. The collector continues, "Hey, for the twenty bucks I wonder if you could throw in that old saucer. The cat's used to it and it'll save me from having to get a dish." To which the owner says, "Sorry buddy, but that's my lucky saucer. So far this week I've sold twenty-eight cats." ChristiansUnite.com

 Bible Reading Schedule for today – Numbers 1-2

Trail Mix - 2.11.18

2.11.18 – “Christian friend, are you in accord with the world or in discord with the world? Alexander McLaren said, “The measure of our discord with the world is the measure of our accord with the Savior.” Make no mistake, the world hates the name of Jesus and the world will hate you if you really love Him. Many churches today are pursuing a program that seeks to make the world feel “comfortable.” There can be no “concord” between Christ and Belial.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “steel” your heart against the antagonism of the world, if you live for Christ it will come.

Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. KJV

A woman accompanied her husband to the doctor’s office. After the check-up, the doctor took the wife aside and said, “If you don’t do the following, your husband might not make it.”
      1. “Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast and send him off to work in a good mood.”
      2. “At lunch time, make him a warm, nutritious meal and put him in a good frame of mind          before he goes back to work.”
      3. “For dinner, fix an especially nice meal and don’t burden him with household chores.”
      4. “Satisfy his every whim.”

On the way home, the husband asked his wife what the doctor had said. She replied “You’re not going to make it.” ChristiansUnite.com

 Bible Reading Schedule for today – Leviticus 26-27

Trail Mix - 2.10.18

2.10.18 – “Our righteousness is as “filthy rags,” said the prophet! These filthy rags cannot cover fully, we are still exposed to God’s wrath; they are filthy so they defile us and we are still in need of cleansing and they are flimsy for they are inadequate to provide the protection we so desperately need. God clothe us with the righteousness of your Son “…who was made to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God.” Oh what a Savior!” Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer today is that you would be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and share your witness with someone today.

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

While sports fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim, but his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting and old beachcomber standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any gators around here?!" "Naw," the man hollered back, "they ain't been around for years!" "Feeling safe, the tourist started swimming leisurely toward the shore. About halfway there he asked the guy, "How'd you get rid of the gators?" "We didn't do nothin'," the beachcomber said. "The sharks got 'em." ChristiansUnite.com

Bible Reading Schedule for today – Leviticus 24-25

Trail Mix - 2.9.18

2.9.18 – Too many “disciples” are out for what they can get instead of what they can give. Many often expect service but never think of giving it! Folks will never have a deeper experience with Jesus until “Getters” become “Givers!” A visiting couple asked what the church had to offer for their children as though they were ordering off of a menu in a restaurant. Jesus said, “…take up your cross, deny yourself and follow me.” I wonder if Jesus would be welcome in churches today that seek to make everyone, including sinners, comfortable, with His message of selflessness and sacrifice? Gleanings from Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is that you would be a contributor not a consumer!

Luke 12:48 …For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…

A young doctor had just opened office and felt really excited. His secretary told him a man was here to see him. The young doctor told her to send him in. Pretending to be a busy doctor, he picked up the phone just as the man came in. "Yes, that's right. The fee is $200. Yes, I'll expect you ten past two. Alright. No later, I'm a very busy man." He hung up and turned to the man waiting. "May I help you?" "No," said the man, "I just came in to install the phone." ChristiansUnite.com

            Bible Reading Schedule for today – Leviticus 22-23