Trail Mix - 8.31.18

8.31.18 – Vance Havner wrote, “What a difference a conjunction makes! Joseph spoke to his brothers and said, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it for good.” What men proposed, God disposed. They thought but HE wrought! We have a potent adversary but we also have an all powerful ALLY! Joseph went from prisoner to prime minister. Despised by his brothers, he was decorated by GOD! Thank GOD for the conjunctions in HIS Word.” Trust in the providence of God my friend; He cannot fail! S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is that you will never give up hope for there is always “God!”

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. KJV

“John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn’t there! So he slammed on the brakes, ordered the hitchhiker out, and said, “Hand over the wallet immediately!” The frightened hitchhiker handed over a billfold, and John drove off. When he arrived home, he started to tell his wife about the experience, but she interrupted him, saying, “Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 16

Trail Mix - 8.30.18

8.30.18 – “Vance Havner said, “If you love His appearing you are not in love with this present world.” Have we set our sights higher than this old world? The love of the world and the love of the Father simply cannot coexist in the same heart! Paul wrote about a member of his missions team that left, “…having loved this present world.” It makes a great difference whether we love this age or the one to come. Remember friend, your heart is wherever your treasure is! We must keep a loose grip on this world and its possessions. If God chooses He can pry our hands off the things of this world that we hold dear but it’s gonna hurt if He has to!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is a heart that longs for it’s true home!

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

“J. Edwin Orr, a professor of Church history has described the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the Welsh Revivals of the nineteenth century. As people sought to be filled with the Spirit, they did all they could to confess their wrong doing and to make restitution. But it unexpectedly created serious problems for the shipyards along the coast of Wales. Over the years workers had stolen all kinds of things, from wheelbarrows to hammers. However, as people sought to be right with God they started to return what they had taken, with the result that soon the shipyards of Wales were overwhelmed with returned property. There were such huge piles of returned tools that several of the yards put up signs that read, "If you have been led by God to return what you have stolen, Please know that the management Forgives you and wishes you to keep what you have taken."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 13-15

Trail Mis - 8.29.18

8.29.18 – “John Wesley was the “Knight with a Burning Heart!” After his Aldersgate experience he said he awoke with "Jesus, Master," in his heart and in his mouth. If you really get what Jesus is offering He will be both Savior and Lord to you. The church world is full of professors who are not possessors. The offer of salvation is to those who will believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Each of these titles has significance for those who believe in Him. Count the cost my friend, Jesus would be Lord of all in your life or He is not Lord at all!’ S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to “wave the white flag of surrender” to the Lord of Lords!

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, KJV

“At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith. "I'm a millionaire," he said, "and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and had to either give it all to God's work or nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today." He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: "I dare you to do it again."

Bible Reading Schedule for today -Ezekiel 9-12

Trail MIx - 8.28.18

8.28.18 – “What happens to a people who forget God? Psalms 9:17 says, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." What an awful price to pay to go your own way and do your own thing without God. They used to say God was dead. They don't say that now, they just say He is irrelevant; that the Creator just does not matter. One day men will know how wrong they were. One day He’s coming and it will be too late to change, too late to make a choice, too late to say I’m sorry! An eternity filled with regret and grief because all hope is gone.” S. E. Trail

My prayer is for all of us to never forget that there is One who has created all things and controls all things and one day will come to settle all things.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. KJV

“The story is told of a policeman who stopped a car for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The man in the car pitched a fit and explained that he had slowed to practically a halt and reasoned that it was practically the same as stopping. Not good enough said the officer and he ticketed the fellow. That afternoon, the officer stopped the fellow a second time and the same scene unfolded. The man pleaded that his habit of slowing down was adequate and just the same as stopping completely. He got another ticket. You guessed it. It happened a third time that night and the fellow yelled at the officer and called him a choice name or two. Finally the officer lost his composure and took action unbecoming an officer of the law. He yanked the fellow half of the way out of the driver’s window and began hitting him with his night stick. The officer yelled, “Ok, do you want me to stop or slow down?” He got the point. Discerning how things really are is important to the believer. What they may seem to be may not be what they are.” - adapted from John Hagee, San Antonio, TX

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 5-8

Trail Mix - 8.27.18

8.27.18 – “Most of us go to church with all kinds of things on our minds. We are thinking about what happened last week or that morning prior to the service or even what we might be doing for lunch after the last amen. We need to think about the implications for a real worship experience when we are focused on these distractions and not on the Lord. Worship is not about us, it’s all about HIM! The God who created everything is worthy of all that we have to give, our time, our talents, and our treasure, nothing less!” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for today is that we all might lay aside our wants, worries, and wanderings and keep our hearts and heads focused on the One who is worthy of worship!

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

“Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, 'What do you think about all this Satan stuff?' The other boy replied, 'Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.'”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Ezekiel 1-4

Trail Mix - 8.26.18

8.26.18 – Vance Havner writes, "Another day, another dollar," is the philosophy a lot of folks live by and because of that they "pierce themselves through with many sorrows." They will violate the Sabbath for a buck, they will cut corners on their taxes to save a penny, and they will rob their family of both time and testimony for a little "scratch!" Some even dare to "rob God," for the sake of the “all mighty” dollar instead of giving to the Almighty! Remember, you can’t take it with you! I’ve been in ministry over 40 years and I’ve never yet seen a U-Haul following a hearse!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would lay your treasure up in the “bank” of heaven where it pays eternal dividends.

Luke 12:15  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. KJV

“Following a great sermon on lifestyle evangelism one family thought they had better do something to witness to Jesus. So they invited their neighbors to dinner the following Friday night. When it came to the meal, the hostess was keen to show their neighbors that they upheld Christian standards in their home. So she asked little 5 year old Johnny to say grace. Little Johnny was a bit shy. "I don't know what to say" There was an awkward pause, followed by a reassuring smile from the boy's mother. "Well darling," she said, “just say what Daddy said at breakfast this morning." Obediently, the boy repeated, "Oh God, we've got those awful people coming to dinner tonight"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Lamentations3-5

Trail Mix - 8.25.18

8.25.18 – Someone said, "It is easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission." Sometimes we make decisions and then call on God after the fact to get His approval. This type of decision making always ends in a mess. Better to seek His face and His will before we make a decision and have His permission than to risk being out of His will and having to ask for His forgiveness later and deal with the fallout! The big problem for most of us is waiting for God to answer. We are like King Saul when Samuel didn’t show up on time; we take matters into our own hands and are surprised when we cause a “train wreck!” They that “…wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength…” and they also avoid having to clean up the mess! S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today would be for a heart that “waits” for His will!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. KJV

“A mother announced to her family, "Tomorrow morning I'm going to make an old-fashioned breakfast with eggs, ham, biscuits and grits." The five-year-old daughter groaned, "But, Mommy, you know I don't like eggs." Mom then reminded her of all the food the little girl liked that contained eggs. The next morning, when the daughter walked into the kitchen, Mom said, "Since you are here first, you can decide for the family. How do you want me to cook the eggs?" The little girl answered, "In chocolate cake, please."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Lamentations1-2

Trail Mix - 8.24.18

8.24.18 – "He that winneth souls is wise..." We are to walk as Jesus walked but we are also supposed to be a witness. Being a soul-winner is "wise" because it keeps our hearts warm, it saves a soul from hell, it encourages the body of Christ, it improves the moral climate in our community, it adds to the pool of workers in the kingdom and much more! Let's sow the Gospel seed and trust God to give the increase. Trymon Messer preached, “Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing!” The 21^st Century church as lost the sense of the urgency of the Gospel! God help us to reclaim and rekindle this desire to reach the lost and dying!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for a “heart” for souls that will be expressed in a verbal and virtual witness!

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

“While two visitors were visiting Annapolis, they noticed several students on their hands and knees assessing the courtyard with pencils and clipboards in hand.  "What are they doing?" one of them asked their tour guide. "Each year," he replied with a grin, "The upperclassmen ask the freshmen how many bricks it took to finish paving this courtyard." "So what's the answer?" one of the visitors asked the tour guide when they were out of earshot of the freshmen. The guide replied, "One. That brings up an interesting theological question.  How many sacrifices did it take to finish paying for our sins?  The Jews would have needed lots of pencils and clipboards to make the calculation.  "Let's see, let's take all the sin offerings, all the guilt offerings, the bulls, the goats, the lambs, the turtledoves..." So what's the answer?  How many sacrifices did it take to finish paying for our sins?  Only one. "And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God." (Heb. 10:11-12). After thousands and thousands of sacrificial animals had been sacrificed, Jesus Christ gave his own life on the cross.  Only then could it be said, "It is finished." (John 19:30).

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 51-52

Trail Mix - 8.23.18

8.23.18 – “The hymn writer put it best when he wrote, "What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace..." There is a day coming in the not too distant future when we will no longer "...see through a glass darkly; but then face to face..." Christ is coming with retribution for the sinner and reward for the saints. One day in the not too distant future Christ will split the Eastern sky and come riding on the clouds. God help us to be ready, “ready to meet Him by and by!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a fresh realization of His return!

Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, KJV

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

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 45-48

Trail Mix - 8.22.18

8.22.18 – “Vance Havner asks the question -- How do you respond when the Holy Spirit hits a "spiritual nerve?" Some are dismissive or defensive while others are derisive. Some get angry while others are arrogant. What is the Biblical way to respond? When God speaks whether we like the message of not, we ought to listen. "He that being often reproved, and hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy." Proverbs 29:1 We must hear and heed His voice!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have a heart that is sensitive to the touch of the Holy Spirit.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. KJV

“The two thousand member church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church. One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons. The one in the middle announced, "Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!" Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor. After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit. The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, "All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 42-44

Trail Mix - 8.21.18

8.21.18 – “How would you define faithfulness? If your car started 4 out of 7 days would you say it's reliable? If your refrigerator only ran every other day would you say, "Well, it does work sometimes?" According to Paul faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit and we should be becoming more faithful as the Spirit produces this fruit in us. Would you approve of an employee who showed up when they felt like it? Think about it! Faithfulness is a divine requirement!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for the Spirit of God to grow the “fruit of faithfulness” in you.

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? KJV

“The owner of an old-fashioned corner grocery store in a small country town was fond of quoting a scripture after each sale. He had three old friends that would sit around a potbellied stove, playing checkers on a faded board. His ability to produce a scripture for all occasions never ceased to amuse the old timers, and they would listen to see what verse he would come up with relevant to the sale made. A lady purchased some material and he said, "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." A man bought a sack of flour; he said "Man does not live by bread alone, but every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." A little boy bought some candy and as he rung it up he quoted, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me." It was nearly closing time when the chimes over the door jangled loudly. A well-dressed young man, obviously a stranger from one of the larger towns down the road, entered. "Help you?" offered the proprietor. "I need a blanket for my horse," said the man. "He's out in his trailer and it's too cold for just one. Bring me the nicest one you've got!" The store owner went in the back store room and came back with a brown blanket. "That'll be five dollars." "Five dollars? You've got to be kidding!' said the man. "This horse is a thoroughbred. He gets only the best! He wouldn't stand still for an old five dollar blanket." Without comment, the store owner took back the blanket, then merely selected a different color and brought it out. "This one's $25 dollars." "Now, look," said the young man. "Perhaps I didn't make myself plain. This isn't just any old horse! He's worth thousands! Now I want the best, most expensive blanket you've got! Comprende?" The owner once more went into the store room, pulled out another color of the same material and brought it back. "This is the only one left, and it's $100." "Now that's more like it!" Which enthused the fellow as he paid. Throwing the five dollar blanket over his shoulder, he left. The old timers stared silently at the shopkeeper as they waited to see what possible scripture he could come up with for that sale! Going behind the register, he rang up the hundred dollars and said, "He was a stranger, and I took him in.”

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 39-41

Trail Mix - 8.20.18

8.20.18 – “Satan is a destroyer, devourer, deceiver, a denier and more. There are times when we are told to fight him and there are times when we are told to flee from him. In either case it takes the wisdom and power of God to know when to do one or the other. The only way that Satan can harm us is if we "give place" to him. Don't give him an opening or a foothold in your life. He is a defeated foe but like a rattlesnake with its head cut off he is still dangerous.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is you to “watch where you walk!”

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: KJV

“There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child. One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar. A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked. Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, "I wonder what's inside the drum?"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 36-38

Trail Mix - 8.19.18

8.19.18 – Vance Havner said, "We do not make Jesus real by conjuring up a mental image of HIM long ago in Galilee..." The Holy Spirit has come to make HIM real to us. Jesus said that the Comforter was coming and He would bear witness to Christ. It is not a mere mental exercise but the work of the HOLY SPIRIT that enables us to say, "He is real to me." When the Holy Spirit implants the divine nature in us we have a soul consciousness that we are the children of God. God’s Spirit that dwells within us bears witness with our spirit that we are His!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for an unshakable realization of the witness of the Spirit of God in your heart and mind.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: KJV

“I was visiting my son last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper.  'This is the 21st century,' he said. 'I don't waste money on newspapers. Here, you can borrow my iPad.” “I can tell you, that stinking fly never knew what hit him...”

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 33-35

Trail Mix - 8.18.18

8.18.18 – “Only one thing in life really matters. Does Jesus have absolutely first and final say in your life? The rich young ruler went away sorrowful lacking one thing, but really lacking everything. He failed at the most vital point and proved that at heart, he was still a rebel. One of my old Sunday school teachers put it best when he said, "If you miss heaven, you have missed it all!" Jesus wants to be preeminent in your life!  Is Jesus first where it really counts and does He have your time, talent, and treasure?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to have the right order of priorities in your life.

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

“D. L. Moody said: "It is well that man cannot save himself; for if a man could only work his own way to Heaven, you would never hear the last of it. Why, if a man happens to get a little ahead of his fellows and scrapes a few thousands of dollars together, you'll hear him boast of being a self-made man. I've heard so much of this sort of talk that I am sick and tired of the whole business; and I am glad that through all eternity in Heaven we will never hear anyone bragging of how he worked his way to get there."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 33-35

Trail Mix - 8.17.18

8.17.18 – “Every time we go to the hospital, the funeral home, or any other place where there are people in trouble we should remind ourselves that HE doesn't have to calm the storm for us to have peace. The Prince of Peace has given us HIS word, a word that cannot be broken, that HE, personally, will be our peace. "My peace, I give unto you, not as the world giveth....." His peace is a “peace that passeth understanding…” Claim HIS peace today!” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is for an unbreakable, unshakable peace in the storms and in the sunshine of life!

Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. KJV

“As everyone sat around the table for a big family dinner, the youngest son announced that he had just signed up at an army recruitment office. There were audible gasps from the gathering, followed by laughter as his older brothers expressed their disbelief that he could handle army life. "Oh, come on, quit joking," snickered one. "You haven't really signed up, have you?" "You'd never get through basic training," scoffed another. Finally his father spoke up. "It's going to take a lot of discipline. Are you ready for that?" Coming under fire on all sides, the new recruit looked to his mother for help. But she said simply: "Are you really going to make your own bed every morning?"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 31-32

Trail Mix - 8.16.18

8.16.18 – “One of the many things that stand out in the life of Christ is the generosity of His nature. The woman of Samaria with 5 husbands received a gentle rebuke; the adulterous woman heard Him say, "...neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more," and Peter, who denied Jesus, was gently and tenderly led back into fellowship. My prayer today is, Lord help me to have a generous, gentle spirit, help me to be like You! When I speak the truth, let me speak it in love!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a balance between a desire for holiness and a heart for all the brokenness in our world.

1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. KJV

“A woman walks into a convenience store. She walks straight to the manager and asks, "Do you have any small notebooks?" "Sorry," says the manager. "We're all out." The woman shrugs, and asks, "Well, do you have any mechanical pencils?" "Nope, don't have that either," says the manager. The woman feels her stomach rumbling and asks, "Do you have chips? Nachos?" The manager shrugs, "Sorry." "Hmmph. How about lip balm?" says the woman. "Nope. Don't have that." "My Goodness!" the woman shouts, "If you don't have anything, you should close the stinking store!" The manager shrugs, "I would, but I don't have the key."

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 28-30

 

Trail Mix - 8.15.18

8.15.18 – “What can you do when your heart is so heavy that it seems as if you can feel it breaking? It's then that I am reminded that "He walks with me, and talks with me, and tells me I am His own..." There are times when the only way we can bear life's burdens is the assurance that when no one else is there, HE IS! I am not alone and never will be. I may feel lonely, but I’m never alone. Oh, what a Savior! Hallelujah to the Lamb!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to realize that though you may feel lonely, because of the omnipresent One you are never alone!

Isaiah 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. KJV

“I read this week about some American soldiers who during the Korean War had rented a house and hired a Korean man to cook for them. This guy had an unbelievably great spirit about him. The Americans loved teasing him. They nailed his shoes to the floor. They put grease on the stove handles. They balanced buckets of water over the door. The Korean, brushed it off, and kept working with a smile, holding no grudges. Finally, the Americans were just ashamed of themselves and wanted him to know that they were going to stop all the practical jokes. The Korean asked, “You mean no more nail shoes to floor?” “No more.” “You mean no more sticky on stove knobs?” “No more.” “You mean no more water buckets on door?” “No more.” “Okay then, me no more spit in soup,” the Korean responded with a smile and shrug.”  

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 26-27

Trail Mix - 8.14.18

8.14.18 – ‘Some think that their life is their "testimony." Others want to witness but they do not "walk the talk!" People are moved by a living witness and a spoken word. Both must be present to reach souls for Christ. The Gospel must be incarnate in us and if it is, we will have both a witness and a word. Paul wrote, "...Christ in me, the hope of glory." Let's "walk the walk, talk the talk, and practice what we preach! Don’t take the chance of being labeled a hypocrite my friend. Remember that Jesus reserved His strongest words of condemnation for those who did not “practice what they preached.” Our greatest concern should be to make sure that we don’t live the life of a “double minded man,” who is unstable in all his ways! In other words, don’t be two-faced.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a transparency of soul and spirit that will demonstrate that your faith is the “real deal.”

Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. KJV

"How long have you been driving without a tail light, buddy?" demanded the policeman. The driver jumped out, ran to the rear of his car, and gave a low moan. His distress was so great that the cop was moved to ease up on him a bit. "Aw, come now," he said, "you don't have to take it so hard. It isn't that serious." "It isn't?" cried the motorist. "What happened to my boat and trailer?"

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 23-25

Trail Mix - 8.13.18

8.13.18 –“Deuteronomy 31:17 "Are not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us? Most of us would have to agree that the condition of our country and churches today is not good. The sad truth is it is our own fault. Our God is not among us! We could say Icabod "...the glory is departed..." What is the answer? "Draw nigh to God and He will draw night to you." His presence must be an awareness, not an assumption. If you sense that there is some distance between you and God then why not determine to “seek Him” for He is not far from you dear friend; He is a perfect gentleman and only waits for an invitation to come close…” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to experience the reality of the risen Lord’s presence in your life.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. KJV

“The minister and his wife place an ad for a butler. Early the next morning a nicely dressed young man appears at their front door. The minister asks him, "Can you fix breakfast by 7:00 a.m. every day?" "Well...I guess I can." "And can you make the beds, dust the living room, do the dishes, cut the grass, and polish the silver also?" "Gee, Sir, I just came by to see about getting married. But if it's going to be that much work, you can count me out!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 19-22

Trail Mix - 8.12.18

8.12.18 – “Each new day, God presents us with both opportunities and obstacles. Our response to each one will determine our fruitfulness and faithfulness. We can use our opportunities for HIS glory and our obstacles for personal growth or we can waste the former and worry about the latter. What will you do today with your opportunities and your obstacles? There is a song that says: “Trusting Jesus every day, trusting in the stormy way, even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus that is all!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today if for a determination to press towards the “mark” of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!  

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

“A Florida senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing," he thought as he flew down I-95, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a Florida State Trooper, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this!" and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, then said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a new reason for speeding--a reason I've never before heard -- I'll let you go." The old gentleman paused then said: "Three years ago, my wife ran off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back. "Have a good day, Sir," replied the trooper.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 16-18

Trail Mix - 8.11.18

8.11.18 –“The real issue for every human being is Christ or the world. We cannot, like Pilate simply wash our hands of the whole business any more than he could. We must do something with Christ, it is inescapable. Men must settle with Christ, not the church or the preacher. "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not…We have to decide one way or another. Jesus is Lord of all or not Lord at all. Which way is for you my friend, Christ or the world? The Bible declares that, “today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time…” What will you do with Christ?” S. E. Trail   

My prayer for you today is that you would make Christ both “resident in you” and “president in you!”

Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. KJV

"I hope you didn't take it personally, Reverend," an embarrassed woman said after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon." "I did find it rather disconcerting," the preacher replied. "It's not a reflection on you, sir," she insisted. "Ralph has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 13-15

Trail Mix - 8.10.18

8.10.18 – “Life hurts and sometimes it is difficult for us to get past the hurts of life. This was true for Joshua and the children of Israel. Moses had died and GOD had buried him. The promised land lay before them but they were in a state of paralysis. Finally, GOD spoke to Joshua and stated an obvious fact. "Moses my servant is dead," it’s time to get up and get going. There are times when we just have to get over it and move on. No matter how difficult the trial God is just the same before and after the fire! He remains the one constant in all of life and His unchanging, steadfast love for us is our greatest source of peace and assurance. Men come and go like the actors in a play move on and off a stage but God is the same “…yesterday, today, and forever.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to stop when the Lord says stop and to go when the Lord says go and to wait when the Lord says wait and the patience to do all three at the right time.

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

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. KJV

"You just go ahead," the man in the shopping mall said to his wife. "While you're shopping, I'll browse in the hardware store." An hour later, she returned and saw him at the checkout counter. The clerk was ringing up the last of a pile of tools and supplies that would fill two wheelbarrows. "Are you buying all this?" his wife asked incredulously. "Well, yes," he said, embarrassed. Then waving his arm toward the interior of the store, he added, "But look at all the stuff I'm leaving behind!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 7-9

Trail Mix - 8.9.18

8.9.18 – “How do you deal with discouragement? I know how Paul responded. In a storm God sent an angel with a word of reassurance in Acts 27. Paul believed the Word of God. His faith was grounded in God's promises. When the shadows of discouragement darken your life, look to HIS promises and "be of good cheer!" HE never, ever fails! He has promised, “I will never leave nor forsake thee!” C. H. Spurgeon

My prayer for you today is for you to “Stand On His Promises!”

2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. KJV

“As a trail guide in a national park, Danny ate with the rest of the seasonal staff in a rustic dining hall, where the food left something to be desired. When they were finished with their meals, they scraped the remains into a garbage pail and stacked the plates for the dishwasher. One worker, apparently not too happy after his first week on the job, was ahead of Danny in line. As he slopped an uneaten plate of food into the garbage, Danny heard him mutter, "Now stay there this time."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 4-6

Trail Mix - 8.8.18

8.8.18 – “Paul often asked his friends to pray for him and I believe this man of GOD was sincere in his desire to be supported by the prayers of GOD's people. We are exhorted to pray for one another but how often do we take this admonition seriously? Prayer changes things; it taps into GOD's infinite resources and power. Someone has said, “Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power.” Jesus told his disciple’s that the only answer to some things was “…prayer and fasting…” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is a simple one; just pray!

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. KJV

Working at the post office, I'm used to dealing with a moody public. So, when one irate customer stormed my desk, I responded in my calmest voice, "What's the trouble?" "I went out this morning," she began, "and when I came home, I found a card saying the mailman tried to deliver a package, but no one was home. I'll have you know, my husband was in all morning! He never heard a thing!" After apologizing, I got her parcel. "Oh good!" she gushed. "We've been waiting for this for ages!" "What is it?" I asked. "My husband's new hearing aid."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 1-3

Trail Mix - 8.7.18

8.7.18 – “Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to be consistent in anything now days? I want to be in my daily devotions but more often than not there is some kind of distraction. I want to in my witness for Christ but the business of life with all its stresses breaks in on my good intentions. Remember that we shall reap if we “faint” not! There is a payoff for being consistent. Reliability and dependability and close relatives to consistency! Our goal should be to be like the One who has demonstrated His consistency in all His ways!” S. E. Trail

My prayer today is, God give me the grace to be consistent in the things that matter most.  

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. KJV

“A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby "Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray," the priest said. "No," said the minister. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven." "You're both wrong," the guru said. "The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas," he interrupted. "The best prayin' I ever did was when I was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Jeremiah 1-3

Trail Mix - 8.6.18

 8.6.18 – “Have you ever been lonely? Some of God's choicest servants have. In 2 Timothy 4 Paul is old, alone except for Luke and about to meet his Lord and he writes for Timothy to "...come before winter..." In God's work you had better resolve early on that men may fail but God never does. HE comes in when everyone else has gone out! We may feel lonely but we are never alone when we know HIM!” Vance Havner

My prayer for you today is for a faith that realizes that He is the Omni-present One!

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. KJV

“The young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. "Goat," the little boy replied. "Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?" "Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.' "

 Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Isaiah 64-66